Catherine bit her bottom lip in nervousness as his eyes never left hers and a nervous laughter bubbled up his throat as the seconds passed in silence between them. In any other circumstances he would normally be sitting alone in a corner where no one bothered him or knew that he was even there but nothing was normal about the situation. It was unusual for him to seek someone's attention but Vincent couldn't quite be himself around her. He was enjoying himself and the attention she was giving him. It was if she had control over him and he couldn't escape the feeling of wanting more.
"I really enjoy your company, Catherine."
"I enjoy yours, too," Catherine confessed and felt her face burning with embarrassment. She was use to the drunken guys vying for her attention with their infamous pickup lines but rarely did she hear someone so honest yet so innocent with their intentions.
It was difficult for Vincent not to get caught up as he heard the beating of her racing heart. He felt the urge to claim her and make her his but he wasn't sure where that feeling was coming from and never did he feel that way about someone. Never had he been the type to be aggressive but their was an indescribable feeling burning in his veins. He felt the rush through his body causing his heart to soar maniacally and his eyes to spark brightly as he stared at her.
Catherine reacted but not in the way he was accustomed to. After everything he'd shown her last night she still hadn't run from him and it was slowly building his hope and confidence that he lacked in his life. It was as if he found someone who understood what he was and wasn't afraid to be near him. It made all the times he was so careful about hiding in plain sight suddenly seem so absurd especially now that he realized how much he missed out on but he knew the trouble he could bring into her life. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if sbomething ever happened to Catherine and he just couldn't bear the thought of it. He felt the sadness once more of what he truly was, a beast.
The beast was what he became instead of the super soldier the government envisioned. They soon became the threat and one by one they were killed but luckily with the help of a caring doctor, Vincent managed to escape but life was no easier or any better than the war torn country he fled from. Since then he tried to live a quiet life but he soon realized how miserable it was to live all alone in a city filled with millions of people.
"I can get you something else to drink if you don't want beer," Catherine said as she broke his train of thoughts that was slowly getting away from him.
The sound of her voice brought an unwavering calm within him. It lessened the pain of what he needed to do soon. As much as he hated the thought of it, he knew that he could no longer come back to the bar and see her again. It was too dangerous for either one of them especially her but he would check in on her just to be sure she was safe. At least that's what he told himself.
"Would you like a shot of Hennessy instead?"
Vincent faked a smile before looking at her and wished it was real. "This is fine. Thanks again for the beer," he answered and raised the glass of beer to his lips. He took a huge gulp and drank almost half of it hoping to drown the misery surrounding his afflicted heart. For a moment he saw hope filtering through the darkness only to be taken away as quickly as it came.
"And thanks again for helping me with those guys," Catherine replied with a smile that she couldn't stop. "It's not often someone steps in beside security but it's their job to."
Vincent saw the twinkle in her eyes that he missed so much in his lonely life. He felt himself falling deeper into them as she held his gaze. "Well, I'm glad I was here to help you then," he tried to reply back with the same enthusiasm but his voice fell short of happy.
"Me too," Catherine's smile grew wide and her cheeks turned a bright pink as she realized that she meant what she said. Never had she been taken by someone especially a customer. Usually they were loud and annoying but Vincent was different. She didn't feel the need to put her guard up with him or sass him in anyway.
Vincent mused her reaction but was more confused than confident with her actions toward him. He furrowed his brows and creased them together as he watched her but he couldn't dig far through his memories. It was distorted from his time spent overseas fighting a war he never belonged in. He sighed in frustration and drank the rest of his beer.
"Is everything okay?" Catherine asked as she placed her hand over his.
He felt her warmth and her kindness in her small hands. He looked up and met her concerned eyes. "I don't know how to do this." Shaking his head, Vincent found himself at odds with his instincts to protect oneself and the nature of his other half, the beast as he called it, that he was slowly losing control of. He felt the reins loosening but he never felt more freer and content with what he was. A low moan and growl escaped between his lips and his eyes glowed as he stared at her.
"Vincent," her voice was lower than a whisper but he heard it in her racing heart and he felt it through his body as it pulsed through his veins.
Catherine was going to be the damn of him if he let her and he was losing the fight to remain in control. He fought the urge and tried his best to keep it all at bay but each second with her made it all the more difficult to suppress the storm raging within him. The feeling was new to him but he wanted her, that much he knew. Vincent felt the connection between them and it pulsed as quickly as her heart. She was like a force pulling him closer and he couldn't help but want her more.
Vincent saw a glimmer of hope in her jade eyes as she looked at him or maybe it was wishful thinking but he hoped it was true. "Catherine," he started off but paused as she came closer and stood in front of him save the bar between them. She stirred so much in him that he couldn't reconcile all of the feelings surging through his veins. He could feel the beast just below the surface ready to awaken and he couldn't stop the thoughts running through his head. He heard it echoing in his mind as he stared at her like a man in lust but he knew it was more than that. It was as if the beast had awakened from deep within and sensed something about her. His eyes lit up bright like a Christmas tree as he perched on the edge of his seat and leaned closer. "Beautiful," he whispered in a deep and coarse voice.
