The Crimson Affair Chapter 10
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, SEGA does. Thank you so much guys for the wonderful reviews! I love you guys! Thanks for the inspiration! I hope you enjoy the 10th chapter.
(Rouge's POV)
I almost lost my breath when Shadow led me towards his car and opened the door for me.
First, the 500 dollar tip and now a ride in a Bugatti? He's so full of surprises.
However, the sight of his dark and crimson car made me realize the similarity between the two.
Both are elegant, fierce and brimming with power.
It's everyone's dream to be able to drive and own a luxurious car. I've seen expensive cars on the internet, television and magazines but I've never had a chance to be on one, not until now.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked, noticing me freezing once again on the spot where I stood.
"No, nothing" I answered, concealing my bewilderment as I entered the vehicle while he closed the door for me.
The interior of his vehicle was exceptional. The high quality leather, the artistic design of the steering wheel with the car's insignia imprinted in the middle, the aluminum touch of the center console gives it a more sophisticated look. It's like every detail in this car is crafted with passion and precision. The car seat is extremely comfortable as well.
I have to say, I'm very jealous of Mr. Hedgehog right now.
"You appear distracted" He spoke as he entered the vehicle.
"It's just…You have a very nice car, Mr. Hedgehog" I slipped once again in addressing him that and I'm a hundred percent sure he would correct me once again.
But his reaction isn't what I'm expecting when he began to lean a little bit closer towards me. I felt my muzzles warmed up the moment he got close as if he's attempting to kiss me again like he did at the poolside area.
"It's Shadow, and thank you, I appreciate the compliment" he lowered his lids and lifted a victorious smirk at me and to my surprise, he only intended to reach on my side so he could pull the seatbelt on my seat and fasten it for me before he fastened his own.
I sighed in relief. He's gone dangerously close again, always lighting the match and missing the candle. This hedgehog is learning to become a tease, I'll make him pay for that when the time comes.
But it made me wonder why he hated being called 'Mr. Hedgehog'. Maybe a lot of people in his everyday life address him that and he wanted something different for a change.
Then I remembered the little incident in my apartment a while ago with Flint.
"Sorry about Flint earlier. That boy could be a little—"
"Protective?" he continued as he inserted the key and pushed a button to start the car and drove towards the city.
"Yeah, I used to babysit him until he was three before I moved out to live on my own. He's like a little brother to me" I chuckled as I recalled how Flint tried to scare him off with his innocent threats.
"It seems that you got yourself a bodyguard. The boy would do anything to protect you" I heard him chuckle
"Well, I did have a couple of past relationships that didn't work out so...the boy pretty much saw me with a smeared mascara on my face a lot and it scared him"
I saw him narrowing his eyes at my words
"So, I guess that's why he swore that he would beat any guy that would make me cry" I giggled whenever I remember how much my little nephew cares for me
I heard him sigh after that "So...you're not seeing anyone as of now?"
I was hesitant at first in mentioning about my recent break up but decided to share it anyway
"I...just got out of a relationship a week ago" I gazed at the window beside me, unable to look at his gaze "And Flint saw me cry once again...I hope he didn't offend you or anything"
"I understand. I was like that with my elder sister, too"
His words made me shot a glance at him.
"Oh, you have a sister? And I thought you're an only child. She must be lovely just like your mother"
"She was" he calmly muttered then his expression changed all of a sudden "But she's gone now"
Upon hearing that, I regretted everything that I've said
"I'm sorry"
"It's alright" he prompted "Besides, there's no point in constantly looking back at the past"
I saw him taking a deep breath and focused on the road once again, not speaking a word.
I have a feeling that he's not sincere with what he just told me. His bitterness of losing his sister is very evident no matter how he conceals it.
I know it's not my place to talk him out of his grief but I felt bad upon hearing that he had lost someone important to him.
None of us spoke a word after that and I'm starting to feel the silence deafening.
I was about to speak when…
"So, how was your day?" he broke the silence all of a sudden
I paused to think of an appropriate response
"Did you mean before our session or after our session?"
I did my best to avoid the question
"It doesn't matter as long as you find comfortable sharing it"
I sighed at his constant attempts in making me talk and before I know it, his trick worked.
"Alright, I had a rough day today" I rubbed a hand on my forehead as I recalled how Felicia made my day hellish.
"I figured…That feline staff gave you a hard time, didn't she?" I shot a glance at him
So he DID heard my little spat with Felicia back there.
"So you were listening the whole time?" I insinuated
"I only heard halfway"
"Then why have you interfered when you didn't even know the whole story?"
I rose an eyebrow at him, demanding for an answer
"I'm only concerned for your welfare and it's quite obvious that the feline staff spread lies as fast as she spreads her legs, Ms. Rouge. Highly perilous if left unattended."
I blinked a couple of times and tried convincing myself that I did not just hear what he said.
Did he just called Felicia a slut in his own way? I felt like bursting into laughter any minute now but decided to only let a couple of chuckles escape instead.
I must say I'm starting to admire his interpersonal skills and his ability to drop a borderline insult in rare occasions such as this.
"That's sweet of you. I never thought a sophisticated gentleman like you would possess a bad side" I said playfully, teasing him with his words
"I can break my moral code anytime if driven to the edge, Ms. Rouge" he gave me a challenging smirk "There's a Mr. Hyde in this Dr. Jekyll mask I wore"
His words left me intrigued, I guess there's always a dark side in every person we meet and he openly admitted that.
"By the way, Ms. Rouge?" he called
"Yes?"
"I'll speed up a bit, if that would be alright?"
I just nodded in reply and before I could even take another breath the road started to blur before my eyes as I felt the pressure slightly pushing me further into my seat.
Speed up a bit, he said. I doubt that with all my heart.
"Shadow!" I called out to him, hoping that the sound of the engine didn't made my voice inaudible "Are you crazy?!"
"Just sit back and enjoy the ride, Ms. Rouge" was his calm reply as I saw a devious smirk forming on his thin lips "I'll show you my ultimate power"
With that, he stepped on the pedal and went even faster than before.
In my mind, I screamed as my heart begged me to set it free from my chest. All I could hear is the sound of the car's engine and his subtle chuckles.
When he sharply made a turn on an intersection, I almost yelped in surprise. It felt like an action movie with a car chase gone wrong.
"What are you doing?!" I started to freak out, unable to contain my feelings any longer
"Just trust me" he gave me a reassuring look before returning to the road once again
He's fast and yet he impressed me with how he skillfully bypassed every slow-moving car that blocked his way as he drifted gracefully along the bends and curves of the road.
It was intense, thrilling and yet, at the back of my mind, I'm actually enjoying the ride.
Shadow, you road beast. Is this the Mr. Hyde behind your Dr. Jekyll mask? You are one bad hedgehog in a suit.
One final turn and finally, he started to slow down.
Finally, I caught my breath once again
"How was it? Did that cheer you up?" he asked me and I just gave him a playful slap on his arm and next thing I know, I was laughing.
"You almost gave me a heart attack and you call that cheering up?" I spat at him as I continued to laugh
"I succeeded, didn't I?" he responded back with another one of his smirks that sent my muzzles burning once again.
I hate to admit it, but I think he just gave me a ride of a lifetime.
"Anyway, we're almost there" he added.
As soon as I glanced towards the car window, I caught myself staring in awe at the most wonderful thing I've ever seen.
"Sweet Mother of Chaos…"