Chapter 5:
The Wolf's Playground
What on earth is he doing here?! Oh my God, he's a fighter?! No - No, I'm dreaming - I'm freaking dreaming!
I began shaking my head uncontrollably as I stared at Jake. It really was him! There was no mistaking that distinct scar on the left side of his face.
Sheva must have mistaken my disbelief for admiration. "I know! He's one hell of a man! Just wait until you see him fight - he gets all the girls wet!"
I didn't know what to say at that moment. I couldn't even move, let alone speak. I was in complete odds with myself. Part of me was in shock that I knew a underground fighter, another part of me was worried he could get hurt, another part of me was curious of his fighting skills, the other five parts consisted of:
Oh gosh, he looks so good right now. He can't be serious - his mother is ill and he wants to put himself into situations like this? He's obviously a professional Sherry, I mean, why else is everyone cheering for him? What am I gonna do - if he sees me he might get angry and tell Mr. Wesker! Hm, while all these other people know him by 'Jay', I know him as 'Jake' - and I get up close with him every day - go me!
The last one, I'm not too proud of but hey I couldn't help it - with all the other girls in the room opening their jackets for him and some trying to flash the guy their goodies... I'll admit, I felt a little jealous and just wanted to have something over the others.
Come on Sherry, you're his maid for goodness sake! You should be professional - he's essentially your boss so stop thinking of yourself as possibly having anything more than a professional relationship with him!
"You guys ready?!" Steve shouted over the raging fanboys and girls, Claire was beside him as he gave Jake a friendly pat on the shoulder.
The crowd cheered and I felt panic overwhelm me as I observed Jake's opponent once more. He was huge, his fists were almost the size of my head! I gasped and grabbed Sheva's hand to catch her attention.
"Th-There's no way he can take someone that size!" I cried, glancing back and forth.
"Are you kidding?!" she replied, almost like she was amazed I didn't believe in him or something. "Just watch - you'll see him kick that load of garbage to curb!"
As soon as she said that, the fight began. I watched frantically as the larger male swung viciously at Jake, only to miss repeatedly. Jake kept a smirk on his face as he swerved and ducked away from the guy. This continued for a brief moment until Jake grabbed his opponents fist and parried it away in a flash, following up with an elbow to the guys nose. Blood began to stream from the bigger male's now broken nose and down his face.
I was shocked that Jake was capable of doing that - a smile came to my face but I was still nervous.
"Get him, Jay!" Sheva shouted beside me, screaming and cheering as if she were at some sort of ball game.
"Kick his ass!" I heard Piers cheer.
The bigger guy recovered and began to swing once again, each one was dodged with relative ease. Jake broke through the guys attacks somehow and landed a powerful kick to his stomach which made the guy stagger backwards. Blood leaked from his mouth as he stumbled and struggled to keep standing.
"Is that all, asshole?" Jake taunted as he stepped towards his opponent ever so slowly, he was almost like a predator about to finish his pray off for good. There was a wild look in his eye and it both frightened me and excited me.
Not very proud of this but hey - I am a grown woman!
He's also my boss... Cut it out Sherry, stop it!
The crowd just grew wilder and cheered to unbelievable levels. I was quiet - this all just felt surreal. I was happy he was winning - but he was different from the other fighters I'd seen over the course of the evening. Unlike Helena, who was calm when she fought and didn't boast, letting her skills talk for her - Jake was cocky and relentless, opening and closing his fists out of a hell fueled need to hurt someone.
He was so different. Almost like a wild animal - like a wolf. And I liked it. I liked it so much.
But it's still wrong - I work for him so I shouldn't think this way. Besides, how would Marlowe and Mrs. Stephanie feel about Jake pulling crazy stunts like this? Does Mrs. Stephanie even know? I bit my bottom lip.
His opponent stood up and let out some sort of battlecry, then charged at Jake. I held my breath for only a second before Jake sent a powerful blow with his fist to the guy's upper chin that made him flip backwards and land loudly onto the ground.
He was down for the count. Jake had won in under a minute.
I was stunned for a moment until the crowd around me exploded into applauds, roars and whistles of approval once again. Sheva hugged me tight and squealed into my ear about his victory. I too was cheering now, I just couldn't believe that he was able to take down such a big guy and not get a single injury.
He was incredible - inhuman, and I liked him for it. I adored him.
I also wanted to scold him for being so reckless with his life.
Jake stood in the center waiting for his next fight, his smirk never left his face. I kept telling myself to get out of there before he saw me but I couldn't. I kept telling myself that I just wanted to stay and make sure he would be alright but I knew very well that I didn't want to leave because I wanted to watch and admire him some more.
I decided I would keep myself hidden from his sight and stick around for a while longer.
Nothing wrong with looking out for my boss right?
Jake's next fight was even easier than the first - in fact, it wasn't even a fight. It was another big guy but only in muscle mass. He wasn't much taller than Claire [who was 170 centimeters - 5"7] so when he stood up to Jake, he was visibly trembling. I felt bad for him.
Jake towered over him dauntingly. He lowered himself just enough to look him in the eye and the guy took one step backward. Jake frowned, I was sure he was angered by the cowardly display. A second later, he headbutted him, knocking him off his feet and then picked him up by his legs and threw him into the crowd.
Again, everyone on my side was spared. The same side as last time was victimized once more by someone's body weight. Those poor saps... A second later, Jake was declared winner.
