Four updates in the span of like a week...what is happening??
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Parker
**❤**
"Seraphina, you're being awfully quiet." Gabriel said, sending me a weird look. "You usually can't wait to scream loud enough when you get ice cream, and now that you have it you haven't even eaten a spoon."
I was lost, in a world pool of thoughts. Not even ice cream could help me overcome what I was feeling. I felt this overwhelming guilt for not telling Gabriel anything. I should have told him, and I really wanted to. The words were stuck on my tongue but not being able to come out. If he knew what had happened he wouldn't hesitate to kick Logan right out of our lives. I knew that Logan wouldn't be satisfied with that, he said it himself, so I stayed quiet. And I felt absolutely pathetic.
"What's distracting you, Sera? Talk to me." Gabriel said again. We were sitting in an ice cream parlor after Gabriel had noticed how fidgety and silent I was being for the past three days now. This was my favorite place in the world, knowing I could have an endless supply of ice cream, courtesy to my dad's bank accounts. It was a cute shop with a lime and pink theme. I always bought the chocolate or vanilla ice cream and topped it with all kinds of sweets. However, out of all my sixteen nearly seventeen years alive I have never once bought me ice cream and abandoned it on the table. I usually dug right into it. I felt shivery on the inside, absolutely afraid of Logan's words.
I felt like he had some sort of hold over me, enabling me from retaliating to his actions. It was absolutely frustrating. The old me would have told my parents and brothers a long time ago. Whenever I felt remotely in danger I would run to them immediately.
"Seraphina." Gabriel sighed. He reached out and took my hands in his. "If anyone is bothering you, you know that you can tell me. I will deal with the asshole immediately. Is it that boy that you like? Do you want me to beat him up for you?" He asked seriously. I only seemed to register now that he was talking to me.
I smiled, grateful for his concern. "It's nothing, I was just thinking of this movie that I watched. It ended really badly, and I was crying my eyes out." I lied.
"Seriously? That's why you're ignoring me." He rose his brows in question.
"I'm not ignoring you." I chuckled.
"Yes you are," he whined. "We've been sitting here for almost a hour. I bought you your favourite ice cream and you're still not talking. I used to say that you talk too much but when you don't talk at all it's just weird."
"You're weird." I frowned.
"Not as weird as you."
"You're a meanie."
"You're an idiot."
"And you're a big bafoon." I stuck my tongue out.
"Oh really? And you're like a fly, little and pesky and you can never get rid of them."
"Hey!" I protested. I finally decided to pick up my spoon and scoop some ice cream into my mouth. I sighed immediately. This was what I needed.
"Finally, your damn ice cream was on the verge of becoming a milkshake."
"Quite the observation, brother dearest." I giggled.
"Wait, so he's your brother and not your date? Thank god." I jumped in fright when I heard a new and unfamiliar voice come from besides our booth.
I turned my head to find a beautiful blonde haired boy standing besides us. I immediately puckered up and wiped my mouth to ensure that I didn't have a chocolate mustache. My lips raised up into a confused and shy smile, wondering what he was doing here.
"Oh," he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'm sorry, that was probably weird. I saw you from all the way over there and I couldn't help but notice how beautiful you are. I thought that you already had a...boyfriend." he ended, smiling awkwardly. I noticed a twinge of red on his cheeks. He was blushing! A blush immediately formed on my cheeks as well. I looked towards Gabriel for approval, wondering what he would say. His eyes were narrowed as he stared the boy down.
"Well, that's not creepy at all." Gabriel cringed. "Beat it, surfer boy."
"Gabriel!" I gasped, feeling embarrassed on his behalf.
I looked towards the unknown boy in apology.
"I'm serious. Get lost. She's only thirteen and she doesn't need your pedophile ass to show interest in her."
"Thirteen?" The boy's eyes widened in embarrassment.
I sighed deeply and shut my eyes, trying my best not to reach over and throttle Gabriel.
"No." I denied politely. "I'm sixteen almost seventeen." I said proudly.
"Oh, that's great. I'm eighteen." He smiled, flashing me pearly white teeth.
"I said get lost. What about that didn't you understand?" Gabriel sighed.
"Uh, ignore him." I said, then turned to face Gabriel. I reached over and pinched his arm, causing him to wince. "Don't be rude." I whispered.
"He looks like a fuckboy I won't allow it." He said back stubbornly.
"You're not dad, so can you please go away for a second?"
He gasped. "I brought you here and now you're ditching me?"
"Like you ditched me at the beach. Now we're even." I said smugly, crossing my arms.
