Chapter 4

“Carolyne, my mom called. Clara sprouted nonsense to Richard again. He wants me home right now.”

“But why can't he wait until tomorrow. It's already so late.”

“You know how he is Carolyne. My mom told me if I don't come back right now he will come looking for me himself. I do not want that to happen.”

“Okey, let's go. I will take you back.”

“No Carolyne, I don't want to spoil your night, I will take a taxi. I still have a few bucks left from our summer break job.”

“Are you sure Mia? I really want to take you back and make sure you get home safely.”

What an ironic word “Safely” I think I am safer on the road than at home. Home is anything but safe.

“No Carolyne. I will take a taxi, please stay, and enjoy yourself. Maybe you will be lucky and meet one of the fighters tonight. You have been so excited for this night.”

I really did not want her to take me home. I was scared that Richard will be waiting for me outside. I know Carolyne would not leave if she saw Richard hurting me. I did not want to get her involved. I don't want anything happening to her.

“I still have this weird feeling Mia, I'm not happy letting you go alone.” Carolyne looked at me with her left eyebrow slightly lifted, worry written all over her face.

I stood up gave her a quick hug, said my goodbyes, and quickly dashed off before she could say anything further.

“Ow”

It felt like I walked into a solid wall. Rubbing my forehead. I looked up into the most gorgeous eyes I have ever seen. With ocean blue eyes, looking back at me. I swear with those eyes, he looked right into my soul. Like he knew my every thought. For a blink second, I could swear I saw compassion, not pity but compassion. Like he knew what I've been living through. Those eyes looked at me like they were full of love.

No wait, WHAT. Shaking my head. Earth to Mia. I think I hit my head too hard. How can someone have compassion for you if you have never met, and love? I should get my bearings checked.

“Are you okay?” He held onto my arms with both hands. Looking at me with a worried expression.

I cleared my throat. “AHM” “I… I … I” I stuttered.

His expression changed from worried to amused. “You?” He tilted his head to the side, waiting for me to go on

“Sorry, I was in a hurry I did not see you there. If you could, Uhm, release my arms, I will be on my way.”

“Where are you heading in such a hurry?” He asked me with no intentions of letting go.

I looked at him confused. “I must go home…” Wait what am a doing? I don't know him. He may be good-looking as hell and I'm having a hard time as it is, trying not to get pulled into those gorgeous eyes of him. Doing a horrible job as it is. I need to get out of here.

“What's your name, beautiful?”

I'm still trying to get free from his grip, stopping in shock. Wait what did he just call me?

“Nathan, if you can just let go of my arms,” I said through gritted teeth.

I do not have time for this. The longer I take, the greater the chances are for Richard to show up.

“Well, that's just unfair. Why do you get to know my name, but you do not want to tell me yours?”

“Everyone here knows your name” Thinking for a second.

“Okay, If I tell you my name, will you let me go?”

“That depends.”

“Depends on what?”

“If I can see you again?”

It's like my body and mind have their own thoughts. My body is drawn to him and screaming for more of his touch. My mind is screaming at me to get a grip, what can you offer him, someone, so broken that her family cannot even love her, how will he possibly love someone like you. Snapping out of my thoughts. I know I'm not going to win this battle.

“My name is Mia, fine whatever you want. Please let go of me. I already wasted enough time.”

He saw the worry in my eyes and let go of his hold on me. Before he could say anything more, I quickly made a run for it. I did not even look behind me to see his reaction, but I know he did not expect that. I know he could get any girl he wants. Guys like him just like toying with girls. Knowing that he can get anyone he wants.

I hurried through the exit. Out front stood a few taxis waiting. I jumped in the first one telling the driver my address and to hurry. It's a rather cold night but I'm sweating profoundly. Worried about what would be awaiting me once I reach home. I rubbed my palms against my jeans trying to get rid of the sweat.

“Miss, should I turn down the heater in the car? You are looking extremely warm?” The driver glanced at me in the rear-view mirror.

“Yes please.” Thinking the cold will help with my anxiety.