Authors Note: Hello, sweeties, here we have 4. Shout out to MissNerdiie, Eva and lollierogers, who managed to pick out a random part I added to 3 this round *hugs and kisses*. Also, a huge thank you and tons of love, to BE1965. To repeat, everything that needs to be known regarding the standing of this story here on FF is posted in the AN of chapter 1, take a peek there before asking me anything please, I'm travelling so I'm only going to be able to answer them when I'm back home.
There should be another post tomorrow. Once again, for those who asked, the chapters aren't being fully beta'd, simply polished. I was forced to repost this story anyway, so I figured I may as well edit the stuff now, rather than having to come back to it at a later stage (I'm not changing the story/plot, view the Authors Note on Ch1, I'm just randomly improving stuff that I wanted to the first time round, it's for my peace of mind and I hope you can respect that?), I am also very busy with my job so I'm focused there right now, once again I apologize, it's an inconvenience writing wise but I really want this other position. Things on the job are a blast, just a lot of work at the moment, thank you to everyone who sent me luck for the promotion, I love you hard *throws you cookies*!
Anything else you need to know about posts can be found in the AN for CH3, if not check my Twitter, follow (a t) KatieA_Tyler or visit my website blog and click on the Twitter widget to view my last tweet. As always, a huge thank you to every single one of you guys who takes the time to read my stuff, it means a lot to me to know you're out there and I promise to keep bringing you more. Hugs to my amazing girls, JustJJ and awesomella.
Lots of love, (work permitting?) till tomorrow,
Kat
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, quotes, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners and are simply used under 'fair use'. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. This story is for legally recognized adults.
Dine and Dash
*~*~* Chapter Four : Unconscious Grave Digging *~*~*
'Our real discoveries come from chaos, from going to the place that looks wrong and stupid and foolish.' (Chuck Palahniuk)
Everyone, at some point or another, finds themselves smack middle of a moral dilemma, one that comes out the left field, taking them by surprise. They find themselves in situations they'd never dreamed of having to face. The euphoria of an action, the blinding feeling of freedom when you just give yourself to a moment… act on impulse… follow your gut. However, you put it; it was what had happened to me today. I'd done what felt right in a moment but as per tradition, now that I was out of the safety of that bubble, the consequences where making themselves known. I felt guilt and confusion that was so profound that it was knocking me off balance and practically seeping out the pores of my skin. It was crippling me.
I've done some really stupid things before, things that I'm ashamed of. Yet, I could tell the guys about it, regardless of what it dealt with, no sweat.
These past few days though, when it came to being stupid… I was out doing myself!
Today was my first day at work and I went and did the most brainless thing ever. I kissed the leader of the Shadow Fangs... Twice!
That right there ladies and gentlemen, sets a new precedent for how to define 'stupidity of epic proportions'. Statues will be erected in my honor, I tell you.
There isn't a chance in hell that I can never tell the guys about this one. And no matter how much I try, I somehow can't bring myself to regret it either!
I don't regret it.
And that's mind-fucking me.
It's like when it comes to him, a Shadow Fang, my mind rewires itself. It's so baffling. I've spent all my life running from one thing or another; a self-defense mechanism. And here I am now, faced with a problem that could knock my world off its axis, complicate my life unimaginably and metaphorically speaking, my feet refused to move.
It doesn't make any sense, but I couldn't help it. It scares me to death.
Sam and Paul were worried. I could tell that they were tense the entire way home.
I watched their straight set jaws. I wondered if they knew something was wrong. Guilt induced paranoia kicked and I revised that statement, that I'd done something wrong…
My paranoia, however, was quelled once we reached the reservation, and Paul shot me an encouraging glance, the one that said, 'Don't worry, it's over now, you're ok'.
We'd barely cut the engine, before the Black's door swung open violently, revealing Jake and Seth. They bounded in the direction of the Hurricane, not bothering to wait for it to stop. Jake reached me first as I swung open the back door and hopped out. His serious eyes gave me a once over, searching for damage.
"Everything good?" he asked.
"Yupp." I said, forcing myself to smile.
A flashback of my kiss with Edward filled my mind. Now, the guilt was just fucking crazy… clogging my throat and shooting out my ears.
Jake must've caught a waver on my face, because whatever I was selling, he didn't seem to be buying.
"No problems?" He asked firmer this time, brother bear was out to play and the worry in his eyes had morphed to anger, "Be honest."
"Ah, fuckit!" Seth's voice chipped in, it was fierce with promise. His breaths were heavy coming down his nose like a damn rhino. "Just say it, Bells. Whatever happened, just say it and it's fucking over, I swear it."
Oh shit.
"Guys, relax!" I yelled, desperately needing them to calm down. They were misreading me. I couldn't blame them for it, it's not like any of them would suspect that my behavior was due to guiltiness. "I'm fine," I reiterate, hoping they'd believe me and just let it go. "Nothing happened."
I want to bite off my tongue the second the words are out. That wasn't exactly true, now was it?
I pushed the thought to the back of my mind. I had to. I didn't have enough time to think about it properly here. Not with them like this. I had to calm things down and convince everyone things were fine. I felt like shit and despite my usual impeccable talent to hide my feelings, today I was an open book. It was due to my actions, and I didn't want anything I did to affect them, so with herculean effort I upped my game and forced a smile on my face.
Fighting hard to keep eye contact with Jake, I tried to reason with myself, that technically, nothing that they were worried about had happened.
I doubted they assumed that, by the end of the day, I'd willingly make out with Edward Cullen.
Oh sweet Jesus…
"Let's go inside and I'll tell you some more 'kay?" without waiting for them to reply, I began walking towards the house. One more second out there, and I knew they'd be able to see right through me.
There was a long pause before I heard their heavy footsteps crunching on the ground behind me.
Grasping the doorknob I swung open the door and entered.
The first thing I notice is that JC is back. He stepped out the bathroom freshly showered, looking like he hadn't slept a wink. He was bare foot and dressed in the usual colors; wearing a dark grey t-shirt and blue low hanging jeans, his jet black hair was damp with small droplets of water glittering at the tips. His bruises from yesterday had set in; a slightly swollen eye, bust lip and an angry red, scraped cheekbone.
The dark brown spheres of his eyes grew large as he noticed me enter the lounge, and from that I gathered that he hadn't heard the Jeep pull in.
"I'm fine. I worked. No one, hassled me. I came home." I hastily said what I thought he was waiting for me to say but I was wrong.
Jared wasn't happy… far from it. He usually never got as bad as this. I mean he's been angry before, obviously, but he never dwelled on it longer than he had to, and last night— last night he'd gone off to cool off, right? I mean, I thought he had, so the look on his face was making me nervous right now. If anything, I'd say this was the first time in my life that I'd seen Jared grow this angry and in another first, this was the first time I was facing it.
"This isn't a joke, Bella," he said, his eyes grim. Twisting the towel into a rope, he let it hang off his neck. As if I need the confirmation, the firmness in his voice told me he was hanging by a thread.
