“Don’t you dare!” I hop backwards with my non injured foot. “Am fine” As I spoke I was fighting the urge to let out a groan.
“You are clearly not so either you are blind or stupid,” I froze. My eyebrow furrowing in anger. “Now let me help,” I shake my head and try to slip away but he was much faster.
“Rafe, no!” I groan as he circles his arm under my waist and the other under my legs to lift me up. “Shit,” The instant relief of pulling my pressure off of it felt so good.
“See? You’re hurt.” I roll my eyes looking at my surroundings, looking for an escape. We were at the beach with some friends and of course it would be me who stepped wrong and hurt my ankle.
“It’s just a little pain, I just have to walk it out.” I started to twist my body but his arms kept me in place.
“A little pain in my ass.” He walked us through the parking lot until we got to his truck. “Your ankle has swollen up in just a couple of minutes, that's just you trying to walk it out.”
“Just…” I struggle to get out and walk off as he opens the passenger door. “Let me…” He keeps his arm around my waist and pulls me in, “suffer” I let out a huff as he successfully places me on the seat.
“I would love to, but I would enjoy taking you to the hospital more,” My jaw falls open and my eyes widen.
“You wouldn’t dare.” He reaches around and hooks the seatbelt around me. He grins as he pulls back.
“Watch me.” He says as he slams the door shut. I watched him walk around the truck and when he was right in front of the hood I went to open the door but it was too late, he locked it.
“You son of-” I shut my mouth when he manually unlocks his door and gets in. His face was full of pride knowing I had tried to escape but failed. “Unlock the door Rafe,” I warned. My eyes burn holes to the side of his stupid face.
“Nope.” He starts the car, turning on the radio and begins to drive away. “You are going to the ER because that shit is sprained.” I let out an exhale. Maybe I could make a run for it. I could unlock the door and jump out, anything to get me out from going to the hospital.
“Rafe,” One hand gripped the armrest. “Let me out.” It was stupid to think I could jump out of a moving vehicle, more with a hurt ankle. I watch Rafe tap his fingers on the steering wheel, like if he was thinking about it for a few moments but he eventually shakes his head with a smirk.
“No. We’re going to the hospital and I'm not going to listen to you arguing with me” His hands move to turn up the music but I slap it away.
“Oh you are going to listen and if you don’t like it you can let me off here” He wasn’t amused.
“You literally have a twisted ankle dumbass. How the hell will you get home? Are you going to limp all the way?”
“I could,” I simply shrug and lean back into the seat.
“Will you just shut up and let me drive you to the damn hospital?” he snaps, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.
“No.” I sternly say as I turn to look at him once more. I could see how his patience was growing thin, his jaw clenched as he tried to focus on the road.
“Why the hell are you being so stubborn about me taking you to the hospital?” He knew why. He knew why I didn’t like going to the hospital and much less with him.
“You know why Rafe.”
“Yeah, I know you think they are idiots but that's not a good enough reason.”
“I don’t think they are idiots. I just think that they don’t care how they should. They will take one look at my ankle and decide that it needs an x-ray but only to make money. Then they will say it's okay, offer me pain killers then tell me to go rest. It's the same shit over again”
“Will you stop being so stubborn? They are doctors and not everyone is like that. Plus what if you actually hurt yourself, what then?” Rafe lets out a small groan, turning another corner.
“I’ll hobble my way through life,” I watch as he rolls his eyes. If I can just get under his skin maybe I can make him kick me out of his truck. “Can you please drop me off? I don’t want to go to the hospital.”
“No.” Although his voice was stern and he spoke in just a breath, I could tell it was getting to him. The way his fingers tighten harder around the steering wheel and how his chest heavily moves.
“You’re so annoying,” I sat back and crossed my arms. From the side of my eye I could see how irritated he was by only 3 simple words.
“Oh really? I’m the annoying one? You’re the one being stubborn as hell and refusing to let me take you to the hospital.”
“Because it's nothing!” I tried to lift my foot as I spoke and it caused some difficulty but as I pressed my finger on it, “Shit,” I whispered slowly.
“Then why the hell did you wince when you touched it?” I didn’t dare look at him. He probably had a smirk on his face. His stupid egocentric smirk.
“No I didn’t” I swallowed dryly as I moved my foot back to the floor. I heard a scoff from his side, he wasn’t buying my words.
“Yeah right. You’re a terrible liar, you know that?”
“Shut up,” I shift my body to the side. I could feel his stare but I didn’t bother to look.
“You shut up.” Real classy Rafe.
“No, you shut up.” I flinched over to catch him snap me a look. His grip tightening once more around the wheel.
“Seriously, you’re acting like a damn child.”
“You’re the child,”
“That's smart coming from the one whining about not going to the hospital to at least get checked.”
“Shut up,” I say in a defeated tone. There was no use of fighting it. I couldn’t run and much less jump out of his moving truck.
“No, you shut up. You’re being a goddamn pain in the ass right now.”
“Then just drop me off here!”
“No. I told you, we’re going to the goddamn hospital” I let out an irritated groan. He was such an asshole, it just came natural to him.
“I don’t want to go to the damn hospital!”
“Well, that’s too fucking bad, We’re going, and thats final” His voice was harsher and louder but that didn’t faze me. He could intimidate a brick wall but not me.
“Rafe?” With the restraint of the seatbelt I could only lean against the arms rest about half way. “Rafe,” I spoke again which earned me a quick look from him. “I don’t want to go to the hospital..” I spoke with a calming tone.
“Don’t.” plain and simple. “Dammit…..stop the damn puppy eyes,” I had to hold back a satisfied smirk. All I had to do was work him a little bit more.
“All you have to do is not take me to the hospital,” I fluttered my eyes although he was focused on the road ahead.
“Ugh…Why do I always get damn soft around you?” I freeze. He probably didn’t mean to say those words out loud, right? It was like a sign, suddenly a jolt of pain traveled up my leg. “You’re in pain, aren’t you?” His voice was softer than before as he turned to look at me.
“No,” My own voice was my enemy.
“Bullshit, I can see it written all over your damn face.” Truly I wouldn't have bought my own weak denial either.
“Shut up and just drive,” I let my head fall against the armrest. “You’ve been driving for what seems to be forever”
“We’re almost there,” Under my breath I mocked his words. I could hear a slight chuckle since he clearly heard it. “You’re an idiot, you know that,” and here I thought we stopped the banter.
“Shut up,” I groan, lifting up my head. It took another 3 minutes until I saw the hospital building. The smell was already hitting my nose as if I was walking through one of their halls. “Stupid hospitals,” I whisper under my breath. The truck moved swiftly across their parking lot and I didn’t realize Rafe was parked and out of the car until the passenger door opened. “What are you-”
“Shut up.” He carefully and slowly lifts me out of the truck and shuts the door with his foot. He was careful not to move my injured ankle too much as we walked down to the ER.
“This is stupid you know?
“You’re the stupid one.” I could hit him right now but then that would cause him to drop me and I don’t want that.
“The only thing they will end up saying is to put some ice on it and elevated it while we have already wasted 3 or more hours in there.”
“Shut up or they will kick you out,” He said in a warning voice as we walked through the doors. “Don’t.” He gave me a look. A look that said, Don’t you even dare cause a scene. Who did he think he was, my father?
“Ma’am?” I focused back on the nurse that greeted us while I was busy stabbing Rafe in my mind. “I asked if you have a doctor here?” I shake my head in a childish way. “Well alright then,” She smiled kindly and now I felt like an idiot.
“Be nice, it's not her fault you hate hospitals or that you're a dumbass for hurting your ankle.” How dare he? Why the fuck was I talking in me head?!-
“Who the fuc-” I begin to say before the nurse spoke up again
“The nurse will lead you to your room” I shut my mouth and give her a smile this time.
“Thank you,” rafe answers for me and walks towards the male nurse. “Thank you,” He swiftly placed me on the wheelchair the nurse had with him. “Don’t act like a child.” I pull back when I hear him beside my ear.
“You’re the child.” I bite back quickly. If I had more time, I would have said something better but we were now turning into my room.
“The doctor will be with you soon.” Rafe and I smiled towards him before he left the room. I stayed silent and closed my eyes.
“Still in pain?,” I nod at his question. “Want me to help you on the bed?” Wouldn’t you like that?, I say to myself before shaking my head. “Don’t go back to acting stubborn,” That causes a low groan to escape. My eyes flutter open and I find him sitting on the chair used for visits or whoever comes with the patients.
“Why are you here Rafe?” I sit up straight in the wheelchair, my eyes never leaving his. “Why did you help me back there, huh?”
“You were hurt. You can think of me as an asshole but I still wouldn’t leave anyone injured for themselves.”
“Yeah but it's not like we were alone, we were with friends, yet you stepped up first.” Even I stayed silent as my own words made me realize that.
“Yeah well you're part of our friend group of course I would offer to help.”
“But-”
“Shut up-” As soon as he said so the door opened and he stood up.
“Hello, I am doctor Cantrell.” He smiled, reaching his hand over for me to shake before turning to Rafe. “And you must be?”
“Rafe.” He shook his hand.
“Right. Now what do we have here?” He clapped his hands and turned his attention back to me. “You hurt your ankle right?” I nod. “Well it does look pretty swollen, mind if I take a look?”
“No,” it was dry but I was honestly trying to be nice. The doctor smiled and kneeled down to pick up my foot carefully.
“What pain do you feel?” He asked as he examined the swollen,bruised and disgusting foot of mine.
“It's an aching sensation, I can feel it through my bones” He hummed acknowledging my words.
“It does sound like you might have broken something here and just to make sure we recommended an x-ray.” I mentally groaned but smiled and nodded when the doctor looked up to me for approval. “Well alright then, the nurse will come and fetch you when we are ready.”
“Thank you,” I said through gritted teeth. He left us with one last smile. “Fetch me, like if I were a dog,” I couldn’t pinpoint it. I don’t know if it was the smell or the noises. Maybe I did truly hate the doctors and nurses,maybe I was dramatically traumatized as a child and as an adult I still carry that fear, I just fucking hate hospitals.
“Does it hurt badly?” I look over to Rafe before nodding.
“It's throbbing and I feel like my foot is having a fever of its own” I look down but quickly divert my eyes. It was already turning purple, like a giant grape.
“You know, I think you get into situations like this because of your stubbornness.” He couldn’t hear it but I was gritting my teeth so hard that one wrong slip, I would need the doctor to relocate my jaw. “I mean if you were nice and bright maybe these things wouldn’t happen”
“It's not like you're a ray of sunshine, these things don’t happen to you.” I cross my arms, turning to look at him. “With the amount of times you have screamed,punched, and even hurt people with a simple stare, you should be in a whole body cast.”
“I guess Karma loves me”
“Many bitches do.” I mumble under my breath. Our attention switches when the door is pushed open.
“Hey, I am nurse Cassie.” Right on queue. She might as well go sit on his lap as she twirls her hair since she can’t seem to stop looking at Rafe. “I will be taking you to get your x-ray done.” I wanted to wave my hand across her face to make sure she knew I was the patient and not Rafe. I would kick her with my right foot but that's the one I injured and the other one wasn’t close enough.