It looked like Jake's fights were about to be over then as no one stood forward to challenge him. However, one poor man was thrown into the ring just as Jake was about to turn away. He shot the guy a glare and then his brows raised, amusingly.
"Well, well, looks like the little puppy has been found." he chuckled, and then crouched down to grab the man by his hair.
I could make out that he was a brunette and wore a similar style of clothing to nearly everyone else in the room but I wasn't able to see his face.
"Let me go, shithead!" he shouted, struggling against Jake.
"What's going on?" I asked Sheva, the fights seemed to have taken a darker turn.
"That guy is the boyfriend of Helena's little sister, I only know her by the name Debbie. He's been beating her little sister up for a while now apparently and I knew Helena wanted to kick his ass but I guess Jay decided he'd do it for her." she answered, eyes locked on the scene.
"That's terrible," I started when a realization hit me. "Helena and Jay know each other?" I was careful with the use of Jake's name, I was sure 'Jay' was some sort of alias.
"Those two are inseperable." she sighed. "All the girls envy Helena for it too. I mean, who wouldn't want to get close to Jay every single day?"
That close huh? I felt a pang to my gut. I looked over at Helena and noticed she had released her hold on Piers but still was beside him, and now was gazing at the confrontation Jake was having with her sister's boyfriend.
"Are they... a couple?" I asked hesitantly.
Sheva shrugged. "Don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised. Seems like everyone's attracted to Helena. She kicks ass, she's hot, she likes girls and guys, and most importantly, she's fearless. There isn't much she wouldn't do. Topped off with that constant poker face of hers, she keeps everyone guessing - she's an enigma."
In other words, the perfect girl for guys who like to walk on the wild side of life, like Jake... I sighed and shook my head.
Well, back to the professional role - right Sherry? Back to where you belong.
"...I'll... fucking kill that bitch!" I blinked as I heard Debbie's boyfriend shouting at Jake and Helena. He escaped Jake's grasp and took a swing at him - Jake moved out of the way.
"Come on, asshole -bring it." Jake challenged, looking more ravenous than before.
Debbie's boyfriend ran towards him and instantly tackled him to the ground. I gasped and cried out for him - only to notice he had begun to dodge even while he was down. The other guy continued to hit the concrete, cracking it with every impact. Somehow Jake managed to get him off and once he stood again he grabbed the man by his lower jaw tightly and I felt a sudden and powerful wave of nausea overtake me when I heard a loud cracking noise.
Jake's fist collided forcefully with the man's face and he spun sideways in the air before landing on the ground with thud.
He... He broke his jaw didn't he? With his fist! I held my stomach and looked away immediately afterwards. I didn't want to see how it looked. I couldn't stomach it.
Everyone was still cheering - excited by the way Jake was handling the fight. I kept myself turned away until I heard him speak - and even then, I couldn't bear to look out of fear Jake would see me and throw a fit.
Shit, shit, shit - please don't look over here! Please don't!
"Now..." he said loudly over the fans screaming for him. "Apologize to the lady."
Oh boy... I kept my face turned away towards Sheva. I noticed her eyes were wide and I just knew he talking about Helena - which meant he could see my face if I moved.
"Don't worry about it, Jay. I'm good." came Helena's voice.
I peeked and saw that Jake had pulled the bloodied man over right in front of Piers and Helena. Helena was glaring at the guy but she still appeared calm.
"Are you okay?" Sheva asked me while I discreetly moved behind a guy so that Jake couldn't see me. "You're acting odd, Sher..."
"I'm fine!" I lied, my stomach was feeling a bit better but now I was feeling bitter - towards Helena. Jake going so far as to brutalize a guy for her - I figured that was definitely something a guy would do for a girl they really cared for.
How much did he care for her for her was the question. I feared the answer but I told myself to stay calm, I could just be overreacting. Maybe he just cared for her as a friend? Everyone in this little circle - Sheva, Piers, Helena, Steve, Claire - they all seem close in some way, maybe he's just like them.
Why should you even care so much Sherry? You're his nanny Sherry, remember? You have to be professional. You shouldn't even contemplate relations with a guy who's technically your boss just as much as Mr. Wesker.
I felt miserable then, so much that I never heard the guy apologize to Helena [if he did - but that may very well had been the crowd's fault that I couldn't hear as well] and I also failed to hear if Jake was announced as victor or not - but the sight of the guy being dragged away from the room was enough of an answer for me.
I saw Steve and Claire applauding Jake and speaking to him. I prayed Claire wouldn't call me over to introduce me. I really needed to get out and make my way home before Jake noticed and before it was too late - after all I had to get back before...
Oh my God! The time!
I reached into my purse and almost tore my cell phone from it. As the screen lit up my jaw dropped. It was 3:00 in the morning! I was jittery, a wreck. I really wasn't expecting Claire to bring me out to a place like this so when I promised to be home before late - I didn't expect it to be too late. It was now 3 am and I was devastated.
I needed to get home - before Jake saw me and also so I could keep my promise to Mrs. Stephanie and Chambers.
I was in a frenzy, I just didn't know what to do. I needed to tell Claire I was leaving but she was with Jake! I had no way of getting home - unless I called a cab or something but I wasn't sure they were in business so late.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when Sheva gripped my forearm. "W-What are you doing?" I croaked.
"Taking you to meet Jay, silly!" and nausea punched me in the gut once again. I tugged away from her in a flash and she gawked at my speedy reflexes. "Damn Sher, what's the matter? You nervous?" she laughed. "Don't worry, a pretty girl like yourself - he's bound to want to get your number!"
