* 2022-10-09
Trying something new with my writing. Bear with me. I'll correct and redo the first chapters sometime soon.
Smoon4409 Thank you for your continued support and cheers. It seriously brightens up my day. So I'm sending you the same. Have an absolutely wonderful day!
Lita4Rises Thank you. Hopefully, you won't have to wait too long as I'm challenging myself to post a new chapter every week. Take care!
I'm trying hard to keep this PG16 but be warned that my stories contain mature subjects. There is graphic violence, coarse language, sexual situations, and triggers as my characters deal with emotional, physical, or mental traumas.
Occupational Hazards
Chapter 03
"C... Cresc… Serena!" V utters my name for the umpteen time. Her worry for where my head's at is right there in the distinct shake of her voice.
I get it; it's bad for any of us to reminisce. Some things are better left forgotten. Out of the five of us, V knows this the best. Lives by it. Her focus is on the right here and now. She's mastered it; never lets her mind wander. It's V's lifeline. Her mantra.
Not by choice, but out of necessity.
Unlike my mind, whose lightyears away. Thinking over… Well, everything.
"What?" I murmur, my gaze on the full moon not wavering. It's still low, slightly over the dark mountain's horizon. It looks so big and enticing this beautiful evening. A bewitching moon. And if that's not enough to cool my temper and unease, the soft cool breeze that moves across my skin to dispel the day's heat should. But it doesn't.
Everything about this pub is exactly as J claimed. It's relaxing. Easy going. Maybe a tad bit romantic… Definitely not your typical bar!
Fairy lights dangle by the building, while the rest of the deck is illuminated by lit citronella tiki torches and candles, leaving the view of the lake unobstructed. The houses adjoining the lake are far off thus allowing us to sit under and enjoy the view of the Milky Way and star-sprinkled sky. And the moon that premieres tonight has a golden glow that calls to my soul.
A coyote or wolf, I can't tell, howls in the distance as I adjust my chair to face V. Even if it's made of hard natural oak, the craftsmanship is exquisite because of how comfortable and smooth it is. Actually, as I look around, every single piece of furniture looks hand-made and carved.
"We've never been grounded before… This isn't normal…" V starts as soon as my eyes land on her. "Why now? Why here?"
Looking over my shoulder at the girls getting our drinks, I pull a hand through my waist-length hair wondering the same thing. "Wish I knew… Doc's been pushing us to take a break… God only knows the last time we took one."
"Coming from a woman like Doc who's always on duty. Please. This doesn't feel right."
"It doesn't with me either. Maybe that's the point. It wouldn't have been a break at home. We'd all start helping at the shelter instead of relaxing…"
"Fifteen years soon…" V considers but just as fast diverts her attention to the bottles placed on the table. "We going all out tonight? Is that smart considering we haven't scoped out our temporary sleeping arrangements?"
"Actually, I've just offered for you to crash here as Jed's place needs to be opened for the summer. It's still boarded up from winter…" Kunzite tries to keep his offer nonchalant but the furtive murderous look he's throwing over his shoulder says he's not exactly thrilled with us staying here.
"Wait, what!?" snaps V, her chair scraping loudly as she gets up garnering attention.
"V, chill," I order as I yank her down. Staring her down, I can tell she's had enough of today's twists. Looking around, I see a karaoke machine inside through the big bay windows. "We appreciate that, but it's fine, we'll sleep in the Jeeps and head out tomorrow to the chalet. But as it's Mer… I mean Amy's Bday, would you mind if we use your karaoke machine?"
His face totally drops. It's quite comical. Pure horror paints his features. Why does the thought of a bunch of drunk girls singing the night away instill such dread in a bar owner? Why get the machine in the first place if he hates the bad singing that often ensues?