"Fine, I'll go wait in the car." He grumbled standing up. When he stood, I noticed the blonde boy shrink backwards. I slapped a hand over my face. This was why no boy ever approached me.
"Look dude, I didn't mean to come off as rude. But she's my little sister and my only sister, so if you dare hurt her-"
"Gabriel," I stood up as well, smiling awkwardly.
"I won't, I just came over to introduce myself." The boy rushed out quickly, holding his hands up in defense.
"Good," Gabriel smiled, a fake one before slapping a hand on his shoulder. "Make the introductions quick. I'll be in the car and I expect to see you in ten minutes."
He shot me a fake smile, before making his way over to the entrance. I sighed before slumping down into my seat.
"Is he always like that?" The boy chuckled, taking the seat opposite to me.
"Unfortunately, yes. I'm probably going to end up growing old with my cats and die alone." I joked.
He smiled in amusement. "And what might your name be? I'm betting something beautiful, like you."
I immediately blushed, looking down at my lap. "Seraphina." I smiled.
"Beautiful, just as I imagined." He grinned. "You can call me Parker."
"Nice to meet you, Parker." I held out a hand.
"Nice to meet you too." He chuckled, taking my hand in his and shaking it.
"Do you live around here?" I asked, starting conversation. I was surprised that I wasn't being awkward and shy around him. Something about his presence felt soothing, probably because he was really cute and his brown eyes were so soft and warm. Nothing compared to the cold and sharp blue eyes of Logan.
There I go again, thinking about that asshole.
I suddenly liked his brown eyes the most. They reminded me of a warm cup of coffee, and they had specks of hazel in them near the pupils.
"Yeah, it's actually like a walking distance from here. Right off the corner of fifth Avenue of Auckland road. What about you?" He asked.
I didn't want him to know about the estate, afraid that he would judge me.
"Uh, me too actually. I live close by, like a fifteen minute drive away. But that's if you're driving really slowly." I blabbered a reply. I picked up my spoon and resunrd eating my ice cream, afraid that it would melt.
"That's awesome. Is that guy your only sibling or...?"
"Nope, Gabriel is just one of my three brothers. There are Mikhail the oldest and Sebastian the second oldest. I'm the baby of the family." I resisted the urge to laugh at his expression.
"So I'm not the only one who has a thousand older siblings?" He asked in disbelief. "I have three older sisters. It is absolutely horrifying and they treat me like a damn baby."
I giggled in amusement. What a coincidence we were both the babies of the family.
"Kayla is 23, Hope is 22, Jess is 20 and I'm...well, 18." He said miserably
I sighed. "Isn't it miserable to be ordered around by the elder siblings?"
"Absolutely. Hope is the worst. She's only four years older than me but she treats me like I'm a little puppy dog even though she's much shorter than I am by the way. Such an annoying wrench." He mumbled.
I laughed, knowing exactly how he felt. Gabriel never treated me like an adult either. I always needed taking care of.
"So, I'm guessing ten minutes is almost over and your brother said that you should be back in ten. Does that make this.... introductions over?" He asked, glancing towards the door and probably hoping that Gabriel didn't show up again. I realised he was right.
"No," I said quickly. "This don't have to be over. I'll see you again here soon."
"That's great. So I'm guessing that means that you don't have a boyfriend?" He asked, flashing me a smile.
Logan's face immediately flashed through my mind. What would he say about this? He did say that I couldn't talk to other guys, and that I was his. Whatever that meant, I couldn't tell. However, I really liked Parker. He seemed so warm hearted and like such a good person. I don't know why but he just came off as good. I made the hasty decision to tell Parker that I would see him again, ignoring the consequences if I did. Logan would never know. He wasn't my boyfriend and I doubt even my friend. I didn't know what we were to eachother, but our title or relationship or whatever never stopped him from sleeping with many different girls.
"No, I don't." I denied.
"Cool, can we exchange numbers?" He asked hopefully.
"I just met you, Parker. My brother was right, you are a creeper." I said in fake disgust, holding my laugh at his reaction. His cheeks heated up slowly and he looked completely embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, you're just really pretty and you seem like a really nice girl I thought that maybe-"
"I was kidding!" I laughed
"Oh, thank god." He sighed in a relief. "That wasn't funny Seraphina." He said, but I could see he was resisting a smile.
After we exchanged numbers, I could tell that a new and warm relationship would form between Parker and I. He seemed like he would be a really good friend. When I said goodbye and returned to Gabriel's car, I couldn't help but wonder if the outcome of my new friendship with Parker would lead to any good. I kept imagining Logan's cold blue eyes threatening to hurt anyone who touched me.
