I look to where Jackson is and see another body lying on the ground. “That’s two for me and one for you.”
“Not for long.” He punches one of the guys on the side of his head. The guy lands on the ground with a loud thud. Panting, he gets out, “Now we’re tied!”
Jackson and I are both breathing hard, after the workout. We look at the last guy, who just stares back at us, looking like he’s about to piss his pants. “Boo!” Jackson yells, pretending to lunge for him, causing the guy to turn quickly into the side of the building. The idiot runs face first into a protruding pipe and knocks himself out. Dumbass.
“That’s three for me! I win!” Jackson shouts, holding his arms up in the air.
“No way Jacks! That doesn’t count! You didn’t even touch him!” I yell, stomping my foot, clenching my fists instinctively. Hey, if that’s three for Jackson and two for me, I’m more than willing to knock Jackson’s ass out to even the score.
Jackson saunters over and chucks me under the chin. “Don’t be a poor sport, Annie.” I notice that his white t-shirt is torn at the neck.
“No matter what you say it’s a tie.” I stalk out of the alley, feeling him close behind. That so doesn’t count. “The guy knocked himself out! It only counts if you do it yourself!”
Jackson’s walking beside me now as we head back to where we parked a few blocks away. “Yeah, but I made him knock himself out. Good enough for me.”
“It’s a tie!”
“Fine, we’ll call it a tie,” Jackson says carefully.
“Okay,” I say, mollified.
Then he has to go and ruin it with, “But, we both know that I really won.”
“Jackson!” I yell at my laughing brother, noticing that the shoelaces on his boots are untied. Who goes into a fight without tying his damn shoes? Probably saw it as a challenge.
We walk the final block back to the car in silence, passing by another group of thugs, but they don’t mess with us. I sort of wish they would. I could use a way to let out some of the anger and annoyance that I’m feeling right now because of my cheating brother.
When we get back into the Lamborghini, miraculously still intact, I put the radio on a heavy metal station and turn it up loud. On the drive back to the hotel, whenever I glance at Jackson, he has a smug smile on his face. Knock him out, Annabelle, and that’s three for you too.
When we get off the elevator onto the floor our suite is on, I’m bitching Jackson out again. “You’re such a cheater! I’m never going out with you again!” Jackson rolls his eyes, knowing full well that I can never resist a little exercise.
We round the corner of the hotel hallway and a male voice says angrily, “You shouldn’t be going out with anyone else anyways.”
Leaning against the door to my hotel room is Gabriel. Oh shit! I quickly turn to Jackson and tell him in Russian, “Just play along and pretend that you don’t speak English.”
Jackson mutters the Russian equivalent of ‘busted’ under his breath.
“Who, the fuck, is he? And what are you doing with him?” Gabriel looks pissed, green eyes flashing, ready to spring forward and wring Jackson’s neck. Or mine.
“Oh, he’s just my friend. You remember. You saw us together at the club?” I remind him. This is a really weird situation.
“What’s this about him cheating on you? It looks more like you’re the one cheating on me, Anna,” Gabriel says heatedly. Jeez, even his scowl makes him look handsome, with his face all tense like that.
Stop letting your mind wander, Annabelle. “What are you talking about?” I take on a casual stance, as if totally unconcerned by the confrontation, not guilty of any wrong-doing. Besides the vigilante justice I just dished out with my brother.
Gabriel says through clenched teeth, “I just heard you tell him that he cheated and that you don’t want to go out with him again.”
Laughing, I shake my head. “That’s what I said, but you misinterpreted it.”
“How so?” he raises one eyebrow in disbelief.
“We just went to a billiards hall and played pool. I think he cheats and I was telling him that I don’t want to go out with him to play pool again,” I explain nonchalantly.
Gabriel looks at me skeptically and then looks at Jackson. “Is that true?”
Jackson responds in Russian, “She is calling me a cheater because she does not want to admit that I won.”
I have to fight the urge to elbow Jackson in the stomach. “He doesn’t speak English, Gabriel.”