Oh so he's a flirt too, that helps! My tummy was in knots now, I could see she was right, there were girls surrounding him now and since his back was to me I couldn't see his face.
Get over it Sherry. You have a job to do.
"I-I can't Sheva," I whined. "I um, have to go outside and make a phone call! It's too loud in here so I need to step out, alright?"
It was true, I needed to go make sure Mrs. Chambers was staying overnight with Mrs. Stephanie. I had set up the guest room for her just in case she decided to.
Her cat-like eyes studied me for a moment. "Do you... want me to come with you?"
"No! Er, I mean no, I'll be fine," I really didn't want anyone to know I worked for Jake. I didn't want him to know I was there at all. "...Just go talk to Jay and I'll be right back and ready to meet him!"
"Okay," she smiled, gave me a quick hug.
"Oh, and let Claire know I'm outside okay?" I pleaded, I didn't dare try to tell her myself with Jake near her. "Tell her it's my job - she'll understand."
"Got it."
I thanked her and turned swiftly to make my way towards the exit. I wasn't too much worried about Jake anymore. I was certain he was done fighting for the evening, so I told myself my job with him was pretty much done. I was solely focused on getting in touch with Mrs. Chambers.
I had no idea where I was going but I was so out of there and dialing numbers as I walked. I brushed past a confused Carlos and ever serious David as I exited the building, but not before telling them I was just going to make a call. They were kind enough to offer being a bodyguard for me but I declined them - I wouldn't wonder off too far, in fact I was just going around the corner.
I dialed Mrs. Chambers number. It rang three times before she answered, her voice was groggy and tired. "Miss Sherry?"
I giggled nervously. "Hi Mrs. Chambers, I'm so sorry did I wake you?"
"Yes but it's fine - is everything okay? Where are you? You said you wouldn't be too late - it's almost four in the morning!"
Good, she's still at the house. I sighed, relieved.
"I'm so sorry. I went with my friend Claire and she... got drunk, I lost her and had to find her." I felt terrible lying. I felt like I was just the most deceptive little nanny in the world. "I've got her now so I should be back pretty soon."
"Oh, okay, I understand. You young girls are always so spontaneous!" she laughed and I began to wonder how old she was. She looked the same age as I did! "Well, I'm staying over so don't worry too much. My husband's a cop and when he's not home at night I feel lonesome."
I was touched. I didn't like being alone either. All those nights I spent alone without my parents and when I moved out from Claire's. I still couldn't sleep in a bed if no one was home with me. I always slept on the couch for some reason.
"I understand, I'm kind of the same." I told her.
"Jake's not here either," she suddenly said and I twitched. "Wonder where he is..."
He's here where I am, Mrs. Chambers - unfortunately that's where he is.
"Thanks for listening and I promise I'll be there soon."
"Alright then, be safe and see you in a bit."
When we hung up the phone I let out a held in breath. At least she wasn't angry. I lowered my head to ground and thought of Claire. What was I to do? She was still inside and I could only go get her if I went inside - but I didn't want to risk Jake seeing me.
Even worse, I hated the idea of ruining her fun. I hated crashing everyone's party. If I made Claire leave, most likely Steve would want to go and I was sure everyone else would too without him there.
This is crazy. If I leave everyone's gonna hate me, they'll never invite me anywhere again because I'll be a party pooper. I groaned. And I promised Piers I would be attached to his hip for the night. I didn't even tell him I was leaving. So much for my first friends - they'll never wanna hang with me again.
I shook my head. I needed to stop thinking that way. I had responsibilities to uphold and they were nice people. Surely they would understand - they comforted me and cheered with me even played around with me. I needed to have more faith that they wouldn't just abandon me because I had a job.
"Sherry!" my heart sang as I heard Claire call out for me. I was ready to call her mommy and run into her arms - but I was more than sure she was going to scold me.
"Claire!" I responded, looking around for her. I finally saw a flicker of red hair emerge from around the corner of the building and I sighed with relief realizing it was her.
I jogged up to her, tears were forming in my eyes. I just felt like I was drowning. "Claire... I'm sorry..."
She hugged me. "Damn Sherry, I was so worried - are you okay? I saw you for a second then next thing I knew you were gone! I thought you were snatched up or running from someone!"
I kind of was... "I needed to make a call, that's all - really." I sighed. "I'm so sorry for worrying you, Claire."
She shook her head. "Don't ever do that again!" she brushed hair away from her eyes.
"I won't, I promise." I assured.
She smiled and pulled me into another hug. "I forgive you. Want to go back inside?" my stomach knotted again. "You were having so much fun earlier - there might be a couple more matches and then we're heading home. Oh, and Piers is looking for you." she laughed. "Something about a girlfriend for the evening?"
I blushed and tried to stifle my giggles. "Yeah, he is my boyfriend for the evening." Despite his clinging to Helena, I was relieved he hadn't forgotten me as his buddy.
Thinking of Helena reminded me of Jake - how he fought for her and how Sheva told me about how close the two were. Inseparable meant that they were always together. She wasn't sure if they were an item but she did mention how easily people took to Helena. Hell - even I was taken with her.
Even now…
I realized Helena had never done anything wrong to me. She even flirted with me! I was being a jerk for feeling bitter towards her just because she probably was dating my boss.
I also thought about how all those other girls surrounded him ready to jump his bones in a split second. Guys like Jake seem like they wouldn't hesitate with that either.
I was just his maid. His little maid that looked too much like a boy. Perhaps that was how he saw me.
