Chapter 3: Going Out with a Bang
Bella slowly opened her eyes but quickly shut them again, turning her head away from the glaring sunlight streaming through the window. She really needed to remember to close those blinds before going to bed. Her head was pounding. Oh, the joys of a hangover—just another reason she hated getting drunk. As memories of last night came flooding back into her consciousness, she let her head fall back onto the pillow. God dammit. No sexy time and now no boyfriend. Back to square one. At least this day can't get any worse, she consoled herself.
Sitting up, Bella swung her legs to the carpeted floor. She opened her eyes again and smiled, realizing her hangover wasn't as bad as she had thought. She'd had it much worse in the past. Looking over at Stacy's bed, she saw her friend sleeping peacefully with a big, satisfied smile on her face. That lucky bitch. Bella stood up and stretched, rising onto her tiptoes until she heard something crack in her back. Ah, one of the signs she was getting older. She'd have to get used to that. She walked slowly to the coffee machine and started a pot. Neither she nor Stacy would leave their dorm room until they were both fully caffeinated.
Grabbing some clothes for the day, Bella walked into the bathroom. One of the things she was most pleased about when she got to college was that her dorm room had its own private bathroom. Before she arrived, she had been apprehensive after hearing how some dorms had communal facilities and showers; she didn't know if she could have lived with that. Some things were meant to be private. She turned on the hot water for the shower and quickly pulled off her pajamas. Inspecting herself naked in the bathroom mirror, she turned this way and that, checking to see if she looked any different now that she was another year older.
Truthfully, she thought she looked better now than she ever had. As she stepped into the shower, she let the hot water cascade through her hair and run down her body. It felt so good. On the bright side, at least she wouldn't have to shave her legs for a while. Foolishly anticipating a big night yesterday, she had gone to the hair salon that Stacy used, which also did waxing, and got all her unwanted hair removed. She shook her head, remembering how she had even let them trim her nether regions. Now, she had no one to appreciate all the work they had done. She let out a breath, willing her mind to relax. There would be other men; she would choose better next time, and she would get that screwing Stephen so politely said she needed. She had waited this long; she could wait a little longer.
Stepping out of the bathroom fully dressed, Bella headed straight to the coffee machine. She smiled as she poured herself a steaming cup, the rich aroma filling the room. Clutching two Excedrin she had grabbed from the bathroom, she swallowed them, hoping to banish the lingering traces of her hangover. As she sipped her coffee, savoring its warmth and flavor, she felt a surge of alertness wash over her, invigorating her senses. This was just the boost she needed to face the day ahead.
"Hey Bella," came a yawning voice from behind her, pulling Bella's attention away from her morning coffee ritual. She turned to see Stacy, still snug under the covers, stretching out lazily.
"Hey Stacy," Bella responded, a grin spreading across her face as she imagined Stacy probably had it a lot worse than her, considering she had been drinking heavily last night. She hopped back onto her own bed, hoping to hear some details about Stacy's night. Even if hers hadn't gone as she had hoped, perhaps she could live vicariously through her friend's exploits.
Stacy stirred awake to the tantalizing aroma of coffee, grateful that Bella had taken the initiative to start it brewing. As she sat up, her back leaning against the wall, the memories of last night rushed back, causing her eyes to snap open.
"Oh! How was last night? Did your plan work? Were you doing the nasty all night long?" Stacy blurted out eagerly, her anticipation growing as she hoped Bella had finally experienced the night she had been longing for. Having crashed hard when she got home, she hadn't even checked to see if Bella had made it back to her own bed.
Bella would have much preferred to chat about Stacy's night, but at least now she had someone she could vent to. With a huff of exasperation, she shook her head. "No, unfortunately, it didn't work out... not for me, anyway. David might have gotten lucky, but I didn't stick around to find out. We're so over!" As she noticed Stacy's puzzled expression, she pressed on. "Stephen convinced me that the best way to get David going was to... well, as you put it, 'do the nasty' with him and let David watch us." She held up her hand, seeing Stacy's eyes bug out of her head and her mouth drop open and knowing the deluge of questions about to come her way. She continued on before Stacy could interject. "I know, I know. All I can say is the idea sounded a lot better when I was drunk and horny."
