Devil's Deal (Infernal Contracts Book 1)

by Tessa Hastjarjanto

  “I’m sorry. You just look so beautiful. That dress suits you perfectly,” Michael tried to find the right words.

  “Now, come on. Stand a little closer. Michael, put your arm around her,” her father directed.

  Michael hesitated, but Nora wrapped her arm around his waist. She wanted to leave her parents as soon as possible. They probably thought Michael would be the perfect son-in-law, and she didn’t want to think about, not tonight.

  Her father was still motioning to Michael to get closer. She felt his hand on her shoulder and that was her cue to smile.

  Chapter 15

  Her father dropped them off at school and he would pick them up around eleven.

  Other students had plans to go into town for an after party, but she didn’t want to go. Michael had to get his bicycle from her place if he wanted to go, so they had to go home together.

  They were hardly the first to arrive. Limousines had gathered around the school, dropping off several groups of people. There was a line for the official photographer, taking the pictures for the yearbook. Nora passed by the photographer until Michael stopped her.

  “Let’s get a good picture of us together. Not one from your parents. If they’re anything like mine, our eyes will be closed or I have this awkward smile.”

  Nora couldn’t resist the puppy eyes he put on.

  “Are you sure that’s your parents’ fault and not yours? You’re the one making the face,” she teased him.

  “Yes, I know. Their timing is the absolute worst. I know I can look good in pictures,” he said with confidence. “Come on. Just one.”

  Michael pulled her to the cheesy decor of flowers. She wasn’t sure how to pose. He pulled her close to his chest and held her with his right arm, with his other hand he held hers.

  Nora had never been that close to a boy before, not even Michael. It made her a little nervous, being aware of herself like this, and her self-esteem dropped. It was just one picture, then she would have her personal space again.

  It took five minutes before the photographer had one good picture of them. Her cheeks hurt from forcing a smile on her face. While she was glad to be here, she wasn’t happy.

  They walked to the cafeteria, where the dance floor was. Michael spotted his friends right away—one of the advantages of being tall—and he directed Nora towards them at a corner table.

  Michael leaned forward and Nora turned her head away, directing her ear to him. “I’m going to get a drink. Do you want anything?” he shouted over the music. She just nodded.

  “Hey, Mona Lisa. You clean up nicely,” said Jonathan. He wore a black suit, like most of the other guys. Erik was at the centre of the group, making weird faces and busting out disco moves, matching the style of his sparkling purple jacket. The girls laughed at his attempt to entertain.

  “You look better with more clothes on,” she retorted.

  “That’s not a compliment.” Jonathan tried to keep a poker-face, but he burst into laughter. “I like you. I see what Michael sees in you.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “A beautiful, funny girl.” Jonathan leaned in so she could hear him clearly.

  Nora did not understand what he meant. She just looked at him like she didn’t hear him.

  “I heard about your fight with Felicia. I’m glad you’re not letting her dictate your life anymore. You’re so much better than her.” Jonathan meant well, but he didn’t know how much of a mess she had been lately. He had no idea she gave Felicia the idea that Michael was her boyfriend and she was doing exactly what Felicia said by coming here. She just nodded.

  Michael returned with drinks and it gave Nora the perfect excuse not to say anything. She noticed Michael’s female classmates kept their distance from her. Some of them smiled in her direction, but no one felt the need to approach her.

  She looked around the room to see who else was there. With her short figure it was hard to see clearly. She didn’t know if her other friends had arrived yet. They hadn’t spoken since that morning and Nora had told Josy she wasn’t sure if she was going or not.

  “I haven’t seen them yet.” Michael leaned in. “Let’s dance and forget about them. You’re here with me, not with them.” He pulled her towards the dance floor. The upbeat music was infectious, and she soon danced without worry.

  The DJ kept playing dancing tunes and soon Erik and a girl joined them. Nora was starting to have fun when her feet began to hurt. She motioned to Michael that she was going to sit down for a while and she went back to Jonathan.

  “You look like you’re having a good time,” Jonathan said.