"I know that, JC." I say. God, if anyone knew just how far from a joke this was it was me! My mind's in a constant state of distress since the full impact of what was going on with me hit.
I can't look at him, I can't look at anyone.
I was finally facing the anger of one of them and JC didn't even know the full extent of what had happened. I was suddenly terrified to know what would happen if they ever did find out and with that thought, the guilt that I had been battling so hard against, finally began to win.
Unintentionally, my voice grew thick. This was messed up. I messed up.
I think the rest of them attributed my state to that fact that I spent the day in Nell' Ombra and it had taken it out of me, because they didn't look mad. They were just silent. Watching closely as Jared addressed me.
I try my best to stay focused and honest, "I'm out of my element today, as it stands. Please don't make things hard now that I'm home," my eyes began to well up. I blinked fighting it back.
It wasn't that my actions were catching up to me, it was me wanting them to happen that terrified me… because it meant something infinitely more important, now that I'd admitted it to myself, I knew what I risked to lose should this ever come out… home.
I blinked harder, forcing my stinging eyes to behave. "I'm not thinking straight," I say, knowing that I'm the only one who really understands the magnitude of truth behind that statement, "give me a second… I don't want to have to worry that I'm going to word something wrong and make you guys go all Sopranos."
Taking a deep breath to calm down, I kept rational Bella in the driving seat. I focused myself on being as honest as possible. I owed them that.
"That will just make working there really awkward. As it stands, working there isn't so bad." Five pairs of eyes narrowed, I went on quickly, explaining myself and hoping that it would help. "The pay's good. I'm bartending. There's a girl, who's training me, she's like mid-twenties and pretty cool. She's always with me." I feel fractional relief seep into my bones as I describe Stef because, she may not know it, but she could have just saved my ass back home. I keep my ship of truth moving full-steam-ahead and say the most important thing of all. The one thing that I know will give them some peace of mind, as they wait and worry, till I'm safely back home. "And, the Shadow Fangs aren't there for more than a second."
It's true, I tell you! They'd left early, and returned late.
A silence fell over us. They stood, feet rooted to the spot, and stared ahead, lost in their musings, while I battled hard against all the emotions swirling in me, the most predominate still being guilt and confusion.
"Jesus!" Jake shook his head rapidly, frustrated. "This is just one, big, fucking mess."
"I'm sorry…" I whispered, my head low in defeat.
I was too afraid to reach out and touch Jake's hand, lest he understand what I was really apologizing for...
"Yeah," he let out a deep breath, and I swear, something stabbed into my heart coldly when he glanced at me with distant eyes.
"I don't really give a shit," Jared bites out. "She's not going back." His voice is harsh and he shakes his head determinedly. His lips press together in a grim line, he's addressing the guys.
Jakes eyes snapped up to his, along with that of the others.
"Let's talk about something else?" Jake says, it doesn't really sound like he's making a suggestion. He grabs my hand in his large one as he speaks to everyone, but he kept his eyes fixed on Jared, silently directing him to calm down.
"Come on!" JC blew up at Jake. "It's fucking Fangs for fucks sakes! You can't tell me any of us buys a word coming out of her mouth! "
My eyes flew open, the tears that had brimmed them spilled past my lashes.
The way he was looking at them, hurt more than the truth of his words. It was a fall out.
My heart plummeted to my feet. I'd caused it.
"I said, drop it!" Jake yelled fiercely, his eyes still on Jared he stepped forward, blocking him from me.
I couldn't understand it. Why he'd do that. But I didn't have much time to dwell on it. There were more pressing matters to be addressed as thing began spiraling more and more out of control.
They were arguing and it was because of me.
Jake was defending me, oblivious to my screw ups. I didn't deserve it.
Jared was right to say what he'd said, even if they didn't know it.
I shook my head violently from side to side. The voices in my head were getting louder and the arguing was making head explode. Finally I snapped. The dam broke and despite me wanting to stop them, my unusual outburst of tears was impossible to control anymore.
I sobbed.
JC glanced away from Jake, to me. His eyes grew wide and his expression fell like a rock to the ground.
"Bells—" he said but my mind was as blurry as my vision.
I felt dizzy. I needed to get out of there.
Without hesitation I spun away, ducking my head down and hiding my tears from them, I pushed past Seth, Paul and Sam and bolted out the house.
I ran. I ran hard and fast. My calf muscles burned as I picked up my pace, cutting through the trees I could still hear Jared and Seth ring out a chorus of, Bella's, from the house at my back.
But I couldn't stop.
It was like the dream that haunted me, only I wasn't running towards Forks.
I was trying to outrun myself, and the chaos I'd brought into my life.
To think, how simple my life would've been had I just said one simple word; Truth. I would've never gotten the dare, I would've never dined and dashed the restaurant, and I would've probably never seen Edward Cullen again. But therein lay my problem, a simple dare had put me in the biggest moral dilemma I could ever face, now that I knew him as more than just a notorious name, part of me wanted to know more.
My tears fell harder, and my pace faltered but I didn't stop moving. Even in the darkness of the night, I knew this path all too well. Through the loud rustling trees, and the wind howling in my ears, I could still hear the far off waves that crashed against the shore.
The beach.
My safe place.
Salty air filled my burning lungs, cooling them as I finally broke out of the forest. My feet ached for the rocky sand that covered the shore, paying homage with each footfall. I stared at the dark, beautiful waves as I ran closer, my steps becoming burdened as the soft, loose sand weighed down my sneakers. The choppy, tumultuous water, breaking on the shore was a fitting personification of my inner turmoil… it was rough, it was angry, it was self-destructive and on this moonless night, it was almost black.
The moist air blew through my hair, fanning it out behind me as I finally stopped. Just short of the water, resting my cold palms on my trembling knees, I tried in vain to catch my breath. Panting hard, I leaned forward and cried… cried, like I hadn't cried in a long time… years, to be exact.
My body convulsed violently and my legs caved under me at the intensity. I went crashing down to the sand, my knees dug into the moist ground and my jeans grew damp where it made contact.
I stayed there like that for an eternity; legs folded beneath me, sobbing to the point of suffocation on the wet sand.
I wasn't able to stop, I didn't want to as yet… for two seconds I just wanted to be.
It seemed like ages past before I finally quieted. I sat there, knees now tucked under my chin, staring out at the dark open sea. Turns out it was a new moon tonight and that's what shrouded the area in a dark shadow. I wasn't sure why, but it felt symbolic. I sniffled into my sleeve, watching hypnotically, as the foam outlined the black waves like a silver lining.
I kissed Edward. I kissed him.
Not the other way round.
I couldn't understand why I hadn't stopped myself. It was so out of character for me. Since childhood, before they even became the 'Grey Wolves', they were the only family I knew and in my childhood I never would have dreamed that I'd one day do something that could jeopardize that.
