Chapter Nine
"If I Take Off His Shirt, Will I Get Arrested?"
"the thing women have yet to learn is
nobody gives you power. you just take it."
— roseanne barr
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The second my lips touched his, I felt my heart hammering in my chest. Daemon was frozen against me, but he didn't pull away.
Slowly, I moved back but kept my eyes closed. My hands remained on his neck while I breathed out, and with all my strength, I lifted my heavy eyelids.
When my eyes slid to his, I stopped breathing.
His mouth hovered over mine, and for the first time since I'd met him, his expression was anything but calm. My pulse raced more by the second now, seeing his eyes focused on my parted lips before attentively shifting his gaze.
"I..." I tried to form an apology, but my words were cut off by a low growl—coming from him.
And before I could realize, Daemon took my face with one hand and covered his mouth with mine, this kiss more demanding than the last.
It wasn't soft, and it wasn't loving. Our lips were fixed with a primal need. For each other. And the moment they met, every inch of my skin felt like a flaming torch was covering my body.
The sounds surrounding us was muffled, and all I could hear, feel and smell was Daemon. His deep grunt when my mouth parted enough for him to thrust his tongue inside, commanding the kiss. He was invading every part of me, and I welcomed it with open arms.
My legs nearly gave out from under me, and he must have noticed because his other hand moved to my waist before crashing us against the wall, his weight still pressed against me.
I dug my nails into his neck and moaned against him. His chest rumbled against me before he took my bottom lip between his teeth and pulled, and my body reacted positively when I felt heat pool between my legs.
His hand moved off my face, and I leaned my head back against the wall when I felt traces of his fingers lingering on my collarbone. I felt the air leave my body when he brushed the strap of my dress off my shoulder before diving in, scraping his teeth against my flesh.
The heat of his breath against my skin made my whole body shiver. Unconsciously, I moved my hands into his hair to keep him in place. A whimper escaped me when he suddenly began landing open-mouthed kisses on the curve of my shoulder and collarbone before sucking.
I was clenching my thighs by the time he was done with his assault on my neck, and still keeping my eyes closed, I tugged his hair hard, so his head was close to mine again.
When our lips met again, it was just as rushed as before.
In that moment, I wondered how it was possible that the coldest man I knew could make me feel like my cells were scorching.
His hand clasped the front of my neck lazily and tilted my head, so his teeth could graze against my jaw. My chest was rising and falling harder by the second as I rocked into him, lost in lust.
"Rose." His voice was unnaturally hoarse against my cheek, and I shivered from his warm breath caressing my face.
I felt possessed, especially when I clasped his cheeks and brought his mouth to mine again. Because he tasted so goddamn good—like pine and oak mixed together.
He growled against me. "Fuck."
His chest was hard against mine, and I felt my nipples hardening. Especially when his free hand dipped to the hem of my dress.
I parted my legs and moved one hand off his cheek, only to slide it inside his buttoned suit jacket. I felt like I was in heaven in that moment, finally being able to touch the muscles I knew he had.
Our tongues were now battling for dominance, but I got distracted and gasped for breath when I felt his calloused finger skimming my panties.
I pushed my head back and heaved for air, ready to throw caution to the wind and invite him home. If I took off his shirt, would I get arrested?
The thought was honestly tempting.
But before I could even consider acting on it, the muffled sound of screams erupted and took me out from my haziness.
Within seconds, clarity rose, and I forced my eyelids open the same moment Daemon snapped his mouth off mine. And when I finally twisted my head sideways, I realized why everyone was freaking out.
The club was pitch black.
I gaped in my spot while Daemon removed his hands off my body. I didn't even think about longing for his touch, because any desire I had moments ago, vanished.
The music was off, and I saw people starting to use their phones and turn on its flashlight. "What the hell?" I muttered to myself, but in front of me, I felt Daemon stiffening.
In seconds, he was pressed against me again.
My eyes were still adjusting to the darkness, but I saw enough to see his silhouette, just as his hands grasped my shoulders.
"Leave," he demanded, his voice chilling and authoritarian, like he hadn't had his tongue down my throat moments before.
I glared. "No."
Even without being able to scrutinize his expression, I knew he was getting angry and... worried? "For fuck's sake, Rose."
