Chapter 8 An Alarming Proposal #2
She reached for my drink again and I pulled it away, accidentally spilling on her in the process.
Before I knew it, someone had smacked me across the face.
My hand shot to my cheek—I was faintly aware of Ari’s gasp as I stared in shock.
It was quickly replaced by rage. Ari hopped off her stool while I snatched the hair tie off my wrist and twisted my hair in a haphazard bun.
“Leave it alone,” Dennis repeated.
I could tell there was more to his words than he was letting on but I didn’t care; my hoop earrings were already off and dropped on the bar beside my wasted drink.
“I’m Melissa, by the way.” She offered a hand.
I looked at it for a moment before making a decision. “Fuck you and fuck off.”
She shrugged before snatching my hair. I growled and slammed her neck against the counter.
Ari jumped out of the way just in time to miss being hit by Melissa’s flying hand.
I had my keys in a flash and slashed one across her face, drawing a stream of blood right before Ari forced her way between us.
“Guys, stop!” she shouted, holding a hand out on either side.
“I’m over it.” I snatched my earrings from the bar and put them back on as Melissa clutched her cheek. “Don’t touch me again or I’ll cut your throat next time.”
Anything she planned to say was interrupted when a security guard grabbed her arm. Two more appeared and took hold of me and Ari.
“Alright ladies, we’re gonna have to escort you out,” the one holding my elbow said.
“Seriously? I didn’t even do anything,” Ari protested.
“I’m already done. Can’t I keep drinking? I don’t have time for this.” I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.
“You’re done for the night,” the one holding Ari said. He started dragging her after Melissa’s security guard, who was already halfway outside.
“That’s what I just said,” I pointed out.
“Not done fighting. Done here.”
I sighed and grudgingly obliged, trudging along so the guy would stop being so aggressive.
I glanced over a shoulder to see Dennis looking serious for once.
He said something to Sean before hopping over the bar to follow us.
My head snapped around when I nearly tripped thanks to a sudden yank on my arm.
We came to a stop outside. The security guards let go, gave a stern warning, and two headed back inside while the third stayed at the door.
“I can’t believe you dragged me into this,” Ari said.
“It’s not my fault. She started it. I wasn’t gonna do anything, but I can’t just stand there and get slapped like a bitch. I only like that shit during sex.”
“You didn’t have to cut her.”
“I kinda did. How would it look if I didn’t follow through on a threat? I’m a reliable person, Ari. Don’t take that from me.”
“Seriously, do you wanna be on parole again? ‘Cause I’d rather not have an officer staking outside my window every night. That would be kinda embarrassing.”
“First of all, that’s not how parole works. Second, I’ll be fine. And third, I cannot tell Dr. Kelsey about this.”
“Ya’ think?” Ari shot me an exasperated look as Melissa walked up.
“What do you want?” I groaned.
“An apology.”
“Oh my god, go away.” I took Ari’s arm and sidestepped Melissa.
“You’ll regret this,” she called after us.
I rolled my eyes at the corny line and turned to make a snide remark, only to lose all train of thought. I stared at her face—there was dried blood but no gash in sight. The deep cut I’d made was gone.
I watched as she said something to a couple of men and a woman who’d joined her outside.
She shot another glance my way before they walked back to the bar.
I smiled smugly, waiting for the guy to send her away, but to my surprise the same security guard who’d escorted me out moved aside to let her in.
I waited a few seconds for him to realize who’d walked in and drag her back out, but he didn’t.
“I’ll be back,” I told Ari. I walked to the entrance and pleasantly tapped the man’s shoulder.
“Yes?” He raised an unfriendly eyebrow.
“Can we go back, then?” I gestured inside. “She went back—”
“Melissa didn’t do anything wrong,” he said.
“You can’t be serious.” I stared at him, but he kept a straight face. And then he smiled. “You’re really serious?” We stared at each other until Ari caught up and took my arm.
“C’mon.” She tugged me toward to the car.
“Did you see that?”
“See what? The guy let her back in?”
“No. Well, that too. But I meant her cheek. It’s healed.”
“Completely?” Ari’s voice held as much disbelief as my own.
“Yeah…”
“Hey, wait up.” Sean and Dennis were approaching.
“What now?” I droned, over this entire ordeal.
“Let’s do something else, since you guys got kicked out.” Sean was holding back an amused smile. “My shift is over so I’m free for the night.”
“I’d be up for some food,” Ari said. “Is anyone else hungry?”
“We don’t eat often,” Dennis said. He took in my slight pout and added, “We can, though. Food is fine.”
