Zoe by Miu

I motioned to leave when he grabbed my hand.

"Come on!"

He then pulled me to the group of men and women. I didn't want to make a scene in front of this many people, so I let him led me along.

"Everyone, I found us a new member!" Elliot announced.

The two men's eyes sparkled while the two women sized me up.

So it was going to be a three vs. three battle.

Wait. Why did I already count myself in?

Their faces were unfamiliar. I wonder if they were college students from other universities or something.

"Zoe?"

Urgh . . .

"Hello, Nicholas." I faced the man in his sexy open buttoned white collar shirt and swimming shorts.

Nicholas's eyes narrowed while his face plastered a disbelief kind of look. His eyes glinted in desire before it quickly replaced by a kind, gentlemanly smile.

"Hello, Mr. Farrell." Elliot got between the two of us while his face had a laid back smile.

"Mr. Volknov," Nicholas greeted back, tone respectful as his face was all smiles.

I was surprised that they knew each other.

Nicholas was eight years older than Elliot, but he was respectful towards the young man.

"Zoe, I didn't know you're acquainted with Mr. Elliot Volknov." Nicholas smiled at me, yet I heard the slight accusation in his tone.

Ah . . . No. Why did I fell with this kind of guy again?

"We've just got acquainted today. We're about to play a volleyball game," Elliot said when I didn't answer.

Nicholas's smile grew wider. "Oh . . . Do you have room for one more?"

What?! No!

"Sorry, Mr. Farrell. We're already even," Elliot replied with an apologetic tone.

"Oh," Nicholas said, his smile never wavered. He then walked to the two near the playing field and whispered something before coming back to us.

"That guy over there said he would be the referee so I could take his place."

I glared at him.

Why is this man approaching me now?!

Elliot maintained his warm smile as he spoke, "I see. Let's start then."

"Mr. Volknov, why don't we make the game more . . . interesting?"

"A bet?"

"If I win, you'll grant me an audience with your father," Nicholas said without batting an eyelid.

Oh . . . So this is why.

I was embarrassed, thinking that Nicholas approached us because of me. He was obviously here for Elliot for whatever reasons.

"I see . . ." Elliot remained unfazed like these kinds of dealings were happening to him every day. He maintained his warm, carefree smile.

"Alright . . . but . . ." Elliot grabbed my shoulder and shoved me to his side while I was stunned at the sudden closeness. "Zoe is on my team, and if you lose, you'll have to heed one wish of mine."

The way he said my name was like we knew each other and were the best of friends.

I stared at him in disbelief.

Nicholas brows twitched. "Alright. Let's start then," he said before he walked to where the other players were waiting.

I slapped Elliot's hand away from my shoulder. "What are you doing? I didn't say that I'll agree."

Elliot just grinned while rubbing his hand. "Don't you want to get back at your ex-fiancé?"

"I thought you don't know me? You were asking my name a while ago. How did you know I was that jerk's ex?"

"Sorry, I lied . . . Who wouldn't know about the Collin's infamous black sheep? You're very popular, even abroad."

"So you're just pretending. What do you want?" I crossed my arms and switched to my bitchy mode.

"Relax. I don't have any motive in approaching you." Elliot weakly smiled. "I just . . . I wanted to get acquainted with you."

"Why?"

I was too busy setting my guard and ignored his cheeks that were turning red.

"Because . . . I'm interested in you."

. . .

. . .

I should be flattered.

But I'm not.

I couldn't believe he was interested in me. After Nicholas and the incident with Emma and the thing with that boy, I found it difficult to trust people I just met.

"You don't believe me. Your face says it all." Elliot's expression fell, yet he maintained his warm smile. His kind eyes almost made me reach out to console him.

I suddenly felt guilty for making him sad.

. . .

. . .

"Hey! You guys, let's start already!"

The tense, awkward atmosphere broke upon the impatient voice of one of the female players. They already took their position, and I noticed that Nicholas's team have two towering males, including the man himself and a female who competed with their height.

While our side had Elliot as a male and us two girls. Not to mention Elliot and I were of the same short height, the other girl was probably at five foot six inches.

This is completely one-sided!