Jagger

by S. Nelson

  Kena: I know who it is. I’m just playing with you. Plead the fifth on the last question.

  Before I could read too much into her last text, another one came through.

  Kena: And yes, I added you to my phone. Hopefully, you won’t make me delete you. :)

  She certainly had some spunk, a trait I hadn’t expected. I liked it.

  Jagger: I’ll try not to.

  “Ask her to send you a pic of the twins,” Tripp shouted as he walked past me on the way to the bar.

  “What are you, fifteen?” I yelled back.

  “No, I just haven’t seen a nice pair of tits in a while, and from what I remember, she looked like she had some nice ones.” I knew Tripp was just bustin’ my balls, but his comments made me want to punch him in the face.

  “Don’t pay the nomad any attention,” Stone instructed, sitting down next to me. “He likes to get under my skin with Addy, and he’s just doin’ the same shit with you. You texting that girl from the other night?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You like her?”

  “Yeah,” I repeated, counting the seconds until she responded.

  Oh God, I can feel myself growing a vagina.

  “Then why don’t you ask her to do something?” he asked, slinging his arm over the back of the couch and settling in.

  “Because I can’t talk to her in person. I know she can hear, but what about when she tries to say something to me? I-I mean . . . communicate with me, I know she can’t speak,” I explained, frustration tripping up my words. “I won’t be able to understand her and I’ll look like an idiot.” Leaning my head back against the cushion, I let out a breath and tried to figure out what to do. I really wanted to get to know Kena, but would it ever go further than just texting?

  “Do you like her?” Stone asked a second time, arching his brow in waiting.

  “I already told you I did,” I snapped.

  “Then get off your ass and figure it out,” he chided, rising to his feet and towering over me. Confident he’d given me the best advice known to man, he walked toward the exit of the clubhouse.

  As I parted my lips to shout after him, my phone chimed.

  Kena: Do you have any plans tonight?

  Jagger: Why do you ask? Way to play it cool.

  Kena: Friend’s band is playing. Wanna go?

  Jagger: I’m not into chick music, but I’ll go if you want me to.

  I frowned after re-reading my response, realizing I’d probably come off like a douche.

  Kena: Ouch! I think you just shit all over my gender’s music. BTW, my friend isn’t a girl.

  Jagger: Sorry, that didn’t come out right. What’s the name of the band?

  Kena: I don’t know if I should tell you now.

  Is she seriously pissed off?

  Radio silence for what seemed like forever. Just when I thought I’d blown my chances of seeing her that evening, an occurrence I hadn’t even thought possible until her suggestion, she responded.

  Kena: Breakers.

  Jagger: I know them. Who’s your friend?

  How did she know any of the members? Did she go to school with them? Did she date one of them? More than one? Were they friends with her sister instead? So many questions rattled me.

  Kena: Kevin. He works at my family’s restaurant.

  Jagger: Which restaurant?

  Kena: Nope. Not gonna tell. You could be a crazy person. Don’t need any sexy fighters showing up and stalking me.

  There was no way to identify a tone through text, but I knew she was only messing with me. I wouldn’t push for the information, however, in case she was being slightly serious. Plus, I didn’t blame her. At least she was being safe, even though it was directed toward me.

  Jagger: Smart move. You think I’m sexy?

  Kena: :)

  Allowing her compliment to boost my ego, I wanted to go out on a high note, ending our messaging tryst with one final request.

  Jagger: Text me the name of the bar and the time to meet you. If I can get away, I’ll see you later.

  Appearing aloof had always worked in the past in garnering female attention, and I prayed my indifference worked with Kena. With each stroke of the keys I knew I was putting myself out there more than I’d initially intended, but I couldn’t help myself. My heart pounded at the very thought of seeing her again, her communication with me crystalizing the possibility as a very real one.

  Tucking my phone into my back pocket, I leaned forward and rested my forearms on my thighs. Bowing my head, I threaded my fingers through the strands of my hair in distraction. It wasn’t a smart move to appear too eager, and although I looked forward to seeing her again, I tried to convince myself that she was just another girl.

