Afterlife (Afterlife Saga) Read online

  “Well maybe if you hadn't had my date chucked out, then this could have been avoided, did you ever think about that?” I shouted back, holding my fists into tight balls to control my shakes.

  “That BOY had no business being in my club!” He said emphasising the word boy.

  “What rubbish! What was the real reason you had him kicked out?”

  “I do not want this conversation to be about that boy you call a date!” He let out an angry half laugh when he said the word boy and it was starting to grate on my very last nerve.

  “Stop calling him that! And the whole reason I came up to confront you about it, is because of what you did!” I said holding my hands up at him. I mean what did he want from me?

  “That PERSON is of no concern of mine!”

  “And I am?” I shouted back but he lowered his face not wanting to answer that one. He remained quiet for a while and all that was heard was the sound of my panting for air. But then his voice cut through it making me shiver in fear.

  “Tell me why Keira?” It was an icy tone, full of reprimand and disapproval.

  “Why WHAT!?”

  “Why you got into that car with Malphas?” He said through clenched teeth and his hands gripped the side of the wooden desk, which looked as if it wasn't up to the task.

  “Because I wanted to!” But this was most definitely not the right answer as he erupted out of the chair kicking it back behind him with so much force it hit the stone pillar and crumbled into splinters. My body pushed back against the door in horror as I couldn't hide my fright. He stood facing me and my fear was now so clear in my eyes that it seemed to bring him down to a calmer level. My palms were flat on the wood behind and I wanted to turn and run. It was only his face that was softer that made me stay. I don't know how, but I knew he would never hurt me, still that wasn't enough to make my shaky hands stop vibrating against the wood.

  “I didn't mean to frighten you Keira, forgive me but I would just like an honest answer...please.” He said with genuine need in his eyes.

  “I got in the car because I wanted to piss you off as revenge!” I said being honest.

  “And that is the reason you put yourself in harm’s way, to get to me? This isn't a game Keira.” He raised his head up and held the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. He looked in pain but the guilt got too much so I shouted out,

  “Then maybe you should stop playing it like one! What the Hell do you care any way what happens to me! You made your feelings perfectly clear and just as you said yourself, I am just a waitress!” My voice was getting louder as the hurt in my eyes filled with liquid emotion. The pain returned back in his eyes also.

  “I said that to Malphas so that he wouldn't take notice of you, but I didn't really have much of a chance of that, now did I....YOU made sure of it!” He snapped back and his black eyes invaded my senses.

  “And what do you mean by that?”

  “Well let’s look back, not only did you have the guts to come up to my table in the first place, but then you had to push it by challenging me in front of him...and well, I don't even need to mention how you looked.” He finished this and I was gob smacked! How dare he!

  “So what is this, the result of a bruised ego? And you have no right to comment on how I looked...I mean this is a man surrounded by tarts and I get persecuted for dressing up the once on Halloween.”

  “That's not how I meant it!” He sighed and started again using more delicate words.

  “I meant that for a girl who normally dresses not to be noticed, you picked a hell of a night to look...”

  “What?” I snapped.

  “Irresistible!” He said without a note of mockery behind his words and this shocked me into silence. He had stepped closer to me and I could feel the heat from his body once more, bringing back all my dreams at the same time, overpowering my mind.

  “I don't understand you Draven, one minute you’re treating me like I don't exist and then the next minute you’re going out of your way to protect me.” I said in a quiet voice that seemed to make his frown turn to putty.

  “I wish there was an easier way but....”

  “But what?” I pushed for more. I needed to know more desperately than breathing.

  “But there isn't and I'm afraid that if you're not prepared to stay out of harm's way, then you will just have to listen to me and obey.” And with that my calm went crashing out the window.

  “And why should I when you give me no answers, no explanations, not one single clue why this type of thing keeps happening to me?” I turned my head from him, as I couldn't look any longer. He would never tell me the truth that much was clear.

  “You’re not ready for the truth Keira and I'm not the only one keeping secrets now am I?” He said looking down at my arms and a flush of blood ran to my cheeks at the mention of them. I put my arms around my back and spat out the words with hurt.

  “You don't know anything about me!”

  “Likewise...presumption is after all, the mother from where all mistakes are born!” He said adding more cryptic messages my way.

  “Well until I get the truth why should I listen to you...Oh no, I don't think so.... I will remain with my own choices thank you,” I said making my full feelings known.

  “That's not an option anymore,” he said moving away as if this was the end but to hell it was!

  “Draven, I think you’re forgetting that you’re not my father, my brother, most certainly not a lover and well not even a friend, so I think it’s best if you get a clearer definition of the word BOSS!” I shouted as I was about to leave but before I had chance to open the door he was behind me holding it closed with his hand in front of me. This again brought back memories of that night adding to my anger.

  “You don't intimidate me!” I said holding my voice steady which only worked because I didn't look at him. He leaned closer to the back of my ear and blew his scent around me like a cloud of doubt in my words.

