“Okay, Mia, I’m going to need you to stare right ahead for me and follow my finger.” The doctor spoke.I followed the instructions all the while trying not to get distracted by the beeping machines behind me.The doctor flashed a light in both my eyes before standing straight and looking at Drew.“Okay.” He placed his hands together. “The good news is she isn’t concussed. Just needed a few stitches for that nasty cut.”“How’d you get it again, Mia?” I turned to look at Drew who stood still and rigid by the wall.“Uhm, I fell down the stairs. I’m such a klutz.” I spoke hoping the smile I gave was believable.The doctor frowned slightly.“Well you’re all good but I’d like to keep you in overnight for observation.” He spoke as he wrote something down. “Are there any parents I can call?”My face dropped.“I’m her legal guardian.” Drew spoke stepping forward. “It’s just the two of us.” He explained.His stare made the guilt of all the secrets I had been keeping weigh down on me even more.
“Crap, Shark is here?” Rand asked as he leaned forward seeming way more interested. I watched as muscular blonde guy with short cropped hair stepped up making the crowd go insane.“Who is this Shark guy?” I asked leaning into SilverShe also had her eyes fixed on the ring now. “He comes around once in a while. He’s a beast in the ring and super hot.”“Hey,” Rand wrapped his arms around Silver from behind. “Who are you calling hot?”She giggled as he tickled her sides and kissed her on the cheek.I couldn’t help but smile. At least someone got to be happy.A countdown started as the referee explained something to the Shark guy and Hayden quickly.I heard a bell and arms started flying.I winced when the guy landed a punch on Hayden’s jaw, feeling my heart clench.Thankfully he recovered quickly and started dancing around the guy. It was clear the Shark guy was getting frustrated with Hayden’s defensive moves.He went in aggressively landing a few punched that made me wince.I looked a
“Scott, please!” I yelled as I ran down the basement stairs rushing after him. The usual loud music of the Fight club blared through the speakers almost drowning out the cheering supporters.Scott didn’t even spare me a glance, holding on tightly to his gym bag as he pushed forward. He brushed past a stranger turning into a hallway.“Scott!” I pleaded.When he finally stopped turned around I skidded to a halt. I could see the anger and frustration on his face.He stepped up to me.“No Mia. There’s nothing to explain here. I told you to stay away from Kaden Reyes.”I looked at the ground in shame. It’s not like I hadn’t tried.“I know, I just -““He’s dangerous.” Scott cut in.I know they all believed that. I know they didn’t like the fact that Kaden and his brother owned this club - and apparently half the city. But they didn’t know Kaden like I did. He listened, he was kind - he was the opposite of what I had expected.“He isn’t. He’s a good guy.” I spoke trying to tell Scott all thi
When I stepped out of the school building, I was shocked to see a familiar figure in a black leather jacket standing by his car. He, of course, looked completely out of place, attracting stares from students who walked by.What caught my attention, though, was the bouquet of red roses in his hand.My features softened and I felt a pang in my chest as I walked over to him.His eyes followed me as I got closer and didn’t really know how to feel. He held out the flowers to me and I took them gingerly.“Is this how you apologise to every girl?” I asked dryly.He genuinely looked offended. Memories of our argument just yesterday lingered.His forehead wrinkled in concentration.“Only you.” He spoke sincerely, his voice low and measured.My shoulders dropped and I sighed as I examined the petals.“They’re beautiful, Kaden.”He folded his arms and continued studying me."I'm sorry about yesterday.” He spoke. "I have... control issues." The admission seemed to cost him something, and I sense
“Ouch!” I yelped as I dropped the tray I was trying to fish out of the oven onto the kitchen counter.Pain seared through my hand and I quickly rushed to hold it under running water, the burning sensation excruciating.“Mia? You okay?” Drew rushed over.“I’m fine.” I responded impatiently not being able to hide my frustration.I let out a huff shaking out my hand.A million things were wrong; our dad thinking it was even the least bit okay to call me, Kaden making me mad because he offered to ‘handle it’. Didn’t he realise just how risky that was? I don’t get why he didn’t understand I didn’t want anyone risking their lives for me.Drew walked over to the refrigerator and took out some ice cubes wrapping them in a kitchen towel before bringing it over to me.“Mia, the point of oven mitts is to avoid getting burnt.” He spoke as he handed the ice to me.I tried not to show how my frustration through my impatience.Was I angry? Yes.But did I want to take it out on anyone else, much less
I was seated on a bench.Kaden stood in front of me expectantly with his arms across his chest.I couldn’t look up at him. My eyes were focused on my hands as I fiddled with my nails trying to get myself together enough to tell the story.I let out a breath.“I already told you my father wasn’t a good guy. But I didn’t tell you what he did.“I knew Kaden was listening attentively.“He had always been violent. He got drunk and angry and hit my mum for as long as I could remember. Even when she got sick.” I spoke swallowing hard feeling like I was taking in something bitter. “When she died, he started taking all his anger out on Drew.”I sucked in a breath feeling like I could still hear all the yelling and fighting and Drew telling me to go to my room. “One day, Drew fought back and gave my dad a black eye.” I spoke. “The thing about bullies is that they hate it when you stand up for yourself. My dad was so angry, he started threatening to report Drew and get him arrested. The next day