Ceaseless

by Abbi Glines

  “I thought we would go get a coffee and talk while they, you know,” he pointed toward her room.

  Pagan looked back at me and I seriously considered begging. She pressed her lips together then turned her eyes back toward Jay. “Uh, actually no. I thought you were leaving. I’m sure Nathan will find a way back. Miranda has a car.”

  She was choosing me. The urge to reach out and pull her close to me and send a possessive warning to the boy was overwhelming but I kept myself in check.

  “You going with him?” Jay asked harshly. I cut my eyes in his direction and he stiffened. Yeah, he better get the warning.

  “Yes, Jay, I am. Not that it is your business.”

  I was kissing her as soon as he left us the hell alone.

  Jay opened his mouth and I pulled back my lips in a snarl. He stopped. Smart boy.

  Shaking his head he turned and walked off.

  I reached down and threaded my fingers through hers. “Let’s go eat.”

  She smiled down at our hands then looked up at me,” Okay. Where to?”

  I pulled her closer to me, “Anywhere you want.”

  She looked around me and saw my Harley parked across the street. “Are we taking that?” she asked.

  “If that’s okay. I can promise you that you will be completely safe.”

  She bit down on her bottom lip several times as she contemplated it. Finally, she nodded. “Okay, yeah. Let’s take it.”

  I’d brought a helmet with me just in case she agreed to ride with me. Pulling it out of the back compartment I put it on her head and fastened it. She was adorable. I really should have gotten one of these sooner. She’d have been hot riding to school on the back of it with me every morning.

  “How do I look?” she asked.

  “Hot. Smoking hot.”

  A blush covered her cheeks and she ducked her head to hide it. I got on the bike and held my hand out to her. “Come here.”

  She slipped her hand in mine and I held her steady as she lifted her leg over the back and scooted in against my back. When she slid her arms around me and her hands grabbed tightly to the tee shirt covering my stomach, I closed my eyes and sighed. Yeah, this was good. Real good.

  Pagan

  Riding the back of a motorcycle pressed tightly up against Dank Walker was one of those experiences that all females should have before they die. Nothing compared to it. The dark exotic smell that was his alone invaded my senses. My fingers and palms kept grazing his abs and oh my, were his abs nice. Unlike other abs I’d seen, his were really, really ripped. He had more than just a six-pack. I fought the need to slip my hands under his shirt just to see what the skin covering such a perfect stomach felt like. Unfortunately our ride was over too soon. Dank pulled the motorcycle into a little café that had a sign advertising their breakfast menu outside on a chalkboard.

  Dank got off the bike and helped me get off. I was a little unsteady but it worked out to my advantage because he took my waist and pulled me up against his chest. Now I knew what that chest felt like. I was very excited about getting near that stomach and chest.

  “I liked that. A lot.” He told me in a low sexy voice.

  I swallowed hard and nodded. Might as well be honest. I liked it a lot too. “Yeah, me too.” I glanced down at his stomach. I really wanted to see it bare.

  “What you looking at, Pagan?” The amused tone in his voice didn’t mask the fact he was turned on.

  I decided to be brave. “I was wondering what your stomach looks like. After our ride I have a few ideas but…” I trailed off.

  Dank’s hands squeezed my waist and he took a deep breath, “If you want me to take off my shirt, I’ll be more than happy to oblige. However, can we do it when there are no people around us?”

  I nodded and pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. I’d just asked a guy to take off his shirt. Had I ever done something like that? It was liberating.

  Dank took my hand and we walked into the cute little café engulfed in delicious aromas. It was a seat-yourself kind of place so Dank led us to the far corner table for two. He pulled out my chair for me; I was positive no one had ever done that before.

  Once he was seated he leaned forward and his blue eyes were almost close to the glowing look they often got. “I don’t know how I’m going to eat now. All I can think about is the fact you want my shirt off.”

  Giggling, I covered my mouth and looked around. The place was busy, but not too crowded. We had a small amount of privacy where we were sitting. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  Dank’s eyes flared and he reached over and grabbed my hand, “No. If you want something, ask me. Anything.”