Jake was my pillar right from the beginning, in his own way he tried to shelter me from the Renee situation when we were kids. He just a kid himself for God's sakes but somehow, amazing Jake did it anyway. He wasn't jealous when I came to live with them, not even when Sarah would spend more time with me than him. He didn't mind having to share a room with a bratty three-year-old for months until Billy could turn the tiny spare room into a bedroom for me. He held a maturity in him even at the tender age of six. Jake would share his toys with me, not complaining if I dropped or broke any. Once, when I was six, Sarah got really sick, she couldn't get out of bed or do anything at all. We'd been petrified but Jake… he tried very hard to braid my hair for me, succeeding after the third attempt, and fed me breakfast before he left for school, despite knowing he'd be late as a result. That's Jake, he was the embodiment of everything a brother should be, right from the get go.
The rest of the guys were roughly the same. Sam's a year older, but he and Jake have been best friends since he got to kindergarten. Sam would come home for play dates, and would include me in their games when he could. He had two front teeth missing the first time he showed up and I thought he was awesome. A car accident, and two month long hospital stay, lead to Sam being held back a year, that inadvertently resulted in him landing right next to Jake in his class when he got back. They thought that was awesome… Boys.
We met Paul when he transferred to their class. Needless to say, he had 'exemplary' behavior back then too. He was part gremlin, I shit you not, his mother herself had said so! Their house was just off the beach, so we'd see him whenever we went down there to swim or surf. Eventually, he started coming up here as well. When he did, he was overtly quiet around me, going through that phase were girls are 'gross'.
However, Paul quickly overcame that the first day Embry showed up. When Jake wasn't looking, Embry pushed me out the sandpit in the Blacks backyard; Paul proceeded to clobber him with a plastic shovel. Embry and I have been close ever since!
Even now, when I think about it I giggle like a child again.
Jared, Quil and Seth, joined us a bit later.
Seth is the youngest child of Sarah's best friend, Sue. When Sarah would babysit the kids, Seth and Jake would hang out for a bit. I'd only get to play with them when Jakes cousin, Rachel, and Seth's sister, Leah, were done playing dress up with me. He's the youngest from the guys so naturally; Seth only started hanging out with Sam and the others when he was a bit older.
Jared and Quil were a different story. They met Jake in middle school. Jake was moved by Mr. Richmond to a seat at the front of the class because he, Paul and Sam caused too big of a commotion at the back. Due to his new placement though, Jake was now seated between Jared and Quil. Sweet, baby Jesus, Richmond threatened to quit his job.
Collin and Brady were the latest additions, but we love them all the same. They fell into the scene when the guys were in high school. It was around the time that the Grey Wolves formed. Sam had shop with them, got into a fight and they backed him up… of course the grand makings of a beautiful friendship for our kind. Those two clowns fitted in perfectly with the gang.
At too young ages the boys had already built up scary reputation as individuals, years later when they began hanging together, the locals at the Reservation dubbed them the Grey Wolves. It stuck, and that in a nutshell, is how the Wolves formed. It happened naturally. Today, there are a huge number of others in the gang or affiliated with them but these are the most important to me out of the lot. I've spent most of my life around them, and they've been there with me and the family, through almost everything, literally. Through the years, we've become one firm family unit. I grew up with brothers, I'm a tomboy, I mix well with them and as a result go most everywhere that they do. I've always been Jake's little sister, honorary baby Wolf.
I loved them so much, that it hurt to think what would happen if they found out what I'd done today. As much as Jake took care of me, would he understand my behavior? Judging from what I left behind at the house tonight, probably not…
And I couldn't really blame him… not even I could make head or tail of why I'd done it.
My tear ducts had run dry but my eyes burned the same at the disappointment I felt in myself. The utter hopelessness, because I'd betrayed them unthinkingly and if I were being honest with myself, Jared was right not to want me to go back… because truthfully I wasn't sure what would happen when I did.
Edward Cullen was everything that I should avoid. He had the potential to destroy everything I held dear to me, to completely annihilate the facets of my family, to destroy me. It wasn't that he wasn't one of us. It was that he was a rival gang member. It was completely taboo and could have terrifying results. But, regardless of all these intelligent and logical deliberations, it was always him that won in the end.
When in his presence, I couldn't fight the pull I felt towards him. It frightened me because, the more time I spent with him, I was slowly becoming unsure as to whether or not I wanted to fight it… Somewhere inside me, I knew that I'd be fighting a losing battle…
I truly was an idiot!
~.~.~D&D~.~.~
The guys didn't come after me. I knew Sam would've stopped them. He's good with situations like this.
Reaching into my bag, I grabbed my pack and slid out a cigarette. Bringing it to my lips, I searched for a lighter. "Shit," I said under my breath when I couldn't find it. Unzipping the smaller compartments, I reached blindly, trying to feel the cold plastic exterior of it. I said a silent, hallelujah, when I finally discovered it right at the bottom, under a chocolate bar.
The flame flickered wildly in the ocean breeze. Cupping my hand to shield it, I pulled on the white bodied, relief demon and watched triumphantly as smoke rose up from the glowing red tip. Tucking the lighter into my pocket, I took a long drag, shutting my eyes and trying hard to stop thinking.
The sound of sticks cracking at the end of the forest, snapped me to attention. Swiveling sharply, I saw Jake emerge though the trees.
"Hey." He said stepping forward.
He watched for any signs that I wanted to be alone. I shook my head, no. He nodded and came and sat beside me.
He jabbed his thumb towards the cliff. "Guy's bounced," he said, making a valiant attempt not to look at the cigarette burning between my fingers. Digging his sneakers into the sand he let it slide and wordlessly we sat on the cold ground.
"I'm sorry, Jake." I whisper, truthfully. Sorry, for everything I know and can't tell them. Sorry, for everything I realized while sitting on this beach. Lord knows, I'd never do anything to hurt them intentionally, yet, I knew the hopelessness of the situation anyway… there really was nothing I could say…
Staring hard ahead at the breaking waves, my voice was still raw from all the crying, I cleared it trying to hide it but it didn't work.
"Me, too." He reached for my smoke, as he slung a warm arm around me, giving my shoulders a light squeeze and pulling back to take a long drag. He let the smoke out his nose.
We sat in silence for a long while. He offered me the cigarette back. I took it quietly, putting the filter to my lips and pulling in long and deep, taking the burn it gave my throat as a punishment, while I simultaneously sought the comfort it provided so that I didn't break down again, this time with an audience.
He had nothing to be sorry for and I wanted him to know that.
"We're just tryna look out for you, Bells." He says seriously, as I pass the significantly shorter stem back to him.
He doesn't smoke. Instead, like me, he remained looking at the waves, as if they held the answers to our questions. It was an old habit that we couldn't kick. I'd actually picked it up from him when we were far younger. This was his safe place, I just adopted it.
"Maybe we're taking it a bit far this time…" he continued, flicking the cigarette into the next wave that crashed at our feet.
The water came higher up this time, covering the tips of our sneakers and allowing its uncomfortable iciness to seep into our socks.
He bumped shoulders lightly and angled his head to look at me. "The Shadow Fangs are dangerous," he says, looking me in the eye, "and you're nothing but a pawn for them. It makes us uneasy shorty, you get that, yeah?"
Swallowed thickly, that stung bad. I wasn't offered that privilege of time though, I couldn't dwell on it, instead I had to focus on what Jake was trying to say; that the guys cared.
