𝔽𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥 𝔻𝕒𝕥𝕖 - 𝔹𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕜-𝟙𝟠𝟚
"When you smile,
I melt inside
I'm not worthy of a minute of your time."
Hendrix POV
The wind blows through my hair like a tornado, and since I'm very acquainted with my untamed hair, I know I'll be ripping tangles out of it most of the night. I can't help thinking that it's somehow worth it. The night air, the smooth breeze, the open road. It's all breathtaking.
Though sometimes I find it hard to concentrate with Cedric's strong arms caging me in, his rough hands on top of mine.
As soon as I found out what a rush it is to be a passenger on a motorcycle, I didn't ever want to get off.
It's amazing. Freeing. Pure bliss. And the best part of it is that I'm spending time with Cedric too. Frozen yogurt, a thrilling ride through the dark. I don't want this night to end.
But, all good things must come to an end eventually. And that's exactly what happens when Cedric pulls up to my apartment building in the star light. I mourn the loss of the purring bike when he shuts it off, leaving us in the cold night with nothing but silence to listen to.
Neither of us say anything, and I end up pulling a risky move. Swinging one of my legs over the seat, I turn myself around until I'm facing Cedric while I'm straddling the motorcycle. I stare up into his glowing eyes. They're almost eerie, but so beautiful.
I can't believe he has red eyes. It's crazy. I don't know how it's possible, but I try not to question it. Cedric is a miracle, his eyes are a miracle. That's all I need to know.
Those crimson orbs are like sparkling garnets. I don't know how he can be ashamed of them, or how on earth anyone could be afraid of them.
People are wusses.
They're the most perfect set of eyes I've ever seen. I could stare at them for hours.
"I don't really want to go inside." I inform him, tilting my head and grinning mischievously. Cedric nods his agreement, removing my helmet and tucking a few loose strands of hair out of my face.
"I don't really want you to either." He admits, an echo of a smile on his handsome face. I bite my lip impatiently. Looking at him is hard when I can't kiss him. He hasn't kissed me yet. Why hasn't he? There have been plenty of opportunities for him to take.
Maybe my theory of my annoying disposition is true. I sure hope not.
I can't be wrong. I just can't. The signals he's sending me, they all lead back to him liking me. The facts don't lie. The only thing making me doubt his attraction to me is myself, and all of this self deprecation.
My biggest enemy in this situation is myself. If I don't take a chance, if I don't put myself on the line, then I might be stuck wondering what if.
I hate what ifs. They drive me crazy. Daydreaming about what could've been is something I've struggled with for way too long. My whole childhood was filled with restless nights, my head brimming with what ifs.
I don't want this to be one of those things that I look back and wonder what could have happened if I'd been woman enough to go after what I want.
So I do it. I grab his rugged face between my hands and press my lips to his.
Cedric's first reaction is to freeze, his mouth still firm. He growls for the second time tonight. My eyes are closed tight as I move against his lips, trying to activate them somehow. Activate they do. Before I know it, he's kissing me back.
His warm tongue slides across my bottom lip. I grant it permission to enter. Once my mouth is open things go a bit faster, and I can tell we're getting carried away. We're in public for heaven's sake. I can't seem to conjure up any shyness about our PDA.
The attraction is like an electric shock. It burns and sizzles through my body with such ferocity that it almost hurts, but it's addicting. I can't get enough. I press my body into his, leaning forward. I'm on the brink of falling off the bike, and if it weren't for his secure arms holding me in place, I would be in a puddle on the curb.
He slows down the kiss, tempering the whirlwind storm. It comes down evenly until he pulls away. I'm out of breath, he's not. Of course he's not, he's in great shape. Can't say the same for myself. Working out and I don't get along.
Those cherry red eyes shimmer in the darkness. Instead of his usual gentle gaze, I detect hunger. I can't be imagining that. I don't know why I'm so shocked, he just made out with me and I'm still not sure if he likes me or not. This is definitely an indicator I'm not the only one who feels this thing between us.
"Well that was..." I start.
"Perfect." Cedric finishes, an amazed grin tugging the corner of his lip upward. He won't stop staring down at me. "Why did you do that?"
The question he poses doesn't make me feel ashamed or embarrassed. Cedric's kiss is leaving me empowered. I show him by smiling and straightening the collar of his jacket that I'm still clinging to.
"Because, I'm wild." I decide, and he laughs. The sound of that husky chuckle sends a current up my spine.
As I attempt to venture off the vehicle, I remember how far down the ground is, and wince when I can't seem to do it myself. This thing is tricky. Cedric's steady touch holds me in place.
"Please, allow me before you crack your head open." He climbs off rather quickly, leaving me a bit bitter. He makes it look so easy.
Professor Riley helps me off, his hands gripping my waist when he hauls me into the air and down again. I steady myself against his chest once my feet find purchase. I blow out a breath of relief, the air leaving my lungs forcing a puff of smoke in the chilly air.
