Please note that this is the first draft of my story. It has not been professionally edted, editeed, edated, edited or profreed, prufred, proofread, pureed.
Chasing Red (Red series). Copyright © June 2014. All Rights Reserved.
Caleb
The whole dance floor glowed with red and green laser beams shooting out from the rotating lights in the ceiling. It was Friday night and the club was packed with people dancing and jumping to the DJ's throbbing music. They reminded me of penguins huddled in the cold, only they were on crack.
"What the hell's wrong with you?" Cameron yelled in my ear, giving me a friendly punch to the arm. "That was the fourth chick you turned down tonight and we just got here."
I shrugged. Saying that I was bored with the meaningless sex and monotonous flirting seemed pretty pathetic. Alright, the sex I didn't mind, but I was looking for something else lately. A challenge, maybe. A thrill of the chase.
I chugged my beer. "If you eat the same shit every time you'd get bored of it too," I replied.
Justin barked out a laugh, motioning with his beer to the dance floor. "Check that out, man. Holy shit!" he exclaimed, letting out a high-pitched whistle.
In the middle of the dance floor was a girl who was dancing —no, scratch that—
gyrating
so sensuously that I couldn't help but stare. She moved like... sex comes to mind, seducing a number of eyes on her. A short and tight dress covered her hourglass body like second skin.
And it was in make-me-sin red. Damn.
I might have drooled a little as she bent over then did something dreamy with her hips so that her long ebony hair was now swaying down her tiny waist. Her legs looked a mile long in those spiky heels.
"Shit. I'm going to take this girl home with me," Justin yelled excitedly.
That was low and annoying enough to distract me. I hated cheating, and Justin had a girlfriend.
Cameron shook his head at him. He looked up when a redhead asked him to dance. He laughed, shook his head and whispered something in her ear. The redhead giggled. He nodded to me and they left.
"Hello, team captain."
A soft body sidled up to me, reeking of heavy floral perfume. I looked down on the heavily made-up eyes of Claire Bentley. I appreciated the magic make-up does to a girl's face, but not when she looked like she was punched and was now sporting two black Raccoon eyes.
"Claire. How's it going?" I gave her a small smile, but it only encouraged her to grab onto my arm.
Ugh, no. Why did I sleep with her again?
"Oh, you know, nothing much." She batted her eyelashes, pushing her breasts to my side. I couldn't help but glance quickly at her cleavage. Her breasts were staring at me. Ah, one drunken night and those lovely things must have been enough reason for me at the time.
The strap of her dress slid down her shoulder. She looked up at me from beneath her lashes, and I wondered if that was a practiced move. Nonetheless, I thought it was kind of sexy. If only it was a different face then I'd have probably been interested. Maybe.
"You owe me a drink, Caleb. I dropped mine when you walked by." Her tongue snaked out to touch the top of her lip.
I hid my wince. She was trying too hard and I did not want to be trapped in her claws all night. Wracking my brain on how to shut her down without offending her, I desperately looked around for Cameron or Justin, but not one of them was in sight. Assholes.
"Hey, baby." My eyes widened in surprise as the girl on the dance floor I was shamelessly ogling earlier wrapped her arms around my waist, maneuvering me out of Claire's grasp. When her eyes shifted to mine, I forgot how to breathe.
She was stunning.
"He's with me," she told Claire, but she was still looking at me. I was mesmerized at the way her mouth moved. Her lips were wide and full, colored a very, very hot red. "Aren't you?" Her voice was soft and low, reminding me of dark rooms and hot smoky nights.
I felt my heart leap inside my chest for one insane second. It might have been a full minute, or two. I didn't care. She wasn't beautiful, not in the classical sense. Instead her face was striking, eye-catching. High and sharp cheekbones, long dark brows above catlike eyes that were filled with secrets. I wanted to know every one of them.