“Great. Let's get this over with.” I cleared my throat and if it wasn’t for Rafe getting up, we wouldn’t be moving at all.
“I’ll push her.” Yeah if he can push me right down a well, that would be nice. Cassie opens the door enough for him to push me through and down the hall. I could hear their conversation as they walked behind me and when I tried to close my eyes, it was worse.
“You can stand back here with me as she is on the table” If it wasn’t obvious by my stare towards her, she annoyed me. We moved into the x-ray room. The only thing there was a table and a second door where I guess they stand behind. “Let me go get a nurse to move-” Before she could finish Rafe walks over and carries me to sit on the table. She just smiled and moved my feet over the table. “Stay still” You stay still so I can stab-
“You okay?” Cassie was already waving him over to the room but he stood there with actual worry in his face as he asked.
“Yeah,” I nod slowly before laying back down. I had to look away. Those blue eyes mixed with his tone was a dangerous game I don’t want to be a part of. I heard the door close and soon the machine started to make some noise and finally it moved. The sound of the machine was loud, it was almost soothing. Another couple of minutes go by and I hear the noise of the door open.
“Okay,” The nurse comes out of the room followed by Rafe who were both smiley? “Let's get you back to your room and your test will be out shortly.” Her smile seemed genuine but her eyes….they hid hatred. I stayed quiet as Rafe helped me back on the wheelchair and throughout the walk back to the room.
“She said it was definitely broken.” Rafe said as he let out a sigh. He moved over to take his place back on the chair.
“How did she have time to notice when she was all focused on you” I mumble under my breath in an annoyed tone.
“What was that?” I just shake my head at his question and avoid his gaze. “You need to learn how to be nice to people” I roll my eyes as my head falls back to rest. “You are so stubborn with your ideas that you can’t see what is right in front of you.” I let my eyes fall closed as I ignored his words. “One day…” From the side I could hear him get out of his chair and move closer. “One day with your attitude you will push everyone away.” I open my eyes to find him closely hoovering over me. I noticed how his eyes were only on mine. Oh how I had his every feature mesmerized. His warm breath casting against mine, his cologne penetrating my own skin. I hear him let out a longing sigh… “Yet, not me.”
“You call me stubborn but you're always here….with me.” He scoffs silently without moving an inch away.
“Whenever you need me.”
“You’re so cheesy” I tried to tease but his words were making my heart beat faster.
“And you like it…” He whispers moving closer. “Admit it.” I notice his slight grin.
“Never. Just like I won’t admit you were right about my ankle.” My hands grip the handle of the wheelchair as all it was all I could do to hold back from kissing him. “Because you're not.” I couldn’t let that cocky grin get bigger.
“But I am.” He whispers so closely.
“No-” I was in the middle of denying it when the stupid doctor came in. Rafe quickly stood up, clearing his throat as the doctor hadn’t noticed what position we were in. He pulled out the picture of the X-Ray to show me but I looked away.
“They should already be waiting for you,” I nod towards the door when Clarice passes by. “I sent out for your new dress-” She cuts off mid-sentence. I stood up straight from fixing my bag, I took a step forward until I froze in place. There, walking through the doors was Thomas Shelby.
“You shouldn’t be here” I pulled my feet back and fixed my eyes on the suitcase he had in hand. “Here to make a deal?” I lean back on my desk before crossing my arms. I watch as he slowly removes his hat and throws it on the chair beside him. He turns just enough to shut the door with a loud thump.
“I came to offer you a deal” That's weird. Thomas Shelby coming by to offer me a deal? This has to be some kind of miracle. “Money,” He paused as he took his time lifting the suitcase and opening it. “For you to keep your mouth shut,” He was never afraid to use such foul words. “And there will be more money for you and your family to sell all the property you have here and in London” I smirk while shaking my head.
“You sure you can rile up such money?” I avoid flinching when he slams the suitcase shut and throws it on the chair too. He takes out his gloves and, intimidatingly walks closer to me. My eyes flicker to his, which are filled with annoyance. “Heard the business might get their license revoked” I joke.
“You’re a smart girl,” One of his hands traveled up my chest and towards my cheek but then it adjusted down around my neck. “You know what is good for your family-,”
“Can’t say the same about you” I cut him off. I wrap my hand around his wrist to prevent him from moving but knowing him, he wasn’t either way. “You decided to come after a family who has played in the background. Who had not lifted a finger to sabotage or do anything against the Shelby’s. Yet here you are threatening not only me but my whole family. You show nothing but disrespect by offering us money when you know how good we are with our word.” My hand trails down his arm and then up until it settles on his cheeks. “Remember how well I am with my words?” I say quietly in a seductive tone.
“You deny that falling into my bed was a coincidence?" I scoff a laugh. “Like you didn’t know who I was when you walked into that bar.” His finger tightened with every word he spat at me.
“I never denied knowing who you were, Thomas. I was never opposed to telling you who I was either. We used our mouths for other things.” He pushes my head back a little which I couldn’t help but smile. “Admit it,” I could feel my pulse reach my head. “You eventually knew who I was,” After falling into his bed, a couple of days later he started to act differently. One afternoon Polly mentioned my family and his hand grew tighter around mine but the next second he was dragging me up to his room and we didn’t leave until the next morning.
“I didn’t know how involved you actually were” Right. Men in our family took care of face-to-face business, while women did the actual job behind the scenes. “Stupid of me to not realize how fast a woman can work a man.” That made my blood start to boil, and it wasn’t for the lack of oxygen. I pull my hand back and grab on to his wrist pushing him off.
“You can say what you mean, a whore.” I raise my hand and start to massage my neck. “Believe it or not I did it because I liked you, not because my family asked me to.”
“You also want me to believe that when they found out about us, you didn’t give them any information?” Thomas was a smart man but then again…..he was still a man.
“Yes.” He shakes his head laughing. When he looks back at me, he pulls open his suit jacket and takes out a cigarette.
“I apologize if I don’t trust a lady’s word,” He pulls out his lighter and lights his cigarette. “You're not much of it” He wasn’t far off, so it was easy for me to take a step forward and slap him across the face.
“If you want proof, you can walk downstairs right now. They would invite you to a drink” My family didn’t have any idea on the movements Thomas has taken against them. I had made sure it was taken care of before anything happened. “My family has no idea of me and you. They also aren’t aware of the subtle strike you have taken against them.” I walk closer, taking the cigarette from his hand. “But if you want to test it, we can walk downstairs together” I throw the cigarette on the floor and step on it. “Then I can tell them everything,” I look down, following my hand which grabs hold of his jacket. “You will see they aren’t as kind as me.” I look up and his bright blue eyes are searching for mine. “Or as forgiven.” I whisper. The next second I feel his arms grip my hips pulling me closer and his lips push against mine. I use the strength I still had to push away. How I missed him being this close. “We can’t do this Thomas” I step back as I find his eyes again. “I tell you this because I know our families are going to be a problem.”
“But if you and I-”
“No.” I shake my head. “There won’t be any, you and me. Not when we both have families who want different things, when we want different things.” Hard truth. “You have no limitation to your ambition, but I do, I can settle with this.” My family grew a business that could make us comfortable, we didn’t have the need for more.
“So, you know that I won’t quit.” I nod with a smile.
“That's what I like about you Thomas Shelby.” I pat his shoulder, “We do what must be done for our families,” I feel his hand move around my waist. “Let's see how much we can handle.” A slight smirk appears on his face as his eyes fall down to where our bodies are touching. Slowly it roams up my chest, my neck, until it meets my eyes again.
“I think we are more alike than you think,”
“How so?” I say lowly
“Your passion for your family is as strong as mine,” He pauses
“But?” I lift my brow waiting for his answer
“You are starving for much more than you would like to show,” His hand moved up cradling my cheek. “I will say you have more resistance…..” Not when it came to you. I felt his warm breath fanning closer and closer. “Not me” His lips meet mine. My hand moved instantly to grip his hair trying to keep my balance as he pushed me back against my desk.
“Hello?!”
“Bloody Hell” I whisper, pushing away from Thomas. I started fixing my appearance as best as I could before walking towards the door. “Don’t say anything!” I whispered/yelled at Thomas. I grip the doorknob, turning it and when I opened it, it revealed my father on the other side.
“We have been waiting for you for almost an hour,” He slides by me while still talking. “What have you bee-” He stops in his tracks, finally seeing Thomas standing in the room. “Mr. Shelby” He takes his hat off and offers his hand. I rush over to intervene between them with a fake smile.
“Mr. Shelby was just leaving” I smiled walking to stand beside my father. “He stopped by to thank me for helping out with his charity,” My father nodded his head.
“Can always count on this one to help out with charities huh?” My father smiled proudly, wrapping his arm around my waist. “I tell her she is too good,” He turns to Thomas. “Didn’t get that from me!” He laughs and takes that chance to move away. As he walks over to the couch in the room, I eye Thomas who only smiles before following my father and sitting on the opposite couch.
“Yes, she is something” I roll my eyes. I rush over to lean against the couch and stare over at Thomas hoping he would get the hint.
“Mr. Shelby,” Both men turn over to me. “We can all have a drink when your schedule allows it.” My father stood up abruptly.
“Don’t speak nonsense, we can have one right now” He speedwalks over to the drink stand. I looked over at Thomas while my father prepared the drinks.
“Get out!” I whisper over to him, making an amused smile appear on his face. “Don’t make me tell him the truth,” He wasn’t even fazed a little.
“You won’t” He tempts back. “You say there can’t be you and I but there is a reason why you haven’t told them about my past actions” How dare he? There might be some truth to his words, but it doesn’t mean that whatever feelings are involved would make me forget the target he put on my family and their business. I leaned forward making sure my father was still busy.
“That was my charity for you. To show that I have mercy, don’t push it” I stood up without another word. “He must go, but he promises to be here another day for the drink” I place my hand on my father's arm stopping him from continuing making the drink.
“Well, another time then” He turns around with a smile taking a drink of his already prepared drink. “We will see you around Mr. Shelby.” Thomas nods, placing his hat back on.
“We definitely will,” I shake my head at his words. He stood up and walked towards the doors. “Hopefully we would be sharing more than just a drink” I look over to find him already looking at me. “Hope to see you again soon” I fake a smile and nod towards him. I watch him walk out the room and with a sigh of relief I walk towards my desk.
“He's a good man” I looked over to my father in horror. “You ought to befriend him,” He smiles, walking to stand in front of my desk. “I would give him my blessing,” I know he was half joking. Denying the man, I choose is something he would never do, no matter who he was but that didn’t mean that he would be happy if that man was like or was, Thomas Shelby. He has heard of what has happened to his wife's, kids, and now brother. He was the man he had warned me about, so he said that it is because I am too smart to fall for the guy. Yet I stand here with my heart beating faster than ever. Actually, contemplating the thought of me and him. How it would feel to have his lips on mine every morning and every night. To see a creature half him, half me. To give up this life, just for a moment of peace.
“Do you remember the first time we met?” He looked up, finding me with his blue eyes. I let out an exhale, my fingers gripping the files in my hand more tightly.
“Thomas,” I say with a warning tone. I walk closer taking a seat right across from him. “It's a yes or no question.” My monotone voice never seemed to faze him. Maybe it was because he was the definition of monotone. I was doing my job so I had to be professional but he knew how to pull out the other side of me. I only had one purpose coming into this room and that was to get an answer to a simple question, “Do you want to be represented by us in the future?” plain and simple.
