by Jenna Lee
I stop for a moment getting my breath back. I need to get my shit together. I think I am going crazy. Might as well check myself into a mental home and be done with it, because that’s where I was heading.
I continue shopping, selecting my clothing, then I head over to the shoe section. I pick out my favourite pair, the black high tops. I take my items and head up to the cash register, giving them to Bryce.
He starts scanning the items through. “Did you see that guy that was talking to me?” I ask Bryce.
“Hey? I haven’t seen anyone come in the whole time you were here,” he answers, looking confused.
What the hell? I must be dreaming while awake now or something. I needed to get away and go on this hiking trip ASAP, so I can get my shit back together. Being amongst nature will help me get back to myself. Well, at least I hoped it did.
“Oh, don’t worry you must have missed him. How much is it today?” I ask, changing the subject.
He looks confused for a moment but quickly shakes his head and tallies it all up. “So today it will be $358.00.”
Fuck. Lucky, I was working the late shift tonight I would need the extra money. “No worries thanks, Bryce. I will see you when I get back from my trip,” I say, giving him the money.
“Thanks, Dara have a great trip.”
I shove the bags into my backpack and start the walk back home. Just what I needed, some fresh air before I start my shift tonight. It was Saturday, so I am in for a big one. Kayla wouldn’t be in tonight, after her big night yesterday.
It was going to be a long night.
Chapter 4
Harlan
“What were you thinking Oliver? you can’t just go up and start talking to her. You know our mission and you could have ruined it all,” I yelled at Oliver and pushed him, letting out my frustration. I can’t believe he did that, after everything that had been drilled into our heads about this mission, since we were young. He still couldn’t help himself, he is such a rule breaker, that loved the thrill.
“Sorry man, I just couldn’t resist, I was on watch. I haven’t talked to her in years, you know how it is. I needed to hear her voice, I needed to be closer to her. Plus, she is still as beautiful as ever,” Oliver whined back, breaking into a little smile.
“What could you possibly be smiling about?” I ask, frustrated.
“I was just thinking about her. She is the same, man. She is a feisty little lady. Oh man, I have missed her,” Oliver replies, rubbing his facial hair. That seemed to be a habit of his that he did when he was in deep thought.
“Keep it together man, we know our mission. We can’t be going off track, we have one job and we must stick to it,” I grit back. “Come on, we have to go check on Declan and Blair, to see what Dara has been up to since your little run in.”
We shouldn’t even be here yet, it was too soon. But things were getting worse back home and we needed to make sure she is still safe here. We have been following her at a distance for the past two weeks. She wasn’t meant to see any of us, yet. But Blair, and now Oliver have broken the rules. Surprise, surprise.
The twins were chalk and cheese, complete opposites. Blair was the sweet one who broke the girl’s heart, but he only ever had eyes for one. Our Princess. He is the kindest out of all of us, always thinking about everyone else, and going out of his way to make everyone comfortable.
Oliver on the other hand was the jokester who never took anything seriously. Everything was a joke and he went out of his way to make everyone feel uncomfortable. But surprisingly together, they made the best team.
I shake my head toward Oliver and we head off to check in with the guys. They are down at the Wellington Bar, where Dara works. As we enter, I spot them in the back corner, in a hidden booth trying not to draw attention. We head over and sit down.
“Update?” I ask the guys as soon as I sit down, not wasting any time.
“She just rocked up to her shift. She seems distracted,” Declan reports back.
“Well, that might be because trouble maker Oliver broke the rules and talked to her earlier today,” I explain, staring at him.
He shrinks down in his seat with a little shrug, as if to say who cares.
“What the hell man, you know the rules, we aren’t meant to engage with her. It’s not time yet,” Declan almost yells, frustrated.
He was the complete opposite to Oliver, he never broke the rules. He follows orders to the tee and comes up with the strategies to help us. He is the brains of our group, and our tech-head too.
