Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Disney characters,

But I do enjoy writing about them, and this site lets me!

Wonderment- Chapter 7

I knew I left Belle hanging, but she left me in wonderment as well. Usually I am very persuasive when it comes to women, but she was quick and smart. Furthermore she wouldn't budge telling me more about herself. She still left me in the dark. I didn't know whether it made me feel hot, or bothered. Maybe it was a bit of both.

I had lent her my coat, so I knew it was only a matter of time when she would come to me again to return it. Belle had posh and a stance that was so well-mannered. She wouldn't possibly "forget" to not return my coat.

As the first day of classes commenced I was hoping to catch Belle in the hallway or the dormitory corridors, just to catch a glimpse of that sweet smile. I was actually hoping more that I would actually have Belle in a class with me but 3rd years and 1st years rarely had classes together, and I was taking so many advanced economic and business classes I knew I was wishing too much for nothing.

Taking all these classes again was to just pacify my father mostly business classes mind you. He would love it if I could double the profit of all his estates. My electives? All political science courses my father too pressed me to take. Not that I didn't get enough private tuitions already from well renowned historians in all of Europe throughout my childhood.

The only one thing I could manage to take was a Shakespeare Sonnet class as an extra elective in hopes to have some freedom from the boredom of numbers and wars! As much as I want to be in control, I find I am a puppet at times and my father still controls the strings.

You may think I'm taking too many courses to handle, and perhaps you may be thinking correctly. However I never found the exams to be hard. Lectures over months stayed put in my mind. I had great memory and took advantage of it. I could even miss a couple here and there and still do well on the final exams.

That rainy morning, I came into Sonnet class halfway soaked and quite pissed off by it. Catching to the side, my eyes found the loveliest creature in all the world. My anger completely diminished. Surprisingly, there she was. And wouldn't you know it? Covering the back of her chair— my coat. I couldn't help but smile at the image. I noticed Ariel sitting to her right, talking to another classmate in the room. Belle was looking up in the opposite direction appearing very pensive. The chair to the left of her was vacant. I made my move.

"Told you I loved challenges," I whispered huskily into her ear, making her almost jump out of her seat.

A smile replaced the shocked look on her face. Was that blush I saw? I smirked back and glanced over to Ariel to acknowledge her presence. She smiled back.

"I couldn't help but notice that elegant coat you have there," I whispered in her ear.

"It came in very handy just now given the weather," Belle replied.

I softly laughed at her quick but witty statement. She sure knew how to keep me engaged. And those eyes. They were so warm and captivating. They reminded me of a pair so familiar. Why is it when it comes to Belle it is never enough. I needed to always have more of her. Her voice, a chance to just see her, to be around her? When I saw her here and there around campus for the past couple of days since the Welcome Dance, I couldn't take my eyes away from her. She never noticed, but I saw her, and yearned for her.

"It would've been nice if I had my coat to guard me from this weather! Don't you have your own?" I asked slyly.

Belle sheepishly looked away smiling, but not answering my question. Again causing more wonderment, as I was left in the dark. She aways left me with wanting to know more. I still wasn't sure if all these subtle actions were intentional or not.

Finally her voice gave way.

"I've meant to return it to you actually. I've had it with me every time I've left my room so that if I ever bumped into you, I would give it back. I guess today's the day," she replied.

I saw her book of sonnets, the textbook we'd be using for this class, was already placed at the upper left corner of her desk. She noted my gesture towards her desk.

She picked up the book of sonnets. "Fan of Shakespeare?" she inquired.

"Kind of," I replied, as I raised my arms behind my head leaning back into the chair. "Just a free class I'm taking to keep my mind away from my econ and business classes."

"Really? Why of all classes would you take this one? I've heard it's difficult," Belle pressed on.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I guess I ...kind of have a natural knack for the playwright. You know, like the way I have with some ladies," I teased.

"The way you tackle such challenges never ceases to amaze me," she said to me as she angled her head just so to face me with a smirk.

Mirroring her stance, and replied, "I hope you know you're in quite bad luck my sweet. You see I'm wet because I didn't expect rain but now that I see you have my coat, the timing of such luck couldn't be more opportune. I'm afraid I will need mine back in order for me to stay dry."

Belle looked at me wide-eyed. Not really chivalrous of me I admit but I wanted to test Belle a bit. I don't know for what reason. I guess I like to play around with my prey that I hunt after.

If there was any protest she had, it unfortunately had to wait. Our professor entered the hall, and we all stood up. Class was in session.

A bit of a dark and testing side is coming out of Adam isn't it?

And to those that miss the previous chapter 7 I'm sorry but- TOUGH!

This is a better direction I feel I am taking.

No more will I be posting just to appease the angst of those that want more- though that is flattering I want to give you all a good story that I've worked hard for you all. No more aimless chapters I assure you.

I thank you all for your devotion to this story.

If you do like it please don't hesitate to comment. Reviews and messages make my heart soar- and I do take your reviews into consideration. LOVE YOU ALL!