  “I try to make the best of it. I still wish I could experience this with my other friends,” Nora said honestly.

  “If you’re true friends, you will get through this. I’ve seen it dozens of times with my sisters. Sometimes they don’t see their friends for months, but when they meet, it’s like no time has passed. That kind of friendship goes beyond place and time.” He stared into the crowd.

  “You never struck me as a philosopher.”

  “I’m not. I’m just paying attention.”

  “Why aren’t you out there with the others?”

  “Because my boyfriend couldn’t make it.” A sad smile appeared on his face.

  “Why not?”

  “His parents wouldn’t allow him to travel across the country just for this. And they still aren’t happy with him being with me.” He sighed.

  “I’m sorry. That must suck.” Nora didn’t know what to say.

  “Oh well. There will be other parties. At least I found good company.” He winked at her.

  “Why don’t you dance with us? Or with me? Once my feet hurt a little less.” Nora offered.

  “Thank you. I’d like that.”

  It was the least she could do. She felt better, less weight on her shoulders.

  “By the way. At the Halloween party, you mentioned that Michael had girl trouble. He never mentioned a girlfriend to me. What’s up with that?”

  “Maybe you should ask him that yourself. The answer might surprise you.”

  She had read enough books and seen enough movies to know what that meant. “Are you saying I’m that girl?”

  Jonathan shrugged. “I never said the girl was a girlfriend or love interest. But what’s happening to you is bothering him. He’s awfully quiet about what he truly feels for you.”

  “He has a bad habit of not talking about himself. I’m surprised he’s so open about what’s going on with me. Or us.”

  “Oh, he’s not saying anything willingly. Blame Erik for that. I might be the manipulator, but he’s a real nag. Michael knows we’re a safe circle. He initially didn’t want you to meet us since he thought that would break the circle. And I guess I just did by telling you what’s on his mind.”

  “I won’t tell if you won’t.” Nora smiled at him.

  “That would be nice.” Jonathan smiled back.

  “I’d like to have more friends like you.”

  “You can add me to your friend list if you want. I’m not Michael nor do I know anything about fashion, but for anything else I’m here.” Jonathan put his hand on her leg.

  “Thank you. I’m here for you too, although I’m not sure what I can do for you.”

  “Just be your pretty self and brighten up my life with a smile.”

  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were flirting with me.”

  “And what if I am? People need to give each other a compliment more often. And a smile is the prettiest thing someone can wear.”

  “Give me your phone. I’ll give you my phone number.”

  Jonathan unlocked his phone and gave it to her.

  Nora added her number and took a selfie to add to the profile.

  “Eleonora Santora. It suits you. I didn’t know you had Italian roots.”

  “You think I go to the tanning salon every week? No, this colour is the gift my grandmother bestowed upon me through my father. My tan lasts lo
nger than the average Dutch person.”

  Jonathan got up and looked at the dance floor. He was nearly as tall as Michael and saw someone signing to him. “Maybe you should go back to the dance floor. I think someone misses you.” He helped Nora to her feet.

  “Join us later?” She felt bad for leaving him alone again.

  “Yes, I will. Now go.” Jonathan walked towards the doors with his phone in his hand.

  She felt less bad now. A slow dance song came on and Nora made her way to the dance floor, looking for Michael. A hand grabbed her and pulled her in for a slow dance. “You look beautiful,” someone whispered in her ear—Ben. “You’ve been avoiding me and I don’t understand why.”

  She looked up and saw his face. “It’s not you-”

  “’It’s me’?” Ben finished.

  “No, don’t mock me. I didn’t even know you were here.”

  “You’ve been hanging with a new crowd, I noticed. You looked very friendly.”

  “Are you jealous? Seriously?” Nora laughed. She didn’t think Ben would be the jealous type. And he had no reason to.

  “N-no. I’m not.” Ben stuttered. He tried to avoid Nora’s gaze, but their close proximity made it difficult.

  “Very convincing.” She tried her best to stop laughing. “Jonathan has a boyfriend.”

