"Don't mind him, he's ...umm always cranky around new people. But he will get used to you." If this was supposed to comfort me it didn't!

"Maybe it's not a good idea and I don't mind working down there." She didn't look convinced. "No really!" I added.

"Well you get better money up here and I want you to, it's the least I can do and we're friends right?" It wasn't so much a question, more of a statement. She had known as I did that we would be instant friends. I decided to deal with this tomorrow as the mental marks where Draven's eyes had penetrated my soul still burned deep. I would just explain tomorrow after cla.s.s how I appreciated the sentiment but would have to refuse.

"OK, when would you like me to start?" She gave me a smug grin and said, "Tomorrow night would be great, I'd better go but I'll see you in cla.s.s." She gave my arm an affectionate squeeze and left in the same direction as her brother had. I needed a minute to take everything in but a voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Well, it looks like I will be seeing a lot more of you now you're going to be working up here." Karmun smiled and winked at me before continuing on with his duties. Well at least two people seemed happy about having me up here. I was so confused I couldn't think straight. I knew I had to move but my brain was too busy trying to process all the information. I was just standing there like the fool I felt. I wanted to run from the room, anything to get away from the essence of him still in the air surrounding me.

A waitress pushed into me hard enough for it not to be an accident and I turned in time to see a blonde bombsh.e.l.l beauty scowl at me. Her eyes almost matched her hair and she grinned as I shivered in reaction. This was enough to bring me to my senses and I looked for a way out that wasn't past his table but I couldn't see one, so I decided to ask Karmun. I leaned over the bar and watched as he was pouring a green liquid into what looked like a fountain, similar to the ones you would find at a c.o.c.ktail party. But it was different. It had a tube in the middle, which is where the liquid was being poured. It was moving around like a twister or whirlwind and as a result the liquid had a reaction, which was changing colours from greens to blues to black and then back again. I was fixated. Then a b.u.t.ton was released and the liquid would start to flow out of four taps into goblets below stopping automatically when filled. These he placed on a tray for the blonde to take away. The whole process was fascinating, so when he noticed me and came over, I was taken aback.

"Are you all right?" he said looking at me with concern in his face.

"Yeah I'm fine thanks, sorry but I was intrigued by what you were doing. I've never seen anything like that," nodding to the liquid still swirling round in the gla.s.s cylinder.

"Oh that, it's absinthe and it's a favourite around here, but you will soon get used to it tomorrow night. It's what most of them drink." He motioned towards the tables of people as he said this. He must have mixed something with it when I wasn't looking, as there was no way anyone could drink a cup full of that stuff straight! I had heard about it and knew it had been illegal for a long time due to its strange effects.

"I was wondering is there a more discrete way of getting out of here?" I cringed as I said it, feeling weak and pathetic for asking but he smiled taking the feeling away and replied.

"Sure, I understand, it's over there near the entrance to the outside balcony. There's a staircase before the double doors, you won't miss it, just look for the big gangster looking guys." He let out a raucous laugh that made me smile back at him.

"Thanks, and I guess I will be seeing you tomorrow then." I shook his hand as I didn't get chance to before and he looked touched that I had remembered.

"Sure thing and don't be worried, you will be fine, I will look out for you." He gave me another trademark wink and left again to carry on with his c.o.c.ktail making.

I felt a bit guilty knowing I would be turning down the job tomorrow and yet knowing this, I had still repaid his kindness to me with lies.

I headed in the direction he had shown me, happy in the knowledge that I wouldn't have to walk past those judging eyes of Draven's again. I rounded a pillar and they came into view as they were slightly hidden from the rest of the room, out of the way which was perfect for me. I noticed as I got closer not only the usual Hercules standing guard but the frosted gla.s.s double doors that must have led outside to the balcony Karmun spoke of. I had a sudden urge to open them and take a peek but realised I had spent too much time up here already and Gary and Jerry must be having kitten human hybrids by now! I wondered what they would say when I told them of Sophia's request.

As I walked downstairs I could see Jerry pacing up and down the bar like a hungry lost animal. But that wasn't the only thing I noticed, I was now walking down the stairs where everyone could see me and all eyes stared in amazement. I could see RJ nearly jump out of her seat to get to me. I tried to play it cool and not notice but that was proving impossible as now there weren't just stares to contend with, they had now been joined with whispers.

