Chapter Twenty
"Everything. Was. Frozen."
"it's hard not to be a fighter when
you're constantly under siege,"
~ cassandra duffy
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"Arms up," Daemon's deep drawl made me turn toward him, watching as he took long steps to the centre of the mats.
I flashed a smirk to hide how mesmerized I was. Mostly since Daemon's rolled up sleeves always did something to my body. Asshole.
"What's the magic words?" I teased, staying near the table that served my pre-workout and protein shakes.
We were in the room above the shop currently, but rather than do this after my shift, Daemon ordered we meet up early in the morning, so I could get some training in before tonight's festivities.
It was the first Friday of November, a week since I saw Naveen. It was also the day of the fundraiser.
And the last day I'd be in the city.
I'd be saying a final goodbye to Sydelle and Luba tonight, but every time I suggested talking about my leaving to Daemon, he deflected and changed the conversation.
Not that it was avoidable. My bags were already packed. All that was left was goodbye.
If only Daemon stopped being a stubborn shit and accepted the reality I was leaving.
I hadn't told him what Naveen said, because I wasn't even sure how to bring it up. Hell, how would I even word it? Yeah, your competitor killing buddy told me that instead of following through on what he was hired to do, he's gonna watch the magic unfold, like a freak.
"Now." Daemon's harsh voice cut through my thoughts as I snapped my head toward him again. He was glowering with his chin low, appearing tenser than usual.
I pursed my lips and rocked back on my heels. "Sorry, what? Say that again."
His chest rose slowly, and I didn't hide my grin as I watched him try to cool himself down.
"Why are you so aggravating?" He growled deeply before crossing the distance between us. I sucked a breath when his hands suddenly clasped my upper arms, and with me wearing a tank top and shorts, I felt the heat radiating off his body and coming onto me.
My eyes dropped to his tattooed arms before peering to his face, only to see his expression just as hard as before. "Hit me," he demanded before stepping back, bringing me with him.
"Tempting," I joked.
His eyes darkened, serious as always. "Where are your kicking urges now, Alina?"
"Ou, full name? I must be in big trouble," I continued to grin. But clearly my words got to him, since he stilled before dropping his focus to my split lips.
While he was distracted, I attempted a punch by leaning forward slightly, before throwing a left uppercut.
But before I could reach a fraction of his chin, his hand shot out and latched onto my wrist, wearing a glare. "We both know you can do better than that."
"What if I can't?" I totally could. But I wanted him against me. I wanted to enjoy my last twenty-four hours, even if he was being difficult.
His jaw popped, and I cocked my head, loving the sight.
"Maybe you're right," he surprised me by commenting before he released my hand and stepping back. "Maybe you can't be better."
I was gawking, bug-eyed as he began to take off his gloves. "Excuse you?"
He stared at me innocently. "Yes, Alina?"
"Do you want to get kicked or something?"
Just like that, his eyes flashedβsomething similar to triumphβbefore he straightened his back. "I don't think you have it in you anymore, Rose."
My legs tightened together before I forced a laugh. "I'm not stupid. I know you're trying to get me to fight."
He cocked his head, expression blank and unreadable of emotions as he took a stride froward, until there was barely a foot between us. "Am I?" He pondered ignorantly.
"Okay. Now I want to kick you."
"Bet you can't," he dared to reply.
I refused to be manipulated. But Daemon somehow knew all the right buttons to push.
Still, I forced myself to remain undeterred as I treaded to the side, closer to the exit. His eyes hardened instantly, but I kept a friendly smile in place. "Bet you can't stop me from leaving."
And before I could even fully turn to the door, Daemon shot out from his spot before gripping my arm and spinning me toward him.
I silently gasped as my hands moved out, ready for impact, only to land on the hard surface that was Daemon's chest.
Blinking quickly, I tilted my chin up and met Daemon's gaze, only to hold a breath when I saw the mixed emotions breaking from his usually cold features.
Anger. Frustration. Worry. Fear.