I knew that already.
I cared back. Really, I did, so much.
"I'm trying." I said quietly. I knew that that simple statement held more meaning to it than Jake could ever fathom. I was trying to fight the Shadow Fangs… one in particular… but it wasn't working out so good.
Jakes next words cut through me like a knife. Sharp and twisting, the blade of guilt wedged itself deeper inside my chest.
"I know." He says with blatant surety, "and I promise we'll try not to make this any harder on you. I'll take care of, JC. You know he's just being a hot head," he takes a breath through his mouth and lets it out, relaxing himself, "he doesn't mean any of it. This'll be over soon, Bells. Don't let it get to ya', you know better than to think we'd bail on you, you're gon' be fine."
Tucking my head under his chin, he pulled me in for a quick hug, trying to make me feel better.
Irony, at its peak.
I shut my eyes tightly and clutched onto him by his shirt like I would a life preserver.
Yeah you would… I thought sadly. I stayed there for a moment, the safety of my brother, even after his hand dropped off my shoulder so that he could stretch his broad arms.
When did life get this complicated, I asked myself angrily, and as if God was listening in on my inner monologue, my phone buzzed. Fishing it out, I looked to the screen and saw Angela's name flashing brightly, inadvertently I remembered Mike and his stupid dare. Yeah, yeah, that's how!
Jake allowed me privacy to answer the call. Flipping open the phone, I brought it to my ear. "Hello?"
She dove in head first.
"Bella! I'm so sorry! I really am! I panicked! And it was so stupid! I didn't know you got caught until we got into the damn car! Jess and I told Mike to turn around, I swear we did! But he kept saying there was nothing we could do, and that we shouldn't worry because he was going to get you help! He told me he was going to speak to one of your friends, I swear! He said, he was getting help! I'm a terrible friend! I completely understand if you never want to speak me!"
She was desperate, I could tell by the way she was rambling. Angela never rambles.
"It's o—kay." I drag it out, so she knows I mean it. I do mean it. "Mike spoke to Seth, and they took care of it."
Talk about using words loosely. Seth took care of something.
I sighed, trying to ease some of her tension. It wasn't her fault. The dare was Mike's idea and apparently, so was not turning the car round for me. I can't be mad at the others for that.
"Don't worry about it 'kay?" I say. "I'm getting paid and stuff, so it's like I scored a part-time job." My attempt at humor fell flat.
"I really am sorry, Bella…"
"I know Ange, it's not a big deal, don't feel bad. If it makes you feel any better, I forgive you." I had enough of this topic for today; I just wanted to stop discussing it… I wished I could get back to my simple life. "There really wasn't anything anyone could do. None of us expected to get caught. Let's not dwell, 'kay? I'm kind of tired, I'll see you Monday."
"Monday?"
Her voice held confusion. I furrowed my brows.
"You're not coming to the car wash?"
Now, I was confused.
Forks High held a car wash every semester to raise funds for the shelter, but taking into consideration how rainy the town is, the date was completely unpredictable.
"I didn't know about it."
"Yeah the weather's supposed to be good tomorrow. Same drill every time, first weekend with no rain, it's the car wash. You coming?"
She asks me even though we both knew attendance is mandatory. The wash counted as part of our gym, in reality we all knew it was a bribe to make sure we all showed up. Quite honestly when it came to gym class I didn't mind the extra help, I have it last period on a Friday... I cut that class like crazy.
"No, I'll be there. See you at school." I nodded, like she could see me.
"See you there. Night…"
Her voice is remained unsure but she cut the call anyway.
I let out a breath. Great, now, I had to go to school tomorrow. The feeling of disappointment was too powerful for me to attempt to ignore. If anything, this made me realize just how badly I wanted to go work…
I felt the last open door slam shut in my face, I was screwed.
Seeing my forlorn expression Jake asks, "What, was that about?" as he offers me a hand to get up.
I stared at him, then back to my phone. I knew that I should tell him that I wasn't going to work tomorrow. My lowest point is a grave… and I'm apparently, determined to keep digging. A word I don't mean to speak, slips past my lips automatically.
I say, "Nothing…"
~.~.~ D&D ~.~.~
It was too early in the morning when Sarah entered the kitchen.
"You look ready for action." She commented as she past by me to get to the steaming pot of coffee I'd made.
"Working girl." I answer automatically.
I mentally slapped myself when she paused mid-step.
"Since when?" She glanced at me, astonished.
I heard the cruiser pull up just as I was about to answer.
"That's dad." I said, hopping off the counter. I kissed her cheek quickly and grabbed my stuff. "I gotta go. See you later." I call over my shoulder before shutting the back door.
Running down the pathway, I opened the cruiser door, and sat inside before Charlie could cut the engine. He looked at me funny before chuckling and pulling out the driveway.
"Hey kiddo. Can't say, I took you, for the shoe sale typa girl?"
I laughed hard, despite myself. My poor ol' man. "I'm not going on a shopping trip, dad."
His bushy brows furrowed, "What's the hurry then? Meeting someone?"
"Nope…" I said carefully, not wanting to really get into how and why, "I got a job."
Dad looks staggered, "You— got a what?"
"A job." I clarified with a smile at his reaction.
"When'd you get a job?" he asked puzzled. "You know if you needed money, Bells, you could've come to me… I mean— getting a job, now? School's starting." he shakes his head emphatically, trying to understand what he's hearing so early this morning.
"I know," I answered quickly to quell his worries, "it's not about the money, I just really want to do this."
Once the words were out there in the open for me to hear, it even amazed me, just how true they were.
"It's empowering," I say with new vigor. Then I motivate the decision, almost believing for a second myself, that I'm doing this because I want to. "It's part-time, they'll work my hours out so that it won't affect school, my transports fixed, the cash is just a cool bonus. My own, hard earned money." Yup, that last part makes me feel good on the inside. I'm working and earning.
He chewed on that for a while, mulling it over from every angle. I was getting antsy as the seconds ticked by.
Then he finally starts mumbling under his, "Well, doesn't sound too bad… If it's what ya want…" Dad lets out a deep huff and I want to do a happy dance because I know what will follow. "I guess the experience couldn't hurt," he says.
I smile in relief, I don't know what I would've done if he'd said no. With all the shit going on in my head since I'd bumped into that Shadow Fang, my situation with Nell' Ombra needed no help, screwing my mind over. Things at the Res were so complicated, as well. I just don't know what I would've done if I had to juggle dad into it as well. It's not like I could just quit, God that would've been so easy, but those blasted Seattle feds just had to be the witnesses to my deal with Edward.
"Thank you."
Dad, nodded once, clearing his throat, uncomfortable with the 'moment' we were having. I can practically picture him freaking out in his head… As he feared, the kid's really were growing up. Dad can handle high risk situations… but his daughter's first job? The Chief sees Armageddon.
On cue, dad's eyes grow large and I cough hard behind my hand to contain my laughter.
He grumbles, going into his cop mode, "Well, what's this job then?"