I'm so stupid for thinking this way. I should just get over it already. The only reason we even know each other is because of the fact that I take care of his family. I should be giving most if not all of my attention to Marlowe...
The thought of Marlowe finding out about all of this made me sick. I missed him so much and I wasn't sure I could face him with the same innocence I had before - I had seen a darker side of the world now - a more animalistic side that I wasn't too proud of.
Could it be that Jake feels this way too?
"Sherry," Claire started and she startled me out of my thoughts, her voice was soft and concerned. "Did you... want to go home?"
I blinked. "How can you tell?"
"I was just guessing, you were taking so long to respond to me about going back inside." she sighed. "Look, if you want to I understand. It's late, I forgot you get up early at your job - I'll go back inside and tell Steve we're leaving, ok?"
I felt awful. I really didn't want to ruin her good time. I needed to tell her everything - from the promise to return home on time and also about Jake being my bosses other son - I owed her that much for everything she'd done for me. I took in a breath and gripped both of her hands in mine.
"Claire, I'm sorry - it's not that I don't want to go back in but... you have to promise to keep this a secret okay?"
"Keep what a secret?"
I sighed once again, trying to summon come courage. "Claire, that 'Jay' guy is -"
"Claire!" it sounded a lot like Steve. I groaned inwardly.
"Tell me in a minute, okay?" Claire winked to me and turned around. "I'm gonna go see what he wants - if you want to stay here it's up to you but I promise I'll be right back okay?"
I nodded. I really didn't want to follow her - not while Steve was coming because I just had a nagging feeling that Jake was nearby. Hard to explain why but I just did.
As soon as she turned the corner, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned instantly to see a young man with a bottle of what looked like gin. He was battered up and looked drunk, so drunk that he could barely stand. He collapsed onto his backside against the wall of the building, slurring something unintelligible.
I approached him slowly, the air was so cold I was shivering so I hugged myself to keep warm. "Um, sir - are you alright?"
"Wha?" he drooled and I felt disgusted but if he needed help, I had a phone and was willing to get him some assistance.
"Are you okay?" asked again, more forcefully this time and I crouched down to look at him.
"Huh? Yea, yea, I'm just cranky." he wasn't making sense so I backed away from him a bit.
"I could offer you some help - if you like?"
"I'm fine, just - I lost my wallet."
"Where did you lose it?" I questioned him slowly to be sure he was serious and not just giving me drunken slurs.
"Around the place..." was all he said before he fell asleep.
I sighed. "I guess I could find your wallet for you - I've got nothing else to do..."
I paced around the area and found it in no time. I was in his pocket. Typical drunken antics I would assume. I was more than glad I didn't drink. When the time would come that I did, I hoped I wouldn't be as sloppy as that guy.
I looked to sky and admired the stars for a moment. Despite the unsafe environment, I felt an odd sense of calm then. Another chilly wind came and that peace was ruined when I heard the drunken man start to snore [he was now some feet away because I didn't want to be too close to him], I heard cheering and noise from the building, gun shots sounding off from somewhere in the distance and then the horrible smell of booze, sweat, and something I wasn't too familiar with.
I'd smelt it before - only once when Claire and I went to visit her brother Chris in the summer. He'd had his friend Jill over again and when we knocked on the door, the smell smacked us in the face.
The smell of sex.
I cringed at the memory and at that time determined that while it wasn't the safest environment and I was risking being caught, I would be safer inside than out here - exposed to the night with no one around to help me.
As I turned on my heels, I came around the corner of the building and instantly I collided face first into someone's hard chest.
I was frozen stiff - afraid but damn did this person feel warm. My first thought was that this person was going to kill me for bumping them. My second thought was I should run because this could be an attacker. My final thought was maybe this is Piers just trying to freak me out.
"V-Very funny Piers," I mumbled into the chest, I brought my hands up to travel inside of his open jacket to tickle him through his shirt like Sheva, Helena and I did earlier, but despite my fingers working along his hard abs, he didn't even chuckle.
But I did hear a hum - and I did smell something very spicy and masculine.
But Piers smells like something earthly.
So why is this smell so familiar?
And since when was Piers so tall that my face only reached his chest?
Oh shit...
"You're not Piers..." I whispered, petrified as I just listened to the man's heart beat. It was slow and even - it would have soothed me but I was sure this man was about to be my downfall.
It can't be. It can't be - he never saw me - right? He couldn't have, I stayed hidden! But he found me - he freaking found me! I'm in so much trouble...
No, no maybe it isn't him - maybe it's Carlos or David - oh God. Oh God...
"You're a naughty nanny, Sherry."
I shivered but I didn't move away. Instead, I gripped his jacket tighter and felt the bliss of being so close. I was honestly too scared to move but part of me enjoyed his smell and his warmth. I wondered would he hit me but rejected that thought. He's a gentleman - from what Mrs. Stephanie would say. He was a gentle man behind his tough exterior. He might yell at me though - definitely might glare at me like he did before in the kitchen when I confronted him a few weeks ago.
"Jake... please," I wanted to beg him for forgiveness. I was terrified because he was so still, like a statue.
"You always wonder off alone looking so tasty?" he asked me - his tone was so gentle, deep and husky, a chuckle escaped him and I almost melted. He was seducing me - probably intentional too.
Pull away Sherry - pull away from the wolf's clutches - Now!
But I couldn't.
Because now his strong hands were gripping my upper arms tightly, holding me there. His hands were so big they wrapped around my biceps. He could destroy me, but I preferred for him to love me.