"Why won't you take this seriously?" His clenched through his teeth, but I saw through his temper and was met with despair. "Why won't you let me help you?"
I softened against him before bringing my hands to his shoulders. "Daemon..."
But before I could begin to comfort him, his moment of weakness vanished and was replaced with determination.
Within seconds, he unwrapped himself from my hold before reaching out to his waistband. And in seconds, his gun was pointed to my chest while he stared at me expectedly.
Fight or flight instincts kicked in. My body wasn't my own as I moved, throwing a high kick resulting in the gun flying across the room. If he was surprised, he didn't show it as we started to throw jabs at each otherβwell, me throwing hits and him deflecting. Most, not all.
I got him at a few moments, one where I did a round kick and hit the inside of his thigh, only to give a spinning back fist. He was hit on the side of his head, but he didn't stop deflecting my hits. But I couldn't help but notice the spark of pride hidden in his gaze.
But it wasn't long until I gave him another blow to the head, making a deep chuckle come from him before he retreated from me.
"We done, Robot?" I asked, even though I already started taking off my gloves.
He smiled briefly before doing the same. "We're done. For now."
My gaze moved off his for a moment when I peered to my right and threw my gloves in the direction of the weights. But the second I returned my attention to Daemon, I bit the inside of my cheek to see that he advanced toward me.
His cool, steel grey eyes were on me intensely as they roamed around every inch of my features before settling on my green eyes again.
"Are you getting all emotional on me, Daemon?" I tried to keep my tone light and playful, but when his large hand ended up cupping my cheek, any trace of emotion fell off my face.
His calloused thumb moved to my bottom lip and pulled. "I don't want anything to happen you," he whispered softly, not peeling his gaze off mine.
"Do you like me or something?" I teased, but I felt a kick to my stomach at the words I couldn't control. Because I think I love you.
Like always, his eyes darkened before his free hand encircled my waist. "That's one way to put it."
"Well, what's another way?"
His touch slid off my lip, but he didn't move his hand away. Instead, it started trialling lower, over my jaw, throat and collarbone. But as his fingers started thrumming against the curve of my neck, I closed my eyes and sagged against him, the same moment goosebumps rose on my arms.
The air shifted around us, and without opening my eyes, I felt Daemon dipping his head lower, until he caught my mouth with his.
My hands moved into his hair and gripped tightly, wanting him dishevelled. But he didn't seem to argue as he grunted in my mouth before pressing himself harder against me.
His tongue slid inside my mouth the second I parted my lips, but the entrance was the only thing soft about this kiss.
He took my mouth with a force before his hand slid into my long hair. He tugged it, so I would tip my head back, only for him to start scrapping his teeth against my jawline and throat, before sucking on my neck.
I clutched his shoulders before gripping the fabric of his black button-up shirt. His hardness, his mouth. Him. He felt so good and I couldn't help but want more.
But you can't have more. Because in twenty-four hours, you'll be gone.
I forced that thought deep into my unconscious before gripping the back of his neck, so his mouth could slam to mine again. This time, our teeth clashed, as if we were trying to have a battle on who could kiss most aggressively. And I planned to win.
But before I could set my plan into motion, clarity started to rise when a blaring sound filled the room. And as our lips started to slow, I remembered the alarm I turned on as a five-minute warning that I'd have to open the shop.
With a heavy sigh, I loosened my hands on his neck. But I couldn't stop but keep them lingering on his chest as I fluttered my eyes open, meeting his heavy-lidded gaze.
"You should go," I mumbled as my thumb moved in up and down strokes over his heartβwhich was faster than its usual steady rate. Yay me. "I'll see you tonight?"
Without moving his eyes off mine, he nodded before lowering his hands to my waist. So I decided to add jokingly, "Will you turn on your people skills?"
"I told you. There's no switch," he spoke sternly, but with his lips full from our kiss, I couldn't take him seriously. Not that I ever did.
I rolled my eyes. "Which explains why you suck at talking."