Before I entered the car, I made the hasty decision to delete Parker's number that I saved just a few minutes ago. I couldn't risk anything, and I couldn't bare the thought of Logan hurting him.
With a shaky breath, I pulled open the front passenger seat and got in, my heart suddenly beating really fast.
"Finally, what took you so long?" Gabriel asked before starting up the engine. I placed a hand on my chest, calming my heart down.
"What's wrong? Did that fucker try anything? We can go right back I will smash his head in."
"No," I said quietly. "Parker did nothing wrong. I'm okay."
"Parker?" He scoffed. "Of course, expect the blonde surfer boy to have a blonde ass name."
"What does that even mean?" I asked, resisting the urge to laugh. Gabriel was full of moods all the time.
"It means that he seems like a jackass."
"He's actually really nice and sweet, I'll have you know. You're one to judge." I mumbled.
"Meaning...?"
"Meaning you're the jackass, Gabriel. You have a different girlfriend every week. Something tells me that Parker isn't like that."
"Wow that's a low blow, baby sis."
"But it's true, don't deny it."
"I won't whatever. Besides, I will tell dad about your new little boyfriend." He threatened.
I scoffed. "As if he would care. He's too busy making money and spending time with his business partners. But whatever, I don't think that I will see Parker again." I mumbled, feeling sad.
"Why not?"
Logan promised he would hurt any guy that 'touches' me.
"I'm just really busy lately..."
"Busy with what?" He scoffed. "Busy eating your body's weight in chocolate at home?"
I nudged his shoulder roughly causing him go laugh. "You're a real douchebag."
"I don't disagree with you, baby sis. By the way, Mikhail called." He said nonchalantly.
I perked up immediately. "And what did he say?"
"He has a big game coming up this weekend and he wants us to watch him play. Unbelievable." Gabriel muttered.
"What did you say?" I asked excitedly. "That we will be there?"
"Obviously not. I told him to get lost and then hung up."
"What?" I frowned. "Please tell me you did not tell our big brother to get lost?"
"He had it coming, Sera. He barely calls like ever, he doesn't visit either, he's too concerned with Tory and college. He has no time for his family so why should we suddenly jump to go and watch him play a game?"
He had a point, but Mikhail was still my oldest brother and I never forgot the times we shared when I was younger.
"We have to go." I said pointedly. "This is probably his last game before his big break and it's important to him which makes it important to us too. Besides, it's not like we're busy or anything."
"Nope. Not a chance."
"Are you serious? Mom called you to Los Angeles and you refused to go and now Mikhail calls and you refuse that too. Dad was right, you want to do nothing with your life." I said coldly.
I was surprised when the car lurched to a stop. I hadn't realised that we were already inside the estate after Jeremy opened the gates.
"Get the hell out." He said before unlocking the doors, reaching over and pushing it open.
"Seriously?"
"I'm serious. You can't ever see what's wrong with our 'perfect' little family. They are so flawed and you keep looking past that, just acting like the perfect fucking daughter all the time. Doesn't it get damn exhausting?" He asked, looking at me in frustration.
He looked so hurt by my words, and I immediately felt absolutely terrible afterwards. But he had to realise that the meaning of family went beyond pointing out eachothers flaws and being angry because of it. He was supposed to look past that, and consider that stuff that actually counted.
"Do you know what your biggest mistake is, Gabe? It's holding onto the past and never letting go. If you can't find it in your heart to forgive our parents or Mikhail and Sebastian, then you would never truly feel happy. You can't hold a grudge forever, it's going to be your biggest mistake when one day you're old and probably married and you've pent up so much hate and anger towards your family. You're going to feel miserable." I said softly, hoping to get a reply. When he didn't respond and just stared ahead, I got out of the car and shut my door. I walked towards the opened front door where Bethany stood with a smile, thinking that he would follow, but he left instead.
Oh, Gabe. I felt really bad as I stared at his car till it was out of sight.
"Hey, Beth." I sighed.
"Hey, hun. How was your day?"
"Really nice, thanks. And yours?"
"I baked you some of you favorites while you were gone. Savoury muffins with cheese, scones with jam and cream and cheese sticks with sauce. You're gonna love them."
"Savoury muffins?" I asked, feeling a grin grace my lips.
"Yes, come on they're just came out of the oven. Is Gabriel not coming back today?"
I followed her inside when she began walking and shut the door behind us.
"He's feeling...gloomy today because Mikhail called and said we should come watch his final game." When we reached the kitchen, I slumped down in one of the chairs and released a sigh.
"Well you guys should go." She said, placing her huge purple oven mitts on.