“What did he just say?” Gabriel asks. His green eyes are now narrowed.
“Basically, that he doesn’t speak English and he asked you if you speak Russian.”
Gabriel scowls again. “But you were just yelling at him in English.”
I sigh patiently, attempting to placate him, “Gabriel, I’m a girl. I can yell at a guy in any language and he probably still won’t understand or admit to what he did wrong.”
“You swear that you two are just friends?” He’s starting to believe me, I can tell by the tension leaving his face.
“I swear that there’s no way in hell that I would ever have a romantic relationship with him.” Technically, I’m not lying. I just answered his question creatively. Gabriel asked if Jackson and I were just friends. We’re more than friends, we’re siblings. Of course I don’t want a romantic relationship with my brother. Gross! I try to lie to Gabriel as little as possible because sometimes it makes me feel kind of guilty. Not wanting a romantic relationship with my brother is me telling the truth. Stupid, but it makes me feel better, every little truth I can give him.
“Okay, I believe you,” he says with a relieved smile.
I walk up to him and give him a peck on the cheek, shaking off the urge to wince. “Thank you for trusting me.”
“How about we go to my house and spend a little alone time together?” Gabriel suggests, while running the tips of his fingers along the thin bit of skin revealed on my stomach, between my tank top and jeans. I hear a strangled choking sound behind me from Jackson. We better get out of here before Gabriel says anything else in front of my brother, who supposedly only understands Russian.
“I just need to take a shower first,” I tell him, then to Jackson in Russian, “Pretend that you’re leaving and come back to the room in thirty minutes.”
Jackson gets in one last, “I won,” in Russian before sauntering around the corner and out of sight.
He just couldn’t let it go. I’ll get him back somehow. As we walk into the suite, Gabriel asks, “So, did you live in Russia for a while with your family?”
“Um, yes, I’ve spent some time there,” I reply vaguely. Not a lie.
“You have something on your shirt,” Gabriel says, looking puzzled while pointing at my chest.
Looking down to see a splatter of blood, I rush to come up with some lie. “Oh crap! I ate French fries earlier. I must have gotten ketchup on myself. I’ll just go shower and change.” I’m in and out of the shower in five minutes because we need to be out of here before Jackson comes back. I’m all sweaty from fighting and I’m sure Jackson is dying get back into the room to shower too. I change into shorts and a fitted t-shirt, choosing to dress similarly to Gabriel’s t-shirt and jeans. Pulling on ankle socks and a pair of Sketchers, I discreetly hurry Gabriel out of the suite.
Ten minutes later, on the way to Gabriel’s house I turn in my seat to look at him. “So, what do you want to do?”
He squeezes my hand. “Make out while pretending to watch a movie.”
“Oh yeah? Which movie?” I ask, liking the idea of kissing and cuddling in the dark.
“I was thinking Kill Bill,” he suggests.
“Sounds good.” Although, I’ve never heard of that movie, I try not to let him know how little I know about pop culture. The only times I ever watch movies is with Jackson and that doesn’t happen much anymore. I wonder what the movie is about. The title is catchy. I think I killed someone named Bill once.
Ch
apter 8
Gabriel
We sit on the couch in my room, watching the movie and munching on popcorn. Anna is so cute, laughing hysterically at the fight scenes and commenting throughout the entire movie. She criticizes the mistakes that the assassins make while fighting and laughs at the ridiculous ways the people die. She even has an opinion on how she would have done this or that in the movie. She gets really quiet at the part where Uma Thurman’s character gives up being an assassin because she’s pregnant. Even though it’s late, as soon as it’s over, she insists that we watch Kill Bill: Vol. 2.
When the movies are over, I do a fake pout. “You’ve ignored me all night.”
She looks worried for a minute until she realizes that I’m just kidding and rolls her eyes. “Poor baby! Next time we’ll watch porn so you can get a turn ignoring me.”
Pushing her down onto her back on the couch, I say, “If we watched porn, the last thing I’d do is ignore you.”
She yawns theatrically. “I’m kind of tired. Will you take me home?”