I could hear the "Who is that girl?" and "Why's she so special?" But this time my cheeks didn't even flush and I wasn't really as bothered as I would normally have been because all these facts were insignificant in comparison to the feelings that were heating up inside me. I didn't know what hurt the most, the fact that he had been so mean and disgusted towards me, or when the realisation hit me finally. After all, what did I expect? It wasn't like he was the man from my dreams. No he was just the empty sh.e.l.l. The image to put with the kindness and warmth he had shown me. I knew it was too good to be true and I couldn't have it both ways. No one that gorgeous was ever going to have a personality to match!

These thoughts brought me all the way to the bar without even thinking about it. Thank G.o.d for autopilot. Jerry spotted me then came stomping over to me with a hard red face. I had guessed that this wasn't going to be easy but man did he look p.i.s.sed!

"What the h.e.l.l took you so long?" He pulled me to one side and not in a friendly manner.

"I sent you up there because I knew you were the only one who didn't want to go, so I knew you would be quick, so what... you thought that you'd have a good look around, take a tour, 'cause it's my a.s.s on the line!"

Oh yeah, he was p.i.s.sed. How was I going to deal with this? Should I just walk now and make it all go away. I couldn't deal with this now, not after the cold backhanded slap of pain that Draven's words had inflicted. I was about to turn, not say a word but just leave and never look back. I wanted to cry but my fingers were still balled into fists. I was too angry for tears. Then I heard his phone vibrate and frustrated he fumbled for it in his jeans pocket.

His eyes looked down at the screen and then froze in what looked like fear. He cautiously put the phone to his ear as though it might explode.

"Umm... Can I help you?" His voice was shaky and his eyes were everywhere.

"Oh I see...no, no, of course that won't be a problem, no I'll take care of that personally. Yes I understand and it won't happen again...please allow me to apol...." It was clear he was cut off and I felt bad for him. He turned to face me but smiled instead of the evil glare I was expecting.

"So you have been promoted upstairs, well done, you must have made quite an impression for me to have received that call." I didn't know what to say so I didn't respond.

"Well you start tomorrow night and don't worry you won't have any problems from anyone, I've been instructed to take care of gossip." He said this with controlled bitterness.

"Look I'm sorry I didn't know. I met Sophia in my History cla.s.s and..." He tilted his head before interrupting me.

"Sophia?" He stared blankly at me and I continued "Yeah, Sophia... Draven's sister, didn't you just speak to her on the phone?"

"No but umm that makes sense now...anyway start at eight and wear all black." He started to walk off but my curiosity wouldn't let him leave without giving me the information I needed to know.

"Then who was that on the phone?" My pulse quickened waiting for the answer that I hoped for. I didn't think he was even going to answer me as he didn't stop but then he just looked over his shoulder and said the name I wanted so badly to hear.

"Why it was Dominic Draven himself."

My shift had finished soon after I got back down from the VIP area and now I had to explain things to RJ. This wasn't going to be easy. All I wanted to do was go home and try and make sense of what all this meant. I couldn't get my head around it. Why would a man that obviously didn't want me anywhere near him be ringing Jerry making sure I didn't get any trouble from anyone? The only explanation I could fathom was that his sister had put him up to it. He would clearly do anything for her but why didn't she ring?

I felt angry at myself for even thinking...no, not thinking but hoping that it could be just an inch of what I only wished for. Of course he didn't care. I mean why would he? I was nothing to him, a thorn amongst the roses that surrounded him.

"OH MY G.o.d! Tell me everything!" RJ nearly bounced into my arms as I walked over to their usual booth. Everyone was there except for Jack, but they all watched me as if I had just committed murder. I just wanted to scream by this point and run all the way home. I didn't just mean my sister's house either. Why did things have to get complicated so quickly? I was like a b.l.o.o.d.y magnetic force that would search out trouble! I just wanted to be normal but I guess you had to know what normal was to begin with. I had never been 'just normal' I knew that much.

Ever since that day at the fairground my life had changed, h.e.l.l who knows maybe even before then. She had seen it before I did or anyone else. She had looked into my eyes and feared for what she had seen there, so she had changed me....