Stacy was stunned. Holy shit... she had to hear this story. "Did you and Stephen hook up?" she asked, unable to hide her smile as she imagined what that might have been like. "He's so hot. You know, I used his story last night to really spice up my and Greg's fun time. You wouldn't believe how erotic it was to be fucking and imagine different people walking in on you," she confessed, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Even you made an appearance. You were hilarious. You started screaming, 'Oh god. I'm blind, I'm blind,' after seeing us." Stacy laughed, noticing Bella trying to suppress her own giggles.
Bella tried not to laugh at Stacy's over-the-top rendition of her. She had to admit, that scenario sounded better than the night she had endured. Now, how should she explain what happened? It wasn't a big deal, but she didn't want to say something she shouldn't.
"Well," Bella began, choosing her words carefully, "Stephen and I were going at it, and it was great. Then David joined in, and things were looking promising... but then I kinda got left out of the mix, if you get what I'm saying." She shrugged, hoping Stacy would understand without needing too many details.
Stacy sat there for a few moments, processing Bella's words. Suddenly, her hand flew to her mouth to stifle her laughter. She quickly composed herself, her eyes filled with sympathy and amusement.
"I'm sorry, Bella. You deserved better than that," she said, trying to keep a straight face. "You know, I had a feeling David might be gay. That's why I was hinting you might want to look elsewhere. Are you okay?"
Bella let out a long breath before answering. "I'll be fine. I just didn't see it. I'll just chalk it up to my inexperience in these matters."
"How far did you guys get?" Stacy asked, her curiosity piqued. "You didn't find out halfway through, did you?"
"Nah." Bella shook her head. "We had barely just begun. I guess that's a good thing, but damn, I was so close, and Stephen's body… he was so hard. He was really getting me excited and… shit. I had wanted a night I'd never forget. I guess I got it, but I wanted the reason why to be very different."
Both she and Stacy couldn't help but laugh together at her misfortune. The laughter made Bella feel better about everything that had occurred.
"Don't let it get you down. You'll find someone soon, and I'm sure next time you'll pick a real winner," Stacy asserted with confidence, as if it were already a known fact.
"Thanks." Bella glanced at the clock beside her bed. "Well, I need to get going soon. I have an early class today." She let out a sigh, her thoughts turning to her birthday. "I don't know what I'm going to do now to celebrate. David and I had plans, but that's definitely not happening anymore."
"Well, that's easy. We'll celebrate together," Stacy said with a grin. "We'll hit the town, and you'll meet some crazy hot dude, and you'll have wild, passionate sex with him. A one-night stand is exactly what you need to end your birthday with a bang," she laughed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Bella smiled, shaking her head. "Yeah, that sounds just like something I'd do. But seriously, you and I celebrating sounds perfect. How about we hit up that sports bar down by the Boston Commons? You know, the one we went to the other week with the girls, and you were thrilled that they accepted your fake ID. That place was great."
"Sure, we can go there. Just keep your spirits up, Bella. Today's is a big day. It marks the end of all that teenage drama and shit, like trying to bang your gay boyfriend and his studly best friend," Stacy said with a laugh, effortlessly dodging as Bella threw a pillow at her. She continued to laugh, adding, "You'll want to look back to this day with a smile, so you can reminisce when you're forty and all old and wrinkled, saying, 'Hey, my best bud Stacy and I had a blast on my 20th!'"
Bella chuckled. "You bitch," she said jokingly. "I better not be old and wrinkled when I'm forty. My mom is going to be forty in a few months, and she still looks damn good for someone her age. I better look the same."
Stacy nodded along, more than happy to humor her friend. "You will, Bella. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll never look a day past twenty." With a playful toss, she threw the pillow back at Bella, who caught it, smiling brightly.
After a long day of classes, Bella entered her dorm room, eager for a relaxing night out with Stacy. With her friend not expected back for a few more hours due to late Thursday classes, Bella decided to tackle her homework. She plopped down on her bed, rummaged through her book bag, and pulled out the textbooks she needed. Settling in, she began reading, hoping to finish quickly so she would have no distractions when they went out later that night.
