by Nicole Adams
“And you’re that someone I presume?” The heat of anger filling my cheeks.
She looks me up and down and sighs. “Honey, of course I mean me. But you are worrying about the wrong person.” She turns and leaves without another word. What the hell? Who the hell? I gather my bag and chase after her.
As I turn out the doorway, two strong hands push me into the lockers. I feel their warm breath on the back of my neck. Panic rises within me, the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. I struggle, but their body presses against me.
“God, you look so good tonight, is this all for me?” a devilish snarl against my ear. Cole.
“Get off of me!” I shout as he slams my head hard into the cold metal.
“Shh, shh, shh. It’s okay baby. I just wanted to talk to you.” He says running his clammy fingers against my cheek, I try to struggle away from his touch. I try and push myself free again, adrenaline rushing through me. Again, I am met with another slam of my head, harder than before, causing a pounding to start in my temple. “But you look so good and you know I love a fighter.” He growls into my ear. His free hand touching my waist and down to my thighs. I smack his hands away. A growl rising in my throat.
“Tut, tut, tut. That’s not nice. First you show up with someone else and now this. You owe me Faye.” He sneers. Turning me to face him, his arm pressing my shoulders against the wall. His eyes dark and crazed, his lips snarling.
“Do you think you scare me?” I say, pushing and shoving trying to break free of his unruly grasp. He smiles and lets out a dark laugh that sends a chill through my bones, wrapping his hand around my throat.
“You should be.” His breath against my cheek, he leans in, trying to kiss me. I grimace turning my face away from the attack.
SMACK
“Get the hell off of her!” Gilly shouts, smacking him over the head with her bag. Cole growls pushing her away with his free hand. SMACK! SMACK! “HELP! HELP!” footsteps sound down the hallway.
“Stay out of this Gilly!” Cole barks. His grip tightening on my throat as his eyes dart towards her. I fight once more, seeing my opportunity.
“Hell no! Help!” she shouts again.
“You again?” Charlie roars, tackling Cole to the ground. I gasp for air, sliding down the lockers. Gilly sits next to me, her arm wrapped around my shoulders. Charlie slams his fist into Cole’s jaw again and again.
“Charlie, stop! Please!” I gasp. He turns quickly, his dark eyes scanning me before putting his attention back on Cole.
“I’m okay, baby.” Cole says, trying to peer around Charlie to me. The softness to his voice scaring me more than his growls. My whole body stiffens.
Charlie growls, slamming him into the floor again. “Don’t talk to her. She’s mine.”
Cole laughs. He laughs. This man is on the verge of a mental break. Charlie pull back his fist to hit him again, but Coach pulls him off. “That’s enough. Cole get in my office now.” He says, before grabbing him by the scruff and dragging him down the corridor.
“Later.” Cole turns to me with a wink. Charlie steps in front of me, practically frothing at the mouth. Once Cole is out of sight he turns and squats down beside me. Gilly gets up and ushers the forming crowd back into the hall.
“Are you okay?” he asks, stroking my cheeks, wiping away a stray tear.
“I’m fine. I just want to go home.” He looks me over once more, his fingers stroking my neck, where I presume Cole left a mark. His jaw clenches before he nods and scoops me up, heading straight out the fire door, avoiding re-entering the hall.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there.” He says as he sets me on the passenger seat, avoiding eye contact. I place my hands on his warm cheeks and lift his gaze.
“I’m fine. You can’t exactly come to the bathroom with me?” I giggle, half-heartedly. The adrenaline slowly fading, leaving an unrelenting fear in its wake. I pull him into a tight hug. His warmth encapsulating me in a safe cocoon. He sighs into my neck. Before pulling away and buckling me up.
“Your brother is going to kill me.” he says once he hops in the driver seat. Eyeing the growing mark on my neck.
“We both know you can handle my brother.”
“This time I don’t want to.” He says turning the key in the ignition. I place my hand on his.
“Stop it. This was not your fault. Cole is crazy balls! The look in his eye…” I shudder a little at the memory. Closing my eyes. “It was like he wasn’t even human.”
Charlie grips my hand. “I love you Faye.” His other hand pushing my hair behind my ear. He loves me? Am I crazy to think I love him too? My heart palpitates in my chest.
“I love you Charlie.” I lean over and kiss his cheek. “Thank you for coming to my rescue. Again.”
“I will always look out for my girl. It’s you and me.” He grins, before pulling out of the parking lot.
“You and me.” I give a small smile. I try to push the images of Cole out of my mind, but something lingers. The feeling that whatever is happening isn’t over.
∞∞∞
As we pull up to the house, it is shrouded in complete darkness.
“Oh, Mom and Dad said they were going out. Henry must be out too.” I say, unbuckling my belt and opening the truck door, before turning back. “Will you stay with me?”
“If you think I’m letting you stay here by yourself, you’re crazy.” He let out a small laugh before leaping out of the car, rounding the bonnet and scooping me off the passenger seat. “So, my lady, should I get the popcorn ready and put a movie on?” his dark eyes burrowing into mine as we head for the front door.