"He doesn't want to." I whined. "But I really want to go."
"Ben can take you, he wouldn't mind."
When she handed me the tray of all the things she baked, I immediately grabbed one of the muffins and moaned when I big into it. Bethany was such a goddess.
"These are amazing."
She chuckled. "Just the way you like them."
"Thanks, Beth. You always know how to make my day."
I spent the rest of the day with Bethany, just talking about randoms things that could come to mind. About my childhood and how she used to work much harder when we were kids because we demanded a lot of different kinds of treats. I also told her about my day and about meeting Parker and how I thought that I liked him because of his warm brown eyes.
The skies eventually darkened when Bethany retired after dinner and went back to the service quarters by car. I told her countless times she didn't have to, that she could stay in one of our many guest rooms. She denied saying that it would feel wrong to sleep in her work place and that she's been staying in the service quarters for as long as she could remember.
I eventually also retired back to my room when Gabriel still never returned. I tried calling him, hoping that he would reply to assure me that he wasn't doing anything stupid. I was about to lay down, clad in my pajama shorts and vest when the LED device in my room beeped continuously, indicating that someone was at the door. I grabbed my night gown and left to the front door, curious to know who it was. It must be Gabriel, probably having had lost his key card.
I tied my gown and went over to the control system. I swiped the screen to the camera setting and peered at the screen. I nearly jumped back in surprised when I spotted Logan. But he wasn't alone. Gabriel was slumped down by his side, looking out of his mind.
I immediately punched in the code and pulled the door open.
"Oh my god, what happened to him?" I asked in worry, rushing over to his side and helping him stand. I nearly collapsed under his weight when Logan held him up steady.
"It's okay, I'll get him to his room." Logan grunted, struggling to walk with a nearly unconscious Gabriel.
"What happened?" I asked again, following him into the house and closing the door.
"He came to my apartment a few hours ago and told me that you were being a bitch. We left to go out and he picked a fight with some dudes twice his size."
I sighed and slapped a hand over my face.
"After they beat him up and I had to practically bribe them to get lost, he went to the bar and drank him stupid." He explained, struggling to keep up with Gabriels body weight.
"Why did you let him get into a fight, Logan?" I asked, feeling angry that Gabriel was in this condition. I couldn't even properly comprehend the fact that I was once again alone with Logan in this house. Except for Gabriel's sleeping form.
"Not my fault. One minute he was there and the next gone. Now, where is his room? Please don't tell me that it's upstairs." He groaned. "I've been carrying him around for like a fucking hour now. I'm tired as fuck."
"Okay," I said trying to remain calm. "The nearest guest room is only a few more passages away. He can stay there for tonight. Follow me."
I walked to the direction of our west wing rooms, the closest door that didn't need stairs to get to. For a huge place like this you would expect us to have some sort of elevator. But my dad was more old fashioned. When we reached the room I opened the door and cleared the beds many pillows, making it comfortable for Gabriel to sleep. Logan walked slowly forward, before letting him slump onto the bed. He adjusted him properly, causing me to smile at the amount of care he was showing.
I walked towards them and pulled off Gabriel's shoes, before pulling the thin blanket halfway over his body. His face was a bit bruised but other than that, he was fine.
"Do I need to get the first aid kit?" I asked Logan, who resting against the bedpost.
"No he should be fine. He's one tough fucker no matter how many guys came at him."
"You couldn't have helped him?" I asked, suddenly feeling annoyed again.
"Trust me, I can give someone or even a few people a real good beating, but not when there are like ten of them and they belonged to some biker gang. I wouldn't give a damn if I became those guy's enemies, I've had much worst. But I didn't want them to target Gabriel."
I felt my heart soften up. No matter how scared I was of him, he was a good friend towards Gabriel and he practically saved him today. This was one of the many reasons I didn't want Gabriel to find out about the way Logan sometimes treated me. Gabriel needed him.
"Thank you for taking care of him." I said softly.
"It's nothing to it. He's helped me more time that I can count." He shrugged. His eyes scanned the room, taking in every bit of detail. I'd admit, our guest rooms were very pretty and designed by one of my father's designers. Whenever we had family functions, my aunt's and uncles would stay over the night and everyone would basically get their own room. Even my little cousins.
"Do all your guest rooms look like this?" He asked, his eyes trained to the chandelier.
"Pretty much yeah." I answered, scratching my arm awkwardly. When his eyes turned to look at me, I sucked in a sharp breath.
His lips raised into a smile. "Hey."
"Hi." I blushed, looking away.
"I didn't get the chance to even greet you properly."