My lips parted in preparation for a retort, but the words died in my throat when I heard Sydelle scream. "Lee! Where the hell are you?" Daemon stepped away from me, just as she added, "Marco!"
I couldn't help but chuckle, even in the midst of chaos. "Polo!"
I continued to blink rapidly, thankful more and more people were turning on their flashlights. There was a crowd a few feet from where I was, and when I moved off the wall to start walking toward them, Daemon's arm shot out and stopped me.
My eyes snapped to his and glared, but he didn't look the least bit intimidated.
Just then, a pair of slim arms wrapped around me. Daemon tensed before peering at its owner, but when he saw who it was, he stepped back and clenched his jaw before peering to a distance.
I spun my head to my left and met Sydelle's wide gaze. "I was looking for you!" She hissed, treading back on her feet while glancing around the club. "People are acting like idiots. We need to go."
Before I could respond, Daemon beat me to it. "Yes. Please, go," he stressed out, eyes narrowed on me when I turned in his direction. "It's not safe."
Next to me, I could see Sydelle gaping at him. She must have just noticed his presence.
This time, Daemon spoke to her, voice lowering intimidatingly. "I can trust that you get her out?" Sydelle nodded absently, and he did the same before clasping his hands together. "Good."
My eyes snapped into slits as my focus jumped between the two of them. Daemon was already watching me again, eyes darkening. "I'll see you soon, Rose."
And with that, he strode away, into the darkness.
For a moment, I just stood in my spot in utter disbelief. The reminder of our kiss was still hovering in my mind, especially when I felt my lips throbbing and tingling at my touch. And yet, I still wanted to kick him.
Next to me, Sydelle cleared her throat at the same moment she shifted. When she laced her hand with mine, I glanced in her direction. Her brows were furrowed with confusion, but she still tugged me away from the wall.
"Come on. I know where the back exit is."
Wordlessly, I followed her. I was still in a daze, sobering up from the alcohol but also from the events that all unfolded. Me dancing with Nameless Joe, Daemon pulling out a gun, me yelling at him...
God, for someone who severely lacked people skills, Daemon must have had experience because he sure as hell could kiss.
But the thought of the power turning off left a bad taste in my mouth, and I felt myself jogging faster than Sydelle, wanting to get away from the streets. I ended up leading her to her apartment in an attempt to feel in control of our situation.
She didn't hound me for any answers about Daemon, and it felt like a dream come true. But alas, dreams always die in the end, because by the time her door closed behind us, she whirled in her spot and aimed a glower to me.
"Alina. You better start talking, or ya budu udarit'—"
I laughed and raised my hands playfully. "You don't have to threaten me."
Instead of replying right away, she lifted her bag from her hand and swung it, hitting me on the waist. "Yes I do! Otherwise you'll lie."
"No I won't."
Her eyes narrowed, seeing me through my bull shit. "Please. If you don't want to talk about something, you don't talk about it or lie."
"Fine." I dropped my bag on the table next to the front door before crossing my arms. "What do you want to know?"
Hearing that, she grinned and did the same as me before pouncing. "Who is he? What's his name? Age? Is he single? How long have you known each other? Did you play around? Oh I would be so proud if you did, I hope you—"
"Syd!" I exclaimed, dropping my hands on her shoulders. She was still jumping in her spot, staring at me with puppy eyes. "Calm down."
My lip quirked amusingly when her chest heaved before she exhaled long and hard, until she appeared deflated. "Good?" She nodded. "Okay. Let's sit on the couch."
I locked my arm with hers, so she wouldn't run. We sat down once we strode the long hall separating us from the living room-kitchen combo.
My back pressed against the arm rest, and Sydelle did the same on the opposite end, but her eyes studied me expectedly. Deciding to fuck with her, I stayed silent, forcing myself not to smirk.
Her eyes flashed with annoyance before she rushed out, "Well?!"
A chuckle bubbled out from me before I leaned my head back against the cushion. "I met him a month ago, okay? While I was working."
Her brows dipped, scrunching together in thought. "He got flowers?" She waited for my nod. "For who?"
"His mom," I couldn't help but smile at the reminder. "We kinda started bumping into each other after that, but trust me, he's an ass."
"But that face—"
"He's annoying," I reassured sincerely.