“Look, I am sorry I just couldn’t resist, I won’t interact with her again, until its time,” Oliver explains.
“The hell you won’t. You can’t ruin this, we need this to work out to plan. Everything is going to shit back home, and we will need her more than ever once it’s time,” Declan growls.
Blair is sitting quietly, watching her pouring drinks. While Oliver, on the other hand, is still sitting there with a cheeky grin on his face, no doubt still thinking about Dara. Oliver and Blair are the youngest of us brothers.
Me? I’m the oldest; the leader, although some of us have a hard time following my lead. We must head back home soon, as the portal wouldn’t be open for much longer.
We decided it would be best to always leave one person here to keep watch on our Princess.
“Okay, guys we will have to head back tonight. Blair, you are on watch until we can get back,” I spit out my order looking straight at Blair, giving him a hard look, to say don’t fuck this up, we need to keep her safe until it’s time.
I get up and turn around to have one last look at her before leaving with my brothers. You have no idea how important you are, Princess.
I just hope you remember us when the time comes.
Chapter 5
Dara
It was a week since the encounter with the guy at the store. I still can’t get him out of my head. The way he carried himself, his laid-back attitude and sense of humour. Snap out of it, you can’t be daydreaming about a random guy you bumped into.
I am on my way back home after a hike in the forest near our house. Pulling out my phone, I quickly send a text to Kayla.
Hey girl, what’s up? Are we still heading out for my birthday?
My phone buzzed back instantly with her response.
Hell, yes, we are!!!! See you when you get back.
I slide my phone back in my pocket and continue down the track toward home. I intended on going for a hike this afternoon to clear my head, but all it did was make me keep thinking about the guy from the shop. Usually, being out would always clear my head, but this time there was no such luck.
I turn into our apartment foyer and ride the elevator up to our level. As soon as I enter, I see Kayla glued to the TV, sipping on a beer.
“You are starting early?” I question her, giving her a long look. She is still in her pyjamas laying on the sofa. “Have you moved from there today?”
“Nah, just been doing the Netflix and chill. I probably should go have a shower and get ready. Where are we heading tonight?” Kayla questions, snuggling further into the couch. Rolling my eyes, I join her on the couch.
God, I wish I was like her and could just chill, but no, I always had to be doing something. I could never sit still for longer than ten minutes. That’s why I always went hiking or was working. Otherwise, I would be in a nut home right now, diagnosed with boredom syndrome.
“I was thinking of hitting up that new bar, Unsecured. It looks cool. The girls from work were talking about it, think we have some healthy competition there,” I tell Kayla.
She finally jumps up from the couch and in record time necks her beer. “Sweet, well I am going to get ready. I have already had a few beers, so I’m already pumped,” Kayla chuckles to herself, as she walks out of the room.
It’s Thursday night and I am heading off on my trip tomorrow. I can’t wait to get going. I turn 25 tomorrow, which makes me feel depress
ed, as I don’t have anything to show for it.
I don’t own a house, have a husband or boyfriend for that matter. I sigh, and sink further into the comfy couch, trying to rid these depressing thoughts. It was no way to start a night out. I sit and wait for Kayla to get out of the shower, so I can get ready.
I’m keen to have a fun last night out before I head off. After five more minutes, I finally have enough of sitting here waiting. Walking up to the bathroom, I bang on the door and yell to Kayla, “Are you finished yet? Hurry up bitch!” I hear the water turning off and she is cursing.
“Yes, Dar, hold ya fucking horses! I am coming out now.”
The door flings open and an angry Kayla storms out with a towel wrapped around her body. I try and hold in the laugh that threatens to burst out. When Kayla tries to act all tough, her face is priceless.
I quickly jump into the bathroom, slamming the door shut before she gives me an earful. I jump into the shower, washing off the dirt and sweat. Once out, I go to my room in search of something to wear. This should be interesting.
“Kayla! Get in here, I need help,” I yell into the hallway.