A few hours later, Bella finished her homework and happily closed her last textbook, releasing a sigh of contentment as she heard the book clap shut. Glancing at the clock, she realized Stacy should be back soon. With no one to impress tonight, she decided casual wear was the name of the game. Her trusty pair of blue jeans, a t-shirt, and her denim jacket would be just fine. Despite Stacy's optimistic predictions, Bella doubted she'd be meeting any crazy hot dudes looking for a one-night stand. She grinned just thinking about the prospect.
Around 7:30, Bella's cell phone rang, and she smiled, thinking it might be her mom calling to wish her a happy birthday. Charlie had already called around 6:00 with his customary well wishes. As she reached for her phone on the nightstand, she realized it was a bit early for her mom to be calling—she usually called late at night, always forgetting about the time difference. Glancing at the screen, Bella frowned; the number was unfamiliar.
"Hello?" Bella answered the call, her voice curious.
"Hey Bella," came the familiar voice. Bella smiled, recognizing it was Stacy.
"Stacy! What's up? Are you on your way back?" Bella asked, wondering whose phone her friend was using.
"I wish. I'm really sorry, but I'm not going to be able to go out with you tonight," Stacy began, her voice tinged with frustration and exhaustion. "If you can believe it, I tripped and broke my foot walking into biology class this afternoon. I've been stuck at the hospital for hours now, waiting for them to put a cast on. They say it'll be soon, but I'm not holding my breath."
Stacy paused, letting out a weary sigh. "In all the chaos, I left my backpack in class. So a nurse is letting me use her phone to call you." Her voice sounded completely worn out, and Bella could sense her friend's fatigue through the line.
"Shit, Stacy. I'm sorry to hear that. Do you want me to come and keep you company?" Bella asked, her concern for her friend instantly overriding any thoughts of their night out. "Which hospital are you at?"
"I'm at Beth Israel, but no, Bella. It's just going to be a lot of waiting around, and they'd probably make you stay in the waiting room if you visited," Stacy replied quickly. "Go out, have fun, it's your birthday. I'm counting on you to get lucky and find that hunky guy. Don't let what happened with David hold you back from putting yourself out there."
Bella thought, wondering if she even wanted to go out and celebrate without any friends to accompany her. After a moment of deliberation, she nodded to herself. Stacy was right—she had to put herself out there if she wanted to meet someone, even if the chances of finding some stud for a one-night stand, as Stacy kept implying, were next to nil. And what kind of story would she have to tell in the future if she stayed in her dorm room reading the latest Harry Potter all night long on her 20th birthday?
"You're right. I think I'll still go to that sports bar. Maybe I'll see some people we know. Now, you get better fast. Cast or no cast, we're still going to have our night out—it'll just be delayed a little. Do you think they'll keep you overnight or send you home tonight? When I broke my leg as a kid, I had to stay in the hospital for two nights."
"I think a foot is less serious than a leg. They mentioned I might have to stay overnight, depending on what the x-rays show and when they can actually get me into a cast. Everything is moving slowly here. I guess a busted foot isn't high on their priority list. More than likely, I'll see you tomorrow," Stacy admitted, wishing the circumstances were different.
"Okay, Stacy. Take care and feel better. I'll see you tomorrow. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call," Bella said, her concern evident as she wished her friend a speedy recovery.
"Thanks, Bella. And happy birthday. Enjoy your night, and I'll talk to you later," Stacy replied.
"Later," Bella ended the call, feeling a pang of sympathy for her friend. Glancing around the room, she checked if there was anything she might need to move to make it easier for Stacy to get around, as she would likely be on crutches for the next few weeks. Seeing nothing major, she noticed that Stacy's bed was unmade, so she quickly made it.