"You know, the guys around here are always looking for a good time." his head rested on top of my now, his cheek against my hair. "They're like animals in these parts – dogs really, it's pathetic. They pretend to be loyal to their women at home, but whenever they hit the streets, they show what they really are – a bunch of mindless dogs without a leash. Ready to run around and hump anything that looks good." He pulled my upper body closer so that my chest pressed against his. It was a little painful so I gasped.
"Jake..." I whispered trying to gently push him away.
"I bet you like to have a good time, don't you Sherry?" he rubbed his nose in my hair and inhaled my scent.
"I... I don't know - N-No..." I said breathlessly, I felt like my mind was turning into mush. A cold wind swept across my legs and I shivered.
"Then why are you here, naughty girl?" he released my arms slowly and his hands traveled upward until he encased both sides of my face in his palms. He forced me to look him in the eye – they were cerulean and lovely. "Hm? Tell me," he had a smirk on his face - a smoky and feral glaze in eyes, I shivered and brought my hands up to cover his. "Did my father send you here so you could get a glimpse of my playground?"
"Wh-what?" I was in disbelief, trembling now.
"You heard me," his voice was still gentle, smooth and he was calm - but he gave off that air of danger and I could feel myself falling against him as my legs gave out. "Did my dear old man promise you a bigger paycheck if you kept an eye on me, or are you just always a naughty girl when no one's looking?"
"N-No, Jake - really... he didn't." I shivered as he leaned closer to my face. "Please believe me, I-"
"You're my father's servant - right?" he breathed out, studying every detail of my face. "Figures he'd want a pretty girl to do his dirty work. He's a dog too - no, no he's much more clever than a dog - he schemes and does as he pleases to get anything he wants and you're so clueless to his game." he shook his head.
"What do you mean, Jake?" I asked weakly.
"Don't worry, you're not the first to fall for his shit. A fox is tricky like that – they're much more cunning than dogs."
"Please, you have to believe me, I'm just here to have fun -"
"Fun? Of course you are - but you shouldn't mingle with dogs to have fun, understand naughty girl?"
I was utterly confused – Was he talking about drunken idiots being dogs? I would agree, but I was curious of his implications. "What's wrong with dogs, Jake?" I asked.
He chuckled and I blushed at him. "I'm talking about those drunken dogs, Sherry. They are pretenders - they're rotten, they don't know a damn thing about loyalty and they make me sick."
Was he upset that I offered to help that drunk guy? Wait - he saw that? I shivered again, wondering how he was able to move around and see me yet I had no idea he was watching.
I did have a feeling he was nearby earlier... Something was really odd about Jake suddenly. He was different.
"You should feel lucky, naughty girl..."
He started to loosen his grip on me then, slowly but surely allowing me to sink to the concrete ground. He wouldn't drop me - no, he wasn't that type of guy. No, he was a gentleman but a wolf when provoked. He was a lover and a fighter. A man all his own - different from the others.
I touched on the ground only for barely a second before he pulled me up to my feet by my hands and admired me - that wild look was still in his eye.
"You should feel lucky that I am not a dog." his expression was unreadable.
"If you aren't a dog, then what are you, Jake?" I asked softly, but I already knew the answer.
He cocked his head to the side and smirked briefly, then straightened up and stuffed his hands into his pocket. "I'm something better…" he said and his eyes flashed once again.
You're the big bad wolf.
"By the way, contrary to popular belief," he said quietly, his eyes on me unwavering. "The wolf seeks only one mate – and that's for life." he smiled, his eyes traveling up and down my body.
I stared at him in a daze, I knew what he was implying, but why he was telling me was a mystery.
I was so enchanted by him I failed to notice that Claire had arrived along with Piers, Sheva, Steve, and Helena.
"Sherry!" Claire fussed, gripping my hand. "What the hell's going on, didn't you hear me calling you?"
"I-I..." She was calling me?
Sheva laughed. "Cut her some slack, Claire." she pointed to Jake with her thumb, he was still staring at me... "Jay's here and he's one hell of a distraction."
Piers walked up to me, concern etched on his handsome face, right beside him was Helena, her face bored as always. "Sherry, are you okay? We were supposed to be attached by the hip remember? Buddies for the evening, Sherry! That means don't run off!" he sighed, I felt just terrible for making everyone worry.
"I'm really sorry everyone." I said and had to fight back the tears threatening to come. I glanced briefly at Jake to see if he was looking at me, he wasn't, he was looking everywhere but at me. "I'm truly sorry, I really didn't want to ruin a good night."
"It's alright, sweetie." Sheva hugged me. "Claire told us about your job -" I froze. "She said you have the early hours so we understand."
What else did she tell you guys?
"But, what about you two hosting the fights?" I asked Steve and Claire.
"Yeah, about that..." Steve said tiredly. "It's cancelled. We're done for the night."
"Why?" I asked.
"After Jay's fight everyone started getting crazy in there anyway," Claire said with a shrug. "When I came to get you things were fine, but when I came back people were fighting so Steve suggested we all should make a leave. You didn't ruin anything - the hellhounds did."
"Are you sure?" I pressed.
"Positive." Helena said, flatly.
"Thanks." I said, sending them all a smile. "That means a lot to me." It really felt good to know that they were all my friends. Even if I was one hell of a chore to deal with sometimes.
"No problem," Steve waved me off with a grin. "I just called my driver, he'll -"
"Cops!" someone shouted, and screams erupted from everywhere.