She barges in the door wearing the hottest short black lace dress. It’s strapless and hugs all her curves. She looks stunning. I pick my jaw up off the ground and gesture to her.
“Fuck, you look good! Help me, I need to find something hot to wear. I need to get laid tonight as it has been way to long. I am pretty sure I will have to clean out the cobwebs down there,” I exaggerate to her.
“Relax, come with me. We won’t find anything sexy in your closet. You have no dresses, just pants and t-shirts,” Kayla laughs, while pulling me toward her bedroom. She flicks through her cupboard and pulls out a short skimpy deep-blue dress.
“Yes, this will look hot on you Dar. You have the best body but never show it off. Are you crazy?” Kayla questions, eyeing me up and down.
I shake my head and snatch the dress out of her hands. “Fine, I will try it on, but I will be so uncomfortable. The amount of fabric, or lack of, is ridiculous.” I pick out a sexy matching pair of black lace underwear and a bra.
After putting them on I instantly regret it. The way these undies are riding up my arse I would rather go commando. In terms of underwear, I always went with comfort over sexiness, but tonight I was going to make an exception, for once.
I put on the dress and get Kayla to zip it up. I turn around to see Kayla with her mouth wide open.
“Holy fuck, Dar, you look hot! I don’t think I have ever seen you in a dress before. You should do it more often, you’re most definitely getting laid tonight.”
I turn around and look in the mirror. I am in shock. I don’t look too bad. It was an off the shoulder dress that was all the rage now. It had long sleeves and they sat nicely down my arms. The rest of the dress is tight on my body and showed off my curves. It sits just above my knees, so I was a little self-conscious.
“I don’t know Kayla…you sure it isn’t too short?” I ask, eyeing myself in the mirror.
“Are you kidding me? No, you have to wear it!” Kayla exclaims, rolling her eyes.
“Okay fine, but I better be getting some action tonight then,” I reply, walking out of her room.
“Wait, you need some sexy heels to finish it off,” Kayla yells, running to her closet.
“Don’t you dare bring anything out that is too high. I won’t even be able to walk in them! The smallest heel possible please,” I yell back to her.
I seriously never wore heels at all. The closest I come to wearing them is in wedged heels, so I have all the support. I was more of a flat comfortable shoe girl. I hated being uncomfortable. What was the point?
Kayla comes out of her closet with a pair of sexy black anklet boots that have a little heel, perfect. They are made of velvet and have the front toe area cut out.
“Yes, they will be fine, at least I will be able to manage in those,” I say, grabbing them from her. I pull them on and check myself in the mirror. “Okay, this will have to do, I will be uncomfortable all night, but I will just have to suck it up.”
After a few drinks, I’m sure I will be fine. I was so glad that we were the same shoe size, otherwise I would most likely be wearing hiking boots. I shake my head at myself. I should have been born as a guy, life would make more sense.
“Alright, I just have to go put on my face, fix up this mop and then let’s bounce,” I say, pulling my hair out of its ponytail and letting it fall down my back. I couldn’t even remember the last time I got my hair cut, probably never, come to think of it. I just let it go naturally. Who had time for that pamper shit anyway? Certainly not me, I had way better things to do with my time.
After putting on some light makeup, brushing my hair and braiding it down my back, I think I’m ready to go. Well, ready as I’ll ever be. I’ll be right once I get some drinks in my system. I head out to check in with Kayla.
“Hey, girl, you ready to go? How do I look?” I ask, as I walk into her room. She is just finishing off her hair and eyes me up and down.
“You are not wearing your hair like that, it doesn’t go with what you're wearing.” She laughs and struts over to pull it out of the braid. “Wear it out for once, let these beautiful locks free,” she says, twirling my hair in her fingers.
“Fine, are you ready to go?” I ask, tapping my foot out of nerves.
“Yep, let’s roll. I just ordered an Uber, so it should be here any minute.” Kayla gives herself a last look in the mirror. She was such a natural beauty but tended to put a lot of makeup on and put so much hairspray in her hair, I was sure it wouldn’t be moving an inch. I grab my little shoulder bag and head out the door with Kayla on my tail.