RJ thankfully interrupted my thoughts as the nightmares of my past started to invade my conscious state. Not here, not now. It wasn't the place for my Demons.

"Sooo... come on don't hold out on me, what was it like?" She looked like a child who had just found the golden ticket to w.i.l.l.y Wonka's Factory. I sat down and they all waited for me to speak. I was now wishing that I hadn't agreed to meet up with them after work but Frank couldn't pick me up for another hour. I didn't want to call Libby as she would notice something was wrong. No doubt smelling it out like a wolf to a b.l.o.o.d.y wound.

"It really wasn't that big a deal, just some weird looking people who drink a lot of absinthe but honestly that was it." I tried to sound casual but I didn't even convince myself so I had no hope.

"Aww come on, you have to give me something! All these years everyone has been waiting to go up there and they pick you. No offence." Everyone kept saying that to me but I was so far past caring, I couldn't even see the line that people kept crossing. I mean I agreed with them which was pathetic. Did I have even an ounce of self-confidence left in myself or had the monsters destroyed me completely.

"Look I hate to burst the fantasy bubble but it was nothing, no cult, no blood sucking, not even a voodoo doll. Nada!" I think this was the most animated they had all seen me get so I guess it got the message across.... I wasn't in the mood!

"Not even Dominic Draven?" She asked in a deflated voice with her grin gone from her Gothic black lips. It pained me to hear anyone speak his full name as if I had the right to be the only one. Who was I kidding? I thought about the question and answered it with a half-truth.

"No, Draven wasn't there." It was true. The Draven that I had constructed in my dreams didn't even exist. I had just used the thought of him and combined it with his good looks and my need for a kind, comforting stranger. Someone who knew nothing of my past and wouldn't judge me but love me in some small way for who I was and not who I had become.

I decided it best not to mention the job offer I had received, seeing that I would only be turning it down anyway. So there was no point in prolonging the painful scrutinising looks I was receiving from everyone in the room. And that was just from taking some bottles up there for Pete's sake. What would they do if they knew I had turned to the dark side and joined the VIP's? Grab their pitchforks and hoes... I think I'll pa.s.s.

I looked around the table and all faces dropped with disappointment...all expect one. Chaz looked amused and concerned at the same time. I didn't want to stare like he was doing back at me but his eyes were fascinating. They flashed a different colour ever so slightly but I was sure it was in my mind so I tried to blank it out. This was harder than I would have liked as he was now grinning at me and it was only when Lanie started to talk to him that he seemed to snap out of it. It was like he had momentarily been taken over by pod people.

"Hey there pretty lady, how you doing?" I hadn't even noticed that Jack had turned up after the Spanish inquisition. He said this putting on a half Texas accent and half Joey from Friends. It was the first time I had smiled all night. Then it burst, spoiled by RJ's reconstruction of the evening's events.

"Oh my G.o.d Jack you'll never guess!" She didn't wait to hear one, or to take a breath.

"Our little Kazzy here only got singled out and sent upstairs to the V...I...P." She mouthed the letters, dragging each one out for more effect. Jack didn't look shocked and like a gentleman didn't make as big a deal out of it as RJ had or still was.

"So how was the Master of the Universe and his disciples, just thrilling I bet?" RJ scowled at her brother.

"Shut up Jack, what do you know?" He laughed in response.

"Oh come on sis, it's all bulls.h.i.t, smoke and mirrors. Anything gets this place rallied up and everyone loves a good rumour," he said trying to sound more light hearted as he could see RJ's explosive side coming through.

"Well that's the thing, it's not always just rumours though is it Jack?" She stared at him with a knowing looking, as though this would jog some memory of his.

"Don't Rachel!" It was the first time I had heard anyone say her real name, apart from when she had introduced herself, explaining what RJ stood for. At Jack's outburst this she backed down as though he had shouted at her for the first time. Which had me wondering what had I missed? It must have been something bad. For two reasons, the first being if the town's biggest gossip hadn't told me about it and secondly, it would have to be something pretty big to get her to back down.

