CH3
I wake up around 5:30 tonight well rested and completely relaxed. I stretch out in my bed kicking off my covers. I sit up and look around at the beautiful oranges and reds illuminating my room from the setting sun. Standing up I walk over to my window and open it only to be greeted by the sounds of the city. "You know maybe I should go to the old house in the country and at least check on it. Maybe get out of the city for a few days." I say absently as I walk into the bathroom to get ready for tonight.
A little while later, I come out ready to go to work. I have on a pair of straight leg blue stone washed jeans, black suede wedge boots, a black button down shirt tucked in, a black waist cincher with gold embroidery of 2 peacock feathers on it. I pull up half of my hair and leave the rest to cascade down my back. Twirling around in front of the mirror I check my make up, and that's when the doubts start hitting me. What am I doing? Why am I acting like this for a guy I just met. I think to myself. A frown starts to form on my face as I just stand there staring. After what seemed like an eternity I hear my phone ringing.
"Hello?"
"Hey what happened to you? I thought you and I were gonna talk about Mr. Hunky and last night?" Mary asks sounding a bit hurt, but that was how she always got information out of me.
I smile "Mary I'm fine thanks for asking." I say laughing a little bit and I hear her laughter as well. "Yes, I know but I got off a little later than usual last night. I'm sorry. But Antony is supposed to be meeting me at the club tonight, and I think I screwed up. I think I'm moving this too fast. I'm starting to have my doubts Mar. I don't know what to do." I say to her as I take a seat in front of the bay window.
"Oh honey, I don't know what to tell you. If you feel like you screwed up just let him come in and you and him just talk and learn more about each other. Who knows those doubts you have may disappear. If they don't then break it off like you always do and be done with it." She says matter of fact like. I nod my head knowing she can't see me. "Look sweety I've always been too scared to ask you this, but does it bother you that I set you up like this? If it does that's fine. I just hate seeing you alone all the time. I know we hang out and all, but I hate seeing you alone when you, John, and I all go out. I just want to see you happy." She says and I hear the love in her voice. We both have been through so much together that we are basically family. And, because of that, I love her like the sister I always wanted.
"Mary to be honest because I love you, yes, it has gotten to be a bit tedious with all the dates. But, like I said, something is different about Antony. He's completely different and I just can't put my finger on it." I say sitting at the window looking out over the city. It was always the prettiest at sun rise and sun set. All the colors are so beautiful. Mary mutters apologies but I just smile. "Mary I love you. You already know this. I know you have always meant well. That's why I never said anything. Now don't worry yourself about it anymore. I have to go to work. Be good and be safe talk to you later." I say sweetly.
"You be safe as well. And I love you too sister. You be safe at Enigma you know I worry about you being there." She says. Though she says the club's name like it's something she passionately hated.
I shake off the feeling and hang up the phone stuffing it into my jacket. I grab all my things and lock up the apt. *I think I will get a way for a few days.* I think to myself as I slip on a cover over my toes so I don't mess up the toes of my boots while ride my bike. Once those are in place I jog down stairs, jump on my bike and start heading to work.
The ride seemed quicker than usual but none the less relaxing. I always loved riding. I feel a sense of freedom which relaxes me.
Pulling up to the club I decide to go park where everyone else does next door in yet another converted warehouse. Though, as I do, I slowly drive past the front of the bar and as usual there is a line starting to form. The bouncer outside nods his head to me and I nod my head back as I drive on and head for the warehouse entrance next door. As I enter it's the first time I realize that it's completely black save for the few lights overhead. I pull into a space near the GT 40 and shake my head. It is a beautiful car and how I would love to drive it one day. I shake my head again and start to walk up to an entrance that is a hallway. This hallway has stairs which lead to the not only the 2nd floor but also to Eirik's office. As I walk up the stairs and pass by Eirik's office I can hear him yet again with someone else this time. And, again, I feel something stirring in me. Though, like last night, I squash it down. I keep my feet moving bringing me out on the 2nd floor and I make my way around through the quiet bar towards the spiral staircase and make my way towards my bar. Once behind my bar and settled having gotten all my things prepared, I set my mind to the task of working. I push the thought of Antony coming by to the back of my mind so that I can focus on work.