"Don't worry. I promise to keep M & M away from the mike. Trust me when I say, you won't regret it," I keep my smile bright and enticing. Because if I start praising V's voice, she won't sing. She needs an outlet, stat. And Amy deserves the best evening ever. Or at least a night off. Although, I don't think turning off that brain on speed is possible…
I push him toward the back entrance while he protests in vain. It might be his bar, but… "Trust me on this. I know we just met, and I was a bit of a brat… But I promise you really won't regret it."
He eyes me skeptically for several moments only to smirk. "You girls are the worst kind of trouble…" he muses opening the big bay window and pulling out a mic and a portable speaker. "Do you need the screen to read the lyrics, or is it fine if I leave it inside?"
"No need. V won't need it," my giddiness and anticipation already surging in my voice.
"Aren't you singing?" he asks surprised.
"NOOoooo! Not a chance! People will run for cover if I try…" I joke knowing full well the only people I'll ever be comfortable singing to are the shelter's children. "Mina! Get over here."
She glares at me. Good. That wrath pointed at me is the safest outlet. "No."
Merc and J read the tension simultaneously. J's grin turns mischievous as she throws V over her shoulder. "Don't be shy now, love."
"You have to sing for me since you didn't get me anything," Merc demands monotonously, even though we never do the gift part. Instead, our gift to each other on Bdays is no bloodshed and girls' night.
By the time V's next to me, I think she's gone through a string of curses that even I'm unfamiliar with.
"Well, what will it be?" she's fuming, and I think it's the funniest thing as the guys we've met seem ready to bolt at the first off-key note. Only then do I realize that Merc's pointing at me to choose. I beam and that's when their faces show dread. I nod. They shake their head adamantly. I nod some more and turn back to V.
"U must be by Gina Rene…"
"Figured as much, but it's not exactly a party song…" now even V's amused. Of course, I'd pick a romantic song for this enchanting setting. Especially since I know it'll make the other girls cringe. And uncomfortable. And want to drown me in the lake. At first, until they relax. And that's the point. But, hey, they told me to pick. Plus, my job's done! V is back to normal and occupied for a while.
Heading back to my chair, I hear the first notes of the song and then V's voice fills the air. It's low, enchanting, and mesmerizing. She captures your soul and takes it to another plane. I pass a couple who tries to take a video and ask them politely and firmly not to. And with how enthralling V is, all the patrons follow suit and put their phones down, as I sit back at our table. Mar puts the Morgan bottle down, Merc rests her chin in her palms and J throws her feet over the railing, closing her eyes. Yup, I think this might be heaven. At least for tonight… If only I can get my preoccupied mind to shut off.
"Thank you."
I turn to find the young doctor, lawyer, and civilian heading to our table. My scrunched brows make him pull out a chair and sit down rapidly, holding his hands up in a sign of peace.
"For that." He points to Kunzite, whose being patted on the back by an older gentleman and gets a light bump on his chin from his lovely smiling wife. They proceed to start dancing, swaying to V's voice, their enamored gazes raising an unwanted pang in my gut. But Kunzite stays by the back entrance, his face a mixture of awe, yearning, and loss. "His mom was a phenomenal jazz singer that used to perform here… We lost her a couple of years ago… Thank you. This undoubtedly is bringing back good memories for him."
We stay silent; him lost in memories, me watching the older couple lost in thought.
Fifteen, ten, or even five years ago, being the top security firm had been all we wanted. We set it up and then used it as a front for our real objective. Revenge.
But something's changing… I can feel the undertone and it seems so has Doc.
Getting grounded and forced into vacation means only one thing. Time to think. Contemplate. Reassess. And after avoiding doing just that for years, I'm pissed at being forced to face it when it's the last thing I want or am ready to do.
I glance in the guys' directions wondering when was the last time we interacted with people our own age. That weren't targets or clients… Our socializing circle consists of our adoptive three moms and the children and women at the shelter. With the occasional impromptu visit from Miss. Luna and her outspoken husband, Mr. Artemis. Who never fails to reaffirm that men are the scourge of the earth… As paradoxical as that is since, well, he's a man… He claims it's due to his line of work, criminal defense attorney. The real twist is that his clients don't realize he's supplying us with information and target names.
