Page 8 of Unmasked Legacy

I finish up with Harry, and by the time I step back onto the busy sidewalk, my heart is racing. I find it hard to calm down, hard to slow my racing thoughts. I walk, not paying a single ounce of attention to anyone passing by. I end up at the same bar I went to with Jace, and I’m ordering without even thinking. My brain feels numb, and my body aches, but my heart ... it is broken to a degree I’m scared it will never heal.

The bartender passes me a vodka and soda without a word then continues to do so as I sit there, staring down at the pale wooden counter, not saying a word. By the time my fourth drink rolls around, I’m feeling a little less numb and begin paying attention to my surroundings. The bar isn’t as full as it was the last time I was here, but I do notice an all too familiar crowd – the same bikers are here, sitting at the back, drinking and partying.

My eyes scan over them, and I turn quickly, not wanting to make eye contact. I’m not in the mood today to be told yet again that I don’t belong here. I go back to sipping my drink when a familiar voice comes from behind me, causing my back to straighten and my eyes to roll. Fucking Esmerelda. She can’t take a damn hint, and she is going to make sure I know it.

“So, your settling in seems to be going well?”

I grit my teeth and don’t look at her when I respond, “Fuck off, Esmerelda. I’m in no mood for you.”

“Come now, Mera. I’m only being friendly.”

I glare at her now, spinning in my stool until I face her, my eyes narrowed. “Nothing about you is fucking friendly. Now, if you don’t mind ...”

She leans a hip against the bar. “I’m just getting a round of drinks for my friends and me.”

She nods in the direction of the bikers. Why does it not surprise me to find she is with them? She has always been the pick me type of girl and would do just about anything to get noticed. Pushing to my feet, in no mood to speak any further to her, I shoot back my drink and turn, walking out of the bar.

I use the back entrance that leads to the parking lot, hoping I can walk the back alleys to get to my hotel so nobody sees me. The moment I step outside, I seehim. He’s leaning with his back against the wall, one boot against the red brick, a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes move to mine, and I pause, cursing myself for choosing this particular exit.

“Fuck me,” I mutter to myself, putting my head down as I go to walk past him.

“Got somethin’ that might help your bad day.”

I pause, confused that he is speaking to me and even more confused at his words. Turning, I stare at him. “What?”

“I said, I got somethin’ that might help with your bad day.”

“I’m not into drugs, thanks.”

A slow grin spreads across his face, and he brings the cigarette to his lips, inhaling deep and slowly breathing it out. The smoke trickles across the air, blowing past my face. I can almost taste it, and everything inside me wants to try more. I can smell the distinct scent of marijuana amongst the tobacco, and I know he has mixed this himself.

Pulling it from his lips, he extends his hand out. I shouldn’t take it, I should turn and keep walking, but after the day I’ve had, one little puff won’t hurt, right? It’s not like he’s offering me a hard drug, it’s just a weak joint, if I’m being honest with myself. Hesitating, I stare at him, my body willing me to reach out and take it.

Pushing off the wall, he takes a step closer to me, leaning in and pushing the cigarette to my lips. I part them, mesmerized, and breathe the smoke in as he holds it to my lips, my eyes never leaving his. Fuck he’s gorgeous, and even though I have already decided I probably don’t like him, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate just how spectacular he is. Women would fight just to take him home. Hell, wars could be started over a man like him.

He pulls the smoke away from my lips and hold it in my lungs for a moment before exhaling. He’s right, it did make me feel better. An instant warmth rushes over me, and my shoulders slump, so when he offers it to me again, I take it once more until I’m warm and fuzzy inside, no longer concerned who I am standing out here with. Right now, I just want to relish in this feeling washing over me.

“Tell me something, Kitten, what makes you so fuckin’ determined to stay in this town?”

I stare at him, shaking my head. “Kitten, seriously?”

“Your hair reminds me of a ginger Kitten.”

“Charming,” I mutter. “And I’m here because I want answers.”

“Answers don’t always bring closure.”

“Thank you, professor,” I grumble.

His eyes are hooded as they look over me, then he stretches his hand out and crooks his finger, indicating I come closer. A dizzying rush runs through my body, and I can’t stop myself from taking a step closer to him, desperate to know what it is he’s going to say or do. My heart skips a beat when he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small white pill and bringing it to his lips, then, he puts it on his tongue before reaching out for me, curling his fingers around the back of my neck and bringing me close.

I gasp in shock as our bodies collide, and he leans down, his warm breath tickling my lips. “What are you doing?” I whisper, holding his gaze.

“Makin’ you feel better, in more ways than one.”

Then his mouth closes over mine. I’m stunned, unable to move, my entire body thrumming with a desire I can’t quite understand. His tongue slides against mine, and the little white pill lands in my mouth. He kisses me until the breath is knocked out of my lungs, and, somehow, I swallow that pill, not even realizing it has gone down. I’m too caught up in the blissful feeling of his lips against mine.

A moan escapes my lips, and I don’t dare try and stop it.

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