“Can we go to my favorite place?” I asked. There was a diner around the corner that I’d been obsessed with as a kid. It was also the only late night food place in town.
“Of course.” Ari hooked an arm through mine and we led the way. “Where’d you guys park?”
“We don’t need cars,” Sean said.
“I know this town is small, but it’s not that small. How do you not have cars?” I tilted my head, wondering how they got around.
“We’re not slow like humans,” Dennis said. “Getting around without a car doesn’t take long.”
“So you can fly, then?”
“I hope that’s not a real question.”
“Yes, it’s a real question.” I shot a mild glare at Dennis’ rude response. “How can you get around in a timely manner? This town’s public transport sucks. Actually, it’s nonexistent. Even the closest train station is an hour away.”
“They’re super fast, so I’d assume getting around on foot takes no effort whatsoever.” Ari glanced at Sean for confirmation, which he gave with a simple nod. “I’m also assuming you guys can’t fly. Or turn into bats. Or mist?”
“Obviously.” Dennis’ tone was mocking.
“That’s disappointing,” I muttered. We reached the diner and I held the door open for everyone to pass. It was a cute and casual place, decorated vibrantly with upbeat music playing from a vintage jukebox. It was essentially the opposite vibe of the bar. “What do you want, Ari?”
“Same omelet I always get,” she said. This place was her favorite, too. “Do you remember which one?”
“Yeah, of course. Go pick a table.” I waved her away. She headed to the section we always chose with Sean in tow. “I’m guessing you don’t want anything?” I asked Dennis.
“No.” He gave the cashier a once over before walking away.
“Hello. What can I get you?” The cashier nodded and punched keys while I ordered. “Got it.”
“Thanks, hun.” I ran a hand through my hair and leaned on the counter, careful to draw attention to my cleavage.
I smiled as Ari said ‘here she goes’ from a nearby table.
The cashier listed the total, but I had a different goal in mind.
“Has anyone ever told you how cute you are?” I pulled a bundle of cash out and separated two twenties. “You have amazing eyes.”
“Thanks.” He took the bills and opened the register, then glanced over his shoulder at the woman fixing drinks before sliding them back to me. “Don’t worry about it. It’s on the house,” he whispered. “Our secret.” He winked as I faked a giggle.
“Aw, thank you. You’re so sweet.”
“Here you go,” the lady said in a bored tone, placing both drinks on the counter.
“Thanks.” I smiled at them both before grabbing the drinks and walking away. I sat in the booth beside Dennis and handed the pink lemonade to Ari. “On the house,” I bragged.
“The benefit of flirting with everything that walks.” Ari giggled at my shameless grin. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” I took a sip of chocolate shake before looking at Dennis. “What?” It seemed he had either glitched or got frozen staring at me.
“I didn’t glitch and I’m not frozen.”
I laughed and took another sip. “That’s what you get for eavesdropping. You’re gonna hear all my insults, all the time ’til you stop being a nosy shit.” I held out the shake. “Want some?”
“No, but I think your friend does.”
I glanced at the cashier, who quickly averted his eyes. “He can’t resist my sexiness. It happens all the time.” I caught the guy’s eyes and licked the whipped cream from my straw.
“Can you stop being inappropriate for five seconds?” Ari hit the straw from my hand. I barely caught it in time. “You’re so embarrassing.”
“Your face is embarrassing.” I dipped my finger in the whipped cream and brought it to my lips, winking at the guy as I placed it in my mouth.
“Seriously.” She kicked me under the table and pried the cup away.
“Okay, fine. Pull your panties out your ass.” I snatched it back, then replaced the straw and gave her a bland look. “Happy?”
“I am.” Dennis slipped an arm around my waist as I leaned back. “I definitely found a good one.”
“Are you talking about me?”
“What other people do I own at this table?”
“You don’t own me, you tricked me into being your blood bind or whatever.”
“You mean my pet?”
“No.” I ignored his unnerving laugh and turned to Sean. “Why couldn’t you have claimed me instead? Your friend’s insane. I don’t want him.”
“Where’s Mateo?” Ari asked.
“Probably at home,” Sean said. “Or with a girl somewhere. Or at work.”
“Hm,” I pondered as I sipped my shake, “do you guys not talk about that stuff? I always know where Ari’s at. I’m like her keeper.”
“I always know where Emy’s at, too.”
“Why would we?” Dennis made a face.
“You three are like besties, right?” I was assuming because they all seemed close enough.
“We’re roommates.”
“And besties?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
I happy danced as the cashier walked up with two plates. “That’s for me,” I sang, reaching for the pancakes and bacon. He set it down before putting the omelet in front of Ari. “Thank you.”