But these guys don't look like a scourge. People greet them by name; hug, talk, and joke with them amicably. This pub's comradery makes me uncomfortable. Makes it impossible for me to enjoy the peaceful vibe the night is giving off. Interacting with normal civilians, people who've never seen the ugly underbelly of the world is new territory. Hanging out just to pass time or have fun around strangers is a novelty. And while I'm ten years past teenager angst, suddenly I'm feeling it.
On top of everything, I'm frustrated with Doc's orders. Oh and in pain, but otherwise… I can't put my finger on it.
My leg visibly bounces thanks to my scattered thoughts and because I should be planning our next mission or doing recon. My workaholic tendency screws this moment. The respite. Reaffirming that this unplanned vacation is not a good idea. My unease keeps growing in the pit of my stomach. Or maybe I'm still hungry.
Bullshit. I know exactly what's crawling up my spine.
Sitting on a Monday night at a breathtaking deck under a full moon, watching a few local patrons laughing and talking, and hearing V sing… It's putting my life in question. If I hadn't been taken that night? If I had finished school? Would I have ended up in a place like this?
I watch as the old couple sits back down and sips glasses of champagne over decadent desserts, celebrating something. That pang hits me again. Because deep down, a simple life is what I've always wanted…
But whom am I kidding? It's never going to be an option for me.
Jaded? No. To start, I have obviously trust issues. Secondly… V high-fives me, then fist bumps the other girls when she's done and rejoins us. I'm their glue. What would happen if I step down? If I leave the team? Who'd keep J out of fights, Mar from isolation, V amused, and remind Merc to take breaks from her screens?
And let's not forget all the things I've witnessed. All the things I've done. A simple life is just not an option. That's easy to figure out. Because while I joke with the girls, my smile wide, I'm monitoring every sound, every move, every person. I have nothing in common with ordinary people. I don't even know how to respond in normal situations. Movies, series, and books don't replace real-life experiences.
Usually, I don't regret what I missed out on. Sure, what happened to me sucks but I escaped. Have since helped save so many lives. I wouldn't change anything if given a chance. Freedom is a right everyone deserved.
It's only when I witness simple life moments, such as the loving elder couple, that I question my life. Question if I still want to lead the security firm. Question how many more close calls can I survive? Question how many more injuries can I recover from? Wonder how many more broken wills and shattered gazes can I look into and try to save?
No matter how many assholes we take down, more take their place. I was so blindly optimistic as a teen. Now, I'm no longer sure… But other than this or working at the shelter, I really don't know what else to do. I haven't given it a thought.
"What's next?" asks V as she downs a shot of tequila.
"We're in mixed company," Amy nods with her head to a couple with three rambunctious daughters. "Disney."
V downs another shot as her eyes light up. "We'll sing you're favorite then!" she almost squeals as she heads to the mike dragging a very reluctant J.
"Tale as old as time…" V starts and J takes the male lead with her deeper voice, getting squeals from the children as they run to dance next to them.
"Is that really your favorite song," Zoisite asks leaning against the railing with a shocked expression on his face.
"No. But Mina is a huge Disney fan and Belle is one of the only characters I enjoy; love of books and all. But did you know the original story was told to teach girls to love and accept whom they ended up in arranged marriages with? No matter what kind of hideous creatures or how monstrous their actions were?"
"I heard it was about a man who suffered from hypertrichosis?"
"Yes, but that's only one version. The other was…" Amy continued to enumerate all the other variations, but I block it out. Like Mina, I love the Disney version. It might be a little too PG for my liking, but Belle did tame the wild Beast.
"I must say… It's a bit surprising hearing them singing Disney songs after what I saw them do…" muses Nephrite, shaking his head, confounded, as he lowers his beer. "It's just… They took down the men in that house like it was child's play and now they're literally playing and singing with those kids."