  “I think we both know I’m more than any of those things,” he whispered and my senses agreed with every word. But I shook it off and said looking back,

  “I don't think your wife-to-be would be very happy about that!” And he hit the door with his fist before moving away. I felt the wood shudder next to me.

  “Celina has nothing to do with this.”

  “What just like Jack's girlfriend had nothing to do with it!” I said regretting it as soon as it was out. He turned around to look at me with the anger back, burning me with his glare.

  “Oh, what has your charming little knight been saying this time?”

  “He told me how you stole his girlfriend from him,” I said and he let out a callous laugh.

  “And you believed him of course! So what, he is scared it will happen again I suppose... by me taking you away from him? Parásitos!” He shouted getting more irate.

  “Don't call him that!” I said knowing it to be the Spanish word vermin. He turned around in shock so I said,

  “I speak Spanish!” I said with satisfaction but he just rolled his eyes.

  “Anyway, he's my friend and I am going to come here with him again whether you like it or not!” But this was like lighting dynamite as he nearly exploded with rage.

  “YOU WILL NOT!” He said with burning fury, but I didn't back down.

  “You’re saying that I can't bring him in the club?”

  “I'm saying that boy is never to set foot in my club again and that is final!” He said folding his arms across his wide chest, once again straining the material that covered them. I gulped at the sight of muscle upon muscle. He was a pure mass of dominant warrior male and I couldn't believe my little self was even here stood arguing against him. Half of me wanted to shy away and just whisper my submission to him but the fighter in me screamed out with rebellious venom.

  “Right, well in that case you won't have to worry about it anymore.”

  “Good, finally you see sense.” He said prematurely as though he had won a round. />
  “You misunderstand Draven, it won't be a problem anymore... because I quit!” I said firmly and before I could judge his reaction I grabbed for the door and left him in the room alone once more. I heard an almighty crash from the other side but I just kept going, walking past Sophia without saying a word. I also walked past Karmun at the bar and the rest of the bodies that were all sat around in their usual tables. I don't think I stopped once to take in anything until I made it to my car where I was once again crying. This time thought it was from anger rather than pain. And it soon changed into me swearing like a sailor all the way home.

  I was so confused I could hardly breathe. I gripped the steering wheel as though I was going to lose control if I didn't. It made me want to going running into Jack’s arms just at Draven's commands. It was like every time he demanded me to stay away from him, it had the opposite effect, making me want to rebel. It was like saying that even though he didn't want me, he also didn't want anyone else to have me either. But I was still at a loss to understand why. I was too wired to go back home and I didn't want Libby to see me upset. So I drove to my favourite spot and sat there letting my mind drift to easier times. I wanted the truth but all I got were more puzzles that I couldn't decipher. After my “Incident” all I would ask myself is why me? And now all I seemed to be asking myself was why not me?

  I wanted him so badly that the ache Jack described was much more like agony and now I had given up all my chances of seeing him again by quitting. I thought back to when I had mentioned Jack's girlfriend and he hadn't denied it, so maybe it was true? Maybe the only reason he wanted to control me was because I had been with Jack. Could there be more to them two, more than either of them had told me? Whatever it was, there was no way I would believe murder! I knew the Dravens didn't live life like other people and whatever they were in to, I still couldn't see it being anything that serious! But on the other hand what did I know about them? Very little, Sophia had always been more than careful about disclosing any information about their past. I didn't know where they came from, how they made their money, I mean I didn't even know how old any of them were. Nobody did and in a town that they half owned, I found that astonishing.

  Once I had sat there for a few hours, stewing over questions I had no answers to, I decided to get in my car and call Jack. It only rang twice and he picked up sounding happy.

  “Hey, Keira what's up, you missing me already?” He laughed heartily on the other end and my mood quickly lifted.

  “I was just wondering if you’re free tonight?” I said suddenly worried he’d say no.

  “Yeah, I have a date with a pretty blonde but I don't know where to take her maybe you could advise me?” He said and I couldn't keep the grin from my face.

  “Umm, well I reckon the movies might be a safe bet.”

  “Mmm, but I don't know anyone there that will buy all the drugs I'm selling but I do have a truck full of guns so maybe I will get lucky...you could help me sell them if you like?” He said and I was laughing so hard another snort nearly reared it's ugly head.

  “AHHH nearly had another one from you there...I could feel it!” He carried on making me giggle like a teenager...well a giggle was better than the piggy impression.

  “I will pick you up, what time are you free?” I asked hoping it wouldn't be long.

  “Now is good, and if you’re lucky and give me good compliments I will even treat you to a not so great meal at the diner!”

  “Well I have always liked your hair.”

  “Sold to the girl in Ummm...what’re you wearing?”

  “Red.”

  “Sold to the girl in red, mmm red.” He said like Homer Simpson.

