“Just walk,” the words whisper over my skin. Heat coils in my stomach but again, my stupid feet move for me. I walk as he stays plastered to my back guiding me down the hall. Only when we stop at a door does he move and open it, ushering me inside. I shouldn’t be doing this. I don’t know him. I don’t know any of them. I need to leave but when the door clicks shut, my heart leaps into my throat.
“I know how to fight.”
“Is that with or without clothes?” He asks raising an eyebrow as he comes to stand in front of me.
“Both.”
“I wasn’t gonna touch you, Krista. You looked like you were panickin’ a little. Thought I’d give you a breather.” His eyes look to be telling the truth but so did Tom’s. The memories are still fresh in my mind even all these years later. I take a step back as they swarm my vision.
“Whatever you’re thinkin’, it ain’t me,” Wolf’s voice is soft and reassuring as I swallow and straighten myself out. “There you are,” he says softly, lifting his hand to my cheek.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. Life kicks us all when we’re down, yeah?”
“I guess so. I should probably go.”
“How’s the leg healin’?”
“It’s good. Thanks.” He nods and lights up a cigarette offering me one. I take the pack, slide one out and light up with him. Smoke fills the air as he drops onto the bed and motions for me to sit too. I hesitate only a second before I walk over and sit.
“I got some other ideas while I was watchin’ you tonight.” What the hell?
“You were watching me?” His eyes come to meet mine and I almost gasp.
“How could I not?” The air in the room thickens as he stares at me. That is until the door flies open. We both turn to look as a tall blonde woman storms in.
“What the hell is going on here?” She screams but it’s not just a scream. It’s one of those high pitched screams that will pierce your ears. I raise my eyebrow clearly entertained by what’s happening in front of me. Wolf stands from the bed and raises his hands.
“I can explain this,” he says causing me to giggle. There is nothing to explain.
“Who are you?” The woman squeals in my direction. “Who is she?” she does it again turning back to Wolf this time. I stand from the bed, my cigarette between my fingers.
“Yeah, who is she?” I yell a little louder. Wolf looks at me strangely and back to the woman. I’m trying really hard not to laugh at the situation in front of me right now, but he brought this on himself.
“Lauren, calm the fuck down. What are you doin’ here?” He asks her. Okay, my turn.
“Yeah, Lauren! What are you doing here? Don’t you have, I don’t know, accounting to do,” I smart off as my eyes move over her clothes. From her pencil skirt to her prim and proper bow around her neck, I almost vomit. Wolf snorts a laugh until Lauren turns to look at him again.
“I mean it, Wolf! What the hell is going on?” Stomping up next to him, I run my fingers down his chest listening to him groan as I do. I don’t know if it’s a real groan or just for show but I heard it and damn it, it was sexy as fuck.
“Yeah, Wolf. What the hell is going on?” I ask placing small kisses down his neck. Lauren’s squeal pierces my ears before I pull away and smirk. “See you around.” Strolling out of the room, I head down the hall as I listen to that siren going off in the room. I don’t know how he can stand there and listen to her voice.
“You leavin’?” Gauge asks, looking confused.
“Yeah. Why?”
“Thought you might stay with Wolf.” He shrugs.
“His girlfriend is down there screaming like a hyena. I don’t think my ears can take anymore.” Gauge laughs throwing his head back.
“They aren’t together anymore I don’t think. She’s like a bad stalker.”
“Either way, I’m not getting in the middle of it. Thanks for letting me hang out.”
“You need a ride? I can get one of the prospects to take you home,” He says. I shake my head.
“I think I need the air. Thanks though,” I tell him as I make my way through the crowd. As soon as I step outside, I let the fresh air fill my lungs before I start walking.
“Shouldn’t be walkin’ alone at night.” I smirk and look over my shoulder.
“Why not?”
“Not every man out at night is as friendly as we are,” Sly says with a smirk.
“I can take care of myself. Thanks though.” Turning on my heel, I start to walk once more.
“See you around.” I flip a wave over my shoulder and sigh as I walk home. This night has been interesting.
Seven
Wolf
I wanted to cut my own fucking ears off the other night. I was glad as hell that she finally shut up and left. Well, after Dez got to her anyway. That was almost a week ago. Since then, she has kept her distance but calls every five minutes. The only good thing going for me this week is my little mystery caller has called three times already. I’ve jacked myself off to the sound of her coming each and every time. I almost lost my self-control and asked her name, but I locked that shit down really quick.
“I like how this is comin’ out,” I tell Krista as I work on her leg more.
“Me too. I trust you,” she says catching me by surprise. She’s coming in every week to work on her tattoo. This is the second time but I’m pretty impressed with the way it’s coming along already. We do short sessions, so it is going to take longer but I don’t mind it.
“That’s pretty brave for someone you just met,” I tell her honestly. She shrugs.
“I’m typically good at reading people. Well, now I am anyway.”
“Now? You weren’t before?” I look up at her and notice the sick look on her face before looking back down and getting back to work. I figure if she wants to tell me she will.
“Not when I was younger. I was young, stupid. Made some bad decisions but I also made some good ones.” I nod my head as I continue the outline I’m working on.
“We all make them when we’re younger.”
“Tell me about your family. Do you only have one sister?” I chuckle at her change of subject.
“I have an older sister too. She’s in New York studyin’ law. My younger sister, she was a surprise baby. My parents didn’t plan on havin’ anymore after me. Then she popped up.”
“She’s beautiful. She seems to love you,” she whispers a little softer this time. I stop the machine and look up at her.
“Are you okay? You’re actin’ a little different tonight.”
“Different like what?” She looks up, her eyes locking with mine. The urge to kiss her, to see if I can make her smile is strong. The need inside of me, to what? Make her happy? Make her feel better? Shit, I don’t even know what I want to do but I can feel it sitting in my chest like a lead weight. A girl that I don’t even know. What kind of fucked up shit is going on in my head?
“I don’t know. You seem sadder this time. Need me to cheer you up?”