I was in my own world helping patrons and making drinks for those waiting. Back and forth back and forth I go from patrons to my register.
"Excuse Miss what does a man have to do around to get a drink" a male voice yells over the loud music.
"Hey you're just gonna…." I trail off as I turn around seeing Antony standing here at my bar. I honestly never thought he was actually going to come. I stand there stunned for a moment just taking him in. That chocolate brown hair, piercing amber eyes, and his all American good looks; make me want to melt into the floor. Shaking my head I come back down to earth and remember I have two beers in my hands. I mouth one moment to him and hurry to deliver the beers. Once I come back Antony has shed his black pea coat. He's wearing a blue, red, and green plaid button down. Underneath that what looks like a black tank top. On the plaid shirt it looks like there is embroidery of an eccentric cross in silver colored thread. I smile as I walk back up to him. "Honestly I didn't think you would make it here." I say shyly "What can I get you to drink?" I ask leaning over the bar.
"I'll take a beer, Stella, if your wonderful establishment carries it." He says nonchalantly. He smiles a beautiful white smile making me feel slightly uneasy.
I nod and go straight for my other coolers grabbing a Stella. Opening it quickly with my speed opener, I rush back to Antony and place the beer in front of him. Smiling he gives me the money owed and I quickly make the deposit into the register. "Anything else sir?" I ask mockingly, but he shakes his head.
"What time do you get off?" He asks after taking a sip of his beer. God he looks so handsome and it seems he makes me weak in the knees. He stands up and walks over to where the bar opens up for the employees to move freely between behind the bar and the rest of the establishment.
"I get off sometime around 5-6 in the morning. If you want we can go grab breakfast." I say as I walk around to meet him. His jeans seem to cling to his hips and his, what I hope, is a great ass. His jeans are blue like the sky with small stressing here and there. I start ringing my hands and look down at my hands. Why does this man vex me so? I feel like a school girl talking to her crush. I can't help the blush rising up in my cheeks.
"Yes that sounds nice." He leans down to say in my ear as he quickly places a short kiss on my cheek. I blush further. I look up into his amber eyes and all I can see is swirling honey. It's almost like I'm hypnotized just staring at him.
"HEY I NEED A BEER" I hear someone call out bringing me back to my own head.
I smile and head off to go take care of my patrons. Every so often I got a chance to talk with Antony and like our last meeting we learn a little more about each other. I find out he loves the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. He seems to enjoy all things to do with the outdoors. I tell him of how I love reading, the stars and moon. We talk here and there through most of the night.
"I'm sorry my dear, but I must go…I have work tomorrow." He says putting his empty bottle on the bar.
"I thought you were the boss. Can't the boss be late?" I say teasingly.
"Unfortunately as head of security for Red Knights, I have to be there tomorrow. I and a few others have work to do; as some valuable objects are being delivered. We are to guard and make sure these valuables are protected." He says softly in my ear.
I nod in response giving him a quick hug. He grabs his jacket putting it on and turns to walk out. Though at the hallway he stops, looks back at me, and I can see a faint smile play on his lips. I turn back around with a big grin plastered across my face; only to bump into Eirik standing in the space that leads back behind my bar. I stare up at him but he stands in my way. "Eirik come on I have to get back to work." I yell over the loud music.
With what looks to be a glare Eirik steps aside so that I can pass, though as I pass I feel wind as he goes straight up to his office. Nothing said he just leaves and goes straight up. I shrug turning back to my bar and to all the patrons waiting to be served. The night wares on with nothing unusual to speak of. As the last of the bar patrons start leaving I start making my coffee. "Hmmm the wonderful smell of chef's choice in the morning." I say fixing myself a cup as I get ready to walk outside for nightly/ morning ritual of looking out over the water watching the sun rise.
