I started to make my way back. I slowly took my time walking the streets of New York. I wanted to be taken in by all that was around me. The anger I felt before had now subsided. The only thing, which lingered was the kiss on my lips. Daimon’s kiss had seared itself onto me. His lips were controlling and commanding. The heat of his face still warmed my body from the inside out. I walked aimlessly while lost in the moment I shared with him. I was pissed he found out all my weaknesses. I was even angrier at myself that maybe, just maybe, Daimon had burrowed in a little too deep. He slipped through my defenses and I was angry I let it happen.
“Ms. Addie?” I heard from behind me. I looked to see the young driver employed by Daimon. He stood by the black sedan and waited. “Mr. Evans wanted me to drive you home,” he smiled. “How the hell did you find me?” I asked.
“Mr. Evans has his ways.”
“Okay,” I relented as I headed to the car.
DEAL BREAKER
It had been over a week since I had heard from or seen Daimon. As much as I hated to admit it, I sought him out a few times. Somehow, the way we fought relieved my stress and right now, I was on stress overload. I had saved boxes from the store to get Sofia ready to move. The little shit didn’t even go to her graduation ceremony; she worked instead.
If Daimon wouldn’t give me the rest of the money at least I had enough for one semester. I’d figure it out by the next. Sofia didn’t want to admit it, but she seemed really excited about leaving. A new life and a new start. I must have looked just like her when I graduated. It burned like hell that I couldn’t leave, but seeing her now made the years of resentment melt away. Yes, I was happy for her, but I still hated the fact I couldn’t live my life the way I wanted. There wasn’t much I could do about it, that was then, this is now, and by looking at the clock I needed to get my ass to work.
I headed to the bar that night, a small part of me hoping he was there. It bothered me like hell that I wanted him around. Why did I want him around me? The fucker tortured me throughout high school. Hell, he was still doing the same now. But a deal was a deal, I owed him.
“Hey sexy lady!” Elissa yelled out over the crowd.
“Hey you,” I waved back. She was leaning on the bar talking to Jace.
“Yeah, yeah, check you out,” Jace moved forward and stared. “Seeing you is like seeing water in an oasis.”
“Oh my God, please tell me you haven’t used that stupid line?” I laughed.
“It’s worked before,” he admitted.
“On ‘last call’ girls,” I said knowing that’s how he got most of the women he’d slept with. He only shrugged while Elissa and I laughed.
“What’s the deal, sexy? You have full make-up on, you look like you ready to battle it out. Has your sexy money bags caused you any problems?” Elissa asked, eyeing me from top to bottom.
“Whatever,” I said under my breath.
I didn’t see what the big deal was, so I wanted to get dolled up. I always put make-up on for work, so I made more of an effort this time. So what? I headed to my section as a British band both Darren and I loved called Lamb began to play. Lou Rhodes, the lead singer, began to croon out their song “Gabriel.” The night was still young so the music was darker trip hop than usual. As the night progressed Darren usually changed the music to louder and funkier beats. I checked my section and the guests who sat there. Everyone was pleasant and fun to be around.
“Hey, Addie, this one’s for you,” I heard Darren call out as Hooverphonic’s “Mad About You,” began to play. My body began to sway as the song played. The crowd had started to dance to the music so I needed to push myself around them. I finally made my way through to the private section. There in the circular couches sat Daimon and another girl, who seemed quite taken in by him. I stood frozen as the song kept repeating ‘mad about you’ in the background.
“Fucking jerk,” I said under my breath. In the contract it stipulated under no fucking circumstances would either of us see other people. I shook my head and held it high as I walked over to their table. Daimon glanced over to me and smiled.
“Oh, Addie. I didn’t see you there,” he said, smiling with his arm around her.
“That’s funny, neither did I, until now that is,” I said smiling. “Would you like me to refill your glass for you?” I asked so sweetly I gave myself a cavity.
“Of course. That is your job, isn’t it?” he said, turning his gaze back to the girl at hand.
I picked up the bottle of Glenfiddich, walked around the table, and poured it all over his lap. It was a shame. It was a fucking good year too. They both began yelling, flailing their arms around to stop the alcohol from making them wetter. Thing was, I really wasn’t aiming for the girl as much as I wanted to get him.