Chapter Seven DRAVEN I wake up not really knowing where I am. The bed beneath me is so soft I honestly wonder if I might be asleep at all. Maybe Im not asleep, maybe I am dead and in heaven. But then the doorbell rings. Did I have plans this morning? I think I did. Im almost sure I did…but what? I open my eyes. Shit! What time is it?! The doorbell sounds again, and I fall out of bed reaching for the things I wore yesterday. Fuck! Im coming! Hold the hell on! Stumbling down the stairs in my dirty clothes, I flip the switch allowing the shades to reveal the heavy fog of morning crowding the yard. The sight brings a contented smile to my face. Wow…it really is beautiful here. Ding dong!!!! Jesus! I screech, opening the door. The fuck is your deal? He stands there looking sexy as hell, the hint of a smile on his face. I told you nine a.m. Of course. I forgot all about the breakfast appointment. Im not late, I tell him smoothly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and flipping him off. He chuckles, his bright silver gaze sparkling with amusement. You are late. Its ten in the morning. Theres an alarm clock on your nightstand. For what? I counter, crossing my arms over my chest and trying not to notice how crisp and fuckable he looks in white sweats and a stark white tank top. His tattoos are showing. And his muscles. And I want to put my mouth on each and every one. Holy bejesus… But then… his perfume wafts toward me and I nearly vomit!!! Fucking Margo. I can smell her all over him. Suddenly Im angry. I cant explain why, nor do I have the right to be, but I am. I didnt want to get up. I wanted to roll around for a few more minutes laughing because, I got what I wanted and then some. His eyes narrow and his smile disappears. You got what you wanted. Which was? I scoff. So, bye! My attempt to shut the door in his face is thwarted by a bright white Nike sneaker. I nearly lose my shit. Whatttt? Hey now, calm down! Wait a minute! I told you we were going to have breakfast, and we are. I grace him with a sweet saccharine grin.No. Have breakfast with Margo instead. One arched eye brow lifts in amusment. A half smile quirking up as he wets his lips. Margo is gone. I laugh, Oh yeah? Did she mark you first? Ha! What? He startles as I throw him a sarcastic frown. His face looks so frighteneed for a second that I almost laugh. What do you mean, what? I chortle, cocking my head at him warily. Then with a roll of my eyes, I say, When did she leave? Stupid questions get stupid answers, Draven! He ticks his jaw, casting his eyes downward as if ashamed. This morning. I thought you said you were taking her home, last night, I quip at him and slanting my eyes as I push the door closed, just slightly. He scratches the back of his neck nervously, glancing left and right as if someone might jump in and save him from my wrath. I was going to but I-, he stops, crossing his arms over his chest and idadvertanlty making his pectorals more prominently visible. His face turns indignant, -wait a minute, I dont have to answer to you. No, you dont, I agree, I chirp sweetly, flashing him my cockiest smile. And I do not have to have breakfast with you. I attempt to close the door, but he pushes inside, and I throw my hands up in frustration. Really? I snap, stomping my foot in annoyance. Youre just going to push yourself inside? You see? This is why I want to pay rent! So that I dont have to let you in here and I dont have to be nice to you. I grant him a withering look. You need to leave. Turning to face me, his eyes are shing with perverse pleasure. Youre jealous, he accuses, rotating his shoulders and sizing me up as he steps closer with me. I giggle, dropping myself down on the couch with a laugh. Im not jealous. I just dont like you or your bitch. I never intended to come to breakfast, I lie. I was going to, but now that I know she only just left, Im glad I slept in. He seems to argue with himself about something, his eyes ticking back and forth as if he doesnt know what else to say. They finally fall on me and he swallows thickly. I didnt fuck her this time. This time? I laugh again. Now I can die happy, thanks for letting me know. I roll my eyes. I dont care if you fucked her or not, you reek of her perfume and I am extremely allergic to the scent of Average Cunt, so if you dont mind… He stares at me, his hands clasped behind his back like an army soldier. Eyes growing heavy as he watches me, going hot with an emotion I cant quite decipher. I am suddenly extremely bothered by my appearance. Because Im still wearing yesterdays clothes. I need to take my tip money and go shopping today. I need more clothes. Domonics brows lower, and his voice comes out somewhat strained, I didnt take her home last night because I didnt want to leave you here unprotected. So, when morning came, I had her picked up. Unprotected? I stand up slowly, then walk toward him ignoring the electric thrum of energy I can feel when I get close to him. I know I should be pleased with his explanation, but somehow, Im not. You knew I was eaves dropping last night, didnt you? He nods. I am surprised by the sudden anger that erupts in me. So then, thats why you suddenly want to take care of me. Now Im suddenly worthy of your trouble. But before you knew about my- I stop myself, clamping my eyes shut for a second before continuing, -problem… I wasnt good enough for you or your town. Before you knew you were good with being rid of me. He winces then shakes his head in denial. I wasntgood with it. I was trying to be, he mumbles almost too low for my ears. But before I knew about your problem, I could have let you leave without feeling responsible. Now that I do know, you cant leave until I know that youll be safe. Oh, is that right? I start laughing. This asshole has some nerve, And who the fuck do you think you are? You dont owe me anything! Newsflash, I might never be safe. So dont come over here trying to play the nice guy now that you pity me. Im good, I dont need your protection nor your breakfast. He glares. Turning to leave he snaps, I just thought we could get to know each other a little bit but fuck it. Bye! I say loudly, feeling slightly guilty. I mean, this is a really nice place, and I am pretty hungry. What does it matter if hed only helping me because of the bruises? At least heis helping me. Fuck Im an idiot! Jumping from the sofa I start after him. In "The Secret of Nami Sushi" by CrushReel, readers are drawn into a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue surrounding a renowned sushi restaurant. As the story unfolds, secrets hidden within the delicate flavors of Nami Sushi come to light, weaving a web of drama that keeps both the characters and readers on edge. 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