Aim to Please (wlw)

ch. 9 • exploration

AN: holy water

I paced the layout of my flat, mind racing. Though several days had passed, and jet lag had once again smoothed its way out of my system, a deep-seated anger remained. It chewed at my nerves.

Thank you for last night. Consider us...even.

Consider us...even.

My jaw clenched as Alessia's voice echoed through my head. Grating, cocky, and sensual- a demon who was proud of what she had done. Thank you for last night.

A picture flooded my vision, unable to be shaken away. Mackenzie, with her make-up smudged, her shoulders and neck covered in purple and red love bites. The look of pleasure, of desires satiated, that settled on her face. Alessia marked her, viciously, as if Mackenzie was her territory.

My heart stumbles over itself when I remember the next part. Her, all emotional, grateful, and impulsive- her lips on mine, soft, feather-light. The desperate need for more, to learn the pattern of her teeth with my tongue, to bite her lips until I drew blood-

"Mon Dieu," I muttered.

I was too angry at Alessia; at that point, I believed it was unfair to Mackenzie to continue the way I wanted. So instead, I cut it off. Saved it for 'another day'. We went along our day, socializing at the brunch, where I noticed that Alessia did not bother to show her face.

Antoinette stayed by my side, vigilant and loyal, regardless of her annoyance in me. All the time she spent trying to nudge me forward, to follow the path my feelings weaved for me-finished in a sour evening where Mackenzie was screaming someone else's name.

The very thought seized my muscles. It was the 3rd day since our arrival home, and my anger dulled, but never subsided. An odd sense of betrayal flushed through me, as if Alessia owed me something. Of course she would do anything she could to undermine anyone around her.

"We will discuss this later."

Thus far, that later never came. Mackenzie was patient, either that or terrified; she had not made an attempt to contact me until I texted her first last night. With no end in sight in terms of my anger, I 'bit the bullet' and offered an olive branch- a meeting, for breakfast, at my flat.

Something she was uncharacteristically late for. Scheduled at 8 AM, confirmed a few times throughout the evening, I knew when to expect her. She is a very punctual individual who follows requests as closely as possible.

It being 8:40 led me down a rabbit hole of concern. The food was cold, the coffee nearly stale. My nerves were frayed, picked apart by the thoughts of regret.

I jolted into action, snagging my keys and wallet. The elevator ride down to the lobby was the most agonizing 2 minutes of my life. Before the doors could fully open, I thrust myself through them, dashing like a mad woman to the streets of New York City. Though it was early in the morning, it was Saturday- the sidewalks were rife with people and obstacles.

With a few close calls between myself and a taxi or 2, I made it to Mackenzie's apartment building. I buzzed the intercom once and waited. Nothing. Anxiety panged through my ribcage.

Again. Again. Again. Please, Mackenzie, please open the door, mon cheri.

Click.

I yanked the door open and leapt up the stairs, two at a time. My knees complained, threatening to rebel against me, but I ignored them. I reached up to knock, but the door swung open.

Mackenzie.

Her face was puffy with sleep, her beautiful doe eyes marred with anxiety and sadness. Her silken dark brown locks were a slightly smoother version of a rat's nest- indicating a hard sleep. And then, there was the real eye-catcher: she was dressed in an old, baggy t-shirt that went to her thighs, hiding whatever she may have on underneath. Her neck still held evidence of Alessia, which sent a raw stab of jealousy throughout my entire being.