"Oh," she squeezed his hand tighter. "Thanks," she instinctively covered her cheeks with her hands and shied away from his staring eyes. "Uhm, I should get back to work."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I'll leave," he quickly stood up and regretted his lack of control of the beast.
"Wait Vincent," she reached out for his hand and held it.
"I'm sorry," he said lowly as he looked down at the floor.
"You don't have anything to be sorry about, Vincent. And please stay," she replied as she softly stroked the back of his hands.
Her actions had a soothing affect on him. Vincent raised his head and looked at her. "I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable."
"No, you didn't. Its just, well," she giggled nervously as she clutched his large hand in hers. "You're different from the guys here," she paused and gazed into his glowing eyes. "But in a good way," Catherine finished to his relief. "I want you to stay, Vincent. Unless you have other plans?" she looked at him, hopefully.
"No," Vincent shook his head. "No plans at all."
"So you'll stay?"
"Yea," he smiled. "Can I get another beer?"
"Sure, coming right up," she replied and grabbed his empty glass before walking away.
Vincent, feeling more hopeful, watched with interest as Catherine did her job. She smiled at a customer before taking their order.
After a few customers and minutes later she came back to him with another glass full of beer. "Here. Sorry it took so long."
"Just happy your back," he answered.
Catherine blushed. Her cheeks turned crimson and her heart raced enthusiastically. She could see herself falling for him and without a doubt be taken in by his charm. He wasn't like the rest of the guys she encountered and his mysterious sunflower eyes had a way of drawing her in.
Vincent felt the rush in his veins as he picked up on her racing heart. He tried to calm himself but the way she looked only compelled the beast to stir longingly. "Has anyone told you how cute you are when you blush?"
She shook her head. "Not in those words." And definitely not by someone as good looking as you, she thought to herself. "Well, uh, I should get back to the customers."
Vincent chuckled to himself as he looked around the bar area. The long line from earlier had disappeared but he caught a pair of eyes staring at them. "Beside your friend there," he pointed with a quick nod towards the other bartender standing with a huge grin on her face. "I'm the only one here who wants your attention."
Catherine turned her head and looked around from one end of the bar to the other. She found the place peaceful now that her loudest group of customers were thrown out for being down right rude and obnoxious but what caught her eye was her coworker and friend, Tess, who had the widest grin on her face. Catherine blushed once more and was suddenly more aware of her heart racing. She felt like a deer caught in the headlights as she felt four eyes staring at her. "I guess Tess took care of the customers already."
"She did. Looks like you're free for awhile."
Catherine bit her bottom lip and smiled. "Looks like it."
"Guess it is my lucky day after all."
"I wouldn't go that far," Catherine replied in a low tone but her blushing cheeks gave her away.
"Trust me, this has been the highlight of my day. My week, actually."
"I doubt that. A good looking guy like you."
Vincent couldn't help the smile on his face and the way his eyes was engulfed in that golden hue. The beast yet again made its presence known as he stared at her. He exuded more confidence than he could will on his own as he reached out for her hand. "You're very beautiful, Catherine," his voice came out coarse and in a charismatic tone that possessed her.
Transfixed and rendered speechless, Catherine held his gaze. His sunflower eyes called to her, beckoning her. She could feel her heart pounding with each breath she took. Vincent raised her hand to his lips and softly kissed her fingers as a gentleman would. For a moment all was lost but the two of them staring into each other.
"Vincent," her voice was no more than whisper but it wasn't what he heard.
There was a slight hitch in her breath as his fingers gently caressed her hand. Her soft skin made him want to explore her body. "Hmmm," he moaned as his thoughts drifted.
Her trance was broken by a familiar voice calling her back to the bar and in an instant it was gone. Catherine looked around but found no sign of him except the glass of beer he left behind.
"Sweetie. Cat. Daddy said you needed a ride home."
Catherine looked up and found her mother with the same confused look. "Huh?" she asked. "Mom, what are you doing here?"
"Daddy called and said your car broke down earlier. He asked me to come get you since he has to stay home with your sister."
"Mom did you see the guy sitting here?" Catherine pointed to the now empty bar stool.
"He left as soon as I got here. Is he your boyfriend?"
"Mom, no. He's just, never mind." Disappointed, Catherine sighed. "My shift ends in an hour. Do you want something to drink?"
"Something fruity and not too much alcohol," her mom answered as she sat down on the stool.
"How was your day at the hospital?"
"I must admit I actually miss working overseas. Patients there were much more easy going, you can say. Given their situation they still made the best of it. I remember, there was this guy, handsome and kind. Wanted to be a doctor but that dream was put on hold. He was so young but his life was full of tragedy. His family was from around here if I recall correctly. You would have liked him."
"What makes you say that?" Catherine asked.
"Mom's always know these things. So how about that drink?"
"Coming right up," Catherine answered and stepped away. She looked around once more only to be disappointed again. It was as if he was never there.