"Shit! Run!" Steve shouted and instantly grabbed Claire.
C-Cops?! Oh my God!
I was at a loss when the noise broke out - suddenly there were wails of terror all over the area. A second later, I felt someone grip my left hand tightly and yank me away.
Everyone was running around, screaming and shouting. I noticed it was Sheva who was pulling me away and I picked up my speed so I wouldn't drag her down. I looked around and saw Piers running beside Helena and David [they were a little ahead of Sheva and myself]. I guessed that David and Carlos must have joined us sometime when the chaos erupted. I could see Carlos running just behind Claire and Steve.
I looked around for Jake and couldn't find him. Where is he? Oh no - was he...?
I gasped as the sound of dogs barking came out of nowhere. They were close, very close. I felt Sheva tighten her grip on my hand.
"Sheva!" I cried, my heart was racing.
"I know!" she shouted back to me. "Just follow me, we'll make it!"
"Okay!"
She released my hand once we neared a wooden fence. Just over the fence was the backyard of an apartment complex. The place was junky and old molded clothes hung from a clothing line that I could see.
I saw Piers and Helena hop the fence without trouble. David was suddenly missing now and I also couldn't see Claire, Steve or Carlos anymore. I felt panic, I never felt so shaken in my entire life.
They're okay Sherry, just worry about yourself for now - you have to get away! Stick with Sheva!
Luckily I was able to hop the fence behind Sheva, albeit not as graceful as she did and we made a break for the back door of the apartment. She kicked it in effortlessly and we raced inside.
This place also looked like it was falling apart. It was apparently abandoned from what I took from it. There weren't any lights or anything, there was trash everywhere and graffiti writing along every wall. It was also much colder here and the smell of paint was powerful.
Sheva and I raced up flights of stairs until we reached maybe the third floor. She asked me to help her kick it in - and I did. I would have cheered at my ability to kick like a pro but I was much too scared at the moment. We raced inside the hallway that was revealed and kept running until we reached a window leading to a fire escape.
"We've got to go, Sherry - got it?!" Sheva told me, breaking the window and jumping out.
I followed her, thinking this was the reason why Steve said Sheva was a tough chick. She really was athletic, that's for sure.
As we climbed down the old fire escape, we could hear the dogs barking loudly but they weren't as close as before. Sheva broke into another building next to us by kicking out the glass to a first floor window. We landed inside an old messy kitchen, littered with old food and the smell of something molded. We raced out the kitchen and as we were about to break out the front door, the unthinkable happened.
The floor collapsed and Sheva fell through right in front of me.
My heart stopped. "Sheva!" I cried, stopping to look down the hole.
"I'm fine!" I heard her say. She didn't sound hurt much to my relief. "I'm used to this shit happening! Keep running Sherry! I'll be fine - just run until you can't hear the dogs anymore!"
The dogs were getting louder and I panicked. "But Sheva -"
"Go!" she demanded and I felt like crying but knew she was right - I had to go or I would be caught.
Hesitantly, I moved around the hole and pushed the front door open. I ran out into the front area of an old abandoned neighborhood and kept running into the quiet and dark night.
I had no idea where I was going but I knew I had to get away. I was praying that I would make it through this and see everyone again – everyone was going to be okay.
I hoped.
I had lost my energy shortly after Sheva and I split. I was exhausted. I held my purse close to my body [I'd worn my over the shoulder purse instead of my handheld - good for me.] as I crouched down behind an old run down warehouse. It was quiet, I could only hear the wind whistling - I'd long lost the dogs somehow.
But I was alone in the dark.
I was cold, tired and scared. I didn't know where I was, I couldn't see much of anything in my surroundings. This was beyond dangerous. I could be attacked and no one would hear me scream.
I shivered, my teeth chattering as I remained there for a while. I had no idea what I was waiting for but I knew it was best if I didn't move. I told myself I would wait until someone called for me or rang my cell. Until then, I would sit there and pray.
I pulled out my phone for some light and saw it was a little after 4:30. I hadn't been running for too long. I sighed and waited as calmly as my shot nerves would let me.
Until I heard footsteps.
I froze.
I listened as they echoed along the brick walkways, they were slow - calm. I hugged myself, praying it wasn't the police. I couldn't stop myself from crying now, but I did so quietly.
I'm sorry everyone... I cried to myself. I was about to get caught - or worse, if it wasn't the police it was probably some crazed man that I couldn't defend myself against in my current condition.
As the steps got closer, I closed my eyes and just waited.
"There you are..."
My eyes shot open and I turned slowly to see my savior. He certainly wasn't a knight in shining armor but he came for me, he had searched for me and found me. I thought I was doomed but here I was saved by the wolf. He was my savior.
"Jake..." I breathed. "Is that really you?"
He smirked and walked up to me, his hands in his pants pockets. "Yea, who were you expecting?"
I was speechless, I just stared at him - I thought I was dreaming. "H-How did you find me?" I whispered, disbelieving.
He shrugged and came off a bit awkward for a moment. "Uh, does it really matter? I found you and that's all there is to it." he extended his hand for me to take it. "Come on."
I took his hand and he pulled me to my feet. I was shaking from the cold while he looked so warm. I wanted to get close to him again. I wanted to hug him - kiss his cheek, offer myself to him. I was hysterically grateful to him then.
My hero... My hero...
"Why were you crying?" he asked, raising a brow at me.
I blushed. "Sorry," my voice was cracking. "I was worried about everyone..." I stepped towards him. "Where are they? Have you seen them?"