  A vibration thrummed against my lower back, but I ignored it.

  Let’s see how well restraint works in my favor.

  Kena

  Oh my God! Give me back my phone. My hands were going a million miles a minute, my aggravation prevalent in the way my fingers danced through the air and created words. Sentences. Threats to my sister for stealing my phone and texting Jagger.

  Only Braylen would be so carefree, flirting with him via messaging. She knew damn well I would’ve kept my responses short and sweet. And although I probably would’ve sounded like a dork, it was me and I wasn’t going to change for anyone. A stubborn trait which irritated my older sister to no end.

  But she didn’t understand.

  She didn’t have anything holding her back from being “normal.” While I longed to join the rest of society, I was forced into the shadows, watching everyone else live the life I wish I could. Warped or not, it was my view of the world.

  Braylen danced around me, dizzying me into submission, if only until I regained my senses. “Oh, come on, lil’ sis. You know damn well you would’ve let him slip through your fingers with your nonchalant responses and ill-conceived notions of what you think flirting is.” She laughed harder with my pathetic attempts to tackle her and retrieve my cell.

  Huffing, my face turning a light shade of red, I finally stood still and glared at my infuriating sibling. You would think being three years my elder would’ve made her more mature, but nope. I’d give her credit, though; with every birthday that passed, she refused to shed her childlike enthusiasm for unexpected situations. I guessed she viewed my predicament as such.

  With my hands on my hips, I refused to plead again, instead choosing the effective stance of patience. Although it wasn’t my strong suit. Eventually, she’d tire and pass me my phone. Moments prior, I’d caught a few of her responses to Jagger, but she’d been too quick, hopping off the bed before I could snatch the phone away from her.

  Finally, after she deemed enough was enough, she crossed the small space between us and gave me a hug. Kissing my cheek, she said, “I did it for your own good. You’ll thank me one day,” she promised, returning my property.

  Sauntering toward my closet, she disappeared inside and rooted around, the slight clang of the hangers drawing my attention. Re-entering the room, she shoved a dark purple tank top at me, flirty ruffles embellishing the front. “Wear those skinny jeans that make your booty pop. And those black heels you never wear.”

  Which ones? I loved how she could switch my mood from irritation to curiosity.

  “The ones that make your legs look like they go on for miles, with the studded spikes on the back.”

  I’ll break my neck. There’s a reason I only wore them once. I cringed, remembering the time we’d gone out for drinks and I’d tripped walking back from the ladies’ room, almost falling on my face.

  “Stop being a baby and just get them. We have a few hours before we have to leave, so make sure you sex it up.”

  Taking my time, I indulged in a long shower. Thoughts of the upcoming evening took hold as the foam from my vanilla-scented shower gel coated my skin, lost in hopes that something good would finally happen. Not that I’d had a bad life, because I certainly had not. But most days, it seem
ed like I was simply existing, trudging from one day to the next with snippets of joy laced between.

  I wanted to experience all life had to offer.

  Passion.

  Drama.

  Love.

  Okay, maybe not the drama piece so much, but the other two would be wonderful.

  An hour later, I curled the last strand of my dark hair, flinging it behind my shoulder and integrating it with the rest, using my fingers to soften the look. I slipped on my heels, smoothed down my shirt and checked out my butt. Hey, I had to make sure the jeans still did their job. Deeming myself presentable, I snatched my wristlet from my dresser, flicked off my bedroom light and strode down the short hallway to my sister’s room.

  Pushing open her door, Braylen gave me an enormous smile when her eyes landed on me.

  An impervious whistle cut through the air. “Now that’s what I’m talking about,” she exclaimed. “Wait until he gets a load of you. He’s gonna bust a nut for sure.” She teasingly smacked my ass on her way toward the front door. “Let’s go, chica. There is some fun to be had.”

  Nerves shook me the further we walked toward the entrance to Rustic, the trendy bar where Kevin’s band was set to play that evening. I’d wanted nothing more than to lay eyes on Jagger again, but with every swift tick of the clock, reservation suffocated my hope. In its place, anxiety and fear riddled me, threatening to shut down my evening before it even started.