When I didn't respond and just stared, her brows drew together in askance. The dusky gold of her skin glowed under the dim light. It made me wonder how it would feel like. I caught her arms quickly before she could get away, placing them around my neck. I was right. Her skin was soft and smooth. More, was all I could think.
Leaning close to her, I let my lips barely touch her earlobe and whisper, "Where have you been?" A smug smile split my lips as I felt her shiver. "I've been looking for you my whole life."
Leisurely, as if I had all the time in the world, I glided my nose just under her ear down to the hollow on her throat, but before I could do anything else, she stepped away.
"She's gone. You're safe," she smirked. "Now you can buy me a drink for saving you."
I placed my hands in my pockets to stop myself from reaching for her again. I already missed the feel of her in my arms. "Sure, what would you like?"
She shook her hair back and I couldn't stop myself from watching her. I was captivated. "Something strong. Tonight I want to be someone else. I want to... forget."
That was my cue. I slid my hand on the small of her back, pulling her toward me so that our faces were only inches apart. "You can be anyone you want with me." Her scent drifted to my nose. It was addicting. "Why don't we leave this place and go somewhere where I can make you forget, Red?"
Her eyes turned cold before her palms flattened against my chest and pushed. "Nice meeting you too, asshole." She waved and left me staring after her like a lost puppy.
What the hell just happened? Did she just reject me?
The feeling was so unfamiliar that all I could do was watch her until she disappeared in the crowd. She was swaying a little, like she had too much to drink. I almost ran after her to make sure she was all right, but she probably would just spit at me. Her friends would take care of her.
But what the hell did I do wrong? She was sending all the right signals that she was interested. Did she want me to buy her a drink first? Funny how I was wishing for a challenge tonight and when it was staring at me in the face I screwed it up like an idiot.
"Caleb!" I heard another girl yell behind me, but I was no longer in the mood for anything but my bed.
I closed my eyes and inhaled the refreshing air as I stepped out of the club. I had parked my car at the end of the lot and walked hurriedly to it, afraid that someone would see me and push me back to the club. I'd rather chew my arm off than go back in there.
My steps faltered as I spotted the unmistakable silhouette of a woman leaning against the filthy brick walls of the club parking lot. She probably had too much to drink and was puking her guts out. I would have been happy to leave her in peace but when I glanced at her again, I noticed a man leering at her from a few feet away. My instincts to protect kicked up as the man straightened and walked toward her.
The woman shifted and the poor lighting from the street lamp touched her face. My eyes widened in incredulity as I recognized the girl in red at the club. I didn't need to think twice and went straight for her. The man hadn't noticed me yet as his gaze was concentrated on her. On the prize. The only prize he was getting tonight was a bloody nose if he didn't stop and turn his ass around.
When his hand closed around her wrist, I nearly growled. The anger surprised me, but I had to shake it off or this night would turn into a shit storm. I knew he finally saw me when he froze.
"Hey, baby! Where have you been?" I exclaimed, deliberately making my steps light and easy. I refused to look at her for fear what I'd see there. If she looked even remotely scared, I was going to hit this dumb shit in the face. "I've been looking everywhere for you. I got her now."
When he refused to let go of her, I widened my stance, stretched my neck from side to side and flexed my arms. And stared him down. The pervert moved back a step, two, three, until he whipped around and started running in the opposite direction.
"Dumb shit," I said under my breath.
"What d-did you call me?"
Surprised that she heard me, I studied her face. How drunk was she?
"Not you. Although I guess dumb is debatable. What are you doing here alone? Woah." My hands shot out to hold her up as she swayed on her feet again. "You all right?"
It was too dark inside the club to notice but I could see her face was pale now, eyes glassy. Without waiting for her reply, I scooped her up in my arms. She let out a weak protest.
"Do you need to throw up?" I asked, shaking her a little when she didn't respond.
She moaned in distress, covering her mouth with her hands. That wasn't a smart move on my part. When she looked like she wasn't going to puke, I settled her carefully inside my car.
