Chapter 4

~ Gabrielle ~

Six Years Earlier

Giddy that I’d been able to convince my mother to let me try out for the local ballet company despite not having the money, I skipped down the front steps of the school, my duffel bag containing my dance apparel hanging over my shoulder, and set down the sidewalk. Three miles stood between the high school and the studio, and the walk would take me through some of the rougher neighborhoods, but I hoped being in broad daylight would afford me some protection. Otherwise, I was out of luck. The only bus route available arrived too late and I didn’t have money for a taxi, if one was even to be found.

I kept my eyes forward and my shoulders back. Maybe if I appeared comfortable and used to my surroundings despite unease lurching within me, I wouldn’t draw any attention, but that was probably too much to ask for.

Over the past week, I still suffered through the stares and snide remarks behind my back from the other students. I ignored them as much as possible, determined not to let anything affect me, even though my face heated and burned with each comment overheard. It took everything I had to keep my head down and pull away from the hands groping my behind as I walked down the hallway, while the owner whispered in my ear that he wanted to help me “unwind” before cackling with his friends. For some unexplained reasons, the males of the school believed their duty was to loosen the “tight-ass librarian;” my new nickname. I could endure the long school days knowing afterward, my sanctuary awaited, which was what dance was for me.

Exposed to ballet at a young age, I’d fallen in love with the art. Every day as a little girl, I only wanted to wear my leotard and tutu, and I’d twirl around, pretending to be a prima ballerina. My family had attended endless recitals and shows over the years, as I took part in every performance I could. With each one, I strived to be better, perfecting my form in order to achieve the lead role.

I’d finally accomplished my dream of landing the principal in Swan Lake when my world had fallen apart. Now, it was time to pick up the pieces and return to where I’d left off; back at having to prove myself, but I savored the challenge, excited to show my talent. I needed this if I had any chance at trying out and getting a scholarship to Juilliard, which was my one ticket out of this hell in which I found myself.

Despite its less than desirable location, the studio was renowned for its classical ballet intensive and its connection to the local company in the city. I hadn’t considered myself lucky at all since our move to this downtrodden area, but if there was a positive anywhere, this was it. My hopes and dreams hinged on being able to start over again at this studio.

A hand landed on my shoulder, throwing me off guard, and I stumbled. Catching myself, I turned, my eyes widening at the sight of the group of boys following me, and I took a hesitant step back.

“Hey, baby. Where you goin’?”

Five guys surrounded me, and they all appeared to be around my age, if not a few years younger or older. All of them eyed me as if I was a succulent piece of candy, and I started to shake.

I tried to take another step back, but bumped into one of them. His smile was lewd and my skin crawled. When another hand reached out, I spun out of its reach, hyperventilating as panic took over.

“Please. Please just leave me alone.”

“Now come on, sweetie,” the first guy said, who seemed to be the leader of the group. “We just wanna get to know ya, you sweet thing.” He licked his lips as his gaze traveled down the length of my body.

Circling me, they all murmured in agreement, and my head became fuzzy and dizzy from lack of oxygen. He noticed my bag on my shoulder and yanked on the strap. “Whatcha got in your bag, sweetie?”

I jerked out of his grasp and smacked into someone else, and then they swarmed. What felt like thousands of hands grabbed at me from every angle, and I couldn’t get away from them. They tugged, pushed, and pulled me in multiple directions. Someone knocked me in the head, causing my hair to spill out from the tight bun and fall over my face, temporarily blinding me. I fell to the sidewalk, cracking my elbow on the hard cement and stars swam in front of my eyes from the pain.

“Please,” I pleaded again, my voice small from terror. I tried to yell louder, hoping someone in one of the many small, dilapidated bungalows lining the street would hear and come to my aid, but my tight throat squeezed off any sound I would have made.

There was a sudden bang and my assailants flinched, some of them starting to run. I rocketed upright, the quick movement making me lightheaded, and I lowered my head until the dizziness passed. Pressing my hands to my ears, which ached from the loud explosive noise, I peeked around the wall of legs of those still in front of me and a surge of hope flooded me. Once again, my savior was coming to my defense, and relief mixed with elation almost had me smiling despite the situation. Maybe I’d found a compassionate heart after all.

~ Danny ~

Terrell chuckled when he spotted me.

“Damn, D. You scared the shit out of me.”

“That was the point.” I stuffed the gun back into the waistband of my jeans and covered the grip with my shirt.

When I’d come around the corner and spotted Terrell’s gang, I’d retreated, not wanting to be noticed as we weren’t on the best of terms, but when the flash of blonde hair had glistened in the sun, I’d known instantly who was in the middle of the pack. My heart had stopped, and before I realized what I was doing, I was rushing over as I pulled out my gun. I had to get them away from her or she wasn’t going home in one piece tonight, if she went home at all.