  Um. Okay. That was, uh, a little intense. But then I was getting used to Dank’s intensity. He was definitely interested in me. There was no question. He liked me as much as I liked him. Jay didn’t stand a chance against this.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” A chipper voice asked and I jerked my hand back, startled by the interruption.

  “Pagan?” Dank asked looking at me instead of the waitress. I lifted my attention from him to the girl who wasn’t looking at me at all. She was drinking in Dank. I couldn’t blame her. Not one bit.

  “Orange juice, please.” She nodded and scribbled it done then looked wistfully at Dank.

  “Milk,” he replied still watching me.

  “Here are your menus. I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order” she told Dank, who ignored her.

  “Thanks,” I replied.

  She left and I looked back at Dank. “You’re making me nervous,” I told him.

  He frowned and leaned back in his seat. “I’m sorry.”

  Great. Now he looked worried. How did someone like him appear so hard and untouchable one minute, then sensitive and hurt the next? He was one big contradiction.

  “Don’t apologize. I haven’t had a shower and I have on no makeup. I wasn’t expecting to see you this morning when Miranda kicked me out of the room with nothing but these clothes to put on.”

  Dank smirked, “You look perfect. You always do.” Then he paused and leaned forward again, “Why did Miranda kick you out?”

  “Nathan came to apologize this morning. He woke us up banging on our door. Jay was with him. Anyway, I’m not sure what he said to make it better because she kicked us out. I’m pretty sure they were getting busy which was why she threw clothes at me and told me to go away.”

  “That explains this morning. I was worried I had some competition.”

  There was a competition? For me? Oh my.

  “No, right now you’re the only one I’m interested in spending more time with.”

  The pleased grin that lit up his face was worth putting myself out there.

  Our drinks were placed in front of us and I realized I hadn’t even looked at a menu. Dank explained that we needed a few more minutes.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Pagan

  I managed to wake up with my alarm clock this morning so I had time to make the quick stop to the coffee shop. I would also be more awake during class. Miranda was still sleeping when I left. Her first class of the day wasn’t until eleven so this was her morning to sleep late. Unfortunately, I hadn’t been blessed with one of those on my schedule.

  After spending Saturday morning with Dank, I’d gone to the library and found the other books I need for my Literature class. Then I’d called it an early night. Miranda had gone out with Nathan and not returned until seven on Sunday morning. I’d once again been woken up entirely too early for a weekend. She’d insisted we spend the day shopping for new underwear and shoes.

  I’d texted back and forth with Dank some and he’d called once but I hadn’t seen him. Not that he hadn’t tried. Miranda had just consumed my entire day Sunday. Then that night when she had gone out with Nathan again, Dank wasn’t around. At least I got to go to bed early.

  The line at the coffee shop was not moving very quickly. I glanced down at my phone for the tim
e; I had fifteen minutes. The walk from here was about five so I should be good.

  Finally, the blond guy in front of me moved. He was holding two cups of coffee and smiling at me. I returned the smile and waited for him to actually walk away so I could step up and order my morning caffeine, but the guy wasn’t budging. He held out one of the coffees to me. What was he doing? Sharing? Um, no thanks. I was picky about my latte.

  “Caramel latte with whipped cream. Just for you,” the happy stranger said. How had he known what I was going to order? And why did he order it for me? Was he a stalker? Should I call the police?

  “Next, please,” the guy behind the counter said in an annoyed tone. We were holding up progress.

  “Take it. The guy just made it. I can’t drink two of them.” The sincere kindness in his eyes sold me. Maybe he was just a lucky guesser. Or maybe I should really call the cops.

  I took the cup from his hand and stepped out of the line. The girl behind me sighed loudly and mumbled, “Finally, Thank you.”

  I took a sip of the coffee and realized it really was exactly how I liked it. I should at least thank him and be polite. I’d think about the restraining order later. “Um, thanks for the coffee. Not sure how you knew what I wanted but thanks. I’m gonna be late for class so this helps out.”