"You're not going to throw up in here, are you? I just got this car." She looked like she passed out already. "Where do you live? I'll drive you."
"H-homeless," she whimpered, surprising me that she'd responded. "Kicked out of my p-place."
Leaning against the headrest, I took a deep breath and rubbed my face. Now what? I could drop her off to a hotel, pay her lodging for a few days so she'd have a place to stay while she looked for a new place, a job, whatever she needed. It was more than a stranger would do. But then I glanced at her and all those plans evaporated in the air.
Her eyes were closed, her breathing even and shallow, but even in sleep she looked troubled. This girl who was so fierce on the dance floor looked so vulnerable now. Her face seemed familiar to me, like a picture remembered from a long time ago, but I couldn't place where I'd seen her before. I wouldn't forget a face like hers.
My brother always liked to point out that I was a sucker for damsels in distress. I figured he was right when I decided to take her to my apartment. I told myself she would not be safe in a hotel, especially in her current state. God knows what would have happened if I didn't show up.
I started the car and turned the A/C on full blast. She was going to have a hell of a hangover when she wakes up tomorrow morning. We were a few minutes away from my apartment when she suddenly jerked up in her seat, covering her mouth.
Shit, no.
She threw up all over my car.
I nearly cried. My brand new car! The sound of gagging was bad enough, but the smell of it was so putrid I nearly gagged myself. Desperately opening the windows and sunroof, I let out the breath I was holding and frantically gasped for air.
"Damn, girl. One good deed and—"
She threw up again.
"Maaan!"
Pissed, I debated if I should drop her off at a hotel. I didn't know this girl. Even my savior complex had a limit. But I couldn't do it.
Resigned, I parked my car in my spot and warily approached the passenger seat. Holding my breath, I cleaned her as much as I could and scooped her up in my arms. She stank to high heaven.
In the lobby one of the security guards in my building pressed the elevator doors for me since my hands were full. "Your girlfriend had too much to drink, sir?"
"Now you and I both know I don't do girlfriends, Paul." I winked at him and he chuckled.
As soon as the elevator doors opened on my floor, I went straight to the guest bedroom. She curled up like a tiny kitten and whimpered when I gently laid her on the bed. "Mom," she sobbed.
I hesitated at the door, glancing back at her. Whatever this girl went through wasn't pleasant. I should probably clean her up and change her clothes, but I didn't think she'd appreciate it in the morning to discover a stranger had stripped her. I might lose an eye or hand if I did. I better not risk it. Her breathing eventually evened out, but I didn't know how long I stayed there watching her sleep.
Veronica
The soft warmth of sunlight on my skin woke me. I savored the clean white sheets covering me, thinking of how sweet my mom was for changing them. Content, I smiled and burrowed.
My mom. It wasn't possible. My mom was dead.
I shot up from the bed, dazed. Blinking several times, I looked around and swallowed the panic climbing up my throat at the unfamiliar room. Where the hell am I? And what is that horrible smell?
"It would really help right now if you don't panic," I muttered, taken aback by the horrible smell of my breath. Closing my mouth, I took several deep breaths to calm my rapid beating heart.
At least I still had my clothes on, even though they were soiled with dry... vomit. That was where the stink came from. It was me. Good God.
I could recall everything that happened yesterday except for last night. Blurred images floated in my head but nothing concrete to give me a clue. Getting kicked out of my apartment because I couldn't pay the rent for two months was brutal. Leaving most of my belongings was easy since most of it was old and cheap and from flea markets. I had only taken my good clothes and mementos of my mother, stowing everything in the campus locker.
For the first time in my life, I stepped into the club not to serve drinks or wipe tables, but to get drunk. It was my version of giving life the finger. I was a light weight, and it didn't take long at all until alcohol hit my system.
