Haiden Cross A grunt of irritation leaves my lips as I remove the white tape around my hands. They were bloody, dirty and mocked me for what I had done an hour ago. I threw them at the back and slammed the back of my head on the car seat headrest. "Fuck." I clenched my eyes shut and gritted my teeth. My jaw hurt from the force of knuckles slamming onto it without mercy. It may have broken then but I wasn't about to go to a hospital to raise questions. One look at my face and knowing my reputation they'd know I'm into some illegal shit. I grunt, fingers reaching for my throbbing ribs. I winced, my split lip pulsating with pain as it tore again. I could taste the bitter coppery tang of blood as it stained my teeth and crawled its way on my tongue. How many more? I didn't even know the answer to my own question. I lost count on how many fights I'd have to participate in just to reach some sort of spinning wheel on the huge number of debt I have left. I was undoubtedly fucked beyond measure. I peeled my eyes open and they flick over to her window. I haven't talked to her, not since I hurt her in the alley. I guess it was better that way. Keeping her at a safe distance. I was dangerous, like everyone in this town referred to me as. I was dangerous for her. I tore my eyes away from her window with the thought of pondering if she was here or not. Her window was shut, which became a norm since the last time we spoke. Her curtains were pulled shut too, so I couldn't see her. She was avoiding me as much as I was avoiding her. I opened the door, my split skin on my knuckles pulsing in pain as I wrapped my hand tightly against the handle. I staggered to my feet and slammed the car door shut. Fighting four men today really worked me up. I was beyond exhausted and beat up, literally. I shift my weight and started for the door to my house. Hoping silently in my head that Charlotte wasn't there. It was probably already six judging by how the sky was darkening quickly. I took a quick peek at her window, furrowing my brows in thought. If she was there, wouldn't her light be on? I shook my head. I shouldn't think about her, it only made it hurt more. I opened the door, disappearing inside only to be met with Christian's worried eyes. He sat at the bottom of the stairs, elbows on his knees."Man you need to stop whatever trouble you've been getting yourself into." I rolled my eyes. I've been giving him rides to school and back and the guy thinks we've magically become brothers. He was as delusional as his father. Maybe that's why Charlotte likes him so much, she can bend him to her will just like she does to Paul. "Fuck off." I snapped. I didn't need pity, or worry. I was fine on my own. I've always been. Christian rolls his eyes. "You know I've grown used to your verbal angry spats so I'm not fazed anymore. Look your mom has been worried sick lately- "All an act." I grunt cutting him off as I walked towards the stairway. Sidestepping him, I pondered if to just sleep on the couch tonight. My legs fucking hurt with every step I took. "Need help?" Christian offered. I sensed him rising to his feet behind me. "No, I got it." I grunt, holding the handrail tightly. I heard him sigh at the back of me and then felt him shift most of my weight on his shoulder. "I said I'm fine." I grunt as he helps me up the stairs. "I'm not going to ask you what caused you to look like you've been run over by a truck many times." Christian groans as he walks in sync with me. "Because it's not my business." "But for Charlotte's sake, try not to get yourself killed." I snorted. "I think she'd like that." Christian doesn't answer, probably not entirely sure how to. When we're near my bedroom door he starts up a conversation. "Hey, do you know Arabella? She's our neighbor, don't know if you've noticed her....." I stiffen, contemplating if to throw him through a window for saying her name like he was imagining himself fucking her. "I've noticed her a few times." I grunt opening my door and entering my room. "Why?" I asked, intrigued to know why he was asking about my girl. Fuck she's not my girl. Well, she could've been but I fucked that up like everything else in my life. I always do. I kicked off my shoes, kicking them somewhere in the corner. "Well I was invited to a party tonight that she's going to. She kinda looked like she didn't want to and she was forced. I don't know I was thinking about going just for her sake- I whirled around and he stops for a second before continuing. "I mean- like she's been a good friend to me from the moment I got here and it wouldn't be fair if I let her suffer through teenage parties on her own-"Then his eyes widen. "Wait shit, do you think she'll think I'm clingy? Crap I didn't think about that." He awkwardly scratches the back of his head. I stared at him, quietly observing. He fucking liked her. I clenched my fist at my sides in anger and irritation. I guess I couldn't blame him, I mean who wouldn't fall for her. Shit, but was it bad that I didn't want anyone else touching her like I did? Was I that selfish? As I stared into Christian's eyes. I knew my answers. Yes, yes I was. I was that selfish. "I think you should stay home. I'm sure her friends are there with her, I don't think she needs you. Besides, those parties are not the best. Probably would regret it later on." I shrugged nonchalantly as I turned around to peer out my window and at hers. Parties are like a fucking pass to drugs, unprotected sex and creepy fuckers looking to have a go at innocent girls. Bella was innocent. "Yeah you're probably right." He utters. "Well I'll be in the living room if you need me." I nodded wordlessly and waited for him to shut the door on his way out. When I finally heard the click I walked to my closet. I couldn't fucking believe I was going to one of Samantha's parties just for, her, Bella. I don't do parties. Shit that girl really stitched her way deeper than I thought. _____________ "Where are you going?" Christian asked with a bowl of popcorn on his lap. His eyes were transfixed on the horror movie on the screen until he heard my descending footsteps on the stairs. "I'm going to see a......friend." I drawled. "If Charlotte asked, tell her that I've finally given my life to Christ and I'm now going to be a priest in the north." "Although I doubt she would." I grunt and opened the door. __________________ For fucks sake. "Haiden?" A girl breathed out shocked before bending over to puke over the littered grass. I grunt in annoyance and continue my way to that huge ass door. I knew Samantha was filthy rich but not to this extent..... A couple, kissing and giggling opened the door before I had to. They stumble in shock upon seeing my face and scurried away quickly. Maybe it was my bruised face that scared them. I didn't give a fuck. I rolled my eyes and entered inside. It reeks of perspiration and weed. It wasn't that late and the air was already clogged up with it. I scan my eyes over the many bodies, uninterested by the group of girls that grind on each other to try to get my attention. Then I felt it. The feeling of being watched. I could always somehow pinpoint her stare from others. Something about hers was always, different somehow. I snapped my eyes to her and my breathing seized. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. My dick twitches in my jeans at the sight of her. She was absolutely beautiful, always have been. But tonight, with that skin-tight dress made me remember how soft she felt under my fingertips. Made me remember how she looks without that black leather wrapped around her. She tears her eyes away and turns around. My eyes fall on her ass and I groan lowly. I was just here to keep an eye out for her. To protect her from dumb guys. But who was going to protect her from me?