  “Can I walk you?” He asked moving with me as I made my way to the door.

  “Uh, yeah, I guess. Do you go here?” I asked as he fell in step beside me.

  He chuckled softly and the hairs on my arms stood up. Not a good sign. I stopped drinking my coffee. Something was off here.

  “I’m just a local,” was his reply. A local serial killer whose clutches I may have just walked into. “I have to admit I took an educated guess with your coffee and got lucky. I was trying to impress you with my chivalry. It looks like I’ve scared you instead. I didn’t mean to.”

  He was observant. I’d give him that. Nodding I still didn’t take another drink of the latte. This entire situation was beginning to annoy me. I didn’t have a coffee I could safely drink and I was going to be late for class if this guy didn’t leave me alone.

  “I was curious. Do you have a boyfriend?” Well he was straightforward. I could lie and send him packing or I could answer honestly and run toward my building.

  “Um, not that it is your business, but no.” Now should I run?

  “So, you and Dankmar, I mean Dank Walker aren’t a thing?” Wait…. What? How did he know about Dank? Was he a fan? Maybe this was Dank’s stalker.

  “Uh, no. I just met Dank Walker,” I replied stepping up my pace. The guy paused and I thought I was going to get away from him until I heard him jogging up beside me.

  “You didn’t know him before college? Like in high school?” What was with this guy’s questions? Oh. Questions… he was one of those gossip magazine reporters. That had to be it. I didn’t realize Cold Soul was that big yet. I was being harassed by the paparazzi.

  “Listen, I just met the guy. I know nothing about him. Leave me alone,” I snapped and shoved my coffee back at him before turning and breaking into a run to get across the street before the light turned. I’d have to tell Dank about this. Or Dankmar… was that his real name?

  “Whoa, Peggy Ann. Who ya running from?” Gee asked stepping in front of me as I reached the Science building.

  “Some whacko nosey guy. I’m thinking he was a gossip reporter. He was asking me about my relationship with Dank. Or Dankmar, as he called him.”

  Gee’s amused look vanished and she turned her head back toward the street I’d just crossed. A snarl appeared on her face. I glanced back and sure enough the guy was still standing there watching us, both hands holding a coffee cup.

  “You know him? Because he seriously creeped me out.”

  Gee shook her head, “Voodoo boy doesn’t know when to quit.”

  “Voodoo boy?” I asked confused.

  Gee turned her gaze back to me, “Nothing. Water under the bridge and shit. Come on, we actually have a class together. This will entertain me. Oh, and here take this. It’s from lover boy.” She shoved a backpack in my arms.

  “What’s this?” I asked confused.

  “You needed a laptop and Dank delivered. Come on,” Gee said and spun around in her black leather combat boots and stalked toward the building. I had to hurry to keep up.

  I’d forgotten he’d mentioned letting me use his other laptop. This would make my week so much easier. Mom still hadn’t gotten enough money to order one for me. I would be sure to thank him properly as soon as I saw him.

  I’d been hoping to see Dank this morning but there was no way we had more than two classes together. At least I had Gee in this one. Well… maybe that wasn’t a good thing. She might end up being more distracting than anything.

  Gee had actually flirted with the professor. Heavily. As in made him blush bright red several times. The man stammered all over himself through most of the class. It was more entertaining than anything. I hadn’t learned one thing. At least he had given us some references and a website with this week’s assignments.

  “I can’t believe you,” I said, laughing as we walked to the dorm. I had three hours before Calculus with Dank.

  Gee shrugged, “What? He was a cutie. The quiet nerdy kind. I like to fuck with their heads. Besides that shit is boring in there. I got better things to do.”

  “If you want to pass this class then you had better pay more attention to what he is saying than how to make him blush.” Although, it was funny to watch.

  “Subject change. The guy this morning. Stay away from him if you see him again.”

