Without wasting the remaining practice time left, Jake began teaching Elle the proper stance and technique of shooting the arrows to hit the target.
Jake ensured first that Elle was wearing hand protection so he gave her arm guard and shooting glove.
"Huh?" Elle didn't accept the items. She just gave Jake a questioning look.
Seeing the confusion in Elle's face, Jake let out a soft chuckle.
'She's really pretty no matter what expression she puts on.' Jake thought to himself.
"This arm guard will protect you from the snap of the string while this shooting glove will protect your fingers from the strain of pulling the string back. It will make you comfortable while shooting. These can also help you to have good accuracy and smooth shot." Jake explained to her very carefully.
"Is that so?" Elle asked him as she picked up the glove and the arm guard.
Jake suddenly held her arm and raised her fingers to show her.
"See this? there is a red mark on your fingers, caused by the excessive pulling of the string. You are hurting your hand that's why instead of improving, your shooting is becoming…" Jake didn't finish his sentence as he was afraid Elle would be upset and feel offended.
"Worse" Elle said as she completed what Jake wanted to say.
Jake looked down as he scratched his face, feeling shy.
Elle giggled. "Don't worry. I am not mad. You are just being honest."
"Hmm. So pretty." That's the only words Jake could utter as he was dazed while looking at Elle who was currently giggling.
"Hey, what's next?" Elle asked him.
Her voice pulled him out of his daydream. Jake apologized then he continued to teach her. He taught her the perfect stance- how her feet should be placed, how far to pull the string back, and how to aim.
"Breathe steadily when you shoot. Don't hold your breath. Take a slow normal breath. That will keep you calm." Jake advised her.
She was now in her position, shooting arrows. Jake continued giving her tips.
"Get comfortable with gripping and drawing the bow then you will become accurate at aiming," Jake said as he was cheerfully watching her.
Elle's shooting had improved a lot already after a few minutes. Her shots were already hitting the target. Jake was amazed by her. She was also a fast learner. Elle's body became used to doing this.
Elle took a short break and faced Jake with a pitiful face. Jake handed her bottled water to drink.
"Hey, what's wrong? You are doing great." Jake praised her to cheer her up.
"I couldn't hit the bullseye yet. Our practice shooting is going to end now." Elle said to him, feeling frustrated.
Jake just chuckled.
"Okay. Let's try one last shot!"
Elle nodded as she picked up her bow and arrow once again.
This time Jake went to her back and helped her position herself properly, checking her form and adjusting her stance, thus holding her waist, fixing the position of her arms and feet.
When he saw that everything was set, he gave her the signal. With this last shot, Elle remembered everything Jake had taught her. She followed his every instruction.
After calming herself, she took a deep breath and released the arrow in her hand.
Swoosh!
She hit the bullseye!
"Oh my gosh. I DID IT!" Elle exclaimed, rejoicing.
"Yes, you did!" Jake was also smiling from ear to ear.
"Good job! Miss Aliyah!"
"Thank you, Jake!"
Unknown to them, their interactions since they started practicing together were being watched by a certain someone. And that someone was already boiling with rage and jealousy.
Erick's expression was very dark and frosty as he looked at Team Red with his glowering eyes. He even started shooting arrows, hitting the bullseye many times while imagining that his target was Jake.
Diana also noticed the sudden changes in Erick's mood. He was emanating a chilly and threatening aura. His silence was quite frightening. Diana didn't even know how to approach him.
The practice shooting was done. They would start the official game in a while. They just let everyone take a short break first before they resumed the game.
Elle excused herself as she went to the comfort room. She felt very hot. She wanted to wash her face with cold water to refresh herself. Little did she know that someone had followed her.
"Whoa! Now I feel refreshed!" Elle mumbled after washing her face up. She was now looking at her reflection in the big mirror.
She couldn't help but smile. 'Erick Lee… you are gonna lose today!'
She was caught off guard when someone suddenly grabbed her from behind. She was utterly shocked when she saw that person.
"Eri… Chief Lee? What are you doing here? This is a comfort room for girls! Are you lost?" Elle exclaimed. Surprise and disbelief were written all over her face.
Erick didn't answer her. He just remained silent while staring at Elle with a very serious face.
"Hey, what's wrong with you? Why are you making a face like that?" Elle asked him once again as she noticed his grim expression.
"I am jealous… Very Jealous!" Erick admitted to her truthfully.
Elle was utterly astounded. 'Jealous?! Hey, I didn't do anything.'
Seeing Elle was still in a trance, Erick moved forward.
Elle stiffened as he stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on each of her shoulders. Their closeness was making her heart run wild inside her chest.
Erick started to rub her shoulders going down her arms. Then his hand moved on her little round waist. Elle held her breath. Erick's touch was making her body feel so hot.
Elle didn't notice that Erick already pushed her in the cold wall, trapping her petite figure with his strong large body.
'[email protected]! What is he planning to do?' Elle was already cursing inwardly.
His intense gaze was making her weak. He was melting her the way he looked at her. The love, desire, and l.u.s.t were reflected in his mesmerizing brown eyes.
Erick leaned over, their faces were only centimeters away from each other. They could feel each other's breath.
Badum! Badum!
Elle could hear the loud beatings of her heart. She felt nervous and excited at the same time. Elle could no longer handle the pressure so she closed her eyes, anticipating a kiss to happen.
Seconds had passed but the much-awaited kiss didn't happen. When she opened her eyes, Elle saw Erick grinning cheekily in front of her. His grim expression was long gone.
'Sh!t! Is he playing with me?! Did I just give in to him? [email protected] you, Elle! So stupid!' Elle was scolding herself inwardly.
Then she heard Erick's deep and husky voice.
"Admit to me now that you are Elle then I will kiss you," Erick said as he brought his fingers into her face, gently caressing and touching her lower lip.
'No way!' Elle screamed in her mind.
Erick was obviously torturing her. He was testing her self-control using his art of seduction, making her confess at the same time.
Feeling annoyed with herself, Elle was so determined not to fall on his tricks.
With her glaring eyes, Elle opened her mouth and bit his fingers which were touching her lower lip.
Erick froze in his spot. It didn't hurt but it felt so good. Elle's action sent a jolt of electricity all throughout his body. She ignited the flame of desire within him.
Wrong move, Elle!