“Do you remember the first time we met?” There it was, frustration. He has that effect on me, since the first time we met. I unfold my arms and place the file gently over my lap. I looked over making sure he could see my unamused facial expression. “It’s a yes or no question.” I divert my gaze to the side by rolling my eyes. Thomas Shelby got under my skin and he seemed to like it.
“Yes,”
6 months ago
“So you will get his statement and any questions he might have while I prepare a preposition,”
“Yes,” I say, packing up my things. “Be sure to add a summary of prospect solicitors,” My partner nods, grabbing onto his things before leaving the room. This wasn’t my first time taking a client such as Thomas Shelby. The reason why I had his name currently in all of my documents was from a past client who had the same charges just a month ago. Being one of few solicitors and not to mention a woman, was sort of a plus for men. I look above it since it paid my bills, doesn’t mean I liked it but some were gentleman enough to keep their comments quiet. I mean quiet around me, I was referred to Thomas by one of his associates while out for drinks. He was sure to come in the next day to brag about how he got me another ‘gig’. I found it endearing before he made more hard advances towards me, I guess that was a risk of him being half drunk still.
“He is in room 2”
“Thanks Eve,” I sent the secretary a smile before walking out the door myself. We weren’t a big establishment but with our current success rate, I know we would move out of this 4 room plus bathroom place. It was a short trip down the hall as I stood in front of the wooden door. “Here we go,” I whisper, grabbing onto the door knob and pushing it open. “Good Morning Mr. Shelby,” I presented myself with a big smile while he sat there only caring to meet me with his blue eyes, a nod, and then looked back into the empty wooden wall.
His stare like plenty of men before him made my blood boil. Although they knew a woman was going to be running their case, having me in front of them made it real. “Alright,” I moved past him and began setting up my file. “I am going to need your statements then after that I will ask you some questions to fill in some holes and we will finish with any questions you might have, is that alright with you Mr. Shelby?” I watch his finger twitch for something, maybe a cigarette? With a man like him I was surprised to see him abiding to silly rules like no smoking indoors, men would laugh at such things and smoke anyways. Then again maybe a man like him with his unbutton black suit and undone hair was so stressed that even all the cigarettes in the world wouldn’t help. I focused my eyes back on his features but he seemed not bothered to answer my question. I closed my eyes taking in a deep breath, with such little time with him I am sure I would have to compose myself multiple times. “Mr. Shelby?” I asked again and this time I earned a small hum in acknowledgement, great. “Can I offer you a cigarette?”
“As someone who stands for the law, you don’t abide by your own rules?” So cold, so distant, so, so fucking intolerable. All the men who have walked through the door at least turn to face me. It doesn’t matter if they defy me as capable of taking on their case as a woman or think their toothy, rotten smile can appeal to me, they have the decency to look at me. I hold back a groan turning around and pushing the office window open.
“That rule was made by a hypocritical man who wanted to appeal to the female brain,” I looked over to him. “It's his whole thing,” I can’t blame my boss for being smart and trying to use more women in this field so he can get more clients, but as a person I can still dislike him. I watch Mr. Shelby presents a simple shrug before shuffling to stand up.
“I will get back to your office with an answer,” An answer?! A fucking answer? To fucking what? How foolish he is making me look as I stand here with his back turned towards me? An answer to why in the past minutes he has only met my gaze once? An answer to why I seemed to be undeserving of his godly attention? Fucking prick!. “You have a nice day,” Unbelievable. If I wasn’t so good at handling my emotions I would throw something behind him and demand for him to at least face me. But I was good at handling my emotions, I didn’t need a man telling me how women can’t control themselves. So I smiled, I smiled as he fixed his suit jacket. I smiled as he took a step towards the door and turned the door knob. I smiled as he pulled it open and walked straight out, I smiled even if he wasn’t looking.
Present
“I remember you being a jerk,” I sit back and raise my leg over the other. I cross my arms again waiting for his answer.
“That bad huh?” He was still a jerk, a jerk with a captivating smile. I allowed myself to relax, my business with Thomas Shelby was over and I didn’t have to worry about whether he wanted us or not because I already knew the answer. Having to ask him was just protocol.
“You didn’t even look at me,” That jerk smiled. He smiled and pulled away to sit back on his chair. “If we are going to ask questions not pertaining to work then I guess it's my turn,” He raised his brow, he was surprised just like me that I was following along to whatever he was playing. “Were you afraid to put your life in my hands?” He lets out a chuckle
“No, I wasn’t afraid.” I roll my eyes. He might not have been afraid but he sure had his doubts.
“Its okay to admit it Mr. Shelby.” I leaned forward hoping to cause him some kind of discomfort or atleast feel more confident as I sat here under his gaze. “It won’t change my mind about you nor hurt my feelings.”
“And what has your mind made me out to be?” I didn’t hold back. He was a grown man who could take an opinion.
“You might not have been afraid but you surely had some doubts. Doubts about a woman like me taking on your case, doubts that I had enough intelligence to keep you from going to trial. Probably taught that your buddy got lucky or that the defense team didn’t have enough evidence to give him a prison sentence and that it had absolutely nothing to do with me. In my mind that made you out to be close minded, which surprises me.” I shrug it off like I haven't poured half of my feelings out.
“Why?” He didn’t seem offended if anything, he seemed intrigued.
“Because I do my research Mr. Shelby.” He tries not to show it but I could see the slight tweak in his eyebrow. “Before any case I do my research on my potential clients. I may look the other way with things that don’t pertain to their case but rest assure that I know whatever I can about them,”
“Still doesn’t answer my question,” He smiled and he crossed his arms matching my stance.
“It surprises me because someone who has a woman such as Polly running your business while you were away at war should know how much power a woman can hold. How smart they become and how skilled they can be with so little.” His smile dies. No matter how appealing he was to my other woman's senses when I had a point to make, I made it. I may become blind once in a while when someone with such power looks at me softly but I learned that in a man's world, a woman needs to build a cold exterior when needed.
“Is that why you handed off the case to your partner? Or why you always were two steps behind him like a personal assistant and never peeped a word out to me or while I was around? If you believed so much in yourself why not be more persistent?” I let out a scoff
“You wanted me to beg?” I shake my head not wanting to add another bad thing to his list. He seems serious.
“The reason why I walked away the first time I met you was not because I was scared or had doubts, I know what a woman is capable of doing. I walked away but I am an asshole with problems. Problems that I didn’t believe could be handled by law and since you did research on me you know that this wasn’t the way I usually handle things.” He was right in one thing, he was an asshole.
“What changed your mind? It must have been big since it only took 3 hours to hear from you again.”
“I guess you can say you made a strong impression on me,” He was lying. Although all of Birmingham knows what he is involved in he is too smart to admit to it knowing it could eventually come back to him.
“Is that what earned me a private talk with you in the bathroom?” He grins. Those devil eyes like that day were chanting for me to give in.
“Call me weak,”
The next day after meeting,
“Are you sure you want to sit this one back?” It was clear to me that this man wasn’t even interested in me representing him. Isn’t that why he contacted James instead of me? He heard my partner was a man and that was what got him to change his mind.
“Yeah,” I let out a sigh trying to take this day easy. There were plenty of clients I had James sit up front for. I trusted him to take care of them because he trusted me to actually have his back. I would tell him how to lead the conversation and do the paperwork at the same time. He was good enough to prepare his part while the client believed he was leading. They way they were more comfortable giving us their business and this wasn’t any different. “Mr. Shelby will be like any of the other clients, just follow the script and we will be on our way.”
“Right,” James along the way of our partnership was okay with me being the one who talked to the clients but as we met up with some who didn’t want to deal with me he had to learn how to work with them. But now he has gotten so much better and knows how my mind works so he doesn’t try to over think me. “You ready?” I couldn’t help but smile. Looking down I see why he was asking, my leg had been non-stop shaking for the whole ride and even as we stood parked outside our meeting place.
“Just tired,” I tried to give him a reassuring smile but he gave me a knowing look. “I am okay,” I was truly tired. Even if Thomas Shelby hadn’t decided on us yet, that doesn’t mean I couldn’t think ahead and start preparing incase he did. There was also the problem of the living situation, I hadn’t found a place to live yet and the lady I was currently living with wanted me out before the end of the month.
“If you say so,” He checks his watch and hurriedly places it away. “We have to go,” I nod following him as he opens his door and gets out. “They should be in here,” He points over at a building, nothing like Birmingham. From the outside you could see multiple windows decorating the light reddish brick wall. “After you,”
“Thank you,” I smile walking in but I wait for him to pass through and into the room. Welcoming us was Thomas seated in a leather chair. This couldn’t be his office or where he does his business. The room was surrounded by warm light coming through the windows. No office desk, no feel of an office. It was a simple living room, couches, paintings, and even a vase full of flowers.
“I will meet you at the pub later,” Thomas talks to an older man that was walking out the room. He nicely gives us a smile before walking past us.
“I will have John meet us there,” Thomas doesn’t respond but shortly nods. He gave us a quick glance as James spoke up to him.
“Good Morning Mr.Shelby, we were glad to hear from you again.” James stretches his hand which Thomas takes but not even bothering standing up. “We wanted to go ahead and start strong here so we took the liberty to start the process-” The words rolled out of his mouth like every deal we have done in the past. James takes a seat and starts pulling out the files. “If you like what you are hearing then by the end of this meeting let us know if you want to continue or not, does that sound good with you Mr. Shelby?” I walk around the other side of the couch and I couldn’t help but feel his eyes on me, yet I dare not give him the satisfaction of giving him my attention. Plus, I wasn’t the one who he should be talking to. “Now I understand the situation but we would like to get your statement of it first,” James pulls out his notes pad ready to hear from the man himself on what happened.
“Alright,” Thomas' thick accent clears as he begins telling James his side of the story. He sits confidently in his chair with his hand enterwinded. I couldn’t help but bite my lip as I noticed the details of his presence. The way it seems he took extra time with his hair. His neatly iron white button up without his suit jacket on. He's only wearing a watch as an accessory and it works for him. Simple but quite captivating. As I hear his story I note down points on my own paper, things that James might not catch. Every word spilling smoothly out of Thomas’ mouth, might be made up but atleast him saying it without a hitch made it more believable.
“Ma’am?” I jump back a little feeling a slight tap on my shoulder. It was a young girl. Short bob hair, I think I’ve seen her before. “I’m sorry,” She quietly giggles.
“It’s alright.” She was young, at least a couple of years younger than me.
“Would you like something to drink?” She must work for the Shelby’s. Maybe a secretary? “We have water, tea, or if you-”
“Water is perfect.” I didn’t like alcohol. She nods and turns to leave but I discreetly grab on to her hand.
“Can you tell me where the bathroom is?” I could still hear the conversation going so I tried to follow her without distracting the two men.
“Just down the hall to the right,” She didn’t take me the whole way, “I will have your drink waiting for you,” I thanked her again and began walking, following her directions. I would be lying if I said I found it on the first try. At the end there were two doors and once I noticed the first door I chose was the wrong one I slammed the door shut and frantically turned to open the right one.