Realizing she was no longer waiting for anyone, Bella put on her jacket, slipping her phone and wallet into their respective pockets. As she exited her dormitory, she took in the beautiful September night. While walking to the subway stop, she noticed how Comm. Ave. was bustling with students heading in all directions. Love seemed to be in the air; everywhere she turned, she saw couples walking happily together, holding hands. That could have been her if things had been different. She sighed, hoping a little more that she might get lucky and meet someone nice. The bar had been filled with college students the last time she and her friends had gone. Maybe tonight she really could meet that hot guy. She'd just have to keep her fingers crossed. The wait for the T was short, and soon the brakes of the subway cars squealed as they came to a halt. Smiling, Bella boarded and was soon leaving Boston University behind her.
Walking up the long stairs at the Boylston Street T-Stop, Bella emerged into the lively atmosphere of the Boston Commons. The park was teeming with activity, people heading in every direction under the crisp, clear night sky. The air was filled with the hum of conversations and laughter as friends enjoyed the evening. In the distance, the AMC theater she and her friends frequented was lit up, the large red sign always bringing a smile to her face. She began making her way through the park, heading in that direction, knowing that Callihan's was just a few blocks beyond it.
The full moon bathed the park in a gentle glow, and Bella took a deep breath, savoring the cool air. She could smell the faint aroma of food from nearby vendors, mingling with the fresh scent of grass and flowers. As she strolled through the park, she noticed couples everywhere, holding hands and sharing quiet moments. Just as it had been back at school, she felt a slight twinge of longing seeing everyone so happy. But her spirits remained high—it was her birthday, after all. Maybe luck would favor her too, and she would meet that special someone.
Passing a group of street musicians, she paused to listen. They looked like fellow college students, and a small crowd had formed around them. The music was lively and infectious, making her tap her foot to the rhythm. Before she left, she nodded to the lead musician and tossed a dollar into his open guitar case, appreciating their talent and effort.
Once Bella walked past the theater and hit the side streets, she immediately noticed how the public traffic thinned out, making her feel a little uncomfortable. The bustling crowds and lively atmosphere of the park and theater district were behind her, replaced by the quieter, shadowed streets of the residential area. The streetlights were fewer and far between, casting long, eerie shadows that seemed to stretch out toward her.
An unsettling feeling crept over her, a distinct sense that she was being watched. She glanced around, her eyes darting to every dark corner and alley, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Still, the uneasiness persisted. Bella quickened her pace, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the buildings around her. The bar was only two blocks away, but the distance suddenly felt much greater.
She wished there were more people around, more streetlights illuminating her way. The usually cheerful streets of Boston now felt dark and menacing. In the past, the city had never felt this way, but then again, she had always been out with Stacy or David, or in a larger group whenever she ventured into the city. Tonight, she realized that for the first time, she had ventured out all alone.
Turning the corner, Bella breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the bright neon lights of her destination far in the distance. Callihan's was quite new, having opened just last year. The establishment had completely modernized the building it occupied, so the entire front was almost entirely covered in glass, allowing anyone to see the lively atmosphere inside. The vibrant glow of the neon lights spilled onto the sidewalk, casting colorful reflections on the pavement. In front of the building, she saw college students milling about, talking, laughing, and generally having a good time.
Bella smiled to herself, glad her earlier fears had been misplaced. The sight of the students enjoying themselves eased her anxiety, and she quickened her pace, eager to join in the fun. She looked both ways before crossing the street, noting the absence of any oncoming traffic. However, as she tried to step back up onto the curb, her foot caught on the sidewalk. She stumbled forward, her eyes widening as she realized she was about to do a face-plant onto the concrete.
Time seemed to slow down in that split second. Bella could see the gritty texture of the sidewalk rushing up to meet her. But suddenly, she stopped mid-fall, finding herself in the strong arms of someone. The world seemed to tilt back into place as he helped her to her feet. She felt the firm, steady grip of his hands on her arms, and for a moment, she just stared at them, marveling at the unexpected rescue. As she lifted her head to thank her savior, her words died in her throat.
She was looking up into the face of what she could only describe as the most attractive man she had ever seen. His short, dirty blonde hair was tousled just enough to give him an effortlessly cool look, and a day's worth of beard stubble added a rugged charm to his features. But it was his face that truly captivated her—it was almost otherworldly in its perfection. His high cheekbones and strong jawline framed piercing black eyes that seemed to look right into her very soul.