"Yeah, they're over by the bay waiting for us." he answered, turning away. When I didn't move he turned back to me. "You comin'?"
"Yes," I started to follow him. It was so dark, I made sure to keep close. "I'm glad you're safe, Jake."
"You shouldn't be here." he stated harshly, and I flinched under his tone. I studied him, his back was to me. "It's dangerous and you know it."
I frowned. "You shouldn't be here, either Jake! You could get hurt just as likely as I could!"
"You have no idea how wrong you are about that, naughty girl." I blushed and was a bit taken aback by that but I was still fuming at him.
"I'm not weak, Jake." I said. "I made it this far - that should show you something about me."
"Hmph," he stopped and I crashed into his back with an 'Ouch'. "It's not about being tough, weak or any shit like that. It's an ugly world out here. You shouldn't be exposed to this - you're not meant for it."
I blinked. "What do you mean?"
He turned to me, his eyes smoky again. "You're too good for this kind of life. You're a sweet girl." I felt hot again and he came closer, his hands enveloped my face just like before. "Don't cry anymore, alright? I'll get you home safely - naughty nanny." he teased, then released me, walking ahead.
"Please, stop calling me that." I pouted, frustrated. "I'm not naughty. I haven't done anything naughty. I just got into a situation I was expecting - that's all."
"Sure, whatever you say… Nanny Lady."
Ironically, I preferred him calling me naughty girl over nanny lady.
When we met up with everyone else, I was beyond relieved to see they had all made it safely. Claire and Sheva suffocated me with hugs, Piers did too and Helena tried but Piers held her back, warning me of the peril it would bring.
We all stood there by the bay waiting patiently for Steve's ride. It was a limo and apparently he would be escorting all of us home.
The entire time, Jake made it seem as if I was no one to him but I did catch him staring at me from time to time. He never told them I was his nanny either.
Maybe he doesn't want them to know I work for him. Why though? Could it be that he's embarrassed by it? Or maybe it's because he's just trying to keep it secret – he did mention keeping me safe. But who was he protecting me from? Moreover, what's he going to do when we have to be dropped off at the same location?
"How'd you find her so fast, big guy?" I heard Helena ask and when I looked I saw her walk towards Jake and pat his shoulder a couple times.
"This is my playground, Babe - remember?"
Babe?
My stomach twisted into knots once again. Why did he call her 'Babe'? Is she his girlfriend? But I thought she liked girls - hell I thought she and Piers had something!
I'd looked away briefly but when I searched for Piers I noticed Jake had his arm around her shoulder and she held it there, that blank face remained but she looked more comfortable.
I shook my head and faced the ground, hugging myself again but this time not because of the chilly breeze. I felt so emotional suddenly, frustrated beyond words and above all else embarrassed. Embarrassed because I thought for a moment that maybe he found me attractive.
If Helena's his girlfriend than he of course he would be loyal to her and not try humping others I guess. I should respect that. I should respect that he's not unfaithful.
I sighed softly to myself. At least that's what I'll tell myself. Damn, I was so confused.
"So, Sherry," I heard Piers say, his face was glowing and I felt relieved by it like all of my insecurities were put on hold once again. "Did you have a good time tonight?" he grinned.
I smiled, fighting with everything I had not to start screaming. "Craziest. Night. Ever." I said and everyone started to laugh.
Piers put his arm around me and I leaned onto his shoulder.
"Easy Piers," I heard Helena say and he looked at her. I looked away, trying to hide behind Piers' body so I didn't have to see the 'happy couple'. "She's mine, Piers, remember?"
I blushed - It really was hard to feel upset with her when she was flirting with me.
I slipped away from Piers then to see what Claire was up to. I needed cheering up and standing around Jake really wasn't helping me.
The limo showed up soon after I'd joined Steve, Sheva and Claire in conversation.
It was nice inside with black leather seats, plenty of floor space, sunroof and the seats were facing every which way. We all piled inside, Steve and Claire took seats closest to the driver [with their backs to him], David and Carlos were to the left, Helena, Piers and Jake sat on the right and I took a seat next to Sheva, we were at the back of the limo with Sheva nearest to the door.
I was thankful that Sheva pulled me to sit beside her, I knew she would keep my mind off my troubles. Everyone was chatting amongst each other with Carlos being especially loud and harassing David.
"This guy!" He laughed, pointing to the quiet man beside him. "Don't mind him, he's just missing his lady - ya know, the Asian schoolgirl!" everyone laughed.
David popped him in the back of the head. "Shut up, idiot."
"What's her name again, eh? Yuri? Koko?"
"It's Yoko, you dumb shit." David spat and I heard him growl.
Carlos cheesed at him. "So is it true, do Asian girls go all the way?"
David punched him out of his seat.
I shook my head at Carlos' antics and turned to Sheva. "You like him don't you?"
She blinked and looked confused at me but I could see her blush. "How - what makes you think that?"
"Because, you've been smiling at him the whole time." I had been observing her since we got in the limo.
She blushed. "Just a little, but don't tell him - he's an idiot." she whispered and I nodded with smile.
"I won't say I word. Trust me." she giggled just a little.
"Sherry!" I heard Claire call me and I looked at her, she waved playfully and picked up Steve's hand to do the same. His expression was of confusion and I was sure he thought she was strange.
I noticed Helena and Jake were looking at me too but as soon as I did, I gave Claire my full and undivided attention. "Claire!" I did the same thing as she did to Steve, but used Sheva's hand - making her grin at the contact.