“They could save a lot of space if they didn’t build this place as a maze,” Leaning against the sink I closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath. “Once I get out of here I will have James start customizing a contract while I go deal with my living arrangements” It was easier said than done. That lady made sure that people around me wouldn’t want to rent me a place after she spoke of people I defended. Then telling her it paid well no matter if they were guilty or not truly didn’t help my case as not only was I a cover up maker for criminals, now I was a slut who sold myself to them for more money. “I know it's bad,” I groan, moving my head upwards with my eyes still closed, “God if you can hear me, take me away or show me a way.” I am not the praying type and maybe that was the reason why god didn’t help me. He knew I only contacted him when I needed something, I knew better than that. “I-” I didn’t get a chance to blink when I heard the door twist open and shut behind a blur figure I saw from the mirror. I turn so fast I got dizzy, “What are you doing here Mr. Shelby?” With my lower back pushed up against the sink, this was as far as I could be from him.
“I want you to take my case,” I did hear him. I would act more shocked if I wasn’t frantically looking around to see if something tells me how to get out of this room unharmed.
“I am.” Maybe I could run for it?
“No,” That catches my gaze. He spit it out like poison. “You’re partner seems capable but I need a sure thing,” He takes a step forward as he moves to unbutton his sleeves.
“I can assure you James knows what he's doing and I am right behind him,” He shakes his head once again ignoring my words. He easily pushes his sleeve up to his elbow and continues with the other one, still moving closer and closer with every slow step he takes towards me.
“I need someone more focused, he wasn’t the one who got Henry out of a nasty sentence.” That was true, but he helped. I opened my mouth to defend him but by this time Thomas was just inches away. “I need you,” I couldn’t breathe. Once more he made my skin crawl. The warmth running up to my cheeks, blinding my thoughts. For a moment I wanted to be one of those girls he probably has practiced with millions of times. With only three words he would have them squirming under him, have them wondering how he tastes, how he touches them, because I was.
“Okay,” I cleared my throat sliding past him. If I didn’t take the reins now then I would probably end up how most of his girls do. “James won’t have a problem backing up.” I opened the door before he could speak or corner me against something again. “Shall we?” I was right to open the door and walk out. My legs trembled all the way down the hall until I could sit down. Before leaving the bathroom I scanned his face and noticed he was smiling, smiling!. His blue eyes matched perfectly.
Present
“Since that moment I was sure of one thing.” Here we go again. If I rolled my eyes one more time I was afraid my mothers words were going to come true, If you keep rolling your eyes, they will get stuck there forever. Thomas got that out of me so if it did happen, it would be all his fault. “That I was meant to meet you.” I held back another eye roll, this man was just saying stupidity. It was six months ago since we met but since the third day he was like a different man. He began to meet my eye. He answered all of my questions with no hesitation. He agreed to meetings and even set up some so we can go over things. Then as days went by, he changed even more. He would invite me to dinner or drinks outside of work obligations. I would tell him it wasn’t appropriate so I denied every single offer but that didn’t stop him from coming to my office. When he could make it he made sure to send a small gift once in a while, mostly flowers. I would be lying if I said his advance went unnoticed or even that it didn’t cause my heart beat to increase, but since I was employed by him it couldn’t go any further than him being my boss.
“I think it's all the endorphins going to your brain from me saving you from serving some time,”
“Stop trying to deny it.” He caught my off guard when he stood up from his chair and pulled me up with him. His hands pressed around my waist pulling us against each other. “You are no longer working for me.” He laid his forehead against mine. That was my excuse, the only one I could come up with for the past 6 months.
“But you will be a client of ours if you agree to have us represent you in the future,” He lets out a breath, a warm breath radiating against my skin. Then realization hits me, that's why he hasn't answered my question. I found his gaze and in that moment I knew I was wrong, “You aren’t going to accept are you?” I pull away.
“Can you see the future?” What the hell is wrong with him? I am trying to have a sort of serious conversation and he comes up with these questions.
“Thomas I need an answer” I groan, placing my hand over his chest to try and push him away. I know it was wrong to be pissed about him not wanting to be one of clients, but I don’t know if that made me stupid because the only reason he didn’t want to was because that meant I wouldn’t agree to be with him.
“After you answer me I will answer you with no hesitation,” I let out a frustrated sigh, at this point I couldn’t tell what could follow each answer.
“No, I can’t see the future.”
“I can.” And he kisses me. With his palms pressed up against my back he pulls me closer and connects our lips.
Future
“How are you feeling?” I wanted to let out a loud groan and answer her question that way but I held back. It wasn’t Polly’s fault I was tired and grumpy, it was Thomas.
“Horrible. I am tired, disgusting, and feel like laying in bed all day.” But of course I couldn’t do that on this special day. Polly offered me a warm smile before hooking her arm under mine as we walked down the stairs.
“You are growing a baby darling, it's okay to feel that way. Plus you look gorgeous and this baby is treating you better than the last one.” Oh for sure.
“I guess it's true when they say a girl steals their mother’s beauty for themselves. Look at her,” I find them with my eyes. My girl being held in her fathers arm.
“Well then that means this one is a little boy and what a joy that would be.” With my free hand I ran it over my growing belly, I still had half way to go and by this time with my first one I had more energy but then again I wasn’t running around after a toddler. “Lets just hope he turns out like you because the Shelby boys have a temper,” If anyone knows the Shelby's is her, hell she is one of them.
“Not to mention their ego and pride.” We share a laugh before reaching the bottom steps. The crowd and our family surrounding Thomas and our daughter. “We will go home and prepare for the celebration.” I nod, giving her a half hug.
“Thank you Polly,” Polly waves me off like it was nothing but it meant the world to me. She was always with me since I joined the family. She supported me with Thomas when he was having a hard time accepting that I was loyal to my job. Since he met me he knew I loved it and it would be hard to leave it behind. Polly of course talked to him. Thomas, being a man, hoped that once we got married and started a family that I would quit and focus on him and our kids but I quickly shut that down. Now he has grown to accept that I would do what I feel is right and if he continues to have a hard time with it then he won’t overreact, he will talk to me about it.
“She is beautiful,” I look over to find Arthur standing beside me. “Like her mother,” I smile in awe. He was so sweet, the Shelby brothers being so great with my daughter was all I could ever ask for.
“Thank you Arthur,” He smiled before saying goodbye to joining Polly as she was excusing herself from the crowd.
“My love?” Thomas’ voice catches my attention. He outstretches his hand and pulls me closer to him. “Look at her,” He smiled widely. The whole crowd pauses to hear our daughter's sweet giggle as her father raises her up above his head.
“We did alright with her,” I nudged him as he settled her back in his arms.
“You think so?” He teases, wrapping his free arm around my shoulder.
“Sure do Mr. Shelby. Lets just hope we do right by this little one too.” I smile, giving him a kiss. I didn’t have a doubt that we would raise our future son or daughter right. We were a great team and I couldn’t choose a better father for my kids.
“We will, my love,” He returns my kiss and begins to pull me away towards our car. “I am sure of it.”
“Really? You can see the future?” I giggle seeing his offended expression.
“Of course, just like I told you 3 years ago.”
Present
The tingling sensation lingered on my lips as he pulled away. Who knew a kiss from Thomas Shelby, a man feared all through England, could be so gentle. “I can see you and me,” I couldn’t open my eyes. “You and me, married and happy.” I couldn’t. I was too afraid to let this go. “With our kids.” It all sounded too good. With my eyes still closed I began to see it too, maybe it was because with his words he painted a pretty picture but my heart yearned for it. It felt right to be in his arms, it felt right believing and giving myself to this future. “Can you see it?” I didn’t want to miss it. I opened my eyes and found him, these were the eyes I wouldn’t mind seeing until my very last breath. And if it didn’t last that long at least I would have a pretty memory of him.
“Yes.”
A/N: I know I don’t usually write a gender or specific characteristic but I hope y’all enjoy this one.
It was normal right? To have your boyfriend be so close with your family that he seems to fit in better than you ever had. “I told her she should stop seeing that guy” With my elbows leaned against the counter and my face planted in my palms I tried to ignore the men on the couch.
“The only reason she allows him into her life is to piss us off. I mean he is a nice guy but how many times did she reject him before she gave him a chance?” I couldn’t take it anymore. I pushed my chair back, slamming my hand on the counter. I walk around the couch trying to make my way towards the kitchen, “Where are you going?” I stop.
“Kitchen.” I blankly say turning my body to face them. Like two best friends they are sharing drinks. By their stash it is evident that they are drunk.
“She is only leaving because we are talking about her boyfriend,” I opened my mouth to make him retract his comment because he was pointing over at me like I wasn’t here.
“She never overreacts like that with you”
“Dad!” I say a little louder. His laughter fills the room as he jokingly teases the man I am about to kill. My father and I had a special bond. Now that I was older he was more of a friend than a parent, and I loved that.
“He’s a maniac” Yes, I am about to kill him. “You know what he did yesterday?” He pushes forward to dispose of his empty bottle and grabs another one.
“Talked on the phone about his problems for hours?” I cross my arms waiting to hear more of this conversation.
“Worse. We were in a restaurant and not so shyly asked her to switch tables,” Omg, these men gossip more than any women I’ve met. “So she goes and asks him to join us,” My father looks over to me, offended.
“You let your boyfriend sit with your other boyfriend?” Maybe the friend thing was too much, he should act like a parent in some things.
“He isn’t my boyfriend, he is a friend.” They both share a look, “And you,” I walk closer taking the bottle from his hand. “You are this close to becoming another friend” His grins. His eyes lazily looked up at me. “Now stop drinking because you don’t have to deal with my drunk dad in the morning,” Not caring to make a mess I slam the bottle on the cup holders a little too harshly.
“Hey!” I heard Rafe say louder trying to get my attention as I walked away. “I would clean up his vomit if need be! HE is good company,” I didn't answer as I walked into the kitchen. I wasn’t pissed, I found it amusing. Rafe and my father would drink together when neither of them had plans. My father would drag him to place soccer while Rafe would show him golf. My mother calls him first when she needs anything moved or fixed and in exchange Rafe gets sent home with food. With my siblings and other family members Rafe is everywhere, he is a friend, a protector, and at times a bank. He thinks I don’t see how he slips a ten to my niece or how he stashes a bit of money in my grandmother's wallet but I do, that's what makes me look past the headaches.
“Are they drunk yet?” My mothers eyes soften seeing my walk in and go straight for the bottle of ibuprofen.
“Yes,” I hear my sibling laugh as they sit on the table helping my mother prepare for dinner. “Talking down on Micheal,”
“Oh so their favorite topic,” I share the same smile nodding towards her. “What happened this time?” Leaning against the kitchen island I tell her.
“We saw Micheal last night. He came over to our table and nicely asked if we wanted to seat with him and I guess he was with some friends,”
“Rafe said he was alone and only asked you,” Looking over confused at my siblings' words, I should've known this affected Rafe more than he was showing.
“He assumes, then again he didn’t mention being with friends but he isn’t the type to go to restaurants alone.” I lean back analyzing my words. “Then again when I asked him to sit with us he did it without a second thought.” He wouldn’t abandon his friend like that, right?