"I think I talk fine, Rose." Although faint, I could see him starting to smirk before his hands rose underneath my top. "When I tell you all the things I want to do to you, you react positively. Right?"
Instead of answering, I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch. But my silence only made his hands still right under my breasts.
With a defeated sigh, I mumbled, "Right," before opening my eyes again.
He looked smug. I hated it.
"Now go away before I kick you," I warned and stepped out of his hold, but for a moment, his eyes remained hard on me.
I sucked a breath when he darted forward, one last time, before his lips smash to mine, kissing me hard and intensely before pulling away from me.
Our foreheads were close to touching when he whispered, "I'll see you tonight, Rose."
And with that, he spun around me. Even with my back to him, I knew he was grabbing his gun, suit jacket and phone before opening the door.
"Don't make me wait," I managed to say casually before making my way to the table on my left. Because I really needed to ignore the molten fire burning between my legs.
The door didn't close just yet, so I knew he was still standing, watching me.
"I don't plan to," he drawled, deep and smooth like whisky until finally, the door closed.
I exhaled loudly and sagged my shoulders forward before cussing to myself. Fuck me.
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"Get over here," I glared, pointing at the empty space on my left.
Sydelle pouted, standing next to the gold curved pillar that overlooked the field of grass. The pillars circled the entire banquet hall, but it was only that wall that contained windows to the outside.
On either side of me were beige walls, with panels in a classical style. The lights were bright, but I knew Luba ordered they dim when the event would be starting. Which would be any minute now.
The guests were piled in the lobby, but since two of the double doors were closed behind me, I couldn't see them. The only people inside the banquet hall were me, Sydelle, Cynthia and the employees Luba hired.
Sydelle, the baby she was, was hiding.
I rolled my eyes before peering to my left, where the stage wasβwell, if you counted the stage to only be two feet higher. Still, the band was setting up, while the large, gold dance floor was currently used for employees trying to make their ways around the tables circling the only hardwood flooring. Everywhere else was carpeted.
There was a definite theme. Yellow. Gold. White. And everyone was told to dress with warm coloursβwhich explained my dress being red.
It was a midi length dress, that was fitted in the lined bodice before flowing down to my calves. The shoulder straps were ribbon, so it was adjustable by tying it however much I wanted. It also showed some cleavage, with it being a sweetheart neckline.
My dyed, light brown hair was down in waves, but my elegant black mask covered my identity. Well, by covered, I meant the space around my eyes and high cheekbones.
Glancing back to Sydelle again, I sighed and ushered her over, this time giving her an expected look. She luckily got the hint and stomped toward me in her heels while wearing a frown.
Unlike me, she wore her hair up in an elegant bun, since she loved to show off her neck. And her dress proved that fact, since it was a pleated, cream chiffon strapless dress with a similar neckline to mine.
"I thought I was done helping," she whined as we stood in front of table six, which was positioned at the edge of the dance floor, farthest from the stage.
I rolled my eyes. "You helped for five minutes."
"Ten," she defended before pointing her index finger at me. "But you were already taking charge, so I decided on taking a break."
"That's a weak excuse."
"It's not weak! It's strong!"
I started to grin before shaking my head teasingly. "Syd, you really gotta work on your excuses. You'd be a terrible lawyer."
She didn't seem bothered by my insult as she popped her hip with a blank expression directed toward me. "Well good thing I'm studying fashion in school."
"Good thing. Otherwise you'd get innocent people in prison."
"No I wouldn't," she frowned before peering to the space between us. "If they're innocent, I can be compelling."
My brow quirked. "So, you're telling me you weren't innocent? That's why you suck at explaining yourself?"
She gaped at me like a fish for a few moments before shaking her head rapidly. "W-what? No! I just." Her jaw locked together before she inhaled sharply. "I hate you."
"I love you too." My expression softened to a small smile, realizing this might be the last time we'll argue face to face. She must have noticed the same, because the tension in her shoulders loosened before she looked down again, closing her eyes.
