It was her.
It was unmistakable.
My entire being was flooded with so many emotions. Anger seemed to be at the forefront. Resentment, hate and bitterness rippled down my spine. Yet I also couldn't deny that deep down low twinge that she could always elicit from me.
Fuck it has been so long. Its not fair that she could make me feel that at all. Especially when she didn't even know I was in the same room as her, let alone looking or god forbid touching me.
What was she even doing here? I vividly recalled her zero tolerance on all things that fell under the category of sports. And yet, she spent all those years trailing after those lacrosse fucktards. Fuck me that shithead had better not have been photographed for this.
I began scanning the room quickly but saw no sign of him. My eyes drifted back to Bella. She was still standing in front of my picture. 20 celebrities from the sporting world had participated in this photographic campaign to raise awareness for mental illnesses. The concept behind the photographs was brilliant. You couldn't tell who the main subject was in each, and yet Bella had been staring at mine for so long that I thought she must know.
Suddenly a man appeared next to her and bent to whisper in her ear. She froze for an imperceptible moment and then her body seemed to move into a defensive posture and she stepped away from him.
I felt a pain in my palms and realised I had been digging my nails in hard.
What was he doing here if his brother wasn't a part of this campaign?
'Well ain't she a purtee lil thang. Found your dessert have you? I must say that is one mighty fine ass.'
'Shutup Peter'
'Hey, I happen to know that delicious looking cupcake is here alone so boy you'd better get over there before that wanker steals the show'
I turned to look at Peter. 'Alone?'
'Mmmm….but "off the market"' he trilled in a ridiculous tone.
'You already hit on her you bastard?'
'Hey I'm not some nancy boy douche who will stand behind a plant and stare like creep at her for the better part of two hours'
I managed to refrain from socking him on the jaw and turned my gaze again to Bella. Garret was gone and she looked quite off balance. Not a good thing for her at best of times. I downed the last of my whiskey and with a slap on the back from Peter I strode towards Bella.
'Like it?' I murmured.
She almost jumped a mile and her eyes darted around giving the impression of a cornered and scared animal. She looked for a moment like she would try to hit me or bolt when she did a double take.
'Jasper?……'