Even though I wanted to forget this girl, I couldn’t stop thinking about her, wondering and hoping she was okay. A couple of times, I smelled her soft, powdery scent and turned, thinking she was there, but there was no one. At night, her big green eyes often starred in my dreams, making me curious to learn more about her. Things would be better for her if she had nothing to do with me, but fate appeared to have different plans. Everywhere I turned, I crossed paths with her.

I strode over and pulled her to her feet, passing a critical gaze over her to assess the damages. There was no sign of blood or injury, only the stark fear shining brightly in those beautiful eyes, along with her pale complexion, which made my pulse quicken and my blood pound through my veins.

I nudged her behind me and stood facing the group, my hands fisted at my sides. “Leave her alone, Terrell.”

Darkness gleamed in Terrell’s eyes. “Oh, I’m sorry, dawg. I didn’t realize this was your lady.”

“Just back the fuck off.” I stared at each one of them, ensuring they all got the message. I wasn’t fucking around.

Terrell stood in front of me, toe to toe. “I think you better watch your tone there, white boy.”

I matched his glare, not backing down. “I said, back the fuck off, punk.”

Terrell’s crew held their collective breath, waiting on his next move. He continued to glower at me. I heard his unspoken threat, but it didn’t matter. I wasn’t budging.

He snorted and stepped back. “All right, all right. I see how it is. Always playing the fucking hero.”

He strolled away, his gang following him, before he glanced back over his shoulder. He pointed two fingers at his eyes and then at me. “Remember, I’ll be watching you, boy. This ain’t over yet. Not by a fuckin’ long shot.”

Terrell paused, letting his gaze linger on Gabrielle behind me, and his lips curled. She lifted a shoulder, attempting to shield herself from him. When he licked his lips, slow and deliberate, I saw red and lurched forward, my right fist lifting before I realized what I was doing. I jerked to a halt, restraining myself seconds before his crew would have jumped me, and Terrell chuckled before sauntering away.

Once the group turned the corner and was out of sight, I spun around and put my hands on her shoulders. “Are you okay?”

She gave a stilted nod of her head and took a deep breath, but didn’t say anything.

“What the fuck did I tell you?” I leaned down to grab her bag and shoved it at her. “You shouldn’t be walking out here alone.” My tone was sharp, but my adrenaline was crashing, making me edgy and irritable. Plus, I was still unsettled on her behalf at what had happened and what I knew could have happened had I not intervened.

But at the fright and panic all over her face, I regretted my tone and fought against the urge to pull her into my arms in order to soothe her, to make everything right.

~ Gabrielle ~

I stood rigid, holding my bag, and my entire body quaked, my fear working its way to the surface. The tears that had flooded my eyes found their way out of my tear ducts and flowed down my cheeks, but I didn’t move or make a sound, frozen in place. My elbow throbbed without any signs of relenting, and scratches burned on my arms and face, but I could do nothing more than stand there and break down.

D hissed in a breath and let it out before pulling me against him. I stiffened, but then settled into his warmth, soaking into the refuge he was providing, if only temporary. My cheek pressed against his hard chest, his heart beating just beneath my ear, and my hand bunched into his thin t-shirt. Fresh soap overlaid by a light scent of car oil filled my nose.

“Come on, don’t do that. You’re okay.” He rubbed my back in slow, soothing circles.

I hiccupped as I fought for control, but then only fell apart more. It was all too much, and I had no idea how to handle any of it. I felt sick and scared, and out of my element.

I peered up at him through bleary eyes. “Thank…you….” I gasped, trying to pull much-needed air into my straining lungs.

He shrugged. “It’s nothing.”

“I…don’t…know…” I stopped, trying to steady my staggered breaths. It took a few moments before my breathing was somewhat under control, and he patiently waited me out. “I don’t want to know what would have happened if you hadn’t showed up.”

He gave a small nod in agreement and his eyes softened from their usual hard intensity. “You’re right, you don’t want to know.” Then every muscle in him braced and he jerked back, setting me away from him. The air around me was instantly cold, and I shivered.

Embarrassed that I’d let myself get comfortable in his arms, becoming too clingy and making it awkward, I busied myself by brushing off my pants. Sharp pain in my elbow made me wince when I pulled my hair back into a low ponytail.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“Parks Boulevard.”

“Parks? You were going to walk all the way to Parks?”

“Yes.”

His eyes widened. “Jesus, girl. You’re asking for trouble.”

“I don’t have any other options.”

“You can’t get a ride? Take the bus?” he asked, and I gave a quick shake of my head.