See, just like that! In the past 48 hours, relief has turned into a brief pleasure for me. It's a pause between tranquility and a fast approaching speedboat filled with shit.
My mind was racing, trying to find a safe route to navigate through this. If I said the restaurant's name, and dad, by some chance, knew who owned the place, he'd go ballistic.
"Nothing, over the top." I said trying to sound aloof. "It's in Port Angeles. I'm working as a ba—"
I choke on air, you don't tell the Chief of police you're an underage bartender.
"Ba—," I smile wide and shrug, "ba-a-sic waitress at this Italian place. Just waitressing."
Dad eye's me for a moment, "Well then, why am I dropping you at the house?" he suddenly looks all kinds of proud, "I've still got some time on my hands Bells, let's go see this place."
My heart stutters to a screeching halt.
"No!" I said too quickly, and dad's cop ears metaphorically pick up again.
"Why, not?" he asks, suspicious.
I needed an excuse. And I needed one quick.
I bugged my eyes out and motioned to the cruiser. "Not exactly, what I want to pull up at work with, dad. Paul's fetching me from home, he said he'll give me a ride."
Dad's brows relaxed, and amusement danced in his eyes, his bushy mustache lifting up as he smiled at his black and white.
"Fine," he conceded, "but take this for emergencies."
He pulled into the driveway and pulled out a can of mace. He handed it to me, along with a twenty out his wallet.
"Billy and I will visit when I get some time off."
"Sure, dad." I rolled my eyes and hopped out, walking over to the drivers' side, I pecked his cheek through the rolled down window. "Just make sure you tip well." I joked and stepped away, allowing him to back out.
He chuckled loudly, getting out the driveway and disappearing down the road, heading to the station.
Mere moments later, Paul pulled up in his blue Pontiac Ventura. I ran in the house quick to lose the mace before I got back to the car.
He leaned over the console and unlocked the door for me.
"I coulda fetched you from Jakes you know." he gave me an upward nod, the silent hello, as I hopped in.
"You spent the night at Rach's." I reply, shutting the door behind me and buckling up. "She lives on the other end of Forks. Driving back to the Reservation woulda just been a waste of time and gas."
He shrugs, it's true.
We drive in comfortable silence for a while, listening to heavy metal most of the way.
"Why are you leaving this early anyway?" he questioned, his body language was relaxed. I knew him well enough to know it was for my benefit.
"There's a car wash at school today." I answer honestly. "Nell' Ombra is open for breakfast on a Sunday so I want to clock in early and see if I can work my shift in time to go school before the wash is over."
That was the same reasoning I'd given to myself last night. Needless to say, I hadn't slept a wink.
"And this will fly with that fucker, Cullen?"
I looked at Paul through the corner of my eye because quite honestly I didn't know. I'd been so worried about everything else that was going on last night that the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. Could I switch shifts?
The car wash started at ten and I wasn't needed the entire day in order for it to count as an assessment.
"It has to." I answer confidently, focusing on traffic flow, as he pulled into the street and Nell' Ombra came into view.
Blinking rapidly, I tried to stomp down the monster in me that was happy to see it.
"Besides, he probably won't be there and I'm pretty sure Stef will let me out by 2."
We cut the engine, parked across the street from the building that had changed our lives so much in such a short space of time.
"If there's any problem, you know what to do." Paul says solemnly.
I climb out and shut the door. Smiling reassuringly, I tapped my phone.
"Good," he nods and his dark eyes flash back to the restaurant, "I'll fetch you at 2. Be safe, sis."
He drives off and I turn and take a deep breath, beginning my short trek to, what is now, my self-imposed purgatory.
Numerous vehicles were already parked outside but I had no clue who they belonged to. There were four bikes parked close to the entrance. I stride past them, taking the steps cautiously.
Ever make a decision without thinking it through? A decision you made out of false belief at the time that it's not 'so bad'… one that you only realize is fucked up the second you're standing in front of it, about to face just how monumental it actually is.
I did, last night and it was only hitting me now. Bella, the grave digger, is hard at work my people.
I've lived a risky life, all my life, obviously, look at the crowd I run with. But this was stupid. So, so, utterly stupid! I'm a straight A student, whose brain has vacated the building. I took an already fucked up situation and decided to screw it further, all a whim. I wanted to see a forbidden guy, who I'm irrevocably and unexplainably drawn to.
The doors of Nell' Ombra were open for business. A few customers were going through the menu and the staff members were already on the job, when I crossed the threshold. Speed walking across the floor area and noted new faces all over the place. The waiters from yesterday weren't here. Apparently, things were no different at the bar either.
My heart plummeted when I noticed that Stef wasn't around but I sent silent thanks heavenward, when I saw Bree. She was drying some glasses and facing away from me. Just as I called out to her, she disappeared to get more stuff out back. However, my movement managed to catch the attention of another employee.
She was strawberry blonde, really pretty and had black, diamond eyes. No, lie. They were sharp and sparkled like beads. She was older than me, but looked younger than Stef. She span away from the bar to face me. Her interest had, probably, been piqued when I called Bree, because my hand was still raised in her direction. I dropped it quick.
"Can I help you?" Raising a brow, her cool voice was curt.
"Um, hi." I said. My attempt at politeness was unneeded. She did nothing but look at me expectantly, so I continued, "Is Stephenie in?"
"No." She replied, hard and firm, "she's on the late shift." With that, she turned away and continued sorting through the whiskeys.
Wow. Bitchy much?
I try again, "Is there anyone else that I can speak to?" I pause, waiting for her to turn around or acknowledge me, but she doesn't bother. "I started working here yesterday, and I needed to change my shift. My name's Be—"
"I know who you are." She cut me off abruptly, spinning back. She looked serene, even though there was no trace of a smile on her face, but her dark eyes, held unmistakable, contempt as she stared me down.
The animosity in the air was thick.
"You could've called in to say you need to change it."
I was about to defend myself. I don't like being spoken down to. But, no, Blondie wasn't done yet.
"Don't bother telling me you don't have the number. That's the first thing we give to the staff when we're training them. I know why you're here." She sneered staring at me.
She didn't blink and I mean once. I swallowed thickly. I wanted to spit fire.
Technically, I had no idea who this girl was. My luck was shitty lately. I didn't want shoot my mouth off, tell her where to stick it and find out she's the supervisor or something, afterwards.
Tamping down my anger, I tried to rein in my guilty look and with as much poise as I could muster up, I met her look head on, raising a challenging brow. If you're gonna call me on bullshit, woman up and call me on it.
"And why's that?" I asked.
She sniggered, her eyes turned colder and she ignored my question.
"Stef, will be in later. Just like you're supposed to be," she said, pointedly.
I knew that was a dismissal so I piped up quickly.
"Look, I need an early shift." I folded my arms over my chest, needing to keep them wrapped so I didn't pound something— like her. "So, if you can't help me, can you just point me in the direction of someone who can?"
My eyes shifted to the two way glass at her back. It didn't go unnoticed.
Much to my confusion, Blondie's eye's narrowed.
