Chapter 2: Problems Equal Paradise

Warren punched Zack into the lockers opposite where they'd been standing. It wasn't enough to get Verity's attention; she was intimidating some freshmen. Warren frowned and lit up his arms. He looked menacingly at Zack.

"Hey, Warren, buddy. I don't think I wanna help anymore." Zack was squirming against the lockers, unable to move from fright.

"Just stand still." Warren was growling gutturally. "I just need her to look this way for a split second and you'll be fine."

Zack started whimpering. "Fine…just don't hurt me."

Warren winked at him and re-composed his face. "You think it's funny, punk?" He yelled loud enough to sound convincing, but not so much to get attention. That worked.

"PEACE! FREEZE!" Verity had looked up, done a double take and stormed toward him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and immediately his fire was extinguished. "What is your problem? This is the third fight you've had this week." She was shaking her head. She looked at Zack. "Are you okay?"

Zack nodded and took off down the hallway.

Verity grabbed Warren by the ear. "OW! I'm not five, Verity. I'll come along peacefully." He was staggering behind her.

"I think this is a perfect punishment. Plus, it'll keep your power neutralized." She clicked her tongue. "What is your deal, Peace? I mean, really? You were being all good and everything for the last semester and now you're picking fights with your friends? What gives?"

Warren smiled inwardly, the grimace remaining on his face for show. "I don't know…They just keep bugging me."

Verity opened the Detention Room door and threw Warren in. She shut the door behind them and stood with her arms crossed across her chest. "Is that so?"

Warren nodded, taking her in from head to toe. Her curly hair was up in those chopstick things today, her green eyes were narrowed in apprehension. She had on heeled boats and a short skirt: it looked like an impression of Charlie's Angels. It had definitely been worth scaring Zack for this.

"Sit down, Peace." She crossed the room to the long desk at the front of the room; it had been placed in the room to keep people from physical confrontations while in detention. She draped herself on top of the desk, crossing her legs, and motioned for Warren to sit in a desk. He obeyed, lazily dragging himself to a nearby desk.

"So, now what, Miss James?" He smiled cheekily and crossed his arms across his chest.

She smirked at him. "I don't know…You wanted to get me alone, so what is it you want?"

The smile disappeared from Warren's face. She knew. He exhaled loudly. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, come on, Peace! I know you only pull that macho crap to get my attention." She stood up and put her hands on her hips. "That is the most juvenile thing I've ever seen."

Warren threw his arms out to the sides and tried to look confused. "I have no idea what you're talking about, princess."

Verity pouted and walked toward him, sitting down on the top of the desk he was occupying.

"Maybe you're right…maybe it's just my imagination." She stared straight into his eyes, sliding along the desktop toward him. "I am pretty paranoid."

Warren swallowed with difficulty. "Yeah, that's right." He was watching her thighs become more exposed as she slid closer to him. "Just your imagination." His voice was barely a whisper. Warren Peace was not used to being hit on by a girl…when he had dated Freeze Girl, he'd had to do everything because she was shy.

Verity slid off the desktop and onto the leg Warren didn't have under the desk. She leaned her body against him, her fingertips brushing up his cheek, arms wrapping around his neck. "I'm just imagining it…" She whispered softly into his ear, her breath warm.

Warren's throat constricted. He had to get out of this situation before his cover was blown…too late.

Something popped behind Verity's eyes; it was almost maniacal. She smiled lazily at him. "I'm not imagining this…" She touched him, lower than he expected. He gave a small gasp. "You're trying to make me think I'm crazy. I'm already crazy enough without your help, Peace. Have a nice day."

Verity stood up, leaving Warren very hungry for more. She walked to the door of the Detention Room and slid it open. "See you in an hour or two." Then it slid shut behind her.

"Looking forward to it," Warren whispered huskily. He never thought she'd get to him that much. But he was glad she'd done the touching and pushing. She wasn't afraid of contact. And that was good…for Warren anyway.

He got a devilish grin and put his head on his desk, thinking of what he was going to do once she came back to get him.

A/N: Yes, she's a tease, but he is a jerk, so it works out smiles R/R, ppl! Nellie