"Our job is not who we are. Just a facet. Your buddy over there became a cop after serving in the Marines. Just because we have certain skills doesn't mean we aren't capable of human interaction." I know my voice holds resentment and anger because his eyebrows pinch. But I can't help it. It's not like life gave us much of a choice… Better be the hunter than the hunted.
"Sorry," the doctor elbows his buddy in the ribs. "He didn't mean to be a dick… How about we start this evening all over, ladies." Lifting a mug up, he winks at Amy. "Happy birthday, um… Amy, right?"
Amy nods and clinks her drink to his before everyone joins in. "Thank you. But it's not my birthday. It's…"
Mar shoves a shot at Merc, forcing her to drink it down before she says too much.
"It's complicated. But it's the same principle as a birthday. So cheers again! And you're right, it's too nice tonight to be bickering Doctor," I add rapidly to dispel the questions filling their eyes.
"Darien, please," he turns fully to me, and as the moon illuminates him, I remember why I was bitch to him before. And it has nothing to do with him being chauvinistic. Okay, maybe a little egotistical.
It didn't help that these guys, well are all attractive. And not just because of their handsome faces. Nope. It's the air around them. The tight friendship, comfortable manner, easy confidence, and genuine thoughtfulness. These are the kind of guys I read in my smut novels or watch in romcoms. Not at all the kind of guys I usually hunt down. Ironic, isn't it?
How did that song go?
"Isn't it ironic, don't you think?
Like meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife."
Except in my case, it's meeting my smut hero and knowing that nothing will come out of it. And while he did insult me, it didn't detract me from realizing he looks like any girl's fantasy. Except my girls have very different preferences. J prefers bulky guys, ones she won't break. Mar doesn't really have a preference, as long as they don't talk. Merc prefers dating screens to interacting with humans. And V… Will shoot a man or anyone, before letting them touch her. Literary.
His eyes aren't a perfect shade of blue. The center is an ocean hue which slowly bleeds into navy, almost indigo, with the outer rim almost black. They are startling, to say the least. His thick long lashes and dark brows accentuated them. To add to that, he has a perfectly straight nose, high cheekbones, and a strong jaw. Strands of his short black hair keep falling over his forehead as if they can't be bothered to stay in place. His black t-shirt and low-cut faded jeans do nothing to hide his lean swimmer's physique.
Of course, I almost tripped going up the steps out back. One look had been all it took to unbalance me. And I resent that it. My hormones and fantasies do not rule me. My training made sure of it. It taught me to deal with hot guys and play them like fools.
Sure, his looks are a surprise, but it's his actions that destabilize me more. It's the way he looks at me. The way he treats me. Like a normal person. And damn if that makes me feel uncomfortable. Women who are highly skilled and military trained, intimidate men. But he treated me like a normal girl. While a part of me felt offended at the damsel treatment, I realize it's not that he thinks women are weaker. But that he doesn't like to see people in pain or hurt. Plus him being a doctor, a profession I have the utmost and almost sacred respect for…
Yea, he's the total package. At least in my books.
Here was the male character of my favorite romances, and what did I do? I put on my bitch mask to hide behind because I can't even indulge in it.
So he can try to call a truce between us, but I can't let that happen. This vacation and time to contemplate make me uneasy. Not working makes me edgy. And his presence is a literal sucker punch.
I force a polite smile back and nod. Then I down my fruity drink, hoping it shuts my brain off and numbs some of the pain because tonight isn't about existential questions. Those will come in the next couple of days whether I like it or not. No. Tonight is about celebrating. Celebrating the good times, the victories, the friendships… And possibly a better future.
It's been eighteen hours since I've been on my feet. Yesterday's ATV accident brought two fatally injured men to my small hospital, and I wasn't leaving until I knew they were in the clear. Then Max called just as I was heading home with the cryptic medical request.