“So,” My mother takes me out of my thoughts. “He is pissed because you let Micheal third wheel your date.”
“He said he didn’t mind.” I jumped back from the sudden loud noise she made by placing the glass bowl on the island.
“You two are so different,” She sighs as she constantly looks at me. I feel like a 10 year old little girl who was getting reprimanded for doing something bad. “He seems cold on the outside while you seem sweet and approachable but with the twist of things, he shows everyone,” She points around dramatically, “How much he cares for you while you don’t seem to care. You don’t show it unless it's in private and Rafe,” She pauses.
“Rafe what?” What did she know? “Mom,” I push more.
“You are my daughter first so I am going to say it,” She looks over at the entryway and then back at me. “Rafe told me he didn’t want to push you into doing anything but, he sometimes wishes you were more affectionate.” wow. I didn’t know what to say, well I mean I didn’t have to say anything to my mother but I did have to with Rafe. “Honey,” She leans forward, talking quietly. “I know it's not in your nature to show affection but in a relationship when one part of it is working, you need to do your part too.”
“He loves you either way but, just like how he has changed for you, you need to do the same.” My sibling walks over patting my shoulder. Wow. I was left speechless. Since I've met rafe he was always hands on in the relationship. He would ditch his friends to hang out with me. He would go out of his way to bring me whatever I needed. He stopped drinking unless he knew I was okay with it. It's without saying what he does and how much he cares for my family is a lot. He has done it all for me, and what have I done? Nothing. I didn’t take time off to go on a surprise vacation he planned. I don’t give him or our relationship priority because I have felt that our relationship is strong. I should have told Micheal no, it was our date night. I should appreciate him more. Thinking back at the list I made with my middle school friends about the perfect boyfriends, Rafe has exceeded. He was beyond what I could have wished for as a partner.
“Hey,” I don’t turn around. I hear him walking closer, his hands falling gently over my shoulder. “Do you have a washcloth?”
“Did he make a mess?” My mother shakes her head towards what she thinks was my father's antics.
“No,” I knew he was drunk but in front of my mother he was always composed. “I spilled a little beer on your couch,” My mother waved him off as she handed him a washcloth.
“No worries, are you staying for dinner?” We all knew the answer to that
“Of course.” I tilt my head enough to see his face. He has that stupid smile that makes everyone, even people who hate him smile.
“Okay, I will call you when it's ready.” He nods. Giving my shoulder a squeeze before leaving back to the living room. I look back at my mother and she has that look, See. I hold my hands up in defense.
“I know, I know.” Taking a deep breath I prepared myself before walking into the room again. I walked closer seeing Rafe cleaning up kneeled in front of the couch giving it his all to clean to smudge. I look over to my snoring father, his arms over his stomach as he lays facing the tv. “How many did he have?” I sit against the armrest staring down at Rafe.
“7” I take a glance over at the case of 24. There are at least 10 left.
“You?”
“5” He stands up. “One day I will beat him,” I shake my head with a smile.
“You should just give up now.” He shakes his head coming closer and taking my head in his hands. “Why are you so adamant about outdrinking him?” Ever since he started drinking with my dad, my father always had 2-4 more beers than him.
“To show that I deserve you,” No matter how cute his feelings behind that statement was, he wasn’t thinking straight.
“By drinking and killing your liver.”
“Right-wait no!” His smile becomes a little crooked. “To show him I can be persistent. That I won’t give up on you when he gives me his blessing.”
“Oh, you’re that sure he will give you his blessing?” He nods. “Shouldn’t you care more about my blessing?” His expression was becoming droopy by the second. His body swaying to some tune in his mind.
“You don’t want to marry me?” The even light casting a yellow hue on his face. He leans forward trying to capture my lips but I pull away. I remove myself from the armrest and start pulling him towards my bedroom.
“I like how much you fit well in my life.” He probably won’t remember this, when he drinks he usually doesn’t. “I like how much you think of me.” I turn the door knob and pull him into my room and he follows without hesitation. “I like that you are sweet,” I closed the door quietly and let go of his hands. “And although I like how well you get along with my father,” My fingers find the hem of his shirt. “You don’t need to try to outdrink a man double your age to get his blessing.” He lets me pull off his shirt. “Because if it wasn’t clear to you, he already approves of you.” I turn to flip the covers off and push him to sit on the edge of my bed. No matter how long it's been I still get butterflies when he looks at me. The sweet warmth casting over me as I kneel down to take off his shoes. He watches my every move, as I finish unlacing it to how smoothly he allows me to move him under the covers. I couldn’t help but caress his face as he gets comfortable in my bed.
“Do you?”
“Hmm?” I wait a couple of seconds, he must be half asleep at this point. When he gets drunk and gets to a comfortable surface, he is knocked out.
“Do you approve of me?” He moves closer to my hand as he lays over his cheek.
“I would be stupid not to baby,”
“Cool, let's get married tomorrow.” He was drunk. He wouldn’t remember this tomorrow. But they say kids and drunks don’t lie, so it was okay to think about it.
“Yeah? Got the ring already?” I was surprised to see him nod tirelessly. “When did you buy it?” I push some more
“The day after you agreed to go on a date with me.” That was over a year ago. “I knew you were it for me.”
“When are you planning to propose?”
“On the trip you cancelled,” Shit. I was taken back, he was going to propose just 2 weeks ago.
“Get some rest,” I pull back carefully trying not to disturb him but as I get to open the door he shuffles over and grabs my hand.
“I hope you say yes,” I don’t know how I held back tears. This drunk man on my bed was going to propose to me. I cancelled the trip and he didn’t mention how important it was. I had to make it up to him and nothing small will do. If they expect me to show him how much I care for him, it will have to be big.
It all started with a summons. A summons for a grand jury and it brought me here. I stepped out of my car and slammed the door shut before I had the idea to crawl back in. My hands were sweating as I walked up the steps of a private institution. Although it was a college, the creepy way to get to the private parking lot didn’t calm my nerves. “ID?” The guard blocked my way as I passed through the entrance. I handed him my ID and presented him with the summons. As he verified the information I tilted my head to the side, behind him were some metal detectors I had to go through, then a couple of guards stood to the right guarding a hallway. “Ma’am?” My eyes turned back to the guard who removed himself to the side. “Empty your pockets and leave them on the tray,” I nod following him. This feeling deep in my stomach wasn’t going away anytime soon, any wrong step and you might get yourself a new room. The kind lady on the other side must have noticed my discomfort because she smiled big as she handed me back my things.
“Down the hall.”
“Thank you.” I cursed myself almost wanting to go back and say it a bit louder. I didn’t do anything wrong and I was already ready to apologise. As I continued to walk I counted my steps to make sure I didn’t miss one and fell on my face. When I reached the room there were about 8 people already on their seats, we didn’t and couldn’t disclose our names so we would eventually know each other by numbers. I walked closer finding myself a seat, “Hello,” I said quietly, I smiled at middle aged women to my right.
“Goodmorning,” She shared the same sweet smile I could afford. I took a deep breath, which was the only thing I felt like I could control right now. A deep breath for every other person that walked into the room. Another deep breath as silence overtook us when a gentleman settled down in the stand. My eyes and I bet everyone of the juror gazed down acknowledging his movements. How he fixed the stand to face us. How he took out some paperwork from his briefcase and set them on the side table. How he went from confident to feeling uneasy, his body language telling us that the lady who just walked in, was important.
“Good morning everyone,” She walked in facing all of us, she didn’t bother putting her things down before speaking to us. “I see everyone is here,” I didn’t bother looking around to know that there were about 16 people sitting alongside me. “Before we begin I want to make sure everyone got their juror number,” All I could think in my head is, “This is going to be a long couple of weeks”
From the get-go after she introduced us to what being a juror meant, she told us about the court reporter as the guy walks in and settles in his little area. Told us that we would hear from witnesses, attorneys, and maybe if the prosecutor allows it, the accused.Finally she introduced prosecutor Ryan Godfrey, I’d say mid 40’s, brown yet can be mistaken for black hair. His demeanor is clean and collected like his wardrobe and noticeable in the way his hair is perfectly slicked back. “I am the assistant prosecutor for New York, my name is Ryan Godfrey,” From the side of my eyes I could see multiple jurors smiling and nodding their heads to show their acknowledgement of his words. “I will be presenting to you the cases for which you are here for,” He pauses, I tilt my head noticing now his tired eyes.He cleared his throat, he turned slightly to set his things on the desk beside him. The lady who introduced him walked forward grabbing the paperwork he extended to her. “Each case you will be handed what I have on file.” My eyes followed the lady walking across the room to give each juror a copy of the paper. “Evidence such as pictures, lab reports,ballistic reports,screenshots, emails, videos, audio recordings, anything pertaining to the case,” I looked down at my copy and noticed the blank cover page. “I ask you not to flip through the pages just yet.” The prosecutor walks closer, keeping some kind of eye contact with a selected few. “As you were told we will have witnesses in the room and for that to happen she/he will be sworn in,” He cleared his throat once again, “I will give you time to decide who your foreman will be”.
The prosecutor leaves us with a simple nod before turning around and flipping through his own paperwork. It takes a couple of seconds before a guy stands up and says, “I will gladly be the foreman,” He seems genuine and at this point the faster we decide the faster we can get things moving.
“Hey,” Our heads turned to the timid voice beside me, it was the kind lady. “I think it would be best for someone on this side,” I furrowed my brows, noticing the short distance from my seat to the first seat. “If we need to ask a question or need something heard, they would be the closest one to the prosecutor and witness.” Honestly it didn’t matter or maybe I was already getting tired that I was already bored. Any of the juror can stand and ask a question when pleased, so there was no need for the foreman to be close. The man who spoke up sat back down on his chair, he was on the second row back to my left. “Does one of you want to volunteer?” Along with the rest we move to take a look at the men sitting on the first and second seats. The one closest to us seemed reserved. He was dressed in all black. His shirt, sweater, jacket, and even his leather gloves were black. Who wears leather gloves? He had a firm look ahead. From the side I can notice he was quiet, his eyes although I couldn’t see clearly, were blue. “Sir?” The lady beside me asks but is taken back at his quick response,
“No,” Cold. I could feel the rest of the people in the room back up. With only a two letter word, this man had made shivers run down everyone's spine. The lady nervously clears her throat and turns to the younger man in the first seat.
“I prefer not to.” 4 words, and we could hear his voice crack before he even began to speak. Honestly, that's exactly how I was feeling deep down, I just hid it a little bit better. The lady sighs before taking another quick look around. The room is silent, from the side of my eyes we see the prosecutor waiting for our answer. The lady lets out a sigh and stands up,
“I will be the forman.” Her words are more confident this time. The prosecutor nods and goes to speak but his words are blocked off as she speaks again. “May I switch seats?” The prosecutor tilts his head in confusement. “I would prefer the first seat,” You can see it in his face that he had dealt with more requests that he chose his right wars.
“Of course,” He smiled, clasping his hands together before directing his attention to the young man in the first seat. “If you may,” He motions with his hands to switch seats,
“No!” It was a swish sound, that how quiet it was and how shocked we all were when the lady spoke up loudly.
“Ma’am?” He walks forward but the lady only waves him off.