  “Calm down,” she soothed. “I see you’re getting nervous. Don’t get lost inside that head of yours tonight,” she said, tapping my temple to help shock me out of my own inner paranoia. “If he shows, great. If he doesn’t, we’re gonna drink and be merry. Even flirt a little with whoever catches our fancy.” She laughed, seizing my hand and dragging me through the entry, steering me directly toward the bar ahead. “Let’s get started, shall we?”

  There were a few different levels to Rustic, making it a popular hangout for the locals. The first floor housed the main bar and the stage where the bands played, numerous high-back booths as well as tables and chairs scattered throughout providing plenty of seating for the patrons. If people wanted to experience more of a club feel, they ventured down to the basement where another bar stole the entire back wall, a large dance floor stretching across the majority of the open space. The seating on the lower level was selective, only a few couches spread out around the room.

  Two cosmopolitans in and I felt nice. Relaxed. Ready to allow the night to unfold and thrust me into unforeseen possibilities—of the good kind, of course. Listening to Braylen chatter on about some of her salon clients, my nerves lessened, having something other than my anxiousness to focus on. Plus, the alcohol licked my veins, pulling me into a nice fog. In the middle of my sister telling me about some hot guy who’d walked into her work, a strong hand clutched my waist, pulling me back into a strong chest. Stumbling backward a step, the mystery guy helped to steady me before making his identity known. My sister was all smiles.

  Turning my head to the side, I saw Kevin grinning at my shocked reaction. Leaning in, he kissed my temple before releasing me.

  “I’m so happy you two made it,” he said, leaning his hip against the bar so he was facing both of us. “You haven’t been to a show in a few months.” Quirking his brow, he looked lost in thought for a moment. “Yeah, it’s been at least six months,” he affirmed, a beaming smile lighting up his face once more.

  As I brought my hands up in front of me, preparing to sign, an eager-looking redhead sauntered past, eyeing Kevin like she wanted to eat him up. “Hi, Kevin,” she cooed, pushing her tits out to make herself more tempting. She was attractive enough, if you found desperation appealing.

  “Hi, sweetheart,” he answered, winking at her before turning his focus back on us. “Fans,” he chuckled. “Comes with the territory.”

  You certainly don’t mind, I signed, smirking at the way he tried to look affronted.

  “I’d give it all up in a heartbeat if you’d agree to be mine, pumpkin,” he teased, encircling my waist with his arm and pulling me close, kissing the top of my head. “Just say the word.” I knew Kevin was attracted to me, but I also realized he was only playing, enjoying getting a rise out of me whenever he could.

  You’d never be able to live without all the fans fawning at your feet night after night, I jested, resting my hand on his upper arm in a comfortable touch of friendliness.

  Contemplating a retort, he wiggled his brows and bit his bottom lip. “Yeah, you’re right.” I enjoyed the easiness between us, thankful Braylen had convinced me to come out. Plus, Kevin took my mind off Jagger, which was a good thing.

  After five minutes of easy banter between the three of us, Kevin spotted his buddies, announcing he had to do some last-minute sound checks before the show. Once we readily agreed to stay until their set was over, he embraced the both of us before sauntering across the room and hopping on stage with his bandmates.

  “You having fun?” Braylen asked, bumping my shoulder with hers, a hopeful look in her eye that her baby sister was letting loose and enjoying herself.

  I really am. I smiled, harboring a deep appreciation toward her for constantly looking out for me. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but thanks for forcing me out tonight.

  “You’re welcome, sweetie. I just wanna see you live a little, ya know?”

  Nodding, I turned my attention toward the drink she pushed my way, sliding it across the dark polish of the bar. The alcohol promised an eventful night, dark liquid fingers dragging me into a soft oblivion if I wasn’t careful.

  Last one. I don’t want to get drunk, I signed.