“That sounds way better than some stupid dance. As long as I get to pick the film.” I smile, prodding him playfully in the chest.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He drops his forehead to mine, pausing. Forgetting about the world around us, everything that has happened. It’s just us. He leans in and kisses me softly, before opening the front door.
He sets me down on the sofa, before heading back to the kitchen. It’s amazing how things have changed over the past few weeks. I have the man of my dreams and it feels like it has never been any other way. His words ring in my head from his fight with Cole. She’s mine making a warmth pool in my abdomen. God, he is gorgeous. I watch him pop the popcorn in a bowl and make the drinks. I can’t help but stare. Watching his movements, like my life will depend on them.
“See something you like?” he grins, glancing my direction. My cheeks flush with colour.
“Oh yeah.” I say, an evil idea in mind. “That popcorn, and better be sweet.” I smile, as he makes his way back to the sofa, setting everything down on the coffee table and sitting beside me.
“Have you decided on a film?” he asks.
“Why don’t you surprise me, while I go get out of this dress?” I say making the move to stand, but he pulls me back in close.
“You know I would love to help you with that?” he whispers. The warmth in my stomach rising in degree. I cover the remaining distance, kissing him desperately. Moving to straddle his lap. His hands explore my body, whilst mine, pulls and loosens his tie. His tongue finds mine as the kiss becomes wild and a little out of our control. His hands go into my hair. I hiss and pull back. Cradling my head in my hand, feeling the large bump from the lockers.
“What’s wrong?” he says, shocked out of his lust filled haze. He sees my hands on my head and pulls them away to take a look. His jaw clenches when he sees what I know is there. “You go get in your pj’s. I’m going to get something to clean that up.” His face hardened, as he lifts me off placing me on my feet before returning to the kitchen.
My pjs are on when I head to the mirror to look at my head. I part my hair over the lump to see a crusty layer of blood congealed in my hair. Beautiful. Charlie rounds the doorframe, cotton balls and bowl in hand, eyes wide, but when he sees me, he lets out a sigh. He’s taken his tie off and unbuttoned his shirt making him look more relaxed. And a lot sexier.
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“When you didn’t come back down, I thought you had passed out. Let me clean that up.” He says placing the bowl on the dressing table, squatting down beside me and dipping the cotton balls in the water. He frames my face with his free hand, holding some of my hair out of the way. “You don’t feel dizzy or anything?”
“No, Dr Lawrence.” I say in a sing song voice, earning me his winning grin in return. I suck a breath in through my teeth when the warm cotton ball touches the cut.
“Well, let me know if anything changes.” He says, plastering a stern look on his face. He wipes and dips a few more times until he seems satisfied with his work. “We should head back downstairs. I picked a film.” He smiles, gathering up his supplies and heading out the door, letting his suspense build.
“Which one?” I ask, following, his shirt taught against his shoulders as we head down the stairs.
“Two words. Nine letters.” He places the stuff down on the counter before kicking his leg in the air. “Road House.” I giggle, as he karate chops the air.
“Now that is a choice, I can be happy with. Any Patrick Swayze film is a good one.” I say wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him close.
“Good, I’m glad we can bond over the bad ass that is Patrick Swayze.” He chuckles, kissing my nose and lifting me into the air like I weigh nothing. He spins until we reach the living room and plonks us both on the sofa. I lean over and press play on the movie. Snuggling in as close as I can.
Chapter 14
Charlie
I run my fingers up and down the arm, her breathing deep. She fell asleep only about 20 minutes into the movie. I sweep the hairs out of her face and down her back. I tense at the sound of the backdoor opening. I want to move, to be respectful to her parents, but I just can’t bring myself to wake her. Henry storms the living room with the bowl of bloody cotton balls. I never managed to clean that up. Thank God it isn’t her dad.
“What happened?” he asked, in a half shout whisper, when he sees her sleeping.
“That guy, from the party where she got dosed, attacked her as she came out of the bathroom,” I answer, trying to stay calm and quiet, not to stir her. His jaw clenches as he punches the wall behind him.
“What the hell is his problem?” starting as a shout, before turning back to a whisper.
“Man, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to stop it. When I found her…” I still for a moment when she wriggles before continuing. “I wanted to kill the little shit but she wouldn’t let me.”
“Always the bloody pacifist.” His voice is almost a growl. “We should’ve taught him a lesson before, not gone to coach.” He said fists clenched at his sides.
“I know man, but we didn’t realise he was this crazy. Plus, I don’t think he’s finished with her.” The angry seed from earlier, taking root deep in my chest, as I grapple with my temper.
“What do you mean by that?” he asks defensively.
“Dude, he was crazy. I was beating him and when she told me to stop, he smiled at her. Told her ‘I’m fine baby.’ Acting like I was somehow the bad guy! Then when coach pulled me off him, he smiled and winked at her over his shoulder saying ‘later’. He gave me the vibe like there was something seriously wrong with him. I swear to god if he comes near her again, I will kill him.”
