As we pass through the endless hallways, I find myself shrinking deeper and deeper inside of myself, completely dreading the alluring look in Stephan's eyes that lead me towards him without any resistance. I want to doubt what Mackie just told me, but deep down I'm not really surprised by it. Ever since I got here, Stephan has been nothing but violent and terrifying, and to be honest, I have no idea whether he is lying or not. I mentally set my defensive wall back up, and prepare my body for him.
Just before opening the door, Mackie swiftly drops my hand and leads me through the double doors. Taking a deep breath, I walk into the room.
Men everywhere and I can't even make out where I'm supposed to go. I hesitate, lingering around the edges of the swarm of black suits. However, Mackie's strong hand grips my hand and lightly pushes me towards the other side of the room. Keeping his hand on my back, Mackie pushes his way through the towering backs and intimidating figures. Keeping my eyes downcast, we soon enter an opening in the crowd, and I'm finally able to breathe without the worry of nudging the wrong person.
Suddenly feeling deserted, I look up to no longer see Mackie, but a reposed figure, with his obsidian eyes darting right through me.
Seeing him so laid back on his dark leather couch, his arms tensed by his sides and his chest physically bursting out of his shirt, makes me physically start to shake. His eyes glance right over mine, slowly and purposely linger down my body, from my chest down my waist to my feet. Holding in my scowl, I clamp my mouth shut and walk over to stand a few feet away from him. With Trevor next to me, he gives me a slight nod, and then goes back to his usual passive stance. Looking around the room, I scan the crowd to try and find Mackie. Honestly, I'm kind of glad that someone in here has my back when it comes to Stephan.
Distantly, I make out his usual calm demeanor resting against a far column. He seems like his usual nonchalant self, but I can see him giving me slight glances every now and then. Like he was telling me not to point himself out and make Stephan suspicious. Feeling clueless and dumb, I cast my attention back on my stagnant hands clasped in front of me.
Then, like clockwork, Stephan settles down the chaotic room with a single soft clearing of his throat. Gripping everyone's attention, Stephan darts his deadly eyes across the whole room before starting.
"Things have been moving. As of last night, we have successfully made a deal with Harris and his men to arrange a meeting in neutral ground to discuss his nearing consequences if he continues to move in on our group," Stephan commands out in his deep voice, his eyes swiftly glancing over to mine as he finishes. The moment Stephan finished his words, the whole room seemed to uproar with his decision. Shouts of disagreement and disbelief fill the room, as I find myself instinctively backing up and fearing the worst.
"Shut. The. Fuck. Up." Stephan growls out, making everyone instantly quieten and turn their attention back on him. There seems to be some kind of powerful aura swarming around him, as he remains laid back on the couch, his leg lazily crosses over the over.
"Did I stutter? You are not changing my mind. This is the only way we can ensure the most favorable outcome," Stephan commands, but a distant voice shouts out afterward.
"What if he doesn't show?"
Stephan scoffs at this, and remains his usual cocky and composed self.
"Then, we go to plan B. We go to him and make him regret taking us lightly," Stephan smirks, taking a nearby glass into his hand and taking a quick sip.
"I'm not debating this with you. This is going to happen, and for the sake of this group," Stephan glances at me again, "I'm going through with it. I know that Harris has fucked us over in the past, but I'm done dealing with his childish bullshit and I'm going to deal with him in a professional manner." Stephan clears his throat again, and sits up straighter.
"Now, what I really wanted to discuss was how everything will go down. I want men posted around each possible viewpoint and ensure the safety of the meeting. I don't need Harris thinking that we are going to be sitting ducks. Our new inventory is going to be coming in tonight so I need everyone loaded and ready for it. The meeting will be held in 2 days and I want everyone prepared and able for the day. I don't need any fuck-ups." Stephan growls out, glancing around the room to each person. Still feeling uneasy, I look around to see everyone curtly nodding and staring back at Stephan with the same passion he has.
"Good. Hopefully, if this meeting goes well, our territory lines will be extended and defined, and my love's safety will no longer be in jeopardy," Stephan marks out, making me feel stare down and scoff. This fucker doesn't give a shit about that. He just wants power, it's written all over his face that he doesn't give two fucks about my safety. He just doesn't want to be walked over.
"No one is going to threaten my girl, right baby?" Stephan reaches out to me, but I just keep my eyes defiantly at the ground and not pay attention to him at all. I hear some people move uneasily in the room, and I can feel the growing pressure on my actions, but I choose to stay ignorant. Honestly, I can feel my body moving over to him, but I have no idea how I'm supposed to face him after learning his true character from Mackie.
"Sarah?" Stephan lowly calls out, I can see his hand outstretched for me, but I just keep my head down and hold my ground.
"Out. Everyone." Stephan yells out. He remains laid back in his seat, but as the crowd disperses out the double doors, and I quietly try to follow, I hear Stephan growl out.
"Not you. Everyone but you." My eyes widen at the force in his voice, as my hands start to tremble. Looking up, I see Mackie glancing back at me, as he follows the crowd out the door. My feet freeze in place, but I can't bring myself to turn around.
Soon enough, it's just us left in the room. I'm still turned towards the door, but the sound of a glass clinking off of something hard makes my body jump and my heart starts to pump really hard in my chest.
The rough feel of Stephan's calloused hand clasping around my arm brings my body tight against his, but my back pushed against his chest. I feel his breath brush past my ears, the scent of whiskey crossing my nose as Stephan brings his head to the side of mine. Turning my head away from his, I hear him growl out in disapproval, as he briefly lets go of my arms, to walk in front of me to face me head-on. Staring him dead-on, I'm shocked to see the absence of the anger that was so present in his voice, but actually a look of concern flashing across his face. he softly brings his hand up to my face, and for a second, I hesitate. The warmth of his hands never fails to surprise me, but the moment I catch myself leaning into his touch, I yank myself away from him and take a step backward.
Stephan tries to step towards me, but I keep walking backward until I can't take it anymore, and I end up placing my hands on his chest and pushing him away from me. My heartbeat is skyrocketing, as I find myself short of breath, but I remain my ground and keep a distance from him. Stephan's once concerned eyes slowly shift over to his usual piercing ones, as his face starts to morph into one of anger. Creasing his eyebrows, Stephan takes a deep breath.
Not noticing how close I was to the wall, Stephan grips both of my arms and roughly pins me against the wall, my head hitting it with a loud thud. The pain shoots through my head, as I stare deep into Stephan's clouded eyes.
I try to yank my arms out, yelling out for help, as I continuously try to use my legs to kick him somewhere so I could run away from him. But, my knees and elbows just hit solid muscle, as Stephan's towering body overpowers mine. Gaining courage, I look up to see Stephan's livid eyes staring down at mine. Unable to take it anymore, I spit at his face and yell at him.
"Get off of me you fucker," I snarl out, my voice sounding deeper as I feel my emotions building up inside of me. I've never acted this way before, as I fight back against him. Courage, or just plain stupidity.
Catching my breath, I stop fighting him as I look down at his crushing body against mine.
I'm able to feel his heartbeat through his tight chest, fast but still steady. His steady breathing beats down on me, as he brings his face close to mine.
Looking me directly in the eye, Stephan snarls out.
"What the fuck is going on?"