I shake my head, grinning down at her. “Nope. You owe me some attention. Plus, you should just stay the night. My mom won’t care and since your parents never even check up on you, I don’t think they’ll care either.”
She looks uncertain. “I don’t know, Gabriel.”
I attempt to reassure her, “We don’t have to have sex. I can just hold you.”
It works, she smiles wickedly. “Or we can do something in between.”
That’s all I need to hear. Lowering my mouth to hers, I lick her soft lips before kissing her hungrily. Running my hands through her long wavy hair, I love feeling its silky texture. “You’re so beautiful, Anna.”
She strokes my cheek, saying quietly, “So are you.”
I laugh and run playful kisses down her neck to her collarbone. At the same time, I inch the bottom of her shirt up to stroke the stomach that’s been peeking out at me all night. My Anna oozes sex appeal, but that doesn’t mean that she’s easy, so I’m being patient when it comes to sex. I’d ask how many guys she’s been with, but I think I’m better off not knowing. Even hearing about one guy would upset me.
“Can I take off your shirt, Anna?” Wrapping my hands around her waist, I’m feeling tortured.
“Yes please,” she says eagerly, making me laugh. I help her out of it and her weight falls back down onto the couch. Pulling back, I take in the image of her wearing just her black lace bra and shorts. I lean back down to wrap her arms and legs around me, then carry her to my bed. Placing her down gently, I begin kissing her again. Leaving one hand on her cheek, I reach down to run the other hand up her thigh, no weapons strapped this time. I caress up over her hip and stomach to rest my hand over one of her breasts.
She lightly moans and I rub her nipple through her bra. Fascinated by her response, I ask, “You like?”
“Very much,” she answers, gasping. Her hands creep under my shirt and rub up my back. I unclasp the front of her bra. Unexpectedly, I hear the song “Assassin” by Muse playing.
“What’s that?” Instantly, I regret bringing it to her attention.
“Hmm. What? Oh crap! That’s my phone.” She skillfully flips me onto my back and jumps off the bed. What the heck? Fastening the clasp on her bra as she leaves me, disappointing me in the process, she grabs her phone from her bag. The phone has already stopped ringing, but she looks down at it. She pushes a button, I’m assuming to call the person back.
She glances at me, then away. “What’s up?” Silence. “You called for that? Shouldn’t you be asleep?” Silence. “No. Shut up.” Pause, Anna blushes. “I’m coming back to the hotel now.” She listens to the person on the other end. “Okay, bye.”
She hangs up and walks back to the bed. I’m curious enough to ask, “Who was that?”
She looks up at me, face devoid of expression. “That was my father.”
“Whoa, you talk to your dad that way?” Girl’s got guts.
She looks confused. “Yeah. Why?”
“No way. My dad would slap me if I told him to shut up.”
She looks thoughtful for a moment before answering, “Well, I think that’s wrong.”
“My dad’s a good person. He’s just a no nonsense type of guy.”
There’s an uncomfortable silence, until she speaks, “I should get back to the hotel. It’s late, I’ll call a cab.”
She pulls out her phone again, but I grab it from her. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll take you home.”
“Okay.” Putting her shirt back on, she grabs her messenger bag and walks out of the room. Her playful demeanor from a few minutes ago is gone. Did I miss something? Everything was fine before she got a call from her dad. I follow her down the stairs and out of the house. In the car she’s silent on the ride back to her hotel.
When I park in front of the doors that lead to the main lobby, she finally looks over at me and smiles. “Thanks for the ride.”
She’s opening the car door, but I grab her by the arm, not liking the vibes she’s putting out. “Don’t I get a kiss goodnight?”
“Of course you do.” She leans over and pecks me on the cheek.
“What the hell was that?” I grab the back of her head and give her a real kiss. Looking into her in the eyes, I can see that she’s amused, no longer preoccupied with whatever’s bothering her. “Now you can go.” She laughs and steps out of the car. I watch her walk through the lobby, rub a hand over her forehead and get into an elevator. Every time she tries to distance herself from me, I’ll stop her. Eventually, she’ll learn to trust me completely.