It wasn't the first time I got called out to something slightly sketchy. My buddies have a penchant for stupid stunts… In which I usually join. Except, it never crossed my mind that I'd end up treating a private security guard that looks like the next miss universe. Add to that her shiny personality that switches from miss congeniality to hell's kitchen, and attitude to give anyone whiplash.
It all compounds to one outcome. The migraine I'm sporting. It's nothing new, but still unwelcome. And yet, I'm not leaving…
I should since I have an early morning. Patients to see, surgeries to perform, and residents to train.
Damn, just the thought of dealing with my resident Beryl sends dread down my back. The girl practically climbs me at every chance she gets instead of paying attention and learning. Which makes me question how she got through med school in the first place. She's making critical mistakes daily. And while I really want to bring this up with the board, my father's breathing down my back to consider her as the future Mrs. Shields. All because she comes from money.
I get it. I'm almost thirty-five and should be looking to settle down now that I'm head of the hospital. But no woman holds my attention for more than a night. My looks and job keep the bees coming, but I just don't feel that need to settle down.
No yet… I feel like I haven't done enough.
Jack served in the marines and overcame the odds of recovery, only to become a cop who looks tenaciously over the well-being of our community. Zack got his degree and license in record time while working two jobs to cover the fees. He now has his own practice, while simultaneously volunteering every chance he has and going out of his way to help anyone even if they can't afford him. Max went through family and life hell and now finds himself the main caregiver to his niece, trying to keep the gym functioning while working as a fireman. And Keith… Shouldn't have gone through what he did, but he got through it. Then he got his psychology degree, sees clients during the day, and runs the pub in the evenings.
Leaving me, the rich kid with ivy league schooling who knows next to no hardships, feeling like I haven't done nearly enough. Because I owe these guys everything. If it wasn't for them, I'd have ended up as jaded as my father, or entitled as my mother.
As V launches into a jazz song, I watch Keith's face freeze. Well of course as I'm recalling the past, she sings something that sounds similar to what Keith's mom used to sing. It must bring back memories, but from the look on his face, it's good ones.
"Thank you," it comes out even before I'm consciously aware of it.
The way her eyes slightly open in astonishment but her brows frown in annoyance, tell me I'm on shaky ground. Hurriedly, I pull out a chair to explain before she snaps at me. Which is her default setting when it comes to our interactions.
Which I get. I was a dick… Who started to curse her and demand she listen like she was a little brat. Which she isn't.
The moment she got out of the jeep, Cresc commanded the situation and everyone's attention with an ease I've rarely seen even in the emergency room. She didn't bother to raise her voice or manhandle the tomboy who was about to snap Max in two. Not an easy feat considering the guy is a former MMA fighter and still trains daily. And yet, her instructions were followed by her team without question or hesitance. Even the guys, begrudgingly, followed her requests.
After spending seventeen of those eighteen hours on my feet, then getting orders directed at me and watching her run the show… It rubbed me the wrong way. Especially when I turn to find her incredible upper body in nothing but a black sports bra, that hid her ample breast but revealed a dizzying multitude of scars and that bleeding wound.
Before I could assess her state, she took chugs of alcohol. Something in me snapped at that. Here was a woman who could command a room, and yet, who knowingly didn't take care of her own body. The multitude of scars was a prime example of it. But then she destroyed my assessment by revealing her line of work and the circumstances she found herself in and…
While I follow what everyone is talking about, something to do with the Beauty and Beast franchise, my gaze doesn't want to stray from the ash blonde's knee that keeps bouncing. Even after being stabbed, she's talking, laughing, and swaying to the music. But her smile never reaches her eyes, her focus drifts often to the full moon.
Everything about this girl vexes me. She's a mixture of contradictions. There's no debating that she's a head-turning beauty. But that's not what's got me hooked. It's the way her eyes are analyzing every little subtle detail; from her teams' interactions to the locals who raises their phone to the sound of the back door squeaking open. Then just as quickly back to the sky her features morph slightly which each passing thought.