“I mean,” She turns her head to both men to her right. “It would be easier if they slid down,” There it was, that nervous tone. I bit my lips holding back a smile. Everyone in the room waited for both men to slide down and for the lady to settle down on her seat. She didn’t want to switch because she would still have been beside the man who might have rudely answered her. To be honest, I could see where she was coming from. His whole body radiated uncertainty.
“Alright,” The prosecutor grabbed back our attention when he clapped his hand once. “Shall we get started?”
Discussion:
There was no notion of time, or maybe that is what my mind was making me think. We have heard witnesses and statements, yet I can’t believe it's barely 10:26am. They must have slowed down the clock and it's really 10:26pm. “He was found with drugs stashed in his home,” We were discussing our 3rd case of the day. It was Maxwell V. New York, a young man found with possession of drugs. We have heard from the officers, they described how Maxwell for days had calmly been entering and exciting his home. No sign of being forced to do anything or signs of being affiliated with someone else. It wasn’t until they arrested him for being connected to a murder, which he was also being tried for. I looked down at my file,
Pictures of him leaving and entering his home with a backpack (He was a college student, a student who came home late after his after school job.)
Pictures of him and the victim in the same friend group.
The stash in his basement.
Witness/Defendant statements
A friend (in person)- “He wasn’t one to show up to our parties but we were still cool. I didn’t have a reason to believe he or Michael had any bad blood but then again Michael was different when he was high.
A friend (in person) (2)- “I didn’t personally see him sell anything on campus but I have heard people mentioning his home before.
Officer (in person)- “We have arrested 2 men in the past with drug charges, we connected them with the defendant. They both placed his home address as their own.
Defendant (on file)- “Those two guys rented out a room.I was only doing it for money, being a college student isn’t easy. I have bills to pay, I know I should have been keeping tabs but with college and work, when I get home I have to decide whether to eat or sleep.”
- “My parents left me that house before they passed away, I wouldn’t do that to them.”
- “I knew Michael from school, we were friends. Apparently not good ones, I didn’t know he used drugs.”
His fingerprints around the room the victim was found.
“I think it is obvious what our decision should be,” An older guy who was leading the conversation claps his hands, like it was just an easy decision. He smiles proudly taking back his seat.
“I don’t think you are looking at the evidence correctly,” Our heads turn to the guy sitting beside me. My eyes flicker down at his hands, the leather material making a faint noise as he nervously rubs his hands together.
“We have spent over an hour looking at the evidence,” The older guy's body turns to direct himself to the guy. “He pimped his house out for these drugs and whether he knew or not it was his house.” Some people hum in agreement which didn’t seem to settle well with the guy. “And not to mention the evidence on the murder, it literally has his fingerprints all over the place.”
“There were plenty of other fingerprints at the scene, the only reason why he was tagged was because the victim had drugs in his system.”
“Right,” The older man stood up, “The same drugs were found in his house. Seems to me like it was a deal gone wrong and he killed the victim.”
“Your decision should not be based on guessing or made up prompts,” Now the guy beside me stood up. The change in the air was instantly knocked out. “I agree that the murder should be looked at further in trial, give the defendant a chance,” I didn’t dare look up. “But the drugs? They should be looking at the other two guys. Everything points at them,” I could feel myself slouching down in my chair. With my eyes slammed shut I wished, prayed to be taken anywhere but here. The room became quiet and after a couple of minutes the guy sat back down.
“Okay,” Our foreman stood up with her sweet voice. “Let's all take a minute to look this over on our own and then vote.” The jury nods and goes back to their own little bubble. I looked down at the papers I had in hand but couldn’t focus, both of the men’s words inhabited my mind.
“Here,” Lifting my eyes I found the guy beside me with his hands stretched out towards me. “This fell when I stood up,” I took a deep breath before grabbing my ID, I thought I had placed it in my back pocket.
“Thank you,” I whispered back. I turned my head to scan the room and see that there were people still conversing. “Are you okay?” It slipped out, when I turned my head back to him the words slipped out. His brows furrowed in confusion, at that moment I wanted to die.
“Yeah, sorry” He let it out like a sigh. Was he bipolar? Or did he just not like people? He was cold and adamant to his ideas, those people usually don’t apologise. “My therapist told me I should try and talk to more people but as you can see, I am not good at this.” I had to cover my mouth to not let a full laugh come out.
“And you decide a grand jury was ideal to try and have a civil conversation?” Whether this jury wasn’t to indict a person, the jury was still bound to have some kind of discussion. Lucky for him, he got the first round.
“No,” I cleared my throat coming back to my senses, this was the place or the time to be laughing. “I tried to be civil but I also couldn’t allow him to fill these people with his ideas,” He wasn’t loud but I could hear the faint discomfort and anger deep in his words. “I know even if most vote not guilty he won’t come out free,”
“Then why stand up?” We aren’t here to convict or assign punishment.
“This guy is most likely to go to trial,” His words were lower than before. “Would most likely get convicted to some charges,” Still doesn’t answer my question. “Hearing from the very beginning everyone is against you well,” His eyes look down, “It can affect you too.” His words sounded sincere, but he was still hiding something. He was conflicted and now that made me conflicted. “I'm sorry again” I raise my brow unsure of what he was sorry for now. “I think I am taking my therapist's advice in the wrong direction,” I agreed.
“Yeah, next time try a coffee shop or maybe get the feel of the room before having another outburst?” My smile fell, his blue eyes staring so intensely now towards me. “Not that-”
“I understand,” He cut me off. “Listen, think, then talk.”
“Bingo.” It was faint, but I can %100 percent sure I saw a smile behind that cold demeanor. Maybe, having to be in a grand jury wasn’t so bad, it would be interesting to see this guy try to keep his cool. It would be more interesting seeing who else he can get to squirm in fear like he didn’t to the other guy.
Day 5:
Walking into this has been easier on me. Maybe because the nerves have calmed down, the cases runned by us haven't caused another outburst. I still smile at the scene on our first day here. Maybe I would shift my eyes to another direction or squirm in my seat if for the past 5 days I hadn’t sort of befriended the enemy. “Honey,” Walking in I get stopped by the lady we choose to be foreman.
“Yes?” It was right as I walked into the room. She grabbed my arm gently and pulled me to the side. Her eyes switched between the door and me before she finally spoke up,
“You should be careful,” My head tilts to the side a bit
“I'm sorry?” I was taken back by her words.
“That fellow,” She looks around before she continues, barely above a whisper. “I saw you talking to him. You eat lunch with him. He-” I raise my hand stopping her. “Well he doesn’t seem like a nice guy,” So far among the whispers I have heard them talk about him. “You are a sweet girl, wouldn’t want you to become involved with someone so troubled.” If my parents hadn’t taught me respect I would go off on this older lady. Yet I stand tall,
“Thank you for your worry,” I didn’t give her a chance to continue as I turned around leaving her mouth agape. “Unbelievable,” For some reason my body was growing hotter, the way I gripped my things was not so gentle. I couldn’t concentrate as I made my way towards my seat, I had tunnel vision.
“You know what is unbelievable?” My eyes shifted to my right until I stopped at some figure. I take a deep breath finding him, the guy, standing right behind me. “It's been 5 days and I still have to be searched,” I look over to him fixing his glove. “I tell them it was the arm but they continue to do extensive searches” I let out a quiet laugh,
“Safety reasons,” I shrug. We both continue our way to our seats, excusing ourselves past that foreman. The first time I noticed something shiny reflecting from his hand was on our second day here. I invited him to eat lunch with me and when he took his gloves off I thought it was the sun shining off of his watch or something. He explained he had a metal arm yet he didn’t go into detail which I understood. “You should just stop bringing it,” I motion over to his arm as we take our seats.
“Yeah, I am sure they would get a kick out of that one.” I nod.
“They sure would. They would probably be happy thinking I got it cut off or something,” I playfully hit his arm
“Stop,” I narrow my eyes. “You have to learn how to be nice and not be so grumpy towards people.” At this point he has only faintly smiled, not laughed. I wanted to ask why but we weren’t that close yet.
“My therapist said it was enough talking to you,” He said it like nothing. Like he words hadn’t caused a stir in my stomach.
“You’ve talked to your therapist about me?” I took my bottom lip in between my lips as precaution, a grin wanted to appear and I couldn’t let it.
“I-”
“Goodmorning,” Fuck.
“Goodmorning.” The jury answers together like the past 5 days. The prosecutor was fond of getting straight to the point and it wasn’t any different today.
“Today we will be looking at the case of Parker V. New York.” I situated myself better in my seat before giving him my full attention, that was until I felt his breath coming close to my ear.
“She knows all about you doll,” I think with the amount of time I blinked, people would think it was some sort of glitch. Doll? I had only met this man 5 days ago and with a simple nickname he has me hyperventilating?
“This case involves Mr Michael Parker and Mr Alvin Parker. We are accusing these two individuals of kidnapping, rape and battery.” Before this with our first case of drugs and murder, everything else had been pity crimes. Robbery, small possession of drugs, and battery. This makes a shiver run down my spine. “Between the dates of June 8th through August 14th you will hear how these two men kidnapped a waitress in Harlem, raped her, until they dropped her off at her parents house but not before beating up her father,” They should be ashamed. Not only did they cause such a pain to this girl, didn’t they have enough, did they have to go beat up her father? “We will be presenting the testimonies of-” I couldn’t even look at the prosecutor as he spoke. His words floating millions of miles away. I scan the witnesses as they stare coldly towards us as the prosecutor introduces them. “Does anyone present have a conflict of interest upon hearing these names?”
“No” I answer along with the others.
“Okay,” The prosecutor begins, “I am calling officer Jones to the stand,” The officer walks forth and the foreman is already ready to swear them in.
“Officer Jones, do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,”
“I do. I solemnly swear that I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” The officer and foreman share a knowing nod before he walks to sit down towards the front.
“Officer Jones, can you tell us about the call you received on the night of June 8th?” Here it goes again,
“On June 8th, at 9:15 pm we received a call from the square dinner. The frantic owner called after witnessing Miss Olivia Frey being pushed into a vehicle. He described two men, one driving the black honda accord while the younger man placed her inside the vehicle.”
“In the picture here,” The prosecutor placed a picture from the cameras outside the dinner, we were all looking at it too. “Is this the vehicle identified by the owner?”
“Yes.” The vehicle was seen minutes before the phone call was made, it was blurry but you can tell it was a honda. “We weren’t able to identify the plate due to the lack of light but once the suspects were placed under arrest we took a new picture of the vehicle to the owner and he was able to identify it due to a decal.”
“Of course identifying the vehicle is one thing and identifying the suspect is another.” His constant pacing was making my head spin. “Were you able to match the individuals in the security camera to our suspects?”
“No, due to the lighting and how fast they acted we can’t say it was them through the security camera.” The prosecutor thanks them and dismisses them.
“They weren’t able to identify them using the cameras but when they collected evidence to match the tire to the tire tracks we got dna.” Throughout the case I the ticking of the clock was nonexistent. As I heard about the kidnapping I had to close my eyes and try not to think so much about it. Then they continued to the rape. If the blood DNA wasn’t enough, they found the same DNA after testing her in the hospital. As we looked at the picture of where she was kept it made me feel uneasy. Hearing and seeing are two different things. On the news you don’t get such visuals, you don’t know them by name. What you see as the title is something along the lines of, “Women found after being kidnapped outside of their job”.