"You're looking for Rose." She said sharply, jabbing her head in the opposite direction. With those sweet words, she got back to her whiskeys and again, commenced ignoring my existence.
I stared at her back in disbelief. What the fuck was that?
Shutting my jaw, I blinked at her a couple of times. Shaking my head, I turned around to locate this Rose person.
"Thanks, for nothing." I muttered under my breath, peeved. This girl hadn't spent enough time with me to hate me like that.
Shrugging it off, I walked back to the floor and found a waiter.
"Excuse me." I said, getting the big guy's attention.
"Yes, Miss?" he stopped, balancing his tray of too many eggs expertly, as he spoke. Pleasant wrinkles at the corners of blue-grey eyes, he had dark hair, appeared to be in his late twenties early thirties, and for the most part, his smile was real.
I was least, there's no stick up his ass.
I returned his smile in relief that Blondie was the only bitch around so far.
"I'm looking for Rose."
"Aah…" He said nodding his head to the side. "Rosalie's there. The one on the left. Red shirt, blue jeans. Can't miss her."
I wanted to hug him, I was that grateful. "Right. Thanks."
He smiled one more time and went on his way. Following his directions I easily spotted her, and then, my face fell.
Great… she's blonde too.
Slightly unnerved by my run in with the girl at the bar, I crossed my fingers and walked over to her.
This Rosalie was tall and beautiful. Unbelievably, beautiful. Even as a girl I could see that.
I'm one of the sought-after girls in school, the forbidden fruit. I'm not vain about it but it's true. It's sweet and flattering but also a pain in the ass because everyone is scared shitless to approach me; they know of Jake. This said, dressed in an orange t-shirt and my blue American Eagle skinny's, I probably looked like Cinderella before the ball next to Sleeping Beauty over here.
"Rosalie?" I asked.
Green. Emerald green, almost as brilliant as Edward's, looked up from the Blackberry she wielded in her perfectly, manicured, hands.
"Yes?" She didn't smile or anything, but she didn't seem to hate me either.
Working with what I got, I continued speaking, taking it a good sign that her eyes held veiled inquisitiveness, not disdain. "I started here yesterday," I explained. "The girl at the bar said to speak to you because I need an early shift today."
"You're, Isabella." She stated, matter-of-factly.
"Yes," I answered. She intimidated me, a lot. And, she wasn't even the one going for my throat like Blondie at the bar had. "I've got to be at a school fundraiser, later on. I was hoping, I could work early today and so that I can leave by 2?"
She watched me, her face neutral. She gave nothing away. Twiddling my thumbs nervously under her scrutiny, I waited for her to say something, anything. She looked almost skeptical. Like she wasn't sure what to make of me, and honestly, I wasn't sure what to make of that.
"Fine." She said finally, her face still impartial. She glanced at her watch, "It's 7 on the dot, so you can pull your seven hour shift and leave at 2. Stephenie, had you at the bar right?" Rosalie stated, more than asked.
I nodded in confirmation.
She glanced at the kitchen for a second, then the bar, then back to me. "Okay, you're on bar duty."
I swallowed remembering the direct orders I got yesterday.
"Edward, said to work in the kitchen," I left out the part about working at the bar when he was here, because one, I didn't know if he was here, and two, part of me wanted to avoid the Evil Blondie that was at the bar currently.
"Unavoidable. You swapped shifts and the guy that was going to train you for the kitchen is coming in on the late one." She answered. "You're familiar with the bar, man that for today and we'll get back on schedule from tomorrow. I'll speak to Edward." She completed.
She'll speak to Edward? My throat went slightly dry at the thought that she seemed to be able to speak to him so easily.
"Okay, thanks."
"Sure." Rosalie gave me a firm nod and grabbed her phone. Slipping it into her pocket, she walked towards one of the trays, balanced it on her hip and began placing plates onto it.
Making my way towards the bar, I chewed on my bottom lip… She also had her phone with her… What was so different about her with regards to him…?
My conscience kicked in and my heart plummeted. Who cares, Bella! I berated. It's nothing to you, who he favors, and why.
And so my mantra began… Wolf. Wolf. Wolf. Wolf.
Gah! I swear it was getting so loud in my ears, I was gonna start fucking howling like a moron if I didn't quit it! I shook my head hard and cleared it.
Snaking around the counter, I thanked the powers up-sky that I hadn't brought a jacket or bag with me today, because with Stef gone I had nowhere to stash it. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I grabbed a rag and wiped down the counter, happily knowing that my phone was mute and undetectable under my baggy tee.
"Help Bree in the back," Evil Blondie instructed as she pranced past me to get to the cash register.
Not bothering say anything in return, because I knew it was futile, I sighed heavily and turned to the storeroom.
"Bree?" I called, looking at all the liquor stacked around.
"At the back," a muffled answer came from the far end of the room.
Weaving through the shelves of alcohol I found her crouched in front of the brandy.
"You?" she said raising a brow before turning back to her task, "You're early." She said simply.
"Yeah, I switched." I replied there wasn't any reason to be vague because, as luck would have it, she wasn't the prying type.
"Cool." She rose with a groan. Stiff from squatting, she placed her palms to her lower back, "Help me get the empty bottles in the trash, while I sort out the stuff we've gotta take to the front."
I nodded, taking the bag of clinking glass from her and dropping it in the dumpster in the alley out back. Dusting my hands off, I went back in and helped her grab cases of the stuff we had to take to the front. Four trips later, we were all set with a fully stocked bar.
Bree wasn't bad. She was just didn't like imposing herself on people she didn't know, to put it loosely, she was the 'to the point' type. My favorite kind. She was me, just older.
"Good job," she winked and disappeared to her section.
Happy that my work got some form of approval, I smiled. That smile, however, was wiped away fast.
"New girl!" I cringed internally at the voice barking at me, "clean out the back."
After shoving a broom in my hand, I watched as the shrew promptly left. Somehow, looking at her I just knew that Evil Blondie was going to make today long.
Flipping her off, I scampered into the back and begun the nerve wrecking task of sweeping between shelves and stacked boxes in the massive storeroom.
My forehead was sheen with a layer of sweat by the time I was done.
Leaning against the broom, I stretched my tee away from my abdomen up and brought it to my brow to wipe away the moisture. Trying to catch my breath, I glanced at my watch.
An hour and thirty minutes! My eyes grew with disbelief; I was sweeping for an hour and thirty minutes!
The door behind me swung open and Bree poked her head in. When she saw me, her jaw went slack. "Rosalie's looking for you," she said, looking at me puzzled.
I nodded and quickly did a turn around the room, making sure I hadn't missed any spots. When I faced the door again I stopped short. There stood Rosalie holding it open.
"Sorry, I was just checking the place real quick." I apologized quickly, she was probably pissed at having to come and get me herself.
"What are you doing?" she asked. Her questioning gaze zeroed in on the broom like she had a harpoon and that was the target.
"Cleaning out the back?" I asked her.
It wasn't a question. It was a fact, because I had, in fact, been cleaning out the back. But it sounded like a question because she intimidated me to the point that I was leaving up to her to decide if I was cleaning up the back or dancing with the broom.