  Did she know him? Her comment about ‘voodoo boy’ had bothered me but Gee was weird and said off the wall things. I’d blown it off. Now, I was concerned. “Is he dangerous?” I asked glancing back to see if we were being followed. Maybe that call to the cops wasn’t such a bad idea.

  “He won’t hurt you. Trust me. Just avoid him. He’ll disappear soon enough.”

  Must be paparazzi like I’d assumed. Cold Soul’s lead singer couldn’t hold their interest long. Not when they had movie stars behaving badly to chase down.

  When we turned the corner and the front of our dorm came into view, I saw Dank leaning against his motorcycle with his arms crossed over hic chest talking to a couple of girls. He looked very uninterested and his eyes immediately found mine. He didn’t say anything to them as he straightened up and walked away from them toward me. That was the way I wanted a guy I was considering dating to act when he was being flirted with by other girls. I couldn’t keep the silly smile off my face.

  “Looks like Romeo was waiting for your return.”

  Dank

  If my time was limited before Pagan’s soul began connect to Jay’s then I was going to make damn sure that she couldn’t get me out of her head. I’d spent all morning planning our evening. Now, I just had to get her to agree.

  Gee muttered, “Pagan got some Bourbon street coffee this morning,” as she walked past me on her way to the dorm.

  I didn’t need an explanation. I had warned Leif but I was ready to put some action behind my warning. She didn’t remember him. His time with her was over. His staying around was only going to confuse her.

  “Hey,” Pagan said in way of greeting. She had stopped in front of me. She didn’t look upset or scared. Whatever Leif said to her hadn’t made an impact. Ghede really needed to get his kid a hobby. Pagan was no longer available for his entertainment.

  “Good morning. How was class?”

  She shrugged then an amused smile broke out on her face, “Gee had the professor a blubbering nervous wreck with her flirting.”

  Leave it to Gee to cause a stir wherever she went. “Is that so? I take it you enjoyed the show.”

  Pagan let out a small laugh, “Yes, I did. I probably shouldn’t but it was too funny to ignore. But it was so much easier taking notes on the laptop you sent me. Thank you so much. I promise to take good care of it.”

  “Dank Wa
lker! Oh wow, I saw you last week at Club Butter. You were amazing,” a girl stepped in front of Pagan and laid her hand on my chest as she began to prattle off some more. I reached for her wrist and removed her hand from my body then reached around her and grabbed Pagan’s hand and pulled her toward me.

  “Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the show. If you’ll excuse us we were having a private conversation,” I informed her. She shifted her eyes from me to Pagan and an unimpressed smirk distorted her face. I slipped my hand around Pagan’s waist and pulled her closer to my side. She came willingly.

  “Oh, well, when you want a little more excitement I can be found right back here,” she pointed at the dorm. Pagan had to live in the same building with her. I needed to make Gee aware that this one could be vindictive.

  “I’m sure that will never be the case,” I replied.

  The girl spun around and stalked off angrily. She wasn’t used to being turned down.

  “What is it with her? Every guy I date she goes after.”

  Pagan’s response caused me to tense up. What other guys had she been dating? I wasn’t aware she’d been out with anyone other than Jay. Had Gee been keeping something from me?

  “Really?” I managed to ask in a normal voice. The anger and jealousy rolling through me was tamped down. Pagan couldn’t see that.

  “Yeah, really. But at least you didn’t set up a date with her right in front of me. Jay made plans with her while on a date with me. I didn’t care exactly but it was a little embarrassing. Did nothing for my ego.”

  He was an ass. How could he be her soul’s mate? They didn’t match up. He was far from worthy. “The guy is an idiot. There is no comparison between the two of you. She can’t compete.”

  Pagan inhaled sharply then turned her face up to look at me, “Okay, yeah, you’re real good at this, Dank Walker. Real good.”

  “I’m glad you like your laptop. Feel free to use the bag it’s in to carry your other books. Does this mean you’ll ride with me to our next class?” I asked pulling out her helmet.

  The corner of her mouth turned up and she reached for the helmet. “Thank you. I’ll do that and, yeah, I think I will take that lift.”