“Get in line. All because of that night she got spiked?” he asks confused.
“God knows man, if that’s the case, shouldn’t his problem be with me?” Faye turns to sit up. How long has she been awake?
“I don’t think that’s his problem. He turned up at the butterfly sanctuary when I had my induction day. He was creepy but I thought it was a coincidence he was there. Now I’m not so sure. With what happened and school as well, there are too many things to put down to coincidence.” She says, dipping her head between her shoulders. I pull away to look at her.
“He’s been stalking you?” I ask. She nods slightly. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I thought it was a coincidence. Didn’t think it was a problem. I thought I could handle it,” she half whispers. I feel her stiffen in my arms.
“We’re calling sheriff Wallace in the morning,” Henry says. “That piece of shit has got away with it long enough. In the meantime, I think you should stay here.” She nods in agreement as Henry storms out of the room. I rub my fingers the small of her back to try and comfort her.
“Are you okay?” I ask her, turning her chin so her gaze meets mine. She nods sombrely.
“I’m just scared. He said I ‘owe him’. What for? Because he got kicked off the football team? I don’t get what he wants from me.” A stray tear falls down her cheek and I lean in to kiss it away.
“We can tell the sheriff all of this. Hopefully, we can get a restraining order or something. You’re safe here. You don’t need to be scared. We’ll look after you.” I pulled her into a tight hug, my chin resting on the top of her head. She lets out little sobs clinging to my arms. I feel how scared she is and I can’t help my anger simmer at the thought of the S.O.B. who has made her feel this way.
“Let me take you up to bed. I think you need some sleep.” She pulls away and her eyes widen. “Then I will leave. I’m not planning on getting shot by your dad anytime soon.” I chuckle and scoop her back up and take her upstairs to her bedroom. “Goodnight babe. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I kiss her on the forehead.
“Please, just stay for a minute?” she asks, her eyes pleading. I waiver for a moment, before pulling the chair in the corner over and sitting beside her. At least if her Dad or Henry does walk in it’s a lot better than being in the bed. I may keep my head till tomorrow but if I lose it I would definitely lose it for her. She smiles at my act of defiance before settling in and closing her eyes. “I love you, Charlie.”
My heart does a little flip at her words. “I love you too.”
Chapter 15
Faye
“Faye?” my Mom’s soft voice fills my ears. I crank one eye open and look around my bright room.
“Yeah Mom?” my sleepy voice, dry and raspy.
“The Sheriff is downstairs. Charlie and Henry told us everything, and he wants to talk to you. Why didn’t you tell us sweetheart?” she says, sweeping my hair back. I slide backwards to sit up against my headboard. What happened last night filters through my conscious brain and I grimace when I touch my head.
“I didn’t really think it was an issue. I just thought the other times were coincidences after that party. Only last night did it… change,” I say.
“Oh Honey, we will sort this out now. Charlie is giving the Sheriff his statement and then he wants to speak to you. How is your head?” she says, combing through my hair with her fingers looking for my lump.
“It’s fine. Charlie cleaned it up last night. Just a little sore.” I smile, reassuringly.
“And a nice job he did too.” She smiled. “He slept in that chair last night you know.” She gives me a knowing smile. “Your Dad was a little shocked when he came in but then Henry came in and explained what happened. Honestly, I was a little surprised to find him in the chair and not your bed.”
“Mom!” I shout. “Did he really?” she nods enthusiastically in response, pulling in her bottom lip.
“He said he wanted to make sure you were alright.” she smiles. “He must be a saint if he still wants to be with you with that bed head.” She says, pulling back the sheets. “Now get in the shower and hurry downstairs. Wallace doesn’t have all day! Even if he is your Godfather!” she says, pulling me out of bed before leaving the room.
I hurry to get washed and dressed and head downstairs into the boardroom of people sitting at the kitchen table. Charlie smiles when I enter, he has changed into a white t-shirt and jeans. My silent hopes that he was still wearing his shirt went unanswered.
“Is that my little bluebell?” Wallace says as I enter the kitchen.
“Hi Uncle Wallace.” I reply as I give him a hug. He isn’t really my Uncle, but the closest thing I have to one.
Wallace and Dad have been best friends since high school.
“Now, I don’t have long till I have to head to the station. Charlie has told me everything he knows, now I need your side. We will do a little digging to get a restraining order in place. That guy isn’t coming within 200 yards of you for a while,” he says with a hand on my shoulder. I take a seat at the table, in the open one next to Charlie. He takes my hand as I recant everything that I remember, making notes throughout, and as I round up, his radio starts to go off. “That’s great Faye. I’ll get a few of the guys to look into him and see what we can find. For now, stay here or if you go out make sure someone is with you.” He smiles. “I’ll keep you up to date with any progress we make. Are we still on for Friday?” he asks pointedly to my dad.