I felt even more awkward now and I needed some air, so I decided to make my excuses and wait outside for Frank. He should be here in about twenty minutes.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm going to bail. RJ I'll see you tomorrow, ok?" I got up and started to put my jacket on, when Jack grabbed one side and helped me with the other arm. I froze as he was so close to my scars but thankfully it was over quickly and he didn't realise my hesitation. Then I noticed Chaz had resumed his glaring at me only this time his stare was no longer one of amus.e.m.e.nt and had been replaced by one of hate but this wasn't only directed at me. No one else seemed to notice and just before I lowered my eyes I saw the deepest colour of purple flash in them before once again Lanie spoke to him, breaking the spell.

"I think I'll join you outside for some air, it's a little crowded in here tonight." Jack was still angry with RJ and it was strange to see his face in this new light. His soft features turned hard and made him look more like a man, taking away his boyish charm. However it had been replaced by something else. He now looked s.e.xy instead of cute.

We both walked outside and I couldn't help but look back at the balcony one last time before I left through the huge carved oak doors. There my eyes played tricks on me as I could swear I saw a dark figure staring back but I looked away quickly, knowing I was only seeing the things that my mind wanted to.

I let the cool air sweep over my body and cleanse my exposed skin. It felt good to be outside. The smell of that place did strange things to me. I couldn't think in there. It played with my emotions but out here I could think clearly and rationally.

"You ok?" I had almost forgotten Jack was with me and felt embarra.s.sed when he noticed me with my eyes closed.

"Yeah... sorry, I just really needed some air and to get away from all the stares." I don't know why I chose to add that bit but I felt like Jack was a friend and one that wouldn't judge me.

"I know what you mean. I just hate when they come here and the whole town hypes up all this c.r.a.p about them. I just wish they wouldn't even come here." He sounded different, like something about the Dravens hurt him personally but I couldn't think for the life of me what it could be, seeing as the Dravens didn't have anything to do with the locals.

My phone suddenly started singing 'Gimme, Gimme, Gimme' by ABBA and I fished around in my pocket frantically before it started to get louder. I would have to remember to change the ring tone when I got home.

"Nice, hey if you wanted to boogie then all you need to do is ask." He laughed giving him back that warm glow I was used to. I smirked back before answering the phone.

"h.e.l.lo, oh Frank... is everything all right?"

"Hi honey, I'm sorry but I'm going to be late, things got a bit crazy here but I'll ring Libby and ask her to come and pick you up." That was the last thing I wanted, plus I didn't like the idea of her driving those bendy roads in the dark, especially with her way of driving.

"That's ok I'll stay with my friends until you can get here, I don't mind waiting."

"Ok, I should only be another hour or so. See you soon." I said goodbye and flipped the phone shut. Jack was still smiling at me with a huge grin on his face.

"It was my sister's phone and what can I say, she loves ABBA." We both laughed and it felt good. It was so natural when I was with Jack, like breathing in fresh air on a night like this.

"Come on, I'll drive you home." He was walking towards the car park before I could object so I followed until we got to his blue pickup truck.

"You don't have to you know, I don't mind waiting for Frank."

"It's fine. I was going to call it a night anyway and besides this way I get a better chance to hear that adorable little giggle and snort of yours." I almost died with embarra.s.sment. I hated my snort and thought that I had it under control.

He winked at me and unlocked my side first. Was he flirting with me? I couldn't tell. I'd been out of the game for so long, I didn't know the rules anymore and also I think they played a different game over here. In England you didn't really have guys that came over to you asking you outright on a date or at least I had never experienced it. But even when Libby had met Frank, she was shocked that it didn't take more than fifteen minutes before he asked her out. Well, after she came round that was. She had fainted when the fight broke out.

Once inside, Jack cranked up the heater and switched stations from the death metal to something softer. Then turned to me and said, "Sorry, no ABBA." I couldn't keep the smile from my face when I replied, "HA, HA, I told you it was my sister's phone." He leaned over and nudged my arm saying "Yeah sure it was." He was such a tease. But this was one kind of attention I wasn't minding as much. I really wanted to ask him what RJ had meant but I didn't want to spoil his good mood, as I had witnessed the change in him earlier. It must be something of a delicate nature. Maybe I would ask RJ tomorrow on our way to college.