We stood in silence while people rushed around us, preparing the tables last minute.
My head moved on its own, until I was suddenly staring at the flower piece on each table. And I smiled to myself.
This fundraiser was for survivors of abuse, something close to Luba's heart. And when I was assigned in figuring out the flower arrangements, I knew what colour I wanted to evoke.
Yellow.
I knew it would have to be a warm colour, but something sang out yellow to me. Maybe because it brought happiness, or that it symbolized new beginnings.
So I compiled yellow lilies, which could tell the story of rebirth, red roses that acknowledged love and sacrifice, and daisies. And in the mix of it allβa white gladiolus: the flower that represented strength.
"Alina," a breathless voice sighed, coming from my right before two arms circled around me.
I blinked quickly before rotating my head, only to meet Luba's cornflower blue eyes an inch above mine, since she was wearing higher heels than me.
Her hair was dyed differently now. Rather than red or burgundy, it was golden brown, probably a shade or two lighter than mine.
She was wearing a light salmon pencil dress with a tie around the waist, which accentuated her hips. And even with her wearing a mask covering half of her face, I could see her makeup was kept minimal, except around her eyes, where she wore warm coloured eye shadow.
"Hi, Luba," I smiled softly before pulling her into a hug. "You look good."
Her arms tightened around me. "You do too, dochka."
My body was about to shake, but I stopped myself from showing a sign of weakness. I couldn't breakβat least, not in front of them.
I started to flutter my eyes closed, soaking up her familiar scent on last time, when I heard Sydelle shifting next to us. "I'm feeling left out," she pointed out, but I didn't miss how her voice dipped in sadness.
Without saying anything else, Luba and I both opened our arms, inviting her in. And like we were in a sit-com, the three of us hugged each other tightly.
"I'll miss you guys," I mumbled, biting back the urge to cry.
They said nothing. But after a few seconds, Luba was first to sniff before peeling herself away, straightening her back in the process.
"This isn't goodbye, Alina. Not yet." Her voice was hard, demanding authority. To what, I didn't know. I assumed she was trying to convince herself, though, when she added, "Your father. I'll try talking to himβ"
"The second he gets me, he won't let me out of his sight," I deadpanned, giving her a look that left no room for argument. "I'm leaving. It's the only way."
Sydelle was awfully quiet, so I peered in her direction, only to wish I hadn't.
Her eyes were reddening, not looking away from me. It zapped something inside me, but I only took a breath before offering a small smile to her. "Come on, Syd. It's not like we won't talk. I memorized your number. I'll call."
"It won't be the same," she countered, almost harshly, before focusing to her right, where the stage was. "You'll be alone. Again."
"And I'm fine with that," I tried to say soothingly, even if my words were a lie. "You don't worry about me, or I'll come back here and kick your ass."
She gave me a sad smile. "You can come kick my ass any time, Lee."
I grinned. "I wish I had that free reign before."
Her eyes started to narrow playfully when Luba cleared her throat. "Alright, girls. Everything looks perfect, so we'll be opening the doors now."
I slid my gaze off Sydelle and onto Luba, who turned on her professionalism once more. "I have to go to the bathroom. You can start without me," I told her as I glided back, but keeping my attention on the both of them.
She nodded soberly, not moving her eyes off mine. "I'll let you know when the unmasking starts."
"Okay," I smiled before spinning around, so I could walk to the far-right.
The same wall that held two of the double doors also shared the space with a hall in the corner, which led to the bathroom. It was hidden by one of the many curved pillars, though, so you wouldn't be able to see the entrance without turning your head.
I ended up lingering much longer than necessary, enjoying the silence and peace, even if I knew on the opposite side of the door was a massive amount of people in masks.
Still, I managed to fix my hair in the mirror without dwelling on my appearance too much. I'd be changing my hair soon, probably cutting it short with a different colour. Maybe add some extra features.
I was biting the inside of my cheek when I pulled on the handle, beginning to clearly hear the band play jazz music while everyone made their way to their seats.