The soft glow from the nearby streetlights cast a gentle light on his features, highlighting the contours of his face and giving him an almost ethereal quality. Bella felt her breath catch in her throat, and she shook her head slightly, trying to snap herself out of her daze. She quickly closed her mouth, hoping she hadn't been drooling, and felt a flush rise to her cheeks.
"Thank you," Bella stuttered out, her voice a bit shaky. "I could have really hurt myself there."
The man grinned, giving her a smile that could cause any girl to have heart palpitations. His teeth were perfectly white, contrasting with his stubble, and his eyes almost looked like they were sparkling at the corners, adding even more intrigue to his striking features. "It was my pleasure, miss…"
"Bella," she answered, then glanced around, recalling that she hadn't seen anyone nearby right before she crossed the street. Figuring she must have just missed him, she smiled. "Wow, you really saved me there. It would have sucked to fall like that, especially on my birthday."
"Today's your birthday, Bella? Well, I hope it has been a pleasant one so far." The man glanced up at the neon sign down the street. "Were you headed to Callihan's? You must let me buy you a drink to celebrate your big day."
Bella was still a little tongue-tied, looking at the man and processing his words. Was he hitting on her or just being gentlemanly after hearing it was her birthday? She looked him over. He was wearing a stylish black leather jacket and jeans, which complemented his rugged appearance. His eyes, black as night, held a mysterious allure, and his skin was surprisingly pale—paler than hers, which was a hard feat to achieve. She smiled up at him. "I'd like that…"
"My apologies, where are my manners? My name is James." The man's smile somehow grew even wider as he held out his hand, motioning for them to continue walking. "Come, Bella, let's get you that drink."
"You'll join me, right?" Bella smiled at the man—James—not wanting to drink alone.
James returned her smile, and she thought she saw a flicker of humor in his sparkling black eyes. "I guess I could have something. Truthfully, I think I'd enjoy talking and getting to know you more than satiating my thirst."
Bella blushed slightly as they started walking together toward Callihan's. She kept glancing at her companion as they walked, marveling at how he moved so smoothly. The way he moved was almost like he was gliding on air; she had never seen anything like it. It was unusual, but she found it captivating and wished she could be as graceful. Grinning up at him, she saw that he was looking down at her as well, rather than at where he was going.
After entering Callihan's, Bella took in the scene. There was a healthy crowd, but nothing jam-packed, as it was only a Thursday night and there didn't seem to be any local teams playing that might draw sports fans in droves. The establishment, with its modern, glass-covered facade, allowed a full view of the lively atmosphere inside. Neon lights bathed the interior in vibrant hues, reflecting off the glass and creating colorful patterns on the sidewalk outside.
The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, with groups of friends chatting at tables and the occasional burst of laughter rising above the general hum of conversation. The warm light spilling from overhead fixtures added a cozy glow to the sleek, modern decor. Bella and James made their way through the crowd to the bar, where the bartender was expertly mixing drinks with practiced ease.
James turned to her expectantly, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. When she didn't immediately respond, he leaned in slightly and asked, "What's your pleasure, Bella?"
Bella felt herself blushing again. For some reason, whenever James smiled at her, her heartbeat took off like it wanted to jump out of her chest and fly away. She knew why she was reacting to him this way but wished she could keep her composure better and not feel like some infatuated schoolgirl. Taking a deep breath, she willed herself to calm down. "I'm actually only turning 20, so I can't legally drink yet."
James chuckled. "It's your birthday, Bella. If men and women can fight and die for their country at 20, they can certainly have a drink." He motioned for the bartender to come over. Looking at Bella, he grinned. "Ever had a Bloody Mary?"
Bella shook her head, intrigued by the name of a drink she had only heard of in passing.
Turning to the barkeep, James said, "Two Bloody Marys. On the rocks for the lady and neat for me."
The bartender nodded, quickly getting to work. Before Bella could fully appreciate the bartender's swift movements, two drinks were placed in front of James. Bella admired the unusual-looking drink, and as James handed it to her, his fingers briefly brushed against hers, sending a small shiver down her spine.
