Midnight Under The Eiffel Tower

Chapter 14

They sat in silence for the remainder of the trip, enjoying each other's company. Adrien's bodyguard kept glancing at them, as if he was chaperoning them, and Adrien made sure that the sight of their clasped hands was out of his view.

The black limousine rolled up in front of the school and Adrien's large chauffeur set the car in park.

"Wait here," Adrien instructed, slipping his hand away and getting out of the car. He dashed around the back and quickly yanked open the door for Marinette.

"Thank you." Marinette set a sparkly red heel on the sidewalk and prepared to step out.

"Here, let me help." Adrien stepped closer and offered his hand. Marinette took it, grinning, and gracefully stepped out of the car. The pear orchard in the front was decorated with white streamers, and music and flashing lights blared from inside the school. Groups of students were everywhere; a group of boys was clambering up the trees in the orchard, a couple of girls sat on the steps, rubbing their feet, and there was a huge crowd of people just stood chatting at the base of the stairs.

"Is that Adrien Agreste?" A voice cried, and Adrien and Marinette were suddenly swarmed with photographers.

"Adrien, is this one of your father's designs?"

"Who is your date, Adrien? Is she one of your father's models?"

"Does your father have a statement on your outfit, Adrien?"

"Sheesh, can't a guy take a date to prom?" Adrien snapped, annoyed. He put his arm around Marinette's shoulders and pushed his way through the crowd. Marinette's eyes were wide and innocent, and she was frozen with shock.

"Just keep walking," Adrien murmured in her ear. "Ignore them."

The photographers clamored around them, snapping photos and all shouting varying questions regarding Adrien's father.

"Does this always happen?" Marinette whispered.

"No." Adrien said shortly. "Natalie usually manages to keep them away. I wonder how they found out I'd be here."

Suddenly, the photographers parted, and Chloe stood before them at the base of the stairs. She wore a frilly, fluffy floor-length yellow dress with elbow-length shiny black gloves, and her eyes were heavily lidded under yellow and black eyeshadow.

"I know who told him," Marinette said flatly, leaning closer to Adrien possessively.

"Chloe," Adrien said wearily, squeezing Marinette encouragingly. "Can't you give us a break?"

Chloe scowled at them. "And why should I?"

"Forget it." Adrien sighed, letting his arm drop from around Marinette. She glanced at him curiously. "Just watch, Chloe. You'll see what my feelings are."

He deliberately laced his fingers through Marinette's and pulled her up the stairs. Marinette stuck her tongue out at Chloe as she passed by.

Chloe spluttered in anger, but Adrien and Marinette didn't look back.

"That felt good." Marinette took a deep breath, reaching across her body and grasping Adrien's forearm.