Since paranoia was my best friend, I looked at my arms and was relieved that I still had all my fingers. My legs were still covered by the white duvet and I wondered if they were still attached to my body. I wiggled my toes. Great, still worked. Lifting my shirt, I made sure I didn't have any fresh stitches or pain. Someone could have stolen my liver, kidneys or any of my precious organs. Satisfied that all my body parts were intact, I studied the room more closely.
To call it a room seemed an understatement. It was larger than my whole apartment, furnished with expensive, tasteful things. A wide glass window with heavy white curtains encompassed almost the whole wall to my right, showcasing a prime view of the city. I must be in a high-rise building since the city looked small from where I was.
Did I do something wilder than getting drunk last night? Like maybe... God forbid, sleep with a stranger? Lifting my butt, I did some Kegel exercise as if that would tell me if I had lost my virginity. Well, I wasn't sore. I was panicking again...
"Deep breaths, Veronica. Deep breaths."
I quietly removed myself from the bed, feet sinking into plush carpeting. Whoever owned this place must be loaded, and I had no intention of meeting him. What if he was a drug lord? Someone this rich must be one. What if he wanted to fatten me up first before selling my organs?
Calm down, idiot!
Before I could worm my way out, I spotted the en-suite bathroom and took advantage of it. When I was done, I slowly crept to the door, peeked out. Even in my panicked state, I couldn't help but notice the incredible surroundings. I'd only seen something like it in the glossy pages of magazines. Everything looked sleek and modern. High-priced paintings were strategically placed on white walls and an enormous TV sat in front of an L-shaped cream couch. Hardwood floors gleamed beneath my feet.
I sneered at the luxury of it.
Life was unfair, I mused as I tiptoed my way out of this place. My breath caught in my throat as I set eyes on someone standing in what looked to be the kitchen. His shirtless back was to me, and I could tell he was tall, with tan skin and defined muscles rippling as he moved his arm.
Like a moron, I stood there nervous and scared. As if he sensed my presence, he turned around suddenly. His eyes widened as he took in my appearance.
I knew that face.
Caleb. Caleb Lockhart!
Oh no, not him! This was not happening. I woke up in the lair of the campus man whore.
A piece of bread fell out of his mouth as he continued to gape at me. His wavy brown hair was mussed and was sticking up everywhere, as if he too just woke up. His chest and stomach were very defined and very naked. There was a counter in front of him that ended just below his waist so I couldn't see if he was wearing anything underneath.
Please, God, I hope he's wearing something down there.
And then, he grinned. As if he had all the time in the world, his eyes leisurely traveled from the top of my hair down to my toes, then went back to my face. I felt my toes tingle.
"Hey, baby, you look like you've had a busy night," he drawled.
Oh, God.
"Did we... did you...?" I was stuttering, and in defense, I crossed my arms to hide my chest from his lascivious gaze.
One dark brow lifted as he waited for me to finish my question. My mouth felt dry and my head was starting to throb. I looked down at my naked feet and wondered where I put my shoes. Silly, silly girl.
"Just tell me."
"Tell you what exactly?" His eyes were laughing at me, dimples popping out. He knew exactly what I was talking about, but he seemed to find joy in torturing innocent people. Jerk.
When he stepped forward, I moved a step back and yelled, "Stay away from me!"
He frowned, holding his hands up. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
I frantically searched for a weapon close by just in case he decided to attack me. "Why am I here?"
"You don't remember?"
I had a sudden urge to pull my hair. "Remember what?"
His face darkened as if he was thinking of something unpleasant. "Some pervert nearly took you and possibly raped you last night. I saved you."
My mouth hung open.
"And you threw up all over my car." He paused. "Twice."
"R-raped me?" My memories were hazy but I remembered resisting a guy's advances. What if it was him?
He nodded, still staring at me intently. The way his green eyes were looking at me triggered a memory. A low, masculine voice murmuring, I've been looking for you my whole life... I shook my head to clear it and glared at him. "How do I know you're not that guy?"
"Oh, please," he scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I don't have to force a girl to sleep with me."