Bella smiled up at James and was about to take a sip when she saw him give his most debonair smile yet. "So, how is a beautiful girl like you all alone on her birthday of all days?"
A couple of hours later, Bella found herself thoroughly enjoying James's company. She marveled at how worldly he seemed for someone who couldn't have been older than 25. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and she was captivated by his stories of travel and adventure. James spoke of his journeys with such vivid detail that Bella felt as if she were experiencing them herself.
The bar around them buzzed with activity, but Bella was entirely focused on James. The ambient noise of clinking glasses, laughter, and soft music faded into the background as he recounted his experiences on every continent. His tales were peppered with fascinating anecdotes and cultural insights that made Bella realize just how much of the world she had yet to see.
James's ability to speak multiple languages was particularly impressive. Bella kept trying to stump him, asking him to say something in various languages—French, Japanese, Russian—but he always delivered, his pronunciation and intonation seemingly flawless. Each time he spoke in a different tongue, Bella was mesmerized by the way his voice adapted to the new sounds and rhythms.
Or at least it sure sounded like he was fluent, Bella mused. She had no idea what he was actually saying or if they were even real words, but his confidence and charm were convincing enough. His voice had a melodic quality that made even the most foreign languages sound like music to her ears.
Listening to him speak of his time in Sweden, Bella sat spellbound.
"Inom Svealand, där skogarna viskade uråldriga sagor och floderna sjöng om tapperhet, föddes jag. Mitt hjärta tillhörde Geaterna, vår ädla stam, fruktansvärda i strid och bundna av ära. Ändå, som vampyr, vandrade jag bortom våra gränser, festande på blodet från våra fiender, smakande på hämndens sötma under den bleka månskenet."
As the words flowed from James's mouth, the smile that accompanied them told Bella that the land had to be as beautiful as the man describing it. His voice was rich and musical, and she found herself utterly captivated by his presence.
When he finished speaking, Bella couldn't stop herself from giggling. She had to admit she was slightly drunk after her second Bloody Mary. She didn't know what was in the red concoction. She highly doubted it was real blood, as the smell wasn't making her sick, but whatever it was, it seemed a lot stronger than what she was used to. The warmth from the alcohol made her cheeks flush and her head feel light, adding a pleasant fuzziness to the evening.
Being a little tipsy, Bella found it very easy to open up to James. She told him about her boyfriend troubles and the crazy night she had just experienced, her words spilling out in a stream of unfiltered honesty. James laughed heartily, his laughter deep and genuine, as he listened to Bella's tales of woe. His eyes sparkled with amusement and understanding, making her feel at ease and understood.
In turn, James shared his own story about his recent split with his long-term girlfriend. He spoke vaguely about their issues, but Bella, despite her slight tipsiness, noticed that he hadn't really given any specific reasons for the breakup. When she pressed him on it, asking again playfully, he smiled at her, his eyes glinting with a mischievous light. "You really don't want to know, Bella," he said, his tone suggesting it was best to leave the past behind. She could agree with that.
As the hours went by, Bella could tell that James was flirting pretty heavily with her, and she was enjoying it immensely. His relaxed demeanor had a calming effect on her, making her feel at ease in a way she usually didn't with someone she didn't know well. The ambiance of the bar, created an intimate setting that felt almost magical.
James's eyes sparkled with a playful glint as he leaned in closer, his casual confidence drawing her in. Bella found herself laughing at his witty remarks and leaning into the conversation, feeling a growing connection with this intriguing stranger. His charm was irresistible, and she loved how effortlessly he made her feel special. By 10:30, she was kind of hoping he would make a move. She didn't want their time to end.
Maybe James was able to sense her growing arousal towards him because he finally uttered the words she wanted to hear. "So, Bella, how would you like to continue our time together back at my hotel? I'm staying not that far away. I think we could come up with plenty of ways to end your birthday on a happy note."
James looked at her in such a way that Bella thought she could detect a craving in his pitch-black eyes. The way his gaze lingered on her made her heart race and her thoughts scatter. The longing she felt for any sort of physical contact, combined with her admittedly wanton feelings for the man in front of her, clouded her judgment.