  “Right.” It could’ve been the lighting, but Ben’s cheek turned a little rosy. Nora poked his cheek to make him think of something else.

  “And what’s it to you? I’m making new friends. Maybe you should to.” Nora meant guy friends, or people outside of Felicia’s circle of influence. For some reason he was focused on being her friend.

  “I’m trying, but any chance I get to make friends is shut down.” He frowned.

  “It must be Felicia’s power. She’s the reason I’ve been avoiding you.”

  “Felicia? What does she have to do with you and me?”

  “She wants me to stay away from Danny, because she’s afraid I will steal him. Nevermind him flirting with everyone with a vagina.”

  “So why can’t we hang out anymore?”

  “Because you and Danny live together. She’s thinks it’s too risky that I’ll meet him when we hang out.”

  “I’ll never understand the female mind.”

  “I don’t understand her either. She’s nothing like the average woman. I honestly have no idea what happened to her over the summer break, but it’s something serious if it lasts this long.”

  “I’m sorry. Want to go see a movie sometime? No one has to know or see us.”

  “I don’t know. I feel like I just need some time off from everything. I’m glad we have the next two weeks off.”

  “I hope you can find the peace you need, Nora. I wish I could do more to help you.”

  Ben raised her chin and forced her to look at him. Her attention immediately went to his eyes. His damnable eyes. They were tropical blue again. It seemed the colour of his eyes changed with his mood. Why were they so hypnotic? She felt drawn to them, the lack of light made her move closer. There was something more in his eyes—a sliver of silver. She tried to focus on it; if it was only a play of light, or if there really was something in his eyes.

  She blinked, and the darkness stayed. The sound of the music faded, like her senses were dulled. Her body stopped moving, and didn’t respond when she told her legs to step back. Nora wasn’t sure what was happening. She still felt Ben’s arm around her waist and his other hand touching her chin. There was a different sensation she felt in her gut, and tingling all through her body. It felt good, but she didn’t recognise it.

  She opened her eyes and stepped back, covering her mouth. Her lips had touched something soft—Ben’s lips.

  Just as she stepped back a shadow moved towards Ben. Her eyes were still adjusting to the lack of light. She heard a thud, but couldn’t see what was happening. The whispers around said enough; Ben was on the ground after he got hit.

  The guy straightened his back, and Nora immediately recognised the tall silhouette—Michael.

  She felt two hands on her shoulders. When she turned around, Jonathan asked “Are you alright?”

  Nora nodded.

  Ben wiped the blood off his mouth. “Jeez, what was that for?”

  “Why did you kiss her?” Michael sounded pissed.

  “Kiss her? Dude, she kissed me.” Ben tried to get up, but Michael pulled him up by his jacket. Two guys immediately intervened and Ben fell back to the ground.

  “Like I’d believe that. You held her. I saw you moving her face to yours. You’re just as bad as your fake brother. Why don’t you two just leave this place?” Michael wanted to punch Ben again, but he was still held back by two guys, telling him to ease up.

  “Michael, stop it!” Nora rushed over to Ben and helped him up.

  “Are you kidding me? You’re helping him, after he forced a kiss on you?” Michael raised his voice. “I thought you came here with me. That you didn’t even want to see either of them. And now you two are kissing? I can’t believe how stupid I was.”

  “Shout it even louder, why don’t you? You’re embarrassing me,” Nora said. The music stopped and two teachers were walking their way.

  Jonathan tried to pull him to the side, but Michael wasn’t done yet.

  “No, nevermind. I tried to be the good guy and take you out, make sure you have a good time, and you go behind my back and kiss the one person who made you miserable in the first place. I don’t get you.” Michael walked off with the teacher and Jonathan followed him.

  “Are you okay? Did he hit you hard?” Nora asked Ben. She checked the side of his face for any bruises, wounds or bumps.

  “He hits like a girl. No offense, but Danny definitely hits harder. He wounded my lip though. I thought he wasn’t your boyfriend.”

  “He’s not. He’s been my friend forever, and he probably just felt protective. Kind of like a big brother.” Nora helped him to a bench in the hallway and give him a tissue.