Pathetic Bella, I chastised myself.
"Isabella, put down the broom and come out." Rosalie spoke precisely.
I couldn't for the life of me understand why she sounded so shocked but I did as told.
"Here," she said, handing me some tissue out her pocket and taking in my appearance, "go clean up. Your break was supposed to start fifteen minutes ago." She looked suspiciously at Evil Blondie who shrugged.
"Couldn't find her." She sent Rosalie an apologetic smile but her eyes danced with contentment as she took in my ruffled, dirty, appearance.
I stared at her unblinkingly. How didn't you find me bitch? You sent me in there!
"Yeah, I was probably concealed by the crystal clear bottles of Vodka." I griped snidely under my breath.
"Go fix yourself up and get something to eat from the kitchen." Rosalie directed me. Her expression was still unfathomable. "Break time meals are on the house for employees."
Instantly my mood improved. The storeroom was too big, aside from blisters on my palms, I had also developed a monster hunger. My stomach did a happy dance at her words.
I agreed quickly and walked towards the bathroom and I swear I heard Evil Blondie cynically ask Rosalie, "Since when?"
Pushing open the ladies room, I fisted my hands into tight balls and screamed quietly, ignoring the sting of the blisters as strands rubbed against it.
I was gonna need a drink if I had to put up with Evil Blondie the entire day!
I was furious! Why did she hate me! It wasn't fair! I didn't know her! She should at least afford me the opportunity to give her a reason first. When I finally snapped and knocked her flat on her ass? Yeah, that's when she should start hating me! Because I swear to God, I was not only capable of doing it, but I was so fucking tempted!
Looking in the mirror I grimaced. I had dirt on my forehead and nose. Splashing cold water on my face, I told myself to calm down. I gratefully retrieved the tissues Rosalie had given me and wiped away the water. Neatening myself up, I ventured out in the direction of the kitchen, mentally ordering myself to forget about Evil Blonde.
Swinging open the doors my nostrils filled with the most delectable of fragrances. My stomach seemed so pleased it was calling its sister, brother, mom, dad, extended family and some neighbors over. Yes, yes, stomach and I were eating for an army today.
"Rosalie sent this," a voice behind me spoke.
A menu dropped in my lap and I looked up to see the waiter from earlier.
"You can get whatever you want." He grinned warmly. "Didn't know you were working here, we usually meet the new staff when things are busy and they messing up," he joked. "Rough day?"
"I'll say." I grumbled childishly and he chuckled.
"I'm sure it'll get better," he said looking at the clock.
His gaze was fixated on the number 11 like it held significance.
"The name's Felix," he introduced himself, "just let Marcus, know what you want." He pointed out the chef as he turned to leave.
"Thank you," I said as he left. Lifting the menu off my lap I scanned the elegant gold script quickly. The food was to die for! And the prices could actually kill you! My inner Bella whistled, Damn.
Things looked good. So, good. I couldn't decide what I wanted.
Someone's laughter caught my attention and I looked up to the chef, Marcus. He was probably my dad's age and had that paternal look about him. "I'd go for the Omelette alla Marinara," he advised with a thick accent. "An omelet with mozzarella, topped with marinara sauce, your choice of pancetta or sausage, with a side of country potatoes." He said raising his finger in a c'est magnifique gesture. "Besides" he chuckled, I smiled, with his accent it sounded like 'beer-sides'. "If you take any longer your break may be over before you decide."
I laughed genuinely for the first time today and it felt good. "That sounds perfect. I'll have pancetta instead of sausage please."
He nodded and began getting all the ingredients together. It was fascinating to watch considering how limited my cooking abilities were. I watched amazed as he finished up in moments and served me a plate complete with garnish. Rubbing my hands together like I won the lottery my manners flew out the window as my hunger took over. Grabbing a fork I dug in immediately.
"Mmmmm." I moaned without thinking.
Jesus Christ this was good!
"Thank you!" I exclaimed between mouthfuls.
He looked at me amused and bowed his head exaggeratedly, clearly liking that I enjoyed his cooking. Then he retreated to his stove to whip up more food for his orders.
My break was indeed over by the time I wiped my plate clean of its contents. I hummed satisfied. Crap, if they wanted me to work here just for the food I think I could live with that.
The fear of my dare had really prevented me from truly appreciating my meal the other day, I thought as I left.
I was barely two steps in my section when I noticed the huge spill. A gooey substance was smeared on the bartender's side of the counter. I had no idea where it could've come from because it wasn't there when I left. Not having a choice I grabbed a rag and went to the tap, wetting it under the spray thoroughly. Wringing out the excess water, I went back to my area, crouched down and began wiping away the liquid.
It was harder than it looked.
The substance was sticky sweet and clung to the metal. I had to wake up numerous times to wash out the cloth and re-wipe the place.
Finally, out of breath I rose and smiled triumphantly at the gleaming metal that was now free of any residue.
"Fill out these orders."
My smile vanishing as fast as it came, I cringed at the cool voice. Evil Blondie pointed to the slips next to the counter and turned away from me again.
"Fine." I said dejectedly, my high from the kitchen falling fast. Walking over to the register I couldn't help but wonder who drank alcohol before 11 anyway? Picking up the order slips, my jaw dropped.
Was she kidding?
She had to be kidding!
How was I supposed to fill all of these orders by myself, there were close to 12 slips in my hand!
"Table 6; 2 Mimosas. Table 3; Coffee & Liquor. Table 12; 3 Bloody Mary's." I read out randomly.
As I went through the others I realized that aside from the Mimosas and Bloody Mary, I'd never even heard of the other drinks!
Panic filled me from my toes to the roots of my hair. It wasn't like I could ask her for help and Bree was on her break. Swallowing my pride, I knew I had no choice but to tell her I didn't know how to make any of these things and hope that she'd help me.
"I don—"
"Mix three parts champagne to two parts orange juice for the Mimosa."
I was cut off by the person I least expected to show up. Two champagne flutes snapped onto the counter and attached to them were perfectly manicured nails. I stared shocked at Rosalie as she placed her tray beside them on the counter. She raised a brow at me asking what I was waiting for and I wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Grabbing the glasses, I went about filling them according to her instructions. By the time, I got back to her there was a mug on her tray.
"The espresso and coffee are taken care of," she told me and I burned the recipe to memory, nodding at her in understanding as she explained the rest. "Now, just add Sambuca, till it almost reaches the top."
It went on like that until the slips had disappeared from my hand. Without waiting for thanks, she grabbed the tray with the coffee.
"Table 3's mine," she said and I think she produced a ghost of a smile in my direction before she pranced off.
It was the first time she had shown any pleasantness when talking to me.
"Ease up on the girl, Tanya." She warned over her shoulder.
I was shocked. Grateful, very grateful but still shocked.
I smiled and it only seemed to grow as I made eye contact with Evil Blondie; Tanya. She was fuming. Glaring at me she stuffed her rag in her belt.
"Sure Rose." She forced out still glaring at me.
