“I am Alanna,” I say nicely. He smiles at me and I am instantly reminded of Michael. His lips curve in the same way and his eyes are playful. He reaches down and takes my hand in his. I flinch a little at his touch but I try to compose myself as he gently kisses my hand.
“I am Chad and it is nice to meet you Alanna.” I break free from his grasp as I start to feel a little uneasy. Michael glares at me and he briefly shakes his head.
“So why are you here if you don’t mind me asking?” I try to reassure myself to be strong but I cave at very thought of mentioning Adrian’s name. I don’t know anything about this guy and he could freak out if I talk about Adrian. I quickly gaze at Michael and I am hoping that he will sense my uneasiness and jump in. Michael rolls his eyes at my pathetic behaviour.
“Alanna is Adrian’s girlfriend,” Michael says firmly. I watch as Chad stares at me and it looks as if his mind is desperately trying to figure out a reply. He gently sighs as he again takes my hand.
“What is a beautiful girl like you doing with a bloke like him?” My eyes bolt at his words and I instantly pull my hand from him. Before I get the chance to respond I feel an arm draping over my shoulder. I look up and Adrian is there. He stares blankly at Chad and my heart is pounding.
“Oh, here he is, the golden boy himself.” Chad says very sarcastically. I quickly wrap my arm around Adrian’s lower back and I squeeze him gently. I look up into his green eyes and silently I plead with him not to argue back with Chad.
“It is nice to see you again Chad, please tell me how the wife is?” Chad’s nostrils begin to flare at Adrian’s rude words. I squeeze him harder and he looks down at me.
“Adrian there was no need for that,” I protest. Adrian runs his hand through his hair as he chews his lips.
“Okay mate that was out of order on my part,” Chad laughs.
“I never thought I would see the day that you were scared of a little girl.” I shoot Chad a darting look and he smiles at me. “Oh don’t be offended, love,” I roll my eyes at him. Adrian deeply exhales.
“Chad, I have not come here to quarrel with you,” Chad bursts into hysterical giggles and I watch as Adrian’s fury builds. I do not want him to lose his temper so I feel that I need to take this situation under control.
“Chad, I know that you are mad for what Adrian did but that was in the past and you need to move on. I know that you two will never be best friends but can you at least try to be civil for your parent’s sake?” I say very firmly. Adrian and Michael are gazing at me in surprise and I do not make eye contact with either of them. Instead, I focus my eyes on Chad and I await his response.
“You are a feisty little thing aren’t you?” Chad says smoothly. Adrian tightens his fists as he stares at Chad. “I could never resist a pretty face so, yes sweetheart, I will call a truce.” Chad again leans in and takes my hand in his, he gently kisses my skin and Adrian quickly pulls my hand from him. He pulls me close towards him as he stakes his claim on me.
“I thought that jealousy was beneath you?” Chad says to Adrian in a slow voice. I sense that this situation could spiral out of control very quickly so I say my goodbyes to Chad.
“It was nice to meet you Chad,” he smiles at me.
“Brother, Adrian, beautiful.” Chad says as he walks away. Adrian instantly turns to me.
“Baby I need you to stay away from him.” Adrian says in a desperate voice. I frown at him.
“I was not planning to be around him but why would you want me to stay away from him?” Adrian again runs his fingers through his hair as he responds.
“Just do as I say,” I roll my eyes at him and I watch as his anger builds. I feel that I need to question him more.
“Not until you tell me why?” Adrian shakes his head at me as he turns to Michael.
“Will you try and talk to her?” Adrian says firmly. Michael lunges forward and he is now standing right in front of me. He slowly lifts my hand.
“Alanna you need to stay away from Chad.” Michael says in low voice. Adrian steps back from us as he again runs his long fingers through his hair. I look up at Michael and I wonder as to why he and Adrian are so desperate for me to stay away from Chad? I feel that if I were to find out the reason then the only person who would tell me would be Michael. Adrian is too angry to even think about explaining things to me. So as I stare at Michael I slowly begin to ask him again.
“Michael, you need to tell me why?” He sighs as he lightly pushes my curls away from my face.
“Chad is a very dangerous bloke. He will manipulate you and turn you against all of us. Please listen to me and stay away from him.” I let out a sigh and I gaze at Michael. His words are tense but at the same time, I feel that he is sincere. His eyes are worried as he urges me to stay away from Chad. His strong hand is caressing my cheek and his smile is sinful. I close my eyes for a second and I take a deep breath. I open my eyes and I turn to Michael.