"Damn, I forgot you must be cold." His dark, arched brows pinch together. "Now I've cursed in front of you. Making a great impression, aren't I?"
He actually cares what I think. This definitely isn't one sided.
"Ouch, two strikes. That's gotta hurt." I muse. Rubbing my palms up and down my arms, I play up the whole cold thing. Gotta tease him when I can.
Truth be told, I haven't been cold since the kiss we shared. His presence has kept me warm for the most part, but the wind is starting to get the best of me. My light sweater and flannel skirt aren't doing much to keep me protected.
Cedric's angry expression evaporates as he plays along. That playful look he wears does something to me. Butterflies dance in my stomach.
"Oh yeah? What happens when I reach three?" He asks smoothly in his deep baritone.
"Haven't you seen baseball? It means you're out." I explain, and I realize my mistake when he questions me further.
"Out of what?" My mouth opens, parting in confusion as I'm put on the spot. What am I supposed to say to that? What if I assumed this to be more than it is? Oh no. What have I done?
"Hendrix." I suddenly focus on Cedric, my gaze readjusting when I'm pulled from my mind. I can tell that he noticed my panic. All teasing is gone. "I'd like to think of this as our first date, if that's alright with you."
If that's alright with me? Of course it's alright with me. It's fantastic with me.
"You want to do this again? As in take me out? On a date?" I press, not convinced quite yet that this is actually happening. Maybe I dreamed this whole thing, and I'll wake up in the passenger seat of Dylan's van. How depressing that would be.
Cedric nods his head once.
"Only if you're okay with it. I'd never want to make you uncomfortable, but I do like you Hendrix. I want to spend more time with you." It takes everything in me not to scream yes at him at the top of my lungs, that might be a little too exuberant.
"Yeah, me too. I'd love to. Can I get your number so I can call you sometime?" He flashes his white teeth at me and agrees. I shakily type his number into my tiny phone, discreetly adding his contact to my favorites list.
When I look back up his leather jacket is off, his bare arms clear as day in the moonlight. He's wearing a plain white t-shirt that doesn't look so plain on him. It's tight, and doesn't leave much to the imagination, but imagine I do. I find myself wondering what he would look like without it.
"You must be freezing." Cedric moves the jacket behind me, lowering it onto my shoulders. I'm immediately greeted with his scent. It's not cologne, and I don't know how I know that, but I do. The woodsy smell must be natural.
I fit my arms through the sleeves, and my man laughs when my hands don't come through the holes. You can't even see my fingertips. The jacket is so oversized it hangs off my arms with the extra leather. The thing reaches my knees.
The coat is cozy though, and Cedric makes sure to carefully zip it up to my chin. It traps in all the warmth.
"There we go." He whispers. We stand there for a while. So close that our breathing mingles, our eyes never straying. I want to touch him again, kiss him.
Eventually, I have to go inside. It's inevitable. Fate. I just wish I could put it off a moment longer, but I can't. Might as well get it over with. Seeing him go is the worst part.
He carries my bags of groceries and my purse as he leads me up to the building. I stick my hands in the spacious jacket pockets, my numb fingers start to soften.
"Thank you. Really, thank you for everything. I had a great time." I tell him, taking my bags and pulling out my keys.
"You're welcome. You deserve it." Cedric replies, his voice filled with honesty. He runs a hand through his pitch black hair that matches the night, then leans in before I can open the door. Cedric places a goodnight kiss on me. I miss his lips the second he pulls away.
"Call me." He insists.
I unlock the door and shoot him a shy smile.
"I will. Goodnight, Cherry." With that, I'm gone.
I climb the stairs with a dazed sensation. I can't believe that just happened. I'm floating instead of walking. It's like Cedric's company was a drug, and I'm still high.
A blurry sheen is over my eyes as I open the apartment door. I glide in, the sated grin on my face is bound to tell a story or two. I'm greeted with Miranda and Stacey on the couch, watching a movie.
I turn to head into the kitchen, dodging their curious stares.
"Where have you been?" Stacey asks, and I shake my head. The groceries make a lot of noise as they hit the counter tops. I start unloading when I hear my friends pause the movie and come up behind me.
I turn to put the peaches in the fridge, when I'm met with a towering Miranda, her hands on her hips. Her nostrils flare like she smells something awful. It's now that I notice her eyes glued to the leather jacket.
"Why were you with him?" She demands, her voice harsh and cold. I trip a little when I close the door to the refrigerator.
"How... how did you know I was with him?" I ask in a small voice. I can't stand the thought that they're so against him. He's everything to me right now. After tonight, I can't stop picturing him.
"The jacket? The sound of the motorcycle outside? It's pretty obvious, Hendrix." Miranda scolds me, and I try not to shrink back. I can't back down. Not now. Not after all he's done for me. I have to defend him.