He leaned back against a butcher's block and crossed his arms across his impressive chest, studying me with his head tilted to the side. The muscles in his arms bunched.
"Thank you," I said quietly, but I was still suspicious. When you grew up in a rough area, suspicion came naturally to you, and I was no different. "I don't remember anything from last night."
"You were drunk," he provided.
"I think I remember that part."
"And you're not hung over?"
I shook my head no.
"Amazing," he said, sounding impressed.
"Look, if you don't mind giving my shoes back I can get out of your way."
"Not so fast."
"What?" A lamp sat on a table five feet away that I could use in case he decided to grab me.
"You threw up all over my car and I just got it a few weeks ago."
Oh. I bit my lip. "Isn't your dad rich?" I gestured to the room uselessly, at the luxury around us. "Can't you just have somebody clean it for you?"
His eyebrows shot up. "So you're going to have someone else clean up your mess?"
I clenched my teeth. "What do you want from me?"
He jumped on the counter and sat on it, his full glorious body displayed for me. I gulped. At least he was wearing sweat pants.
"Do you have anywhere to go when you leave my place?" There was a basket filled with apples on the counter beside him. He reached for one. How fortunate was he to reach for food whenever he wanted. He didn't have to fear going hungry... or homeless.
"What kind of question is that? I'm going home." Where was home I had no clue, but he didn't know that.
He threw the apple in the air, caught it, threw it up again. "And where is that?"
I felt my stomach quietly growl from hunger. "It's none of your business."
"Well, I saved your life. I believe in conserving energy so I just want to make sure you don't waste mine. I asked you last night where you live and you told me you're homeless. Frankly, right now you look like someone just stole your last dollar."
My mouth opened in shock.
"You heard me," he stated, placing the apple back in the basket and crossing his arms again. Was he flexing in front of me?
"Why do you care?" I demanded.
It was a moment before he answered. "Do you really have somewhere to go?" The mild and sympathetic tone did it. I felt my eyes tear up. I could tell he was uncomfortable with my display. He jumped off the counter and went to open the fridge.
"Here," he said quietly, handing me a bottled water. I tried to say thank you but I felt choked up. When I looked up, he was backing away from me. "You know that you stink, right?"
I laughed. I laughed so hard that I needed to sit on the floor to prevent from falling on my face. And then I started crying. He must think I was insane.
"Why don't you stay here for a bit until you find an apartment?"
Shocked, I could only stare up at him. He shrugged. "I know when someone is at the end of their rope."
At the end of their rope? I glared up at him. I hate looking up at someone when I talk to them so I got back on my feet. He was still taller. It made me angrier. "Listen, pal, I may be homeless but I am not accepting your charity."
"Where else will you go? A homeless shelter? Listen." He raised a finger to my face. "One, I live by myself so you'll only have the pleasure of my company. Two," he raised a second finger, "you're certainly safer here because you have me to protect you. And three," he raised a third finger, "ding, ding, ding! You can stay here for free."
I narrowed my eyes. It all sounded too good to be true. "Why are you helping me?" Life had beaten me enough that I knew nothing came free.
He opened his mouth but nothing came out. Then he shook his head. "I don't know."
Live with Caleb Lockhart. In this huge place. For free. That or go to the shelter or live on the streets. "I'm not going to be your prostitute."
He looked insulted. "Woman, a prostitute is what I won't ever need. Have you seen this body? Do you really think I need one? Besides," he added, grinning, "when you decide to sleep with me, you'll be the one paying me."
Wow. The size of his ego must constantly give him a headache. I gave him a disgusted look and pretended to yawn. "Everything that's coming out of your mouth sounds interesting. I don't know why I keep yawning."
Those green eyes widened and honed in on my face. I thought I pissed him off this time but the most unexpected thing happened. He started laughing. "I like you," he chuckled. "I mean you're a knock-out but I didn't think it went beyond that."
Did he just insult me?