I started to circle the pillar toward the tables when I caught the sound of two feet stilling behind me, where the small hall was.
My head moved on its own, snooping over my shoulder to see where the noise came from, only to hold my breath unintentionally, a second later.
Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion as my eyes landed on Daemon'sβwhich warmed my entire body instantly.
It wasn't hard to know it was him, either. Even with the solid black mask covering only his eyes.
He had been leaning next to the entrance of the hall, unsurprisingly in his black suit. His hair was still slicked back, his nose still crocked and jaw still sharp enough to cut paper, so I couldn't explain why my body was reacting the way it was.
Possibly since he seemed to be undressing me with his eyes, turning darker as each second passed.
Twisting my body, so I was fully facing him, I popped my leg out of its slit and smiled slyly at Daemon. "Once a Shadow, always a Shadow, huh?"
He didn't reply. His gaze was drawn onto my leg, staring at it lustfully before he gradually slid his focus up my body and back to mine.
"Or are we a Robot now? God, I told you to turn on your peopleβoh," I cut myself off by chuckling when Daemon suddenly took long strides toward me, so he could grab my waist.
He tugged me to his chest, and I let out a soft laugh when his breath caressed my neck. Even in my heels, he managed to be taller than me.
"You look fucking ravishing, Rose," a low growl came from him as he held me tight, as if he was stopping me from walking away.
I tilted my head back, so I could stare into his grey eyes before beaming. "Does that mean you're gonna eat me?" I joked, but that only made his stare darken before they lowered to my mouth.
"Tempting," he mused, repeating the same word I used earlier today.
His hand stayed on my waist while the other slid higher, up my body sensually before slithering around my neck. I glanced around, making sure no one was looking our way, but I noticed the pillar was obscuring us.
"You look great too," I complimented when I turned back to him, only to start smirking when my hands slid inside his jacket. He jolted slightly under my touch, but I kept my hands moving, sliding them to the waistband of his pants without pulling my gaze away from his.
His shoulders tensed when I tugged him closer to me. "I want you," I murmured before lowering my hand to his hardening length. I smirked before moving it away. "Oops."
He glared. "Thank you for that, Rose."
"No prob!" I grinned before stepping out his hold, and not giving him the chance to grab me again, I strode around the pillar before calling out, "Let's go, Shadow!"
Even with the music playing louder on this side of the pillar, I could still hear him cursing. But he didn't leave me hanging for too long.
I felt him slide behind me before lowering his hand to my back, but I was the one who guided us to our table.
Since I helped with the seating chart, I knew I would be sitting at table five, which was on the left side of table six. It was also the closest table to the double doors.
Daemon surprised me by pulling a chair out for me to sit on, before taking the space on my right.
I took note of my environment, seeing most people in their seats, before returning my focus on the table. Only to start grinning when I stared at my floral arrangement.
I snapped my head to my right, ready to make a comment. But my words started to die in my throat when I saw that Daemon had already been watching me quietly.
In an attempt to ignore the feeling in my chest and all that jazz, I smiled before cocking my head in the direction of the vase of flowers. "See something familiar?"
His eyes didn't move off mine right away, lingering for another moment before his head drifted more to the right.
I watched the corner of his lip quirk before he gyrated his gaze back to me. "Roses and gladiolus'."
"You remember?" I noted, but it sounded more like a question.
His eyes darkened before his head lowered, closer to mine. "I remember everything with you."
I bit my lip, making him smile knowing. "Am I saying nice words, Rose?" He murmured seductively, just as his hand slid underneath the table cover. My legs clenched together when I felt his hand move toward the slit of the dress.
"You can say more, if you want," I tried to keep my voice light and unbothered, but that hope was thrown out the window when his mouth dipped to my shoulder.
I closed my eyes and sagged against my seat, not caring if the people at our table were probably watching us.
Whatever. I'd give them a damn show if they were so interested.