"I like him, okay? He's sweet, and thoughtful, and smart. He watches out for me, and kisses me goodnight, buys me frozen yogurt! Why do you think he's such a bad guy? What's so wrong with all of that?" I beg, gripping the nice smelling coat tightly around my shivering frame.
Stacey stands in the background silently as Miranda tears into me.
"He's no good for you. You can't see him anymore." She says, and things like that used to work on me, used to persuade me mindlessly. It's gone now. I'm free from her commands. The handcuffs have broken.
"Oh yeah? And why is that, mom? Huh? He's so awful and terrible that I can't be around him. Tell me why? Why is he so bad?" My voice is shrill sounding, the fury bleeding through.
Miranda appears a little shocked when I talk back. She quickly masks it, shutting her gaping mouth with a click.
"Think about it Hendrix. He's older than you, a lot older than you. He has a stable career and life. You're a college student with no money. Why would he want you?" The words cut me deep, and I flinch. "He's using you. Once you give it up, he'll drop you. I don't want to see you get hurt."
I shake my head, backing away until my back hits the counter. I'm shriveling up. My hands fist at my side.
"Cedric is not like that. You don't know him."
"What, and you do? Wake the hell up!" Miranda snaps. She slams a hand on the counter. Her usually reserved tone is gone, lost in a sea of anger and volume.
"You're just jealous! You won't go out with any guy because you dwarf all of them. The only man on campus taller than you, and he wants me. You can't take it!" I hurl back, my voice not quite as confident as hers, but still colored with poison.
Her pretty eyes widen, and she takes a step back.
"That's right. You're both jealous of me. Ever since I can remember you two always got the attention! Every boy who spoke to me just wanted the inside scoop on beautiful Miranda and Stacey. They worshiped the ground you walked on! Now that I finally have someone who likes me, you want to take him away from me. Well guess what? You can't have him."
They both look shocked. Stacey has tears in her eyes.
"Henny..." Miranda starts.
"No!"
Tears roll freely down my face as I stomp to my room. Her hateful words echo in my head over and over.
Why would he want you?
Trailer trash. Redneck. Abandoned.
All the haunting memories come swinging back, and I'm left in pieces when the door bangs shut behind me.
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Cedric POV
"Looky here." Savannah brags, hauling the skinny rogue up by his collar. He squirms like a worm in her grip. "Found him messing with one of my cameras."
I stare expressionless at the dirty mongrel. Mud smudged on his cheek, a busted lip and a set of wired eyes. I find myself in the woods again. The cellphone burning a hole in my pocket.
"Please. Let me go. I know nothins, I swear!" I left unfeeling after hearing his words. They mean nothing. He's afraid, he reeks of fear. Every little thing out of his mouth is in a desperate plea to be released.
I think of Hendrix. It's been days. Why won't she call me? She goes to work. Goes to school. I haven't spoken to her in two days. It's driving me insane.
My control is dwindling.
"We know you have to know something? Why else would you destroy my camera?" My Beta pulls him up harder, the force of her grip making him whimper.
"I just don't like bein watched! What's so wrong with that?" The rogue sputters, his brown eyes darting from Savannah and then back to me. Terror fills them when they land on my face. "Damn. You're Veiler, aren't you? Please don't hurt me, your majesty."
That word makes me seethe. Control is lost, mistakes are made. I grab him by the neck, one hand curling around his delicate throat when I lift him into the air.
He chokes, sputters, begs. All I see is red.
Blood flows down my arm as the body thumps to the ground. The werewolf is dead. His neck pulses with maroon as it drains onto the fall leaves spotting the forest floor.
"Shit. What's gotten into you?" Savannah asks, she doesn't seem angry, maybe just casually put out like she relished torturing information out of him.
I don't say anything. All I can think about is Hendrix. How would she react if she saw me like this? Drenched in blood, eyes blazing with violence. Maybe then she would run the other way. Then she would know what a terrifying creature I am.
Why hasn't she called me? Is it my eyes? Did I scare her away with the whole date thing?
I honestly feel pathetic this way. Writhing in self pity as I panic internally. I'm like a teenager raging with hormones and emotions. It's awful.
And now I've made a mess. The rogue is dead. We could've got information from him, but my feelings got the best of me. I'm suddenly ashamed, although I don't let it show.
"It's about her, isn't it?" Savannah says, not looking at me, but staring at the deceased rogue between us. His eyes are wide and unseeing.
My silence is answer enough. Savannah sighs, giving me a defeated smile. She finally meets my gaze.
"Your little mate, what is she like?" She asks finally.
I stay silent for a moment, thinking of what to say.
"She's wild, but all the best flowers are."
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If you're reading this, you're a beautiful person:)
This chapter took a lot of time, it's so long! I loved writing it though. It was so much fun. I love all this fluff. Hendrix and Cedric are my favorite couple I've written about tbh.
Next update will be on Monday! Have an awesome week.