Annabelle
Jackson is sitting on the couch again, in a pair of cut-off sweats and tank top, watching television, when I enter the suite. Jesus, it’s the middle of the night, was he waiting up for me? As soon as he sees me, he smiles smugly. “You know I won earlier. Why don’t you just admit it, Annie?” I don’t say anything, just grab the ice bucket with melted ice water in it and dump it on his head. “What the fuck, Annabelle?” He jumps off the couch and peels off his shirt.
“That’s for cheating and for calling me while I was with Gabriel. You know better than that,” I reprimand him, knowing that I’m also frustrated with myself.
“Well jeez, I was just wondering when you were coming home. Can’t a big brother worry about his little sister?” He is so full of crap.
“Oh, please! I can take care of myself. You were just calling because you had nothing better to do than annoy me.” Walking into my bedroom, I toss my bag on the bed and go back into the living room to have it out with my brother.
He’s grabbed a new shirt and is pulling it over his head. “What do you expect? This job is taking forever. When are you going to make the hit?” His question is one that I don’t want to think about.
“Xavier Sanchez is supposed to be home for Halloween. That’s when I’ll do it.” I’m dreading the end of this assignment. That’s never happened before. Of course, I know the reason why. After Gabriel’s father is dead, I’ll leave town and never see him again.
I’ll give him my condolences over his father’s death and tell him that my parents changed their mind about settling in Miami or that my father’s business interests are taking us elsewhere. Whether he wants to keep in touch or not, and I’m guessing that he will, I’ll be forced to sever all ties. For his good and mine, even though the thought causes an unfamiliar ache in my chest.
Gabriel
Halloween
I’m getting into my Halloween costume, waiting for Anna to call and tell me that she’s ready. When I’m done, I go to my mom’s room to see if she needs any help with the party. She tells me that the party planner has everything under control. As I thought, but brownie points never hurt in the parent department.
I call Anna, wondering what’s taking her so long. She answers on the second ring, “Hello?”
“Hey, are you ready for me to come get you?” Tonight will be awesome.
“Um . . . actually, I’m alread
y in my car driving to your place.” She doesn’t sound like herself. Detached, is the word that comes to mind. Maybe she’s just preoccupied with driving.
I wonder why she changed her mind about me picking her up. Oh well, she’s on her way, that’s all that matters. “Okay, well see you when you get here.” I decide to wait on the front steps, since I’ve got nothing else to do. Now that we’ve been dating for a couple weeks, the guards know her and her car, so she gets through with no trouble. Between the trees, I can see her car coming up the drive. The sun is setting, painting the sky in orange and reds, as I anticipate the night to come.
Parking in the driveway, she steps out of her car looking so hot in her fallen angel costume. She smiles and calls out, “Hey handsome devil!”
“Hey tempting angel.” I saunter over and lean down for a kiss, lingering for a moment.
Pulling back, Anna looks up at me with a serious expression. “So, did your dad make it to town yet?”
I’m actually unsure. “Don’t know yet, but my mom talked to him this morning and he said he was coming for sure.”
Anna smiles, but I notice that it doesn’t reach her eyes. Maybe she’s nervous about being introduced to my dad. “Oh. So does your mom need any help?”
Stepping in front of her, I stop her while she’s walking towards the front doors by wrapping my arms around her lower back, avoiding the angel wings. “Hey, you don’t have to be worried about meeting him. I’m sure my dad will love you.”
“Doubtful,” I hear her mumble.
She looks up at me and I can see a myriad of emotions in her eyes. “Gabriel. There’s something I want to tell you, while I have the chance.”
“What is it?” I cup her face in a comforting gesture, she obviously needs it.
She looks nervous again. “Gabriel, I-”
She’s cut off by a sound in the distance of the gates opening again. A black Cadillac Escalade pulls through first, followed by a limo and another Escalade bringing up the rear. Giving her one last peck for reassurance, I tell her, “Oh wait, hold that thought. My dad’s just arrived.”
Chapter 9