Still, she pouted like I stole her last cookie. "He's fucking gorgeous, Lee. I don't even know what's the most sexy part about him. His eyes, or hell, his shoulders. Maybe that jaw—"
"I really don't wanna hear you fantasizing about him."
Her eyes were trained on her lap now, and I knew she was deep in lustful thoughts. Suddenly, her head snapped to mine, watching me with eagerness. "What's his name?"
"Daemon." The taste of his name made my arms tingle, and my thoughts drifted to me moaning his name, not even an hour ago.
Sydelle's grin snapped me away from my daze. "Daemon. Hot. Suits him." She bit her lip, and I internally groaned. "Does he have a brother, because I'd be so down riding that—"
"Syd, don't want to talk about him anymore."
"But—"
"No," I deadpanned, not waiting for her reply before standing up from the couch. I made my way behind the couch, where the kitchen was, and began pouring myself a glass of water from the Brita.
When I glanced to the living room, I spotted Sydelle still sitting on the couch, but her body was turned toward me, with her hands clasping the cushion in front of her as she studied me.
I began to take a sip of the water when I muttered a, "What?"
She cocked her head, still examining me. "The flowers were from him, weren't they?"
My heart—which I was sure I slowed down—began to pump harder. I hated it.
And even though I knew I could simply ignore her question, I dropped my gaze to the cup and grazed my thumb against the rim.
And I muttered the simple but painful answer. "Yes."
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I remembered another reason why drinking fucking sucked.
Getting hungover from hell.
The entire next day was spent with me in bed, nursing a headache. Sydelle was with her mom, and when I ended up being on the phone with them, Luba offered me some aunt-like advice. Take a shot of vodka.
To say I wanted to vomit after hearing that was putting it lightly. I didn't even want to look at a bottle of alcohol.
Suffice to say, I did not take a shot of vodka.
It's now Monday, two days after my birthday and two days since I'd seen, or hell, heard from Daemon. Not that I'd expect him to pop by suddenly and announce his new personality change.
A personality that didn't make me want to hit my head against the wall. But still, I couldn't help but miss my Shadow, despite his award-winning people skills and all that jazz.
"I will aim to make sure you don't have the urge to kick me anymore."
For some reason, those words knocked something inside me, and I couldn't help but swim faster in an attempt to forget that night.
I was embarrassed, to say the least. I basically jumped him, drunk off my ass, and I wasn't as alert as I usually was. What if they found me while I was playing drunk?
My head was underwater as I swam my laps, faster than before. The burn was there, but I welcomed it wholeheartedly.
Normally, I swam in the pool connected to my apartment complex, usually since it wasn't too busy. But for some reason, the entire building decided to say fuck their jobs and swim with their kids.
So, I threw my clothes over my swimming suit and made my way to the gym a block from my apartment. I had a membership, but I hardly went, since I had my space above the florist shop. Since they didn't really accept cash, though, Cynthia was paying for it, only to get money back from Luba or myself.
It couldn't be traced to Luba, since we never knew if they were still tracking her records to get to me. So it was either I use cash, or find an accomplice to help me hide.
Hidden but still free. I needed to remind myself of that every time I felt like I was drowning inside.
I went up for air at one point, and vaguely heard a few people talking in the background.
That was enough for me to feel conscious of my surroundings before I stopped in my spot. I swiped the water away from my eyes and felt my chest heaving as I glanced around.
There was a guy swimming a few feet to my right, closer to the windows, and two women peeling off their towels to get in the water. They were wearing swim caps, so I figured they were going to run laps too.
I liked this pool, mostly because there were lines in the water, so I knew where my lane was. Whereas the other one led to me swimming diagonal, rather than straight.
There was a large clock hanging on the wall across from me. Despite my shitty, far-distance eyesight, the clock was big enough for me to see that I'd been swimming for almost an hour.
My shift would be starting at eleven, so I quickly jumped out of the water before heading to my belongings. Since a few benches were under the clock, pressed against the wall, I sat down with the towel wrapped around me before pulling my phone out from my bag.
I sighed when I saw the empty lock screen.
The sound of splashing made me peer up from my phone. I watched as the man climbed out of the pool, and I nearly whistled when I saw his back.
To say he was ripped would be an understatement.