  “He’s a little protective for just a friend. ‘Just a friend’ would’ve taken you aside to check if you were okay. ‘Just a friend’ wouldn’t start by hitting and asking questions later. I might not know a lot about girls, but I know enough to see that there’s more going on here.” He held the tissue to his mouth until it stopped bleeding.

  “I’m sorry you got involved in all of this. You’re a bystander in all these messed up situations. The thing with Felicia, and now with Michael.” Nora felt guilty.

  “It’s not your fault he hit me. Ok, maybe it is a little.” Ben laughed.

  “What do you mean?” She was confused.

  “You kissed me,” said Ben.

  “What?” Her eyes grew large. She couldn’t have. She just wanted a closer look of his eyes, but she was nowhere near close enough to touch him, let alone kiss him.

  Her heart raced, and she instantly felt warm.

  “You. Kissed. Me.” Ben articulated each word.

  “No. Not possible.” Nora shook her head.

  “That’s what happened.” Ben shrugged.

  “I only remember looking at your eyes. There was this thing in your eyes.” This was the only thing she could remember before realising they were kissing. “You have this weird thing where your eyes turn from ice blue to the blue of the Mediterranean sea when you’re being nice. And now I saw a sliver of something else. I wondered what it was.”

  Ben looked at her like she was babbling nonsense, and the tropical waters froze over to their usual icy colour. Nora’s stomach clenched and the feeling of discomfort overcame her.

  “It still happened.” Ben didn’t know what else to say.

  “I’m… sorry?” Nora wasn’t sure if her apology was well placed.

  “Are you?” Ben laughed and poked her in her side.

  “I don’t know. I didn’t mean to kiss you.” It embarrassed Nora. She wanted to save her kiss for her first boyfriend. She wasn’t even sure she liked Ben. Why did this happen? Did he hypnotise her into d
oing that?

  “Well, thanks for stealing my first kiss. And yours.”

  “Wait. I thought you already had your first kiss. The girl kissed you and her boyfriend hit you.” Nora thought about what she just said, and their conversation from months ago. Slowly she connected the dots. “But he’s not my boyfriend.”

  “He might think about it differently.” He shrugged.

  “Aren’t both parties supposed to agree to the relationship?”

  “Maybe he was going to ask you later? Lots of things happen at these kinds of parties.” Ben’s nonchalance annoyed her.

  A teacher came their way. “Ben, is it true that Michael hit you?”

  “Yes, sir. I can’t deny that.” Ben showed the bloody tissue.

  “Are you okay?” The teacher didn’t look worried at all.

  “Sure. He doesn’t hit that hard. The surprise threw me off my balance.” Ben grinned.

  “Witnesses said that you didn’t do anything to him. That’s good. We won’t have to suspend you.”

  “Is Michael suspended?” asked Nora.

  “I’m afraid we have to. We take violence very seriously.” The teacher looked stern, but disappointed.

  The teacher thanked them and walked away.

  Nora felt sick. This evening was everything she hoped it wouldn’t be. She kissed someone, Michael was suspended, and she was sure someone was gloating. The only positive thing was her new friend Jonathan.

  “Nora, you look pale. Are you okay? Do I need to get you something?” Ben wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

  “I want to go home.” Her voice was softer than she intended.

  “Let me take you.” His concern made her feel a little better, but it wasn’t what she needed right now.

  “No. I want to be alone. I’ll call my father.” Nora grabbed her phone and started dialling as she walked towards the exit, when she ran into Felicia.

  “I heard you’ve made a big mess of things. I told you to stay away from Ben as well, didn’t I?” Felicia accused her. “If you just listened to me, this wouldn’t have happened.”

  “No. If you hadn’t been so selfish, we’d still be friends and I’d be here with you. Things would’ve been very different. Maybe I’d even have a good time. But seeing the rotten person you’ve become, I’m glad you’re not my friend anymore. I don’t need someone like you in my life.” She was done being Felicia’s rug. She would no longer tolerate her moods and demands.