"How are you?!" she shouted to me.
"I'm fine, why are you shouting?!" I replied with a laugh.
"Because I wish you and Sheva would come sit with Steve and me so we can talk!"
Sheva took my hand gleefully and pulled me with her, I was stumbling as the limo was still in motion. Carlos and David moved down a seat for Sheva to sit next to Steve and Carlos, and I inwardly groaned when I realized I would have to sit next to Helena to be near Claire. I was also going to close to Jake.
I was being so childish. You're 22 years old for goodness sake! Get over it Sherry, just have fun and stop being extra!
"May I sit?" I asked Helena timidly. She smirked and patted her lap. I let out a giggle and shook my head. "I can't do that..." I said meekly.
"Come on, I don't have a dick so it's not like I could hurt you." Everyone laughed at her but it just made my face heat up.
Just then the limo made a right turn and I fell helplessly onto Piers, Helena and unfortunately Jake too. My legs were on Piers, my head landed on Helena's thighs and my ass was on Jake's lap.
Oh boy…
"You okay?" Jake asked me, he looked concerned as he held one of my hands but something snapped in me and I yanked it away - surprising him and myself too.
Stop it Sherry, you're making a scene. You're being childish. He's trying to help and you're being difficult because your feelings are hurt. It's time to be a woman Sherry - stop being a little girl. Come on, you can do it.
"Sorry - I'm... sorry about that, I lost my footing." I sighed and smiled to him. "Thanks - all three of you!" I giggled at my position and I wondered why no one had pushed me off. "I'm glad I landed safely!"
"You look cozy." Sheva joked. "I'm jealous!"
"Very funny!" I responded and tried to move.
"Hold her down!" Claire shouted and instantly all three that I'd fallen on held me in place.
Piers held my legs tightly, laughing at my shriek of surprise. Jake held me down with one hand on my tummy – surprisingly, this half-assed move held me the firmest in place.
Helena's hand held my neck much to my dismay.
"H-Helena, you really didn't have to hold her neck..." Claire added, her face was that of a person very disturbed.
Everyone laughed.
"I might fall asleep down here." I joked, proud of myself for finally relaxing despite my troubles.
"Careful," said Steve with a grin. "You're lying on Jay! Don't move too much!"
"Fuck you, Steve." Jake growled, I blushed, knowing full well what he meant by that.
It was then I realized my shirt and jacket had risen up exposing my stomach - my shorts also were higher than before, exposing my long legs even more - the fishnet tights made me feel like I looked close to a stripper at that moment - it was like I was ready to do a show over Jake's lap...
My face began to heat up so much I was sure I looked like a cherry.
I felt fingers on moving along my stomach and at first I was about to fuss at Piers until I noticed that Piers was having a conversation with David about something as they leaned out towards each other for privacy. I held my breath and looked at Jake - it was him.
His left hand was on my tummy and his right was under my upper back right where my bra hooked together. Every now and then I felt him play with my belly button. I had a slight 'innie', my stomach was pale as the rest of my skin, and I didn't have much muscle to it but it was flat.
I did have very soft skin - at least that's what Claire would say - so I wondered was that Jake's reason for suddenly running his fingers along my tummy. I made eye contact with him and he was very hard to read but he smirked and pinched my belly button.
I silently wondered why no one was noticing this. Not Piers [too busy talking to David], not Claire [too busy talking to Helena and Steve], not even that silly guy Sheva liked - Carlos [too busy talking to - surprise - Sheva]! I was sure he would notice anything for laughs.
Jake's fingers gave me tingles. He started using his thumb to caress around my belly button. I felt his fingers tickle my upper back even through the jacket and shirt. I kept my hands folded neatly over my chest but I felt like my scarf was suffocating me and my breasts felt much too heavy. Jake's touch was making me feel hot.
I was beyond confused again but I didn't want to dwell on anything anymore. I just wanted to enjoy the ride home.
Jake's hands on me never hurt much either.
A/N: One hell of a long chapter. Imagine if chapter 4 was combined with this one. Lord that would have been too much!
Sorry for the long wait. I had four different scenes planned for this chapter that I had to fight myself over. I was stuck trying to figure out which fit better. The chapter title also made my head hurt.
I almost called it Animal – then I thought about Hellhound, then Wolf, then Big Bad Wolf – finally I just said Vio stop stressing and name it before you lose your sanity. So I went with The Wolf's Playground because of the fact that Jake's the star of this chapter and he's giving Sherry so many mixed feelings.
How do you guys like Jake? This chapter kind of shows his darker side [like in the games when he fights and enjoys it] but the other side of him will show up slowly. The Wesker men start off showing the bad sides but they each have a story to tell - the future will give us that.
Just a heads up – I wanted to let the story tell itself but I want to point out that Helena's sexual orientation is ambiguous on purpose. It plays a key role in the future for her and Piers relationship.
So… how is everyone in the limo going to feel when Jake and Sherry have to get out at the same house? – If they do that is! [Big grin]
Thanks for all the reviews, favs and follows! I appreciate them! I'll be sure to update when I can but I do have finals coming up fast so if the next chapter is a little late, that's why. [But hopefully it won't be because the next coming chapters are all my favorites]
Next chapter will have much more interaction between the two because they finally have something in common but their relationship still requires more development and understanding between them before anything can jump off.
Stay tuned and remember if you have any questions – feel free to ask. Also, let me know of any errors. I'll fix them immediately.
See ya around!
-Vio