HER SCENT - AMBW (Currently Being Edited)

Chapter Twenty One - Stand Still

Chapter Twenty One - Stand Still

We started to slowing down I was able to see my destination coming closer towards me. "Here is fine." I grabbed my jacket and purse and got out. "$13.50 correct?" I asked the driver "Don't worry about it Mrs. I drive your husband most of the time he'll just pay me later on. Be safe!" He had such a carry-free smile I stopped myself from correcting the man and I returned the smile.

Everything was just like I remembered the strong scent of tea and imported coffee from around the world filled the air. I took a deep breath in "Reality does not exist here" I whispered out to myself with an exhale. "Can I help who's next please?" This lofty, light dirty blonde , bearded host shouted out. "Ya yes I would like a MIDNIGHT LOVE large with two milks and one sugar please with no whip on top." I wonder should I order something for them as well? "Also can I... never mind my guess can order when they come in." I smiled at him. "$2.51 please and your name?" he asked me. " Here you go and my name is R-I-K-O" oh I haven't said that name in a while. All it does is just brings up bad memories.

 I took a seat my back against the wall so I can see who comes in and out of the cafe and its the perfect view on the street. Lost in my thoughts I hear the door chimps rings it was Kate Rose and her partner Michael Reese from the hospital. "I got a Midnight Love for RIKO!" the barista yelled out. I got quickly got up. "Thank you." Took the tea from his hand "Anytime." He smiled and said. "Athena we are so glad you called us." Kate said I directed them where I was sitting.

"I don't think I have a choice anymore." I lightly mumbled under my breath. Kate and Michael took their seats facing me , she pulled out a black notebook with pink rose peddles and this old school looking recorder. "Listen I just want to talk nothing more. I'm not making any promises." I said "Athena we understand ,but we need to have hard proof to take back to the judge that can put this man away." Kate says she leans in and grabs my hand "It will be okay I will ask you some questions and just answer honestly okay."

 Her soft smile breaks my sharp hard edges. " Will I be safe?... Will Ren be safe?" I really don't want to risk this. " Ren will be fine he isn't key to our case against King and his crew you are the glue to all of this. After we go to trial you would need to go under witness protection. This mean anything from this life is in the past." every word after her sentence just muffled in my ears. I would need to let Ren go only God knows how long the trail would take ,and even if he is put away am I truly safe? "Athena do you have any questions?" Michael spoke up. I simply shook my head no. Kate leans in a bit closer.

 " We know how hard it is to leave people you love friends , family and partners ,but you are able to help other families not suffer from the hands of this man. Please take a couple of days to think about it. Even let Mr.Hiroish know what's going on he will tell you this is the right thing to do." Both of our phones buzz it was a text from Ren " What cafe are you at?" the both detectives got up. "Listen we have to go we have another case. "they grabbed their half full cups of coffee and let.

A life without Ren is that even possible? I felt a heavy body linger over me from behind , and I thought the worst that King found me again... was he watching me with the officers? With the touch of a light kissed placed on my forehead I opened my teary filled eyes ,and I let the words whisper off my lips. "Ren?" I said He was smiling back at me reminded me of the sun filled with warmth. "I'm sorry for scaring you. You just looked so kawaii with your serious gaze on your face." He said taking off his coat and placing on the seat in front of me. 

He sat down without letting another word slip. He was just staring at me his hands folded under his chin. "Can I get you anything Sir?" this young happy bubbly waitress came up asking Ren with her pen on her little rainbow note pad. Kind of reminded me of Mary-ann. I let got a giggle and they both stare at me. "I will be back with your order." she said and left us alone. "Why did you giggle Athena?" Ren asked me with a light smirk on his face. He got up and went behind me.

 "Do I need to kiss every inch of your body? Until you tell me? starting at the bottom working my way up not letting you moa-" he stopped my face red and cheeks hot. Ren takes his seat again and smiles "So how are you?" I freaked out "Don't act like you didn't just got all perv on me Ren." I smile again "I believe the word you are looking for is Hentai my dear."  What does that even mean? He sat back in his chair. "Here you go just give us a wave and one of us will come to help you guys. Enjoy!" she placed his tea down with a smile to match. I wonder if i'm just invisible here?

Ren took a long sip of his tea and cleared his throat. "Let's play a game okay?" He asked me ,but he seemed more serious then he normally is. "Yeah sure" I replied back "Let's play truth for truth? I will go first... okay?" He asked Ren seems in a way. " We always end up playing games. How about you just ask me what is on your mind Ren and stop beating around the bush." Why would I just snap back at him like that? all he did was ask a simply question , yet I feel the need to keep him and I at a distance. He looks at me stone cold the same face I seen when we first met. 

"Ah-" How can I word this? " Ren i'm sorry I guess I'm just worked up with this King case. I don't know what to do. I feel so bad brining you in all this mess I call life." I lowered my head , eyes staring at my shoes trying not to look at Ren."Gomen'nasai." I pause " Can you just tell me the truth about everything? I want to know everything inch of you." He pauses " Look at me Athena... " He hovers over the table and raises my chin up with his large soft hands.His voice became tender he words stocked with concern for me out of all people ME!. "Can we walk home I will tell you everything okay." Not another word out his lips he just got up , place his coat on as well as mine ,and we left.

How can I just tell him everything my lips wish to move , yet my brain won't allow it. Silence filled the awkward space in-between us. I exhaled I guess there is no turning back from this is there? no more running. "When I was nine years old my dad was killed in the line of duty over seas. My mother took it really hard. We couldn't afford living in my childhood home anymore she sold most of our things to cover debts. After the house was sold we moved in with my grandmother. The thing is where my grandmother lived the area was run down ,and a lot of people didn't have a good income they struggled to eat , pay bills for themselves or even their children. Many turn to drugs others dealing them  or even selling their bodies just to make ends meet. King was like angel sent to the community some would say he would go house to house giving food , money and even clothing to the families in need." 

My chest is starting to fell tight. " King intentions weren't so pure not all could see him for who he really was. Truthfully I was blind like the others. Him and my mom started getting close he would sell her drugs and she would hide guns and other illegal stuff at out house. His eyes started  lingering on to me. Whispering in my ear , telling me I have grown into a beautiful young lady things like that." Why is my voice cracking up? " Sooner or later my mother couldn't pay her debts to him so she gave me to King until she could."

Flashbacks of childhood keeps fading in and out things I thought I would never remember. My fear kept building up. Ren moves in closer and holds my hand I look up at him. "Tell the rest when we get home." Ren pulled me closer holding me tighter within in arms as we walked back. Why is he doing this? I just want to let go of whatever feeling this is he makes me feel. If I can't leaving him will get harder. But "I love you."

**AN**

Things are getting serious I don't think she is running away anymore. Do you guys think Athena should have met Kate & Mike without telling Ren? Should she even have told him about King? What are they anyways? who should ask where they stand?  Athena didn't have the best conditions growing up I wonder if she will be able to over come it? Words of encouragement?

Tell me your wonderful thoughts rose buds!

The next chapter is going to be good! stay tuned and remember to vote comment and share on every chapter.

ps. i'm looking for an editor to revise some chapters hopefully enter some wattpad contests. If you or anyone you know can juts PM!