His muscles had muscles, and for a moment, I allowed myself to be impressed. But this was a gym pool, so seeing these types of physiques shouldn't be so fascinating.
I moved my eyes away when he stood upright. And deciding to take my leave, I grabbed my bag and stood up, stuffing my phone inside.
But just as I was about to begin walking to the other side of the room, the sound of shoes squeaking made me glance to my right. Muscles on muscles guy was now facing me, towel wrapped around his lower half. But when my gaze lifted to his, my brows lifted.
"Naveen?" I called out, and the man's wide eyes snapped to mine. "Right?"
His gaze roamed around me for a few seconds until suddenly, he beamed and twisted his body toward me. "Yeah. It's you."
"It's me," I drawled teasingly and cocked my head. "This your gym?"
He laughed and crossed the distance between us, until we were separated by a few feet. "No, I just broke in to use the pool." His eyes scanned me observantly. "I swim here a lot. I haven't seen you around."
"I'm sorry."
His brow lifted amusingly. "For what?"
I gestured to my body. "That you missed all this."
He didn't lose his smile, and I took this moment to check out his body—mostly for tattoos. He had none, but I couldn't avoid noticing that the front of his body was just as muscular as his back.
When my eyes returned to his, I saw him smirking. Probably because he knew I was checking him out, but who cared.
"So, you still beating up random people on the streets?" He asked, the corner of his lip quirking.
It took a moment to realize what he was talking about. "Actually, yes. I find that when you hurt stupid people, they're less likely to act stupid after."
He laughed and nodded his head. "Smart logic." This time, his eyes dropped to my body and lingered. "Actually, I wanted to ask..."
I already knew where this was going. "How to tell if you've been affected by stupidity? It's simple—don't be a dick and you'll be fine," I offered jokingly.
"I'll take that into consideration." His voice faltered before adding, "But actually, I wanted to ask if I could take you out."
I refrained from blurting out anything that could be seemed as rude—which was harder than it seemed.
So, I just tightly smiled. "Sorry, but no."
His brows instantly scrunched together and furrowed. "Oh." He paused and pursed his lip before meeting my eyes again. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
That made me snort, and I didn't stop myself from rambling. "Naveen, I'm gonna give you a reality check when I say: girls can say no without needing to have a boyfriend. The answer can just be a simple no."
Instead of being offended or bursting out with anger, he surprised me by chuckling softly while shaking his head. "Sorry. Yeah, you're right. I just assumed because you're," his hand waved over my body, "You. Can't imagine someone who looks like you being single."
My brows rose, not really flattered by whatever compliment he was trying to give.
"I guess you really lost touch with your imagination. It's not hard to be single, it's just a matter of taste and standards," I blurted impassively.
Naveen's demeanour shifted to embarrassment, and I watched as his hand rose into his short black hair. I spotted a few drops of water racing down his honey skin as he did so.
My gaze locked back on his, but I couldn't help but note how cold his eyes seemed, despite his bashful exterior.
I glided back, and unintentionally, I tightened my hold on my bag, closer to my chest. "I've got to head out." That's all I offered to say.
He smiled, but it seemed forced. "It was nice seeing you again..." He laughed. "I still haven't gotten your name."
"Because I haven't given it to you," I smirked before loosely waving.
And without sparing him another glance, I strode to the opposite side of the space before making my way inside the change room.
I showered and changed into the clothes I brought, and luckily, when I exited the building, Naveen was nowhere to be found. But I wasn't tempted to fuck around with fate, so I began taking the long way to the shop in an attempt to make sure I wasn't being followed by anyone.
In thirty minutes, I was opening the door into the air-conditioned shop, and I smiled to myself when the sweet scent of flowers filled my nostrils.
But as I was closing the door, the hair on the back of my neck tingled.
I spun around, still inside the store as my eyes scanned over the streets of New York. And when I didn't find anything out of the norm, I lifted my focus to the buildings in an attempt to find... something.
Someone.
Unintentionally, my hand reached out and rubbed my neck before I slowly twisted the closed sign the opposite way.
And with that, I went slid behind the desk and tied the apron around my waist, all while ignoring the feeling that someone was watching me.
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I haven't written in a few days
because I've been working on
my personality theory paper :')
life's rough
Nonetheless, I hope you lovelies
have a great weekend, and
hopefully I'll start double
posting soon x