She felt a shiver of anticipation run down her spine as she considered his proposition. The idea of going back to his hotel and indulging in the fantasies she had only read about or watched on the internet was incredibly tempting. The thought of his hands on her, his lips exploring her skin, made her pulse quicken. She hoped she wasn't making a mistake, but the allure of the moment was too strong to resist.
"I… I'd like that, James," Bella admitted after a second of trepidation, but confidence took over and she finished the sentence with the assurance that she meant what she said.
"Perfect. I hope I can make the end of your birthday a night you will never forget," James said, his tone sincere and filled with promise. Bella felt a surge of happiness, grateful that she had come here tonight and met an amazing man like James. James paid the bar bill and, putting his arm around Bella, led her out of the bar. She smiled, feeling the comforting weight of his leather jacket around her shoulders.
As they started walking down the desolate street, Bella felt the need to speak. "I just wanted to thank you, James, for helping to make my birthday so memorable. I hadn't really expected much to happen tonight, and I had no idea I'd meet someone like you."
James looked down at Bella and smiled, his dark eyes glinting under the streetlights. "I'm enjoying getting to know you as well, Bella. You're very refreshing compared to the usual women I've encountered." He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "And I can't wait to see how the night unfolds." When Bella turned her head to face him, James moved in and kissed her on the lips.
As Bella felt James's lips capture hers, she responded immediately, wrapping herself closer to him. Oh god! She knew this had to be the best kiss she had ever received. As their lips locked, she noticed several things almost immediately as they exchanged saliva.
First, James's lips were surprisingly cold. He must have really poor circulation, she thought fleetingly, but the chill only added to the electrifying sensation. Second, she realized that James had to be rocking the most cut body she had ever encountered. She had thought Stephen's body was firm, but leaning in and touching James's body was like pressing against a marble statue. She could feel the definition of his muscles even through his leather jacket, each contour hard and unyielding under her fingers.
Lastly, and most importantly to her, was the taste. James's lips somehow tasted better than anything she had ever encountered. It was a heady mix of sweetness and something indefinably alluring that made her senses reel and come alive all at the same time. She could not get enough and found herself wanting more, trying to deepen the kiss right there on the empty street.
Bella was loving the kiss, and James seemed to be very into it too—oh, was he responsive. She felt like she was melting into him, every touch sending shivers down her spine. The night air was cool, but she felt warm and electrified, lost in the moment. But then, all of a sudden, James stiffened. His lips stopped moving, his hands no longer caressing her back. She didn't know why, but he stopped responding instantly to her kisses. Before she even knew what happened, he stepped away from her.
As she looked up into his face, where before it had been warm and inviting, now there was an edginess to it. His eyes, once filled with playful glints, now seemed cold and distant, scanning their surroundings with a sense of urgency.
James's voice cut through the intimacy of the moment they had just shared like a knife, his tone suddenly harsh and cold. "Scram, kid," he snapped, his words sharp and biting. "I don't have time for the likes of you."
Bella recoiled, her heart sinking. Had she done something wrong? "What?" she stammered, her confusion evident. Her mind raced to understand the sudden change, the harshness in his voice a stark contrast to the tender moments they had just shared.
James glanced around, his eyes flickering with uneasiness before settling back on her. The streetlight cast shadows across his face, emphasizing the intensity and sudden shift in his demeanor. "I said beat it," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "Can't you understand anything, or is your head that thick? Go!"
The words stung, and Bella felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. She took a step back, her legs trembling. The vibrant city around them seemed to fade, the distant sounds of laughter and traffic becoming a dull hum in the background. She couldn't fathom what had caused this abrupt change in him.
But before she could even process the situation, a high-pitched voice cut through the night air from behind her, dripping with malice. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?"
Bella was about to turn, only to feel a sharp impact against her head. Darkness engulfed her, and she knew no more.
Well, well, well. That was interesting—a James who isn't a sadistic asshole. It sure looks like vampire Bella will be greeting everyone in the next chapter. Whoever that mystery person was, they have no idea what they are about to unleash upon the world. The fun is just beginning. I mean, what's three days of pain compared to an eternity of vampire Bella goodness? Reviews and comments are welcome.