Walking outside the air is still cool and crisp. I take a deep breath and exhale, then I take a sip of my coffee as I head to my usual spot. I sit there and all I can think about is how nice Antony looked tonight. Wow…I was off about him. "Head of security, beautiful eyes, he's intelligent, and you can't beat his good looks. I swear he looks like he just stepped off the cover of Forbes magazine." I say what I'm thinking aloud. I finish off my coffee as I look out across the way to the city on the other side of the canal. Thinking to myself, that he could be in any of these buildings now staring at me from some high rise as I sit here. I toss my head back, letting my mind wonder as I enjoy the sunrise over the bay. After a moment I get up and head back to the bar to finish up my "chores" as I call them.
Once I get my receipts together and I have counted all my money out. I grab my drawer and head for the stairs as usual. "I really hate climbing these stairs" I say softly to myself. I shake my head and continue to climb up. As I reach the landing of the second floor I head straight for Eirik's office. Though, as I approach I can hear him speaking to someone. Since I don't hear any other voices I gather that he's on the phone. I wait and try to eavesdrop on his conversation.
"No no there was a member of the pack in here tonight. I thought there was a treaty that these wolves didn't come on to our territory. No, I'm sure he knew where he was. I don't know what he was doing here. I'm guessing he was here to see one of my bartenders." He pauses for a moment. Then through gritted teeth he continues on " I know exactly who he is." I stopped listening at that moment letting my own thoughts take over.
Antony is the only person I can think of but surely that can't be right. No someone else must have come in to see the other bar tender. I shake the thought from my head and knock on the door. "Eirik I have my drawer and receipts for you." I say as the door opens. There he stands in the doorway all angry, and god like. He nods his head over to his desk and I walk in putting my things down on his desk in my spot. I turn to leave however I all but freeze under his amethyst gaze. I just stand there and wring my hands as I stare down at the beautiful oriental rugs.
After what seems like an eternity all he says to me is "Go."
"What is wrong with you? Why am I getting the evil eye? Do I need to wear my necklace that you gave me again?" I say almost jokingly as I cross my arms over my chest. I stare at him and those eyes are absolutely beautiful, and mesmerizing. I push the thoughts away and the silence continues to stretch between us. He just stares, until finally he takes a breath (even though he doesn't have to) and runs his hand through his freshly cut rusty colored Mohawk that is 2" off his head. Hmmm…I let my through trail off about this new haircut.
"No I told you I would stay out of this but I will give you a warning. He is a beast. And I don't mean in a good way either. He's not what you think he is. He is a dog." He says staring a hole into my soul.
"Oh what and you're not. Do you think that I can't guess or really I don't know what you are?" I spit the words at him like poison. "Believe it or not I know about the things that go bump in the night. He's a nice guy and for once don't I deserve some happiness? You know the life I've lead and why I have been that way. Can't I just do something nice for myself? He's not like you. " I can feel the tears start to sting my eyes and I remember my parents' death, and all the loser boyfriends I've dealt with over the years. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly as I look up at Eirik.
"Yes Lili, I know the things you've been through. I've protected you in the past. This…man…this dog isn't what you think he is. I'm doing this to protect you. He will hurt you." He says now standing in front of me placing his hand on my shoulder.
I shrug out of his hands. "Eirik, I'll be back for my next shift. Please this one time stay out of it." I say as I walk out of his office, down the staircase, and to my bar. I grab all my things from under the counter and gear up to head for my apartment to pack one big bag that I can strap to the back of my bike.
I burst into my apartment and slam the door. I leave my headphones in to play my playlist of music just to make calm down a little. How dare he try and tell me who I can and cannot date. I understand he wants to look out for me like he has in the past but this time he's wrong. Antony is a nice guy with a good job. "Screw Eirik for his bullshit. Yes, he's had to protect me once or twice but that was a long time ago. I know he's not human, but at least Antony might be." I say to myself as I flop down on my bed and fall back. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly as I look at my ceiling. I stand up and go to my window and look out over the city. Yes, I shall go to the manor out in the country. At least there I can clear my head. I sit up and look at my cell phone no messages. I stand up placing my phone back in my pocket, put my jacket back on, grab my bag and I head north out of the city to the family's manor out in the country. Time for rest and relaxation.