“Well,” He looks down at his watch. “Seems like we have to stop here for lunch,” Has it really been over 4 hours?. “We will resume in an hour.”
“You okay?” I hear the guy beside me ask. “Hey,” He finds my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze, “You alright in there?” I shake away the moment and show him a smile.
“Yeah,” I nod. “Let's go get some food, I am starving.” I could tell he didn’t believe my made up smile but I was thankful when didn’t push it.
“Alright, lead the way.” It was weird, by me stepping outside this room it was like whatever was happening back there was nothing. I couldn’t talk about it in public or to my friends or family. It helped to have the jury to talk to, to have him to talk to.
“Thanks,” I tell him as he opens the door leading us outside.
“So?” I follow him down the stairs. “What do you want to eat?” I stop in my tracks when my mind goes back to his last words to me before the prosecutor started his presentation.
“Can I ask you something?” He turns his body at the bottom of the stairs. His blue eyes staring up towards me.
“Anything,”
“Besides speaking to your therapist about me, are you talking to her about the case too?” He faces his feet but I caught a sly smile.
“No,” He outstretched his hand out and I happily walked down the stairs. When I got closer he lifted my chin up. “Talking about how pretty you are takes most of the time,” If I wasn’t burning red then, now I am. “Plus I can’t talk about the case to anyone, not even my therapist.” He poked my forehead jokingly, “You know this doll,” It was that easy. It was easy to see him in that room. Easy to talk to him after the quiet beginning. It was easy to smile even though we spoke mostly about crimes, he made it easy. He was easy to like, it was even easier when we weren’t in those 4 walls. I count the days now for this to be over. Not because it's boring but because after this is over, I can truly get to know him. It sounds like he will be in my life for a while.
A/N: Thanks for the ask ❤️. I have a feeling this shouldn’t be the end because there’s so many cute moments that could follow this. I tried my best and hope I did your idea justice.
“Do you want to play pool?” I raise my head from my book. My friend was peeking through a window opening, what a weird layout of a house. I smile, shaking my head from the other side of the wall as I sit with my legs propped up on the dining room table.
“No,” I went back to my book which consisted of words. Well duh words, I say that because my eyes have been glued to the same page for almost an hour and the only thing I remember is that it's a book with a lot of words. But I tried, everytime I start reading the first word my mind starts floating to something else.
“Why?” I shut the book when I hear her whine and her footsteps come closer. She pushes my legs off the table before lending herself on the corner. “You haven’t enjoyed the hot tub,” I followed her finger as she pointed outside. The view of the hottub, bubbles and warmth.
“Because tweedle dee and tweedle dumb are becoming raisins in there.” We both share a knowing look before looking away. There are more good things than bad about traveling with only people your age and their partners, but this is one you should do in private. “When do all those warnings come in place?” I groan, kicking my feet up on the table again.
“Let them be,” She swats at me with her hand teasingly. “They are just kissing,” Amy was always a sweetheart. She was the mother of the group, she saw nothing wrong with those two sucking faces all day. “Back to you,” I threw my head back, It was like hearing my mother. “You stay in here all day. You don't want to go hiking or swimming. You have slept early every night of this trip and you don’t even want to play some games with us?” I raise my head with a coy smile. She wasn’t saying this to be a controlling bitch, she just wanted all of us to enjoy this trip.
“It's a vacation, I am enjoying some free time.”
“Yeah,” She rolls her eyes. “Some free time from what's his face,” I grin, seeing how a slight mention of him gets her going. “I just didn’t think it would be some free time for us too.” I close my eyes, taking in a deep breath. Deep down I knew she was right, I had agreed to this trip to get away from Rafe. Our break up wasn’t messy but that didn’t mean it was good either. It’s been a month since I last spoke to him, and I was having withdrawals. When I opened my eyes I took hold of her hands.
“You are right,” I kicked my feet off raising from the chair. I look at the clock, perfect timing. “Let’s go out tonight to that place on main street.” It was some cheesy romance exhibition. According to the pamphlet Amy gave out the first day here, it included rom-coms until midnight. A candle walks down the beach. Carriage rides. Different places you can take couple pictures. Food and clothes on theme. It was like valentines throw up. “If we hurry we can be there while the sun is setting!” I pulled on her hands but she held on tightly and pulled me back.
“No,” What? She lets go of my hand and picks up her phone. “Me and our other friends are going.” I see her sending a text. “Since you didn’t want to go with me I called up Ryan.”
“Amy?!”
“No!” She pointed at me to stop. She knew what I was going to say. “We are taking it slow this time.” She walks forward in a threatening way, If I didn’t know Amy I would have stood my ground. She backs me up against the armrest of the couch. “You will stay here and clean this house up and if you are good I will allow you to come with us tomorrow.”
“Do I get a nice dress and a carriage?” She lets out a quick laugh before coming back to character.
“Just for that,” She pulls away looking around. “No phone for you” My eyes widened until I realized I didn’t need it. “You will get it back until the trip is over.” I watch in amusement as she puts it in her purse and grabs her keys. By this time our friends walked out of the garage where they were playing games all ready to go.
“Evil step mother got locked up again?” Raven smiles walking past me.
“That's only because Cinderella here can’t keep her hands off the poison apple,” My cousin came behind her.
“Is that supposed to be Rafe?” Jeremiah questions my cousin Callie. “Wouldn’t he be prince charming?” I roll my eyes, falling back into the couch as they continue to bicker. I’ve grown used to them with the past trip we have gone on but it's still annoying.
“No,” Raven starts. “Prince Charming is that guy, what is his name?”
“Matthew?” My eyes open to stare at the ceiling. Matthew was nice, but not the one I wanted.
“Yeah that one!” Raven answered excitedly. “He even looks like Prince Charming.” I was thankful for Amy coming back into the room.
“What are yall still doing here!” I could hear their shoes squeak as they started scattering out the door. “Bye!” I only raise my hand waving at her. “Have fun!” Then the door slammed shut. I groan sliding off the couch. With enough strength I stood up and looked around. Each couple had their own room and so did Amy and I so cleaning their room was not needed. I flinch hearing the house phone start ringing.
“Shit,” I whisper, walking closer. This reminds me of the scene from Scream, who still has home phones? “Hello?” My anxiety was only given two seconds before the other person answered but in those two seconds every scary movie scene flashed through my mind
“Hey,” Somehow this one didn’t. The voice was one I dreamed off. The voice I have fallen asleep too. The voice I was longing to hear for a month. Rafe.
“Why are you calling me?” It felt nice, like when I first met Rafe.
“I missed you,” That took my breath away. Reminds me of when I was crushing on him. He was the popular boy and I stayed behind the scene, who would have known that boy was paying attention to me.
“How did you get this phone?” I smile. The airbnb didn’t even provide the house phone number.
“I got my ways,” I hold back a laugh
“Yeah, I know how persuasive you can be,” I lean against the entrance table, twirling the phone line over my finger. I hear his laugh on the other side then it dies. At this moment it was only me and him. Just like we held each other that one night, the only noise was our breathing.
“You miss me?” I push myself off turning to set my hand on the table. I had to be smart.
“Maybe,” I say, barely a whisper, hoping he might not have heard me.
“You don’t need to say anything, I can feel you missing me.” He was good at sweet talking, I loved his voice.
“You know me that well?” I joke, I didn’t know what I was expecting.
“Baby I know everything about you.” I closed my eyes, I could imagine him whispering in my ear. “I know your body. I know your mind, and fuck, I love how much I know your heart.” I had to take a deep inhale to refocus my brain. “Tell me I'm lying,” I know what he was really asking. Here I was again, looking up at the ceiling like it was going to show me the right answer. Rafe asked me the same thing when we broke up. He wanted to know if I loved him. He wanted to know if I would stick by him. A month ago I was just as scared as I am now.
“Rafe,” I whisper hoping he would catch my plea.
“Baby tell me. Tell me anything.” No amount of deep breath will help clear my mind. “Tell me you miss me. Tell me you want to see me. Tell how you crave me just as much as I crave you.”
“Rafe shut up before I say something I shouldn’t,” It was like an automated message, Rafe was always teasing me and he knew how to get what he wanted.
“Like,” I groan, pulling the phone away from my ear. I turn to look at the table, how easy it would be to slam the phone down and unplug it. How easy,
“Come over,” I could feel his usual grin radiating on the other side of the phone.
“I don’t even know where you are,” I could hear shuffling from his side.
“I thought you had your ways,” If it wasn’t obvious, I wanted him here. I didn’t have to say it out loud, he knew it too. Rubbing my face I shook my head, I also had pride. “If you don’t then that's okay, we don’t have to do this again.” Quicker than I could blink I hear a scoff on the other side.
“I'm coming.”
“Rig-” The deadline noise cuts me off. That loser hung up on me. I had to hold back from slamming the phone on the receiver. My feet moved faster than I released, my hands aching to do something because my nerves were bouncing off the walls. I tried to ignore the ticking from the clock as I started to clean up the place but I noticed every minute that passed. “Amy is going to kiss me,” Whispering it didn’t help my conscience. Whatever Rafe and I had ended a month ago. I met him on vacation and we stayed in contact after I went back home. It was a good pastime, I enjoyed texting him all day and at nights, I enjoyed hearing his voice on the phone. What got me was how he traveled to see me, that boy truly knew how to get a girl to swoon. Unfortunately after a couple of months, it became difficult to see each other, so I decided to end it before it went too far. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a knock on the door. Rushing over and pulling it open (I could easily be a target in a horror movie.), there standing was Rafe.
“So,” He said calmly, stepping in making me step back. “Are we doing this again?” His hand wrapped over the door handle, ready to walk out or shut it behind him. His eyes, a calm storm. He was trying to see what my eyes held before my mouth could speak. With his stance he was giving me space, he was telling me that I could tell him to leave, and he would. Shyly, I start to nod. I step forward placing my hand on his chest, my gaze moving down to follow my fingers.
“Yes, I think it's only fair to give this a chance,” Looking up through my lashes I see a faint smile on the corner of his lips. “There has to be a reason why we can’t seem to stay away, don’t you think?” He lets out a chuckle. This was familiar, like two best friends, best friends who kissed once in a while. “Close the door?” I give him a smile. My hand moved down to grip his free one. I turn my body to lead him into the living room but he doesn’t budge. “Something wrong?” I was confused.
“Where’s Amy?” Biting my lips didn’t help me hold back a laugh. His eyes started to look around for any sign of her. “Look,” He tries to get my attention. “I can take on the world for you but that friend of yours,” My laugh calms down seeing how genuinely worried he was. “Her threats are creative, they got me thinking the only way she knows about them it's because she has actually done them.”
“Then I guess it's a good thing she isn’t here and won’t be for another 3 hours,” With both hands now gripping his free one I pull on him harder. He gives in and allows me to pull him as he closes the door behind him. Eagerly I sat on the couch, patting the spot beside me.
“How come they left you alone?” He settles down as I settle closer to him, wrapping the throw blanket over us. The smell of his cologne wasn’t strong, it was that subtle, calming, smell that I remember every time I think of him.