  “Ok see you in a bit.” And after he said bye I hung up and started the engine. It didn't take me long to get to RJ's house where her brother would stay at weekends. I had been there a few times but mostly we hung out somewhere else. Once I pulled up I didn't have to wait long as Jack was sat on the steps waiting for me. He was back to his usual ripped jeans and rock T-shirt and today's choice was the ‘Ramones’. His hair was slightly damp as it looked as if he had just got out of the shower and when the car door opened it smelled like it to.

  “Hey cuteness how was your day?” He said putting on his seatbelt.

  “It's been better, so you will have to try extra hard to cheer me up,” I said pulling away and heading towards the town.

  “I will buy you a crummy dessert for after your even crummier meal.”

  “Mmm, I’m really looking forward to this place,” I said as he directed me left at the lights.

  “At least the sodas are cold, for me that's a big plus.”

  Once we parked up and went inside Jack grabbed us a booth while I went to the toilets. I was just on my way out when a waiter walked past me glaring at me with a strange tint in his eye. I wondered if he was in any of my classes but I couldn't remember him. But one thing was for sure, he didn't look happy about seeing me. I slid in opposite Jack and I already had a coke waiting for me.

  “Sorry about ordering already but they’re never that quick, so I did panic buying.” I snorted my coke out as I laughed and my cheeks nearly made the drips boil I was that embarrassed!

  “Well that was gross.”

  “Thanks, next time you wanna make me laugh, make sure I don't have anything in my mouth!” I said wiping my face with a napkin.

  “Duly noted,” he said giving me a salute.

  “So are you going to tell me why you had a bad day or will I have to interrogate you Jack Bauer/ Thomas style...you see what I did there?”

  “Yeah that was really clever but answer me one thing, what is it with men and Jack Bauer?”

  “It's a guy thing, he's like a father figure to us all, and come on who wouldn't want to be a CTU agent?” He said passing me the grubby menu.

  “The waitress told me the specials and I could tell you them but if you want to hear them with attitude then I’d better call her back over.”

  “I think I will pass thanks.”

  “Suit yourself, so bad day?” He waved one tanned hand in the air to prompt me.

  “Oh yeah...I quit!” I said looking over my menu.

  “Really? How come, was it after last night?” He asked and I didn't know whether to tell him.

  “Let's just say last night was the straw that broke the camel's back.”

  “Aww and you have a lovely back as well... look, all joking aside, I don't want to cause any problems but I must admit I am glad.” Well at least one of us was, I thought as he said this.

  “Yeah anyway let’s eat something, so what would you recommend?” I asked and Jack replied

  “The place across the street.” And we both giggled as the waitress gave us dirty looks.

  After Jack paid our bill we walked out to the car where there was another guy walking towards us giving me the same rude look the waiter did back in the diner. They didn't have anything in common but the look they both gave me was identical. Even Jack noticed as he said,

  “Jeez what was his problem?” I shook my head and didn't say anything until Jack's voice pulled me out of it.

  “Earth to major Kaz, hello!”

  “Sorry, what did you say?”

  “Just that you need keys to enter the vehicle,” he said shaking imaginary keys at me.

  “Oh yeah, that might help,” I said laughing without humour. We got in my car and I followed Jack's directions to the cinema. We were both laughing at the food we’d just eaten and the terrible service, when I asked,

  “Why do you even go there?”

  “Oh me and Celina used to go there all the time.” He said as if it had been yesterday but I on the other hand nearly slammed on the breaks. My mind automatically flew to Draven's red headed fiancée!

  “Did you just say...what I think you just said?”

  “Yeah, Celina...why?”

  Chapter 33 – Visitor

  As soon as Jack had said the name I couldn't focus, my mind was everywhere and nowh
ere. Surely it couldn't be? But the more I thought about it the more it made sense. It must be her! I wasn't concentrating and bumped the curb so I thought it best to pull over.

  “Keira, you don't look well...maybe taking you to that diner was a mistake, you’re not immune like the rest of us,” he said looking concerned.

  “I think I had better drop you off and go home, I don't feel so good,” I said as it wasn't a lie.

  “Yeah, no problems, but man you really don't look good...you have gone a bit green.” And I could only imagine the truth of it. I turned round and drove towards his house after convincing him that I was fine to drive but he still watched me like a hawk.

  I pulled up and before he left he told me that he would text me later to check on me, which I thought was sweet. He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it before leaving the car. As soon as he left I felt better and not because I was suddenly bored with his company. I was just so scared of saying something or letting it slip as to the whereabouts of his long lost love or more like, WAS.

  I mean what are the chances it was someone different, not only was this the first person I had met with the name Celina but for her to be a flaming redhead as well! The odds were in my favour that I was spot on. I made it home but was glad the roads were clear, as my reactions weren't up to the challenge of catering for other motorists. The lights were on and I wondered if I could just get away with going upstairs without going into a conversation as to why. Well I would soon find out.

  I knocked on the door as I had left my house keys on the hook inside. I waited and could hear laughing behind the door, but one of the voices was female and it certainly didn't belong to Libby.