"I'll say anything you want," his chest rumbled against my arm as nose slid up the side of my head. His hand held my thigh tighter while I tried to exhale slowly.
"Admit you tap your foot every time you're hot and bothered," I chuckled, only for a gasp to quickly replace it when his hand slid higher up my leg.
"No," he said smoothly, but I started to feel him smiling next to my ear before he mumbled, "But I can admit my love-hate relationship with your thorns."
"It makes character," I declared.
His hand returned closer to my knee before he pulled his head back, staring at me with a raised brow. "Thorns?"
"What else?" I reached out and tapped his cheek, feeling his short stubble against my touch. "Rather have thorns than have robot settings."
"I don't have robotβ"
He was cut off by my aunts' voice, who was standing on top of the stage holding a microphone while smiling sweetly.
I turned my attention to her, but I knew Daemon had his focus elsewhereβmore specifically, into making me squirm, since his hand kept busy underneath the table cover.
I tried to remain undeterred, listening to Luba talk about the forms of abuse in different types of relationships, before getting onto her experience and the purpose of the fundraiser.
It wasn't long until food was served, with Daemon and I whispering to each other. Sydelle dropped by our table at one point with her date before heading to the dance floor, where more people were piling up.
Daemon's arm was resting behind me, so I leaned into his touch, smiling to myself. Because I refused to think negatively now.
When another song started playing. It was instrumental, and I knew it instantly. It was Hearing, by Sleeping At Last.
My eyes shot to Daemon. "Dance with me." It wasn't a question.
I already started pushing myself off my seat, and I didn't hide my glee as he followed my movements.
Once we were both on our feet, Daemon stretched his hand out, so he could hold me. "Only for you," he murmured before guiding us to the dance floor.
I wasn't hiding my smile as I trialled behind him. But it was quickly swiped away when he spun me around, with me landing in his arms with a surprised gasp.
I tilted my chin up and smiled softly before wrapping my arms around his neck. He did the same around my waist as he started rocking us, his eyes not moving from mine.
"You enjoying yourself?" I started the conversation by asking.
He stared at me amusingly. "Currently, yes."
I pretended to be surprised. "Is this your way of telling me you were a dancer? Because I'd love to see you bust some moves."
"Bust some moves?" He repeated with a scrunched nose. "Any moves I'd like to perform with you won't be on a dance floor, Rose."
I threw my head back and laughed. "And a smooth talker! Who are you and what have you done with my Shadow?"
He held me tighter to him. "Just being honest." I felt his nose brush against my temple. "I want you anywhere but here."
"Don't worry. I'm sure we can watch another episode of How To Get Away With Murder before I leave," I teased, but that was enough to get his mood to darken.
He pulled his head back, and I was met with his sober expression. "I don't understand your persistence. I won't let them get you. Just... stay."
I felt some of my reserve breaking. "Daemon," I whispered before cupping his cheek with a pain expression. "I trust you, but I don't trust them. I have to go."
I felt jaw tick from my touch. "You trust me?" His voice lowered, almost in disbelief.
"Is that surprising?" I smiled with amusement before sliding my hands behind his neck again.
His features remained sincere. "In my line of business, trust isn't heard of."
"Your line of business can suck my dick."
Daemon coughed out a surprised laugh before holding me closer to him, and I smiled faintly, loving the sound.
Speaking of...
"By the way, totally forgot to mention this, but I shockingly love you," I startled to ramble casually as I focused on the stage, but my heart pounding was a reminder that I wasn't calm. "I know it's such a surprise because you still annoy the fuck out of me and make me have extremely strong kicking urges, but hey, guess that's love, right?"
He didn't reply. Which was enough for me to take the whole thing backβwhich I hated. I never liked regretting things.
But as I was circling my head toward Daemon, I felt my chest stop moving in exhales when I saw raw emotion pouring out from Daemon Kade.
His lips were parted, eyes widened more than I'd ever seen as he watched me in shock and anguish.
Before I could read much into his, one of his hands slid into my hair before he tugged me into a kiss.