“Amy left me here to clean because apparently I’ve been a little sour.” His chest vibrates when he laughs. My head falls to his chest as I try to nozzle closer to him.
“Wonder why,” He lets it out like a sigh, like it was obvious.
“It wasn’t because of you,” I say nonchalantly.
“Really?” He pulls back, making me sit up. I nod. “Because I on the other hand,” He moves closer, placing his hands on my cheeks. “Have been really sad,” If he were further away I would laugh at his attempt to be coy and romantic. His voice was low and there was a faint pout forming on his lips. But right now? As he pulls me closer and closer? I am melting. His presence was so close that I could feel his warm breath against my skin. “Missing you,” I could feel my soul trying to escape so that it could break the space between us. His intoxicating blue eyes teasing me, “missing your laugh,” I automatically close my eyes as he places a kiss on my nose. My hand immediately finds his wrist but I only have the power to grip the cloth of his sleeves. “Missing your voice and your ways that you make me feel happy,” I could feel him even closer. Missing him all these months I have learned to picture him, every detail of him with my eyes closed. The curves of his lips, that perfect shade of his blue eyes, the small scar on his forehead, and the way he smiles. “At least tell me you missed me a little,” I held my breath, of course I did.
“I did,” It was a exasperated sigh,
“Yeah?” I know he was matching my slight smile. “Care to share?” There it was, that giddy feeling at the bottom of my stomach. As I opened my eyes slowly I found us with barely any space, his lips so close I could taste him. If he knew me so well, with my eyes he could tell what I couldn’t say. Not because I was scared or didn’t feel them, I couldn’t say it because he made me that nervous.
“I missed your lips,” His eyes flicker between mine and when a pure smile appeared on his face, I knew he was telling the truth. We were saying what we couldn’t admit at the moment.
Hey!! I saw that you write for Kayce Dutton and wanted to make a request if you're still taking them. Would you be able to write Kayce Dutton sickfic where Kayce is a kid and he wakes up sick in the the middle of of the night with a stomach bug or flu or something and his older brother Lee is the one who takes care of him? I just feel like we don't get much on Kayce's childhood or his relationship with Lee so I feel it would be really sweet. No rush, take all the time you need! :)
Of course, thank you for the ask. I hated how short their relationship was on the show, but I know they both cared for each other so much.
Dreams
Kayce Dutton
It was quiet in the Dutton house, but if you walked upstairs to the rooms you could hear Kayce stirring in his bed. His head moving from side to side trying to keep himself in some sleep. The fever had crept in the middle of the night and the shivers came soon after. “Kayce?” Lee walked and opened the door a bit wondering what the noise was. The faint light of the hallway casted enough on the young boy to make Lee notice Kayce, he wasn’t having a good sleep. He pushed through the door in a hurry and kneeled down in front of him. “Bud?” His brow furrowed in confusion. Lee pressed the back of his hand onto Kayce’s forehead, he was burning up. His eyes searched for an answer that his mind couldn’t come up with fast enough. “Kayce?” He said a little louder. With his hands he shook the young boy awake. Lee’s heart stopped hearing the weak sound of Kayce’s voice.
“Lee?” Kayce was only 9, he didn’t know what to do. Of course, Lee was much older but until 2 years ago when someone got sick, it was their mother who took care of them. “I don’t feel well,” In haste Lee swept into his feet, leaned forward, one arm under Kayce’s legs and the other under his arms.
“Let's find you something Bud,” Lee picked him up with ease, making sure to accommodate him as he carried him all the way to the kitchen. As he placed him in the leather couch, he almost kicked himself, it probably wasn’t the smartest idea to bring him out of bed in the middle of the night when he was running a fever. “That’s right!” A slight smile appeared on his face; he got an idea.
“Where is dad?” It came out in a low groan from the young boy. As his hand opened every drawer looking for the thermostat his mouth went dry. Lee’s eyes flicker to the oven light reading, 2:33am. He was trying to stay awake to hear from his father's meeting but by now he should have known he wasn’t coming tonight. No matter how hard Lee tried to be a part of the ranch, John Dutton couldn’t bear it. Deep down he made himself think it was to protect him, but protect him from what? The deal of the ranch wasn’t what brought the death of his mother, it was a simple ride on the horse that had done that. The death brought this on him now, the responsibility of his three younger siblings. He had learned to step up from uncertainty and now it wasn’t any different. He took a deep inhale when he finally found the thermostat.
“He will be here in the morning,” He spoke softly and motioned for him to open his mouth. “We should have some medicine in the fridge for you, if by morning you don’t get better, I will take you to the doctor.” Lee found his head rubbing Kayce’s small red cheeks. Kayce was the youngest among them, he needed to be a big brother more than ever to him. His thoughts were cut short when he heard a beep. The indicator turned red and read 102. “Shit,” He whispered.
“Am I dying?” This caused a laugh to escape Lee lips, He cupped his face and made Kayce look up to him.
“No buddy, you will be okay.” He returned a gentle smile to his younger brother. “Let's get you some medicine,” Lee tried to be a little more upbeat for Kayce as he walked over to the fridge. “This will do it,” His hand reached for a familiar bottle, the one prescribed to Beth not so long ago.
“Are you sure you know what you are doing?” Lee turned to his younger brother with a raised brow.
“Are you questioning your older brother?” He set the bottle on the kitchen counter. He let out a small sigh of relief when he heard a small laugh from Kayce. Kayce shook his head. “That's what I thought,” He smirked, moving his attention back to the medicine. Thankfully there were instructions to what age you are supposed to give and what amount too. He checked the instructions, then double checked, and tripled checked, just to make sure he wasn’t making a mistake. “Alright bud,” He turns his body over to Kayce. “How about we get you to bed first?” A small weak head gripped Lee's shirt.
“Can I sleep with you tonight?” He fought against his judgement. It wasn’t smart to have him so close when he is sick, but it was his little brother, and he wasn’t scared of a little sickness. “I don’t want to be alone,” Kayce didn’t need to say anything else; Lee already had his mind made up.
“Of course you can,” He leaned forward, grabbing Kayce carefully, trying not to make the medicine fall from its little cup. Kayce’s arms wrapped around Lee’s neck for support and his head fell on his shoulder weakly. Kayce always felt loved by his siblings, but he had a special bond with Lee. It didn’t matter if their age difference was over 10 years, they were best friends, at least to little Kayce they were.
“Lee?” Lee was careful to watch his steps, he hummed and responded.
“Yeah?”
“Are you ever going to leave me too?” That made Lee freeze. On top of the steps, he stood frozen. He knew eventually this day was going to come, his father the great John Dutton wasn’t one for words, so of course Kayce would come to him.
“I can’t know where this life will take me,” Lee said, looking into his eyes. “Just know that whenever you need me, I will be here.”
AN: This wasn't really my forte, but I really enjoyed it. I apologies if it was a little sad but I loved to think that Lee was there for his siblings after their mother passed. Thank you for the ask, I have had a hard time thinking of other quick imagines for Kayce but maybe because I have so many ideas for a story.
“We know that it had to be critical,” The reporter spoke, it's like she wanted to push the mic down my throat. “Can you tell us more about the case?” The cameras flashed into my eyes as I stood up straight to give my rehearsed answer.
“I can’t give information at the moment but I will tell you that it is nothing to worry about.” Being the front man for Tony’s company and now the Avengers, has been a piece of cake (not). I am used to the cameras and the people behind it. I am used to them not caring for personal space or taking such little information back with them.
“If it wasn’t something to worry about then why are the avengers here?” one man screams over
“The new Captain America, the Falcon right?” Another faint voice follows
“Yeah! And the Winter Soldier! What about the others?” My face was stuck on professionalism, if it wasn’t I would have looked like a bitch right now in front of everybody here and at home.
“I understand your worries!” I raise my hand trying to calm myself to chatter. “If you give me 10 minutes I will put out a statement that will answer all your questions,” The people around me nodded and smiled. They were like dogs, you throw them enough treats and they would forget about you, but that's only for a moment. The cameras kept on flashing as I tried to step away from the crowd but it was impossible considering how the crowd consisted of bigger people with even bigger cameras.
“I got you,” I flinched, feeling someone grab my arm and as I twisted to acknowledge it, I felt calmer. The arm was stretching through the people and I recognized that arm anywhere and that voice too. I looked up and there he was, Bucky. He pushed passed, not letting go of my arm. He gave me a smile as he got close enough. “Hi.” He whispered.
“Here to save me?” I tease
“It's what I do.” He shrugs nonchalantly. His arm wraps around my waist as he starts pulling me alongside him. His other arm pushed the cameras and people out of the way. Soon the white flash was no longer, it was replaced by police lights surrounding the building. “You okay?” I shake off the disappointing expression on my face as he slides his arm away.
“Yes, thank you.” I look over and see how the reporters have scattered and then I turn back to the building. Bucky had led me past the police tape, the reporters couldn’t follow or barge in on me at any moment. “How bad was it?” I watch Bucky’s tall figure turn towards the building, broken glass and scared people being taken care of all around.
“We haven’t narrowed it down but I will say 7.” He looked over at me, maybe expecting a sort of scared face but I am numb to all of it. Years working for Tony, this can’t compare to what the world went through before.
“Out of- 50?” I joke. He shakes his head disappointed. Bucky was kind. Came from a hardship of people not trusting him and now that people look up to him, he is afraid to fail them. “Buck?” I tilt my head slightly trying to capture his eyes. “Bucky,” I said a little more sternly and finally, he lifted his head to meet my gaze. “This isn’t all on you, you know that?”
“I know.” He lets out a sigh. He looks away. I hold back a laugh, it wasn’t funny, I just find it cute when he stresses himself out about this. He is loved and it's hard for him to wrap his head around it.
“Bucky?”
“Hmm?” He still doesn’t look at me. I walk forward leaving little to no room between us. My hand moved up to cup his face and make him face me.
“We are all here to help you. You are not doing this alone, you won’t fail anyone.” I watch how his shoulders fall. His hands are still frozen to his side but a smile, his pretty smile reappears. “People who love you know that there is a person here,” Without looking down I press my palm on his chest. “Even a hero has one of these.” I could feel his heart pumping, no power needed.
“LOVEBIRDS!” I pull away, we both turn to see Sam running towards us. I could feel Bucky’s presence still close behind me. “I got intel on the group,” He pulls out his phone. “We should go back and see what we can gather on this.” He turns his phone over showing a picture.
“Flag Smashers,” Bucky read. It was a spray painted wall. The same font found in this place.
“Yep-” His sentence got cut short when a police truck pulled up. The flash mob of reporters now crowding the poor chief of police. “Seems like he’s got it handled.” He joked, turning around and walking away. My eyes stay glued to the man looking left and right for answers when he doesn’t know anything yet.
“This is going to be a long night, want to grab something to eat?” I turn my head over.
“I have to help him, Buck.” I point it out. “Atleast get him away to allow him to do his work.” He looks a little annoyed but quickly covers it. He sighs in defeat and starts walking over to the chief. “Where are you going?”
“Helping him, so I can take my girl home,” He turns his head, sending me a wink.
A/N: A cute little prompt. I need ideas to write for him, I am in a drought.