"I'm offering you a way out of your misery. Why don't you grab it?" He plugged his nose with his fingers. "And could you please take a shower? You might be gorgeous but I ain't spending time with a girl who smells like the sewer."
I huffed. He was right though, I must smell really, really bad. But... "Then what do you want in exchange?"
"Not everyone wants something from you," he replied grimly.
"Oh, is that what you think?" I laughed bitterly. "Everyone wants something from you one way or another. Haven't you learned that yet?"
He tilted his head to the side and studied my face for a moment. I wondered what he saw when he looked at me. My looks and shape of my body usually gave people the impression that I was always looking for fun. Little did they know that was the very last thing on my mind, if at all. I was too busy staying alive, too busy working for my next meal to think about anything else. Last night was an anomaly.
"I could clean," I offered. Was I really doing this? Why not? The world hadn't given me a free ticket in so long. I was overdue for one.
"I already have someone come in three times a week for that," he answered.
"I can cook."
He frowned. "Don't string me along like that. That's not very nice."
I rolled my eyes.
"Can you really cook?" He looked like a little boy who found the last cookie at the bottom of the jar.
"Yes."
"Deal!"
This was too easy. "You said you live by yourself, but how can you afford this place?"
He looked uncomfortable. I hoped he didn't think I was trying to find out how much money he had in the bank. That I was a gold digger. But why wouldn't he? He didn't know me from Eve.
"Look," I hissed, feeling angry whenever I was confronted about my morality. I might be poor but I wasn't a freeloader. My hands proved how hard I worked and I was proud of that. One more year and I would get that diploma. I'd work my ass off to get a good life. I never needed much; a steady job, a simple house and a serviceable car was more than enough to make me happy. And I would never go hungry again. I'd get there without help from anyone. "I was only curious. If you think that I'm some gold digger—"
He held a hand up. "Will you stop putting words in my mouth? Do you really think I want this life? This... this." He gestured to the whole room. "You think this makes me happy?" His jaw was set, his hands fisted.
I fell silent. We both stood there awkwardly, but after a few moments, he opened his mouth again, wiggling his eyebrows as if nothing happened. "Know what, you can do my homework while you're cooking my dinner tonight."
So much for that moment.
"Hold on," he said. "I didn't even get your name."
"Veronica Strafford."
"I'm Caleb Lockhart."
I didn't smile back, didn't tell him I already knew who he was. Who didn't? I was sure everyone in our college knew about him.
"Which university do you attend?" he asked.
"Letting me stay here doesn't mean I have to spill my guts, does it?"
"You actually did already. In my car, remember?" he pointed out dryly. "Please take a shower. Feel free to borrow my clothes. Even," he grinned, "my underwear."
I snorted. We both stood facing each other, unsure, lost in our thoughts. Was I doing the right thing by staying here? Where else would I go?
"You can stay in that bedroom where you slept last night. It has its own bathroom." He went behind the counter, distancing himself from me. "I'm leaving soon. Make yourself at home."
I nodded, feeling awkward. Was this really for free? How could he leave me alone in his place when he didn't even know me? I could steal him blind for all he knew.
"Thank you. I..." I paused, unsure. "Thank you," I repeated, meaning it.
He nodded. I turned away from him, biting my lip. Where the hell was that room again? I looked to my left, then to my right. His apartment was enormous and I was in a panic when I left the bedroom.
"Problem?" he asked behind me.
I jumped, spun around. "I... I forgot where the room is. Just tell me where it is and I'll stay out of your way." I could feel myself blushing.
When he didn't reply, I looked up to find him staring at me, smiling.
"What?" I demanded.
"Geesh, hostile much?" He proceeded in front of me. "Follow me."
I walked behind him, trying not to stare at his body too much. I almost yelped when he turned around all of a sudden, then winked at me and said, "Welcome to my place, Red. I hope you enjoy your stay."
*
A/N: Hi, guys! I'm Isabelle :) I hope you like the first chapter so far! I am new to Wattpad and I hope to hear from you!
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