"That's okay." I smiled shyly.
"You look stunning as always."
"Thank you." I mumbled. When I looked into his eyes, they seemed like they usually did when we had a civil conversation. Nothing evil, just beautiful blue eyes. But the memories of him treating me so harshly came back to mind, and I stepped back.
"What's wrong?" He asked, noticing my movements. Have he completely forgotten? How he threatened me and treated me like a rag doll just three nights ago. Was this some sick game to him? Scare Seraphina one day and act normal the next?
"I think you should go now." I said quickly, afraid that my voice would waver.
"Why does it sound like you're kicking me out?" He asked, his lower arm supporting his leaned posture against the bed post.
"I'm not. What else would you be doing here if it's not for Gabriel?"
It was funny how Gabriel was right there but sleeping. It was absolutely amusing and scary at the same time.
"I can't spent time with you?" He asked. I finally let my eyes assess his appearance. Instead of a white, black or grey t-shirt he wore a dark red one now, with dark jeans that were hanging so lowly on his hips I wanted to raise his sweater and get a glimpse of his hot body. Are you serious?? After everything he has done? I mentally scolded myself. It was wrong to admire him. Not when his eyes held so much anger and darkness behind them. Not when he's hurt me and threatened to do so in the future if I ever looked towards another guy again.
Which was sadly also why I had to delete Parker's number. I hope that doesn't disappoint Parker too much.
"What do you want from me, Logan? At first you said that we should only be friends and that you would respect me from now onwards because I'm Gabriel's little sister. But you haven't done that have you? And the other night when you came here, you said that you are still sleeping with other girls but the moment I wanted to move on..." I stopped myself immediately, not wanting to trigger him. I could have just kept my mouth shut till he left.
"I meant every word I said the other night." He said calmly.
"Then what are you still doing here now? You should leave." I said. I didn't wait for his answer and gave Gabriel's sleeping form one last glance before leaving the room. I heard Logan follow and quietly shut the door. I knew he was following me, but I never made a move to turn around. I didn't feel safe around him at all, knowing that any simple set of words could set off some sort of mental break for him. It truly broke my heart that he was suffering, but I didn't want him to hurt me anymore.
Was that selfish of me? Not trying to help him when he clearly needed help. I wasn't a professional, how much help could I possibly have to offer him?
You could at least try, you selfish bitch!
I ignored my conscience and punched in the front door code when I reached it. I pulled the door open but was surprised when a hand pushed it shut again.
"I can't stop thinking about you." Logan said quietly, standing behind me. My heart throbbed when I felt my back press against his chest. I breathed shakily and squeezed my trembling hands into fists when I felt his head bury into my neck from behind. With one hand still resting against the front door I felt the other gently rest on my waist. I couldn't believe it. This whole time I thought that he couldn't think twice about me, here he was on the same boat as I was.
Or, he could be lying. Manipulating me into falling right back into his arms.
"I think about you everyday. Every minute. Every second. You're all I think of. Your goddamn beautiful smile and sweet little voice. I want to hold you every second that I can get. I want to feel your pulse, and your heart beating so fast every time I'm close."
I shut my eyes tightly, feeling my body rest into his. I can't believe I was reacting this way to him after he left bruises on my arm and neck. I can't believe that my body was betraying me like this.
"I want you so bad. But there are so many things keeping me from you and it's absolutely frustrating." He said softly, his tone turning hard. I shivered when his lips grazed over my ear.
"Tell me that you want me too." He demanded softly.
"I want you." I whispered before I could stop myself. "And I think about you as well."
He sucked in a sharp breath and let his lips grazed over my neck. The hands that was around my waist tightened as he softly massaged me there. I felt small kisses being placed all the way towards my collar bone, when suddenly he sucked sharply on the spot. I released a soft breath, not wanting him to stop.
What have I gotten myself into? Once again.
**❤**
Next update: Saturday (29 December)
A/N. Hey peoples. Please vote and comment! I have ideas in mind about this story and I can't wait to share it.
NOTE (PLEASE READ): I'M SAD TO SAY THAT NOT EVERY STORY HAS A HAPPY ENDING. I don't romanticize abuse, I want to spread awareness. Seraphina is so willing to forgive Logan because she's confused about everything, but she doesn't realise the mistake that she's getting herself into. It could get worst, who knows.
I have nearly two months of holiday left before university. Before I have to dive back into the work again. I'm hoping to complete things before I don't have time to. I can predict about maybe 35 chapters in total plus an epilogue, I'm not sure. It could be longer or shorter.
Please wait for chapter 20!
xxx