We were just chatting about friends and college stuff when he asked me outright about something of a delicate nature to me.

"So, how come I always see you wearing gloves?" I don't think he expected my reaction, so he couldn't have been thinking the obvious. I sunk down into my seat and looked out of the window before thinking what to say when I noticed something moving with us...no, not moving but more like following. It was fast whatever it was and very black with a bluish tinge when the moonlight hit it. Like a moving blur.

"What's that?" I said pointing to my pa.s.senger side window. Jack looked but by the time he turned his head it had gone. Great, now he just thinks I'm crazy and seeing things. Well it wouldn't be the first time and no hope in it being the last.

"I don't see anything. I suppose the effect of the VIP is playing tricks on your mind." That smile again, if Helen of Troy had the face that could launch a thousand ships then Jack's smile was the male equivalent.

"So what did happen up there? You didn't seem yourself when you came down and you were up there a long time?"

"How do you know...I mean you only just arrived when I..." He shook his head hiding a smile while he was pulling into the dirt road leading to my house.

"I got there earlier but was sat at the bar with some other friends. I asked if you were working and Mike told me where you were, so I waited."

"So that's why you weren't shocked when RJ told you, you already knew." He nodded as though embarra.s.sed about something but I couldn't tell what. He had pulled in front of the house and cut the engine. The light was on in the house and I saw a curtain move. It must have been Libby, Frank must have told her after I text him in the car to let him know that I had got a ride.

"The ABBA fan?" He said chuckling to himself.

"Yep, she's also taken on the role of my mother, seeing as my real one is in England. She's sweet though but a little paranoid, she doesn't like me working at the club and also doesn't trust the Dravens." I said this last part to try and prompt something out of him, to try and understand where the hatred came from.

"She's a smart girl!" He said with a distant look as though the thought of a bad memory had re-entered his thoughts. I decided to call it a night, feeling bad for him. I didn't like seeing him all serious, it was just like a puzzle piece that fit but was the wrong shade.

"Well thanks for the ride." I opened my door and noticed Jack also getting out. He walked round to meet me and said, "Please allow me to walk a lady to the door." He put on a southern accent and tilted an imaginary hat taking my hand adding "Ma'am" for effect. He made me giggle again and the dreaded snort showed itself. He laughed as he walked me up the porch steps to the front door. He still had hold of my hand and I was going red with embarra.s.sment. He then stopped in front of me and leant down to my ear, which shamefully reminded me of someone else. I felt guilty for even thinking it but I couldn't help the way I felt about Draven.

Jack whispered in my ear.

"Did I mention it's the cutest thing, that little snort of yours." I held my breath knowing what was coming next. Maybe if I had never had this weird obsession thing with Draven going on then this would have been what I wanted. But that fact remained, I did still feel the same and I didn't want to hurt Jack's feelings in the process.

He was turning his head towards my lips and his arms were moving their way around my torso. I hadn't yet decided what to do. If I stopped it, it would hurt his feelings but if I didn't then I was leading him on.

My mind was reeling off excuse after excuse in the seconds it took for his lips to close the distance but then something happened. He paused suddenly and his arms that were around me went rigid. I lifted my head but saw his eyes were elsewhere. His arms dropped and he moved to stand with his back to mine facing something I couldn't yet see.

"What the h.e.l.l is that thing?" I looked around his strong shoulders and saw a familiar sight.

My stalker bird was back...

And it looked enraged.

Chapter 13 Dreaming of Draven.

As soon as I had laid eyes on the bird it took flight from the porch banister where it was perched. Jack had been freaked.

"What the h.e.l.l was that thing doing? Not like any crazy a.s.s bird I have ever seen, maybe an eagle?" I didn't even know if he was talking to me or himself but he said "Goodnight" and went back to his car still muttering.

It was the one time I was happy the bird had appeared and also it confirmed that it wasn't just my imagination. It had been real all this time. I couldn't be happier at this moment. Nothing like confirming ones sanity to lift a girl's spirits!

Libby was trying to act casual when I got in, sat on the couch watching TV. Well if she wanted to put on a convincing show then she shouldn't have put the TV channel to Football highlights. She hated most sports. I pulled her up on the bluff.

"Who's winning?" I said trying to hide my smile.