Not wanting to push my luck, I turned away from her and began filling out a new order that a waiter had handed over.
I heard the faint roars of bikes drawing closer. Trying to ignore them, I focused on making the four Mimosas, closely following the instructions Rosalie had given me. I barely noticed the sounds stop; I was so excited that the drinks looked about right.
I placed it on the order on the bar-top for the respective waiter like it was a masterpiece.
It was then that he came in. I felt it.
I heard their chuckles before I saw them. Throaty and deep they laughed and joked loudly amongst themselves, not bothering that they were causing a disturbance. They owned the place, in every possible way imaginable. No one would dare stop them and they knew it.
Even without looking up, I felt his eyes when they landed on me.
"What the fu—" his dark velvet voice was cut off by Rosalie.
"I put her there," she said, her voice held only a hint of apprehension, which I didn't understand.
From what I could tell, most people would avoid addressing him on a regular day like a plague, leave alone when he sounded like that!
With my eyes cast downwards, I could still tell he was speaking through clenched teeth.
"Why the fuck is she at the bar Rose?" he wasn't yelling but he didn't have to. Anger bled into his threateningly controlled voice regardless.
"She needed to swap shifts and there was no one to train her in the kitchen that early."
I could feel his burning eyes on me the entire time she spoke. My hands trembled a little as I dried the beer mugs.
He said nothing.
Slowly I felt the hairs at the back of my neck stand up, one by one.
He was walking towards me.
Keeping my head down, I saw his feet pause close to me but not turn in my direction.
"Come with me," was all he said, his voice was lethal and deep making my pulse quicken in fear.
Bad idea, Bella! Very, very bad idea! Next time, just bloody stay at home and call in!
I gulped as he continued walking towards the office. Finally, I raised my eyes and saw his black hoodie disappear round the corner. The door shut behind him with a hard click.
Quickly I placed the mugs down and tucked the rag into my belt loop. In contrast to my brisk walk, I stopped dead at the door.
Unsure what awaited me on the other side I turned the handle with sweaty palms.
Just before entering I caught glimpse of Tanya... she looked like she wanted me skinned alive. Given my current situation, the thought wasn't comforting.
Pushing the door open, I walked in slowly.
There was no one inside.
I halted, glancing at the desk again because I'd become accustomed to seeing him perched there with his legs crossed out in front of him, waiting for me with a condescending smirk on his face upon my entry.
Nope still no one, I thought to myself staring ahead.
Not paying much attention to my side, I shrieked as a warm hand wrapped around my wrist pulling me fiercely. My back slammed softly against the wall. He was on me like a panther. His elbows braced on either side of my head as he watched me with severe jade eyes. We stayed like that. He was unmoving, watching me intently and daring me to blink or look away. I could do neither. Hypnotically, I stared back. My breaths were coming in low pants.
"Why won't you listen to me?" he asked still not blinking.
"I— ahh…"
"Jojo, the guy that grabbed you yesterday," he nudged his head at the bar, still looking at me, "he's dead. We capped him." He said matter-of-factly, watching me closely for a reaction.
His eyes bore into mine as terror and panic shot up my spine and coursed violently through my veins.
He didn't stop. He seemed determined to make his point sink in.
"I told you not to work out front when I'm not here," his voice was precise as hell.
I wanted nothing more than to say I was sorry and run for the hills. I moved an inch to the right, my flight instinct kicking in but I froze instantly as he growled low from inside his chest. Turning back I pressed myself back against the wall and he calmed down.
"Why don't you understand that there are dangerous things out here?" His words were level but fiery, "This is my territory and you're known for being in the company of the Grey Wolves. Anyone I have beef with, my affiliates have beef with. I can take care of them easy. One word, they jump," his eyes narrow, "but that guy from the bar last night, he wasn't one of my guys. Jo-boy's part of another gang that's not too fond of your mutts."
"I am the only thing that can keep you safe here. This place is a haven for guys like me, if it's run by criminals they know the heat here is low. A lot of them that will come in are not mine." He reiterates with fiercely, "They only recognize you by the company you keep," he seethes, his eyes growing cold. "Do you have any fucking idea what could've happened to you if I hadn't shown up last night?"
"I didn't— What— Sorry—" I couldn't form any coherent sentences. I wasn't thinking straight.
He leaned in slowly, as if trying not to startle me. His lips ghosted on my tear streaked cheeks, swiping away the moisture that had spilled from my eyes with his tongue.
"You're safe." he whispered, pulling back. His eyes trained on mine, I believed him. "Just do as you're told." Even though his voice was hard, his eyes were something close to imploring.
"R—Rosalie didn't—I mean— I told her to—" I was trying hard to explain that she wasn't at fault. That I had put her in a spot by changing shifts so suddenly but the words refused to form themselves in a logical sentence. My mind was in a tailspin, knowing that I shouldn't want to be this close to a guy who had just admitted to murder.
"I know," he dismissed my attempt to explain, seeming to understand what I was trying to say, "Rose didn't mean any harm," he says, brushing my hair off my face, like he's trying to make me understand, "if anything went down," his eyes flashed, "she would've gotten you outta here and called us."
My eyes remained on him as he continued.
"But it won't be repeated," he says firmly, "no one puts you out front when I'm not here, understood." It wasn't a question but I nodded anyway, today I did it without hesitation. Seeming content with this, he cocked his head to the side. "Why'd you swap shifts?" he stayed in his position.
"There's a fundraiser at school, a car wash thing, I wanted to see— get there before it closed."
I answered as he watched me. A million questions flickered in his jade orbs. Seconds past and he said nothing.
"Then why'd you come in?" he asked me, searching my eyes for answers instead of waiting for me to speak. "You could've called in," he says, "I told you, we'd work around school."
It's true. I swallowed. I didn't know what to say. And then suddenly, I did know what to say.
Electricity shot through my veins.
My pulse throbbed wildly as my heart pumped faster. Truth, breached my carefully constructed walls, sending them crashing to oblivion. The reason was standing in front of me...
I said nothing. My mind reeling, I stared mutely at him unable to hide the truth from myself any longer.
The undecipherable jade pools turned dark, morphing into something like content satisfaction. He'd found his answer.
"Go to school," he said and backed away from me.
I was left standing there in confusion. "But it's just after 11," I furrow my brows, glancing at the clock.
I looked at him for an explanation. He offered none.
"Go to school." He repeated. "I'll take you."
My head shook in a definite, 'no'. There was already so much I was keeping from the Wolves. It was killing me on the inside, I didn't want to add more to the load. "I've got a ride." My voice is so soft, I'm almost whispering.
He knew what I meant, his eyes narrowed. "Yeah," he says.
Turning away from me, he sauntered back to his table. My feet seemed reluctant to move but I forced them to the door. I was just about to shut it behind me when he spoke again.
"I'll see you later."
My eyes shot up to his.
Leaning nonchalantly against his desk, looking at me through hooded eyes, his smirk told me he was serious. Dead serious.
~.~.~ Thank you for reading. Love and God bless: Kat;) ~.~.~
Prompt Status CH4: Full chapter posted here.