A smile formed on his lips as he heard the conversation as he stood by the rear exit of the bar. Out of all the doctors that tended to them, Vincent always favored Vanessa. She was the only doctor, who treated them like human beings instead of just a science experiment. She spoke to them like any doctor would but with the concern of a parent. It made missing home more bearable when they were able to share stories with someone who understood the feeling.
Vincent leaned back as he watched Catherine. He couldn't believe it. Out of all the people in the world it had to be Vanessa's daughter that the beast took a liking to but more than that he knew that Catherine felt their connection, too.
"Here Mom, a fruity drink with two shots of alcohol. I even added a maraschino cherry for you," Catherine placed the drink in front of her mother.
Vanessa took the glass and stared at her drink. Different color of drinks were layered and looked like a sunset. "It's very pretty. What is it called?"
"I don't think you want to know. Just try it first."
Vanessa took a sip of her drink then stopped. Catherine looked around again and sighed when she didn't see him. One second he was in front of her and the next he was gone without a word. She could have sworn there was something about him but she couldn't quite put her fingers on it.
"He must be special. Too bad I didn't get a chance to meet your boyfriend," Vanessa teased as she watched her daughter with careful attention.
A smile fell on Catherine's lips as she blushed under her mom's all knowing stare. She shook her head and tried to remind herself that he was just a guy she just met. There was nothing going on between them, right?
"I don't have time for a boyfriend. I'm too busy with school and work."
"That doesn't mean that you don't have a boyfriend, hun. It's perfectly normal if you keep it a secret from us. I know how picky your Daddy can be but that's because he only wants the best for you."
"Mom, I assure you that I don't have a boyfriend. Secret or not," Catherine replied.
"It's completely fine if you do, secret or not," Vanessa smiled at her daughter as if she knew the truth. "You're an adult now and in college. I don't want you to have any regrets. Life is too short and tomorrow is not promised. Just remember to choose wisely and someone who is worth your time because you can never get any of that time back."
"You and Dad will be the first to know if I ever have a boyfriend," Catherine looked around in hopes to find the one person she couldn't get her mind off but instead noticed patrons in line. "I have customers, are you going to be okay?"
"Of course hun. I'll call your Dad and let him know I'm here. Don't want him to stay up late."
Catherine was glad for the distraction her job afforded her. She turned away from her mother only to find her coworker and friend, Tess, smirking at her. "Great, just what I need," Catherine mumbled under her breath as she walked over to the line of patrons.
"Didn't know you had a thing for bad boys," Tess teased as Catherine stood beside her and smiled at a customer before taking their order.
Tess and Catherine worked in tandem. Catherine took the orders as Tess made the cocktails while Catherine poured the beers. After a few minutes and many customers later the bar area emptied out once more.
"So, that bad boy of yours, he's hot. Never pegged you for that type but hey, we all deserved a little fun. Especially you, soon to be lawyer."
"First of, he's not my bad boy and he's helped me out a couple of times now. I was being nice. Secondly, I don't have a thing for bad boys," Catherine retorted and turned away. She immediately caught a glimpse of a pair of golden orbs watching her from afar. He stood tall with his arms folded across his chest.
Vincent walked across the room and waited for her on the side of the bar, opposite of where Vanessa was sitting and careful not to be seen. He couldn't let Vanessa see him, even though all he wanted to do was thank her for what she had done for him. She helped save his life and there was nothing he wouldn't do for her and her family. Vincent knew then what he had to do.
Catherine followed suit and met him where the light was dimmer. "Hi. I thought you left."
Vincent shook his head. "I had a phone call I had to take," he lied and hated that he had to but he couldn't tell her the truth and risk exposing himself and Vanessa. He left when he heard Vanessa's voice. They made a pact long ago to never be seen together. It would be too dangerous for the both of them. Vanessa had a family she had to take care of and protect, just as he did. And if it wasn't for her, he would still be in Afghanistan or worse, dead. She helped him escape and he could never ever repay her for what she did and the risk she took to save him. "Thanks for the beer, again," he smiled at her one last time. "But I have to go. I didn't want you to think that I was ditching you or anything. And here's what I owe you for the other beer," Vincent handed her a twenty dollar bill. "Keep the change."
"It's okay, Vincent. You don't owe me any explanations. And the beer is on me. You didn't even drink it."
"I got distracted but it was worth it," Vincent said in a flirt tone. He just couldn't help himself and the beast still wasn't well controlled as he would have liked. "Take the money. I'm the reason why you won't be getting much tip tonight. I believe I got a few of your customers kicked out."
"It was their fault. And Tony would have kicked them out sooner or later."
"Sooner was better," Vincent added.
"Definitely," Catherine agreed and smiled.
"I really hate to cut this short but I have to go."
"Of course. Goodnight Vincent."
"Goodnight Catherine."
"Hope to see you soon," Catherine added.
Deep down he knew that she meant it but as he stared at Vanessa he was filled with sadness. There was too much at risk and at stake. Lives would be in jeopardy if they ever cross paths again.
"Take care of yourself, Catherine. Goodbye."
"Bye Vincent," she managed to get out before he walked away and disappeared amongst the crowd.