  “Why not? It’s not like you have to go into work tomorrow if you don’t want to.” Chewing on her straw, she took quick sips before placing the drink back on the bar. “What’s the harm in totally losing yourself tonight?”

  Well, for one, I don’t want to be throwing up all night. And two . . . , I stalled, there’s no two. I just don’t want to be sick and then feel like crap all day tomorrow. Plus, you know what a lightweight I am when it comes to drinking. Bringing my hands down to rest on the edge of the bar, I reached for my third and final drink of the evening, circling my fingers around the cool glass and gingerly bringing it to my lips.

  “Well, you might change your mind,” she prompted, her eyes suddenly fixated on someone across the room. Grinning from ear to ear, she looked back at me before broadcasting, “Someone decided to show up after all. And he looks fine as hell.”

  Slowly turning my head, my eyes locked on Jagger propped against the wall behind him, hands in his pockets and looking quite magnificent. Even from across the room, I knew his gaze rested on me, his beautiful eyes so intense it made me shudder. An undeniable pull existed between us, and all I wanted to do was go to him.

  Or run and hide.

  I couldn’t decide yet.

  Jagger

  I wasn’t gonna lie. For as tough as I appeared, I was a nervous wreck on the inside. Self-doubt propelled itself forward, casting me in the unrelenting shadows of unworthiness. What if she became frustrated because I couldn’t communicate with her? Would she deem me undeserving and move on? Even over the distance separating us, I witnessed the comfortability that existed between her and Kevin. His attraction to Kena was obvious, but was she to him? It sure looked like it.

  The aloofness I played while texting her came back to kick me in my stubborn ass. Maybe I shouldn’t have ignored her last message. Maybe I should have let her be the one to end the back and forth between us. Either way, it was too late now; what was done was done. If she had certain feelings about it, or me, I was sure she’d let me know as soon as I approached.

  I hid in the dimness of the bar until Kevin left. Only then did I reveal myself, still while hanging back and watching her. Parts of me felt like a creeper, but when it came to Kena, all bets were off.

  Hopefully she’s still interested; otherwise, I fear stalking charges in the near future.

  Dispelling all
unsure thoughts, I shoved off the wall once I knew Kena and her sister had seen me. While I took my time reaching them, I calmly repeated, Don’t fuck this up. Don’t fuck this up. This one is special. My little mantra had the opposite effect, though. My sudden nerves ricocheted inside me, my heart thumping hard against my chest and threatening to stop altogether the closer I advanced.

  Expelling a quick breath, I dodged the ever-growing crowd and finally came to rest a few paces from Kena. Braylen’s stare was intense, but the lilt of her smile helped to ease some of my trepidation. I realized Kena would consider her sister’s advice when it came to interacting with me, so I knew I had to impress both of them.

  “Hi,” I greeted, standing so close to Kena our shoulders brushed. Her body trembled from the touch and I prayed it was from excitement, not regret of having invited me that evening. Not wanting to come across as lustful as I felt being near her, I kept my eyes on her face, drinking in her image as best I could before moving on to her sister. Giving them both a genuine, yet apprehensive smile, I eased a little when I saw they both appeared happy to see me.

  “Thank God you came,” Braylen gushed. “I was beginning to lose all faith in your intentions toward my sister.” She laughed, throwing her arm over Kena’s shoulder and pulling her close—a protective stance of sorts. Right away, I liked Braylen. A fire lit behind her eyes in warning, although hope danced alongside. The warring emotions both confused and elated me. She loved Kena more than anything, and while she wanted her to be happy, she would slay anyone who hurt her.

  “I wouldn’t miss seeing you again,” I admitted, meeting Kena’s eyes briefly before looking away again. Not wanting to reveal too much, I changed the subject. “What are you both drinking?” I asked, signaling for the bartender who was chatting it up with some chick.

  Kena raised her hands and signed something to her sister, a look of hesitancy holding her captive.

  Braylen responded before turning her attention to me. “She’s fussing because she doesn’t think she should drink anymore, but I told her to relax and live a little. You never know what can happen,” she goaded.