How can someone split themselves into two? Be fully present, only to be a thousand miles away.
One moment smile and joke, only to switch and snap the next?
And the way she drawls the word Doctor each time she addresses me as if questioning my qualifications, even after I treated her. There's not one thing about her that doesn't raise my ire.
"Darien, please." My voice drops an octave as I try to keep my cool. Prevent any more arguments. Not just between myself and her, but the whole group. Why the guys thought it was a good idea to join them… Shaking my head, I reach out a hand to her, because I'll be damn before I let anyone get under my skin. After years of my father's sustained insults and disdain, nothing riles me. Which is great when dealing with emergencies. But to have a woman, a head shorter and smaller than me, get my blood going. Nope. Can't have that.
"Would you care to dance?"
The horrified expression on her face looks like I'm offering to remove all her organs instead of breaking the ice between us. And I can't help but chuckle as she shakes her head rapidly like it's the most ludicrous idea ever in the history of ideas.
"No thanks. I'm going to crash in the Jeep. J, keep them in line. That includes yourself." She pulls herself up and I catch the slight flinch. Before she can leave, I place my hand on her back. Probably not a good idea, as she might grab and break it. But as she freezes, I hurry to explain why I'm following her.
"Keith offered to let you crash at his place upstairs. Let me show you the way before I head out."
"It's really fine, we can crash in the Jeeps. Used to it."
"You need a good night's rest in a position that won't compromise the stitches," I counter. "Look, I get it. We didn't get off on the right foot. So let me make sure you're resting properly as my thank you for dealing with the town's ugly situation and the beautiful singing."
She stays silent, scrutinizing me for longer than I feel comfortable with. But nods finally. Keeping my hands to myself, I lead her to the back of the pub, up the side stairs, and unlock Keith's loft. She stays by the entrance, examining the room while I pull out blankets and pillows from a side cupboard and leave them on the huge three-piece sectional that takes most of the open living room space.
"A sofa is comfier than a car seat," I try for casual.
"Thank you…" she answers, looking me directly in the eyes. And I find myself wondering where her thoughts are at; if she's really one hundred percent here. I never imagined I'd be wanting someone's full attention as much as I suddenly do hers. Even if she does infuriate me. But as the silence stretches between us, I'm not sure what to say. I know that if I give her medical instructions, it'll irritate her. If I say something casual, she'll blow me off. I'm not even sure, why I'm trying.
"As soon as we get the okay, we'll be out of your town and hairs. We shouldn't be imposing on you, even less asking for accommodations," the frustration in her voice bleeds her unease. Which is surprising. I assume she'd be totally comfortable in any situation. The fact she isn't, intrigues me.
"It's fine. Jack and Keith wouldn't have offered their places if they didn't trust your characters."
"But you've just met us. You don't know anything about us."
"You're right. But Max wouldn't have called me and the guys if he didn't approve of you. Whatever he saw, was enough for him. And makes it enough for us," I hesitate, not sure if I should pry. "This doesn't happen often, does it?"
"No. Actually, never." The revelation and unease rolling off her make me frown. But from the bags under her eyes, I can tell how exhausted she is. This is not the time or the place for prying her secrets. Maybe I'll never get to. She might be gone by the morning…
"I'll let you get some rest. If you're still here tomorrow, I'll come by and check on you. Goodnight then." Before I do something stupid like sit down and try my hand at conversation, I close the door behind me and run down the steps into my car. Only as I fasten the seat belt, do I see an envelope on my passenger seat. Hesitant, I reach for it. Inside is a stack of bills. Probably the money she said she'd pay for my services. But I know my car was locked and the alarm on…
What else can these girls do? Shaking my head, I drive away. Except, my thoughts stay with the patient with the multitude of scars.