Standing with his hands on his hips, he dropped his head, appearing to be thinking something over. His fingers tunneled into his shaggy, jet-black hair, long enough to brush against the back of his neck, and he tugged before dropping his hands. He gave a short huff of what sounded like laughter and set off down the sidewalk, his hands jammed deep into the pockets of his jeans held up by a black belt, but low enough so the waistband of his gray boxers peeked out just under the bottom hem of his sweatshirt. “Let’s go.”

I studied his back, unsure if he meant for me to follow, but seeing he was going in the direction I wanted, I hurried to catch up with him. He gave me a sideways glance when I fell into step beside him, but didn’t slow.

We walked together in silence before he broke it.

“How often do you have to go to Parks?”

“Um, well, if they accept me, every day.”

He glanced at me, surprise quirking one of his eyebrows and lighting up his vibrant gaze. “Accept you? Where are you going anyway?”

“It’s a dance studio. You have to be accepted to join the company.”

“Dance?” He turned his shoulders toward me and gave me steady eye contact. “What kind of dance?”

“Ballet.”

He stopped and his lips curved. “Ahhh. So that’s why you look the way you do.”

I tugged on my ponytail to keep myself from staring. It was the first time I’d seen anything close to resembling a smile on him and it was disarming. “I guess.” My shoulder lifted in a slight shrug as I studied the ground, uncomfortable under his intense gaze, which bore through me, all the way down to my toes. The vivid vibrancy of his eyes always amazed me.

“You guess.” He gave another snort as he set off again.

“So, who was that guy?” I asked when I caught back up with him.

He didn’t stop, only shaking his head. “Someone you’d be smart to stay away from.”

“How do you know him?”

“Look, just stay away from him and his buddies, all right? That’s all you need to know.”

D kept walking without a further glance at me or another word. I grumbled in frustration. Trying to get information out of him was like trying to climb to the summit of the highest mountain in one day.

“I haven’t seen you in class lately.”

He shrugged.

I glanced at his profile, waiting for some further explanation, but seeing I wasn’t going to get any, I pressed. “Did you switch classes or something?” He stopped without warning and the top of my head almost crashed into his nose before he ducked out of the way.

“Sorry,” I said lamely as he scowled at me.

“Look, I’ll walk with you every day since I need to come this way anyway, but that’s it. No questions, no talking, no nothing. Got it?”

My mouth dropped open. “You don’t have to be rude about it. I was only curious.”

He smirked. “There it is.”

“There what is?”

“That hidden fire I’ve been waiting for.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” My eyebrows knitted together as I stared at him, at a loss as to what he meant.

“Then let me spill it plainly. You and me, we’re nothing alike. We have nothing to talk about, nothing in common. So, let’s not pretend otherwise, okay?”

“How do you know that?”

“What?” His tone grew tired, exasperated.

“That we have nothing to talk about? You never even try. You’re just rude all the time. You just assume.” I poked his chest and he eyed my finger, raising his brow at me, but I didn’t stop. “If anything, you’re the one with the snotty tone. Acting all as if you’re better than I am and I’m a pest. At least I try.”

Respect swept over his face before his permanent scowl replaced it. “Whatever. I know how things are around here, and how they are from where you came from.”

I lifted my chin, refusing to back away from his presumptions. “Where did I come from, since you know so much about me?”

“Not here.”

“Well, duh!” I threw up my arms. “That’s obvious since I’m new!”

He stepped forward, a menacing expression on his face. “Then let me explain it like this. I know me and I know people like you. We don’t get along.”

I rolled my eyes and moved away from him, continuing down the sidewalk. Rescuer or not, I wasn’t listening to this anymore. “Whatever. This is a stupid conversation. You’re obviously rude and not worth my time. Just like everyone else, jumping to conclusions about me without even getting to know me.”

His mouth fell open in shock as I turned and walked away, but D was smiling when he caught back up to me. “You’re finally getting it.”

“Oh, I get it,” I huffed in frustration. “You’re a jerk.” I stopped and turned to him. “But explain something to me. If you’re such a jerk, then why do you keep helping me?”

“I’m not cold-hearted.”

I considered him, trying to make sense out of this complicated guy standing in front of me looking smug. No, he wasn’t nice, but he wasn’t the complete jerk he wanted me to believe either. Something else hid underneath the surface, and I was about to give up and walk away when it flickered in his clear eyes—anxiousness. He feared me as much as I did him, and was attempting to put some distance between us for whatever reason, which I would respect…for the time being. He had me curious about him.

“Fine.” I strode past him toward the studio, which was now in sight. When I glanced over my shoulder, he remained, watching me with his hands still jammed in his pockets. “Thanks again, D.”

I didn’t miss his small smile before he turned and disappeared out of sight.