He was still rocking us to the beat of the music, which started to increase in tempo as his lips parted mine softly. He worshipped my mouth like it was worth more than any diamond, and I found myself holding him just the same.
"Rose," he whispered gruffly against my lips.
I pulled my head back and chuckled softly. "Sorry, rant over."
His eyes turned hooded, but I noticed movement on our left, so I glanced over, only to see Luba standing next to Sydelle by the stage. She was smiling painfully, giving me a knowing look before tapping her wrist twice.
The time.
Just like that, I stepped away from Daemon, but didn't pull my gaze off my family. Sydelle was outwardly crying now, but still tried to smile to ease her pain.
It didn't ease mine.
"Rose." Daemon's hand slid to mine, bringing my gaze to his.
"I have to go." The words tasted sour coming out, but I forced a smile. "You coming with me?"
He nodded soberly, his eyes not moving from mine.
With one last look to Luba and Sydelle, I breathed out gradually before mouthing, "Goodbye."
Not wanting them to see my features break into despair, I spun from my spot and grabbed my purse from my seat, feeling Daemon follow from behind.
I was walking toward one of the two double doorsβboth of which were wide open. But instead of going from the front entrance, I turned my body to the right, where I knew the back door was.
"Where are you going?" I heard Daemon ask as he slid into the spot next to me.
"Back exit," was all I said before entering another dark hall. I saw the managers door on the right side, closed, but further down was the steel door Luba told me about earlier today.
Since the hall was so narrow, Daemon had to move behind me. "Rose," he said gravely as my hand reached for the door handle.
I started to pull it down when Daemon's hand slid around my neck, only to tilt my head his way so he could smash his lips to mine once more.
I smiled into the kiss before moving my head back to give him a knowing look. "Don't worry. I have just enough time to get you all ruffled up at my apartment before I leave."
My words only made his jaw clench harder as he stared at me with a mixture of frustration and pain. But his eyes kept busy roaming around my face before I brought my head forward.
I pushed the door open, feeling the cold air brush against parts of my bare skin.
But before I could begin to complain about bringing a jacket, I choked on my words as I finally managed to focus on the dark sky and everything below.
Specifically, in front of me.
Even with the back exit positioned facing a wide alleyway, a black car with illegally tinted windows stood. And it wasn't abandoned.
There were at least a dozen men circling the vehicle, guns in hand, and my body's instant reaction was to step back.
I was stopped by a hard body. Daemon's hard body.
My head snapped to the side to throw him a glare, but he wasn't looking at me. He was staring straightforward, lips flattened together. But his jaw was popping.
And a glance behind him was enough to realize what was going on. Another group of men were there.
I started to feel myself hyperventilating when my ears perched at the sound of a car door opening.
My legs clenched together as I slowly slid my gaze forward toward the car, only to feel the urge to grab the nearest gun and shoot everyone.
Because coming out of the car was Him.
Micah. My older brother from hell. My personal devil.
He looked just as I remembered him. Tall. High fade, blond hair. Clean shaven, but still smiled ruthlessly.
And he smiled. He smiled like he caught a rat in his trap.
"Roza, Roza, Roza," he tsked, stepping away from the open car door and toward me. "I'm disappointed in you."
And like he was dismissing me, he focused above my head. And just like that, Daemon slid out from behind me. And I was frozen in my spot. I couldn't move.
Everything. Was. Frozen.
And I watched, gaping, as Daemon stood in front of my eldest brother with the same cold expression I met him wearing.
They shook hands. Right in front of me.
And before my fight or flight instincts could fully kick in, a hand circled my face from behind. I couldn't stop the cloth from covering my nose and mouth, and I found myself passing out before falling into a pair of arms.
My families arms.
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the last chapter is DONE!
what are your final thoughts
of the story/Rosalina?
I know I'm posting a little early,
but I'll probably be on the subway
when it's posting time sooo.. early
it is!
I'll see you lovelies on August 7th,
and have a great weekend x