The Uber is waiting out front. We hop in and I tell the driver where to go. In typical Uber-style, he offers us a bottle of water and some chewing gum. We pull up to the bar twenty minutes later. I yank open the car door, glad to feel the fresh air on my face.
Being stuck in a confined space for long periods does not sit well with me. I need fresh air; nothing quite like the feel of it.
The bar was located right in the city on a busy street. The exterior of the bar was made of deep red bricks with black trimmed windows. It’s a two-story building that is sandwiched between two Italian restaurants. There is a huge line waiting to get into the new bar; it is the first weekend they are open. So, I am not surprised to see how busy it is. As it only officially opened on Tuesday night, everyone was eagerly wanting to check it out.
We walk to the end and join the line that is a good fifty people long. Fuck, this is going to take all night just to make it to the front. One of the bodyguards starts walking down the line and looks to be picking out people to come to the front. The poor people that have been waiting here all night. They honestly didn’t stand a chance of getting in there tonight, by the looks of it.
The bodyguard walks slowly past us, eyeing us up and down. Then he stops and says, “Hey there, you two. Come to the front of the line,” giving us a wink. Everyone around us gives us death stares and voices their complaints.
Tough luck bitches, we are heading to the top. I do a little victory dance to rub it in even further to the dicks in the line. I walk to the front of the line with Kayla right behind me. She gives me a nudge and whispers in my ear. “See? Lucky, we look so hot right now, it has its benefits.”
“Alright ladies, welcome to ‘Unsecured.’ I hope you enjoy your evening. I hope to see you in there later,” Mr. Bodyguard says while opening the entrance door. We thank him and head inside.
The vibe inside is incredible and pheromones are running high perfect, I think to myself. The atmosphere is dark and moody, with shaded red lighting, making the ground floor space feel relaxing.
This first level is for the after-work drinkers, who want to chill and chat with their friends. By the looks, the next level has the dance floor where everyone goes to party and let their hair down. I couldn’t wait to get up ther
e.
We head to the bar downstairs and holler to the waitress.
“What can I getcha ladies?” She says, approaching us.
“Can we get two beers and two shots of tequila?” I ask, pulling out some cash before Kayla can get the chance. I would regret the tequila tomorrow but tonight I was going to let loose.
“Hey, it’s your birthday celebration so I should be shouting you,” she complains, giving me her cute angry face.
“Yeah, you got next round,” I promise, giving the waitress the money. She hands us our drinks and we head over to a booth in the corner.
We slide into the booth and sit down, getting comfortable. Kayla lifts up her shot glass, "Cheers to you, Dar; here's to your 25th birthday. Fuck, you’re ‘quarter of a century’. Bitch, you’re getting old." She teases.
We touch our glasses together and neck down the tequila. A shudder goes through my body as the deadly tequila goes down my throat. Fuck, this shit was lethal.
"Tell me why you chose tequila? Holy shit, Dar, this shit is poison," Kayla complains. But secretly I know she loves it, or she will very soon when it hits her. Tequila is the easiest way to get the most fucked up in a short period of time.
I neck down a good gulp of my beer to make the burning taste go away, taking in my surroundings. I notice the area is full of legless women, and men that were taking advantage of it. I sure as hell hoped I was getting taken advantage of tonight.
This bitch needed to get laid or at least get some pleasure down there. My pussy would be so fucking tight that I am not even sure a dick would fit in there. I let out a laugh, and Kayla looks up at me.
"What are you laughing at missy?" She questions me.
"Just thinking how we need to have a few more shots so we can get upstairs and dance up on some sexy men," I say, as I finish off my beer. Kayla gets up and walks over to the bar and orders us some more drinks. As per usual, a good-looking guy in a business suit walks up to her and whispers in her ear. She chuckles and points over to our booth.
