***POV - Melaena Sorella = Italian for ‘sister’ “Hi, sorella, are you okay?” Alejandro flings himself into the chair, not waiting for an invitation and I’m so glad to have him here that I can kiss him right now. I wipe my eyes and put on a smile. “Damn, am I glad to see you! What are you doing here?” I’m hoping he’s not on a date or something. “Was in the neighborhood and felt hungry. I saw you walk in. Seems like everybody is here tonight.” Firstly I wonder what he was doing in this part of town, secondly, I wonder who else is here because at this moment I’m not in the mood for more company. “Did you eat already?” I ask, hoping he hasn’t. “Nope, was just about to order,” he flashes me a warm smile. “Can I stick you for a burger and milkshake?” I bite my lip in anticipation, feeling rather hungry but desperately don’t want to eat alone – not after the day I’ve been having. “You may, madam,” he jokes, “I will definitely not refuse, since I was dreading eating alone.”
***POV - Damion Every time the bell rings, my eyes abstract-mindedly move to the door to see people entering or leaving the diner. But this time, my heart does a double-take triple-somersault with a fucking headstand, leaving me gulping for air. Melaena walks through the door dressed in a short denim dress that accentuates every curve of that perfect body, showing off her sexy tanned legs and just enough cleavage to make you pay attention. Suddenly, all my control flies out the door, and my pants seem to fit a lot tighter than a minute ago. I shift my position on the chair to hide my uncomfortability. What the hell was she thinking about wearing that in public? Not that she looks bad, no, on the contrary, she looks super-hot and sexy - and right there lies the problem. I look around and I’m right, every guy in the diner is eye-fucking her with hungry lustful stares. Shit. Why did the universe have to throw me a curveball like this – giving me a girl that every man wants to
***POV - Melaena I jump onto Alejandro’s back, falling over his head onto his lap. He tickles me and I eagerly roll away to sit next to Kiara. He tosses me a huge sandwich and says, “Here, I made this for you.” I take a big bite, chewing slowly with closed eyes, and let out a small, contented groan since I’m starving and this sandwich is amazingly delicious. Silence falls over the group and when I open my eyes, everybody is amusedly staring at me. “What? I’m hungry, okay,” I mutter and point at the bread in my hand, “and this is utterly divine.” I look into Alejandro’s teasing eyes and say, “You should think about opening a restaurant or something.” His eyes change, suddenly looking sad, although he keeps smiling. “I’ve put it on hold for a while,” he says softly, looking over to where Noah is talking on the phone, and I wonder what he means by that. I now also watch Noah … he seems worried or sad … maybe both, his free hand running through his deep red hair. He’s definitely of
***POV - Melaena I’ve never been to satan’s hide-out … aka Damion’s house. Not once. Never been allowed, or invited, for that matter. Kiara and I baptized it the ‘hell-house’ in our minds. And now I look at the breathtakingly beautiful two-story in awe. It’s mainly constructed out of limestone, with lots of glass, separated by iron and wood. It almost looks like a modern take on a mountain cottage, complete with a chimney and everything. It’s only bigger and L-shaped with a hipped roof. I slowly gawk at my surroundings while I walk on a pathway edged by green shrubs, colorful blooms, and shining lights. I think we need to find another name for this … it’s more like heaven than hell. A forest surrounds it, the trees forming dark silhouettes in the moonlight. On one side is a little wooden dock with a large pond; misty steam evaporates from the water, creating a magical atmosphere. Hundreds of fireflies drift like stars over the surface and it looks like a fantasy fair
***POV - Melaena For a while everybody just sits silently, processing what we heard. Hayley got up and disappeared into the kitchen. I’m leaning back against Damion’s chest, his one hand absentmindedly stroking my arm. My nails are digging into the upholstery of the couch. “Did our father kill our mom?” Jackson asks and he looks so cool and calm like he’s been doing the SF Chronicle sudoku. How can he be this unaffected? I close my eyes … I don’t want to hear anymore … especially not this answer if it’s a ‘yes’. I can still remember bits and pieces of my parents, but I would never have thought for a million years that they were gang leaders. Well, I was only 10 when mom died, but still. “No, your dad has his flaws, but he truly loved your mother and you more than anything. We’re not sure who killed her, but they suspect that Harry did it out as retaliation. Additionally, it’s also conjectured that he was behind the car-bombing … but there’s no proof. Personally, I think
***POV - Melaena "See anything you like?" He walks up to me and I bite my lower lip. If I have to be truthful … yes yes and yes … and add another yes … maybe a hundred more. But being truthful right now is not in my best interests … what do the intelligent people always say … never be too honest – always remember straight trees are cut first! And I don’t want to get cut tonight … it might just be painful. He cocks his head to the side when I don’t answer but just keeps on staring at that sculpted chest. Why does he have to be so darn perfect? He puckers up a smile and a blush rush to my cheeks as I quickly turn away feeling mighty embarrassed for being caught drooling. But in my defense … his body is just insane. "Maybe you should get cleaned up too. I'll put some clothes for you on my bed." He walks to the cupboard and drops the towel, exposing his blessedly naked bums of steel. I know he did it on purpose … damn, this man is not shy, and with a body like that, why shoul
***POV - Melaena I wake up clinging to a pillow that smells like Damion and I take a deep breath, enjoying the familiar fragrance. I roll onto my back with a big smile and open my eyes slowly, not wanting to let this dream end. "Good, you're up.” I look lovingly at the guy sitting on the side of the bed. This really is a great dream. “I was getting tired of your snoring." I jump up when reality hits me, pulling the covers with me. I look around frantically. And just like that, the dream ends and the asshole is back. “I don’t snore!” He laughs and then hands me a cup of coffee. I eagerly take a sip of the hot beverage. If I ever needed a cup of coffee it would be right now. "You drool too, little angel. Probably from dreaming about me naked." His nickname for me somehow always makes me feel special like I belong to him somehow. Well, at least it's 100% better than 'babe'. "Gmf!" I snort, but he's not far from being wrong about my dream. “I see you still wake up
***POV - Melaena I know it would probably cause a revolution or the next World War if this was a real date. I slip my phone back into my pants. Damion looks at his phone and reads the messages and before I can say anything he shakes his head laughing. "They gave permission it seems as long as I keep my pants on. Yet, they said nothing about your pants needing to stay on.” I choke on some spit and start coughing viciously. He just laughs and takes my hand again. “So what's your answer?" He looks straight into my eyes and catawampus, I do want to go on a date with him, but not until he decides what he truly wants. "Maybe, but before we date, let's play 20 questions ... to get to know each other a little better," I throw the bone out there, hoping to get him to open up a bit. "Huh?" He looks down at me as a small wave splashes over our feet and I condemn those eyes of his. "Favourite TV series?" I ask to get things going. "I like GOT and Criminal Minds. You?" "Vam