by S J Crabb
Chapter Eleven
When I reach the bar Drake is outside waiting for me. As I silence my bike he comes over looking anxious. "Thank God Scarlett, I was worried and thought that you may have had an accident." I look at him in surprise. "No I just went into town to pick up a few things. Sorry am I late?"
Pulling me off the bike he holds me close to him and I can feel the fear in him. I pull away and look at him questioningly. "What is it Drake has something happened?" He shakes his head and then takes my hand.
"No nothing has happened, it's just that I am starting to get used to you being here at a certain time and I worry that you're safe when you're not with me."
Pulling him towards me I kiss him gently. "Don't be silly, nothing is going to happen to me. You should learn to relax." He grins and looks at me sheepishly. "Sorry Scarlett, I'm probably coming over all over protective but even I am surprised by the depth of my feelings for you."
I look into his eyes and can see the love there but I have to find the answers to the nagging doubts that have now been planted in my mind. Pulling him down on to the step beside me I look into his eyes whilst holding his hand firmly in mine. This way I will know if he is telling me the truth when I say what I am about to say.
"Drake, I overheard some girls in town talking about you and Dylan." He looks surprised and I can feel a dash of uncertainty within him. Looking at me steadily he says, "And what did they say?" Still holding his gaze I say, "That your girlfriend went off with my brother and left you and that now they have split up you may get back together with her."
He looks at me incredulously and I can feel the surprise within him. Reaching up he rubs his fingers against my cheek as he stares into my eyes.
"It is true that Taylor and I finished and she went out with Caleb. They got that right. What they don't know is that it was me who finished it. It just suits Taylor to tell it the other way and I don't care what people think. It was over between us a long time ago and what it ever was that I felt for her is nothing compared to what I feel for you."
I know that he is telling the truth because I can read it in him. He kisses me gently and then pulling away says, "What did they say about Dylan?" I sigh heavily. "That he is going to fight my brother Marius and doesn't have a hope in hell of winning."
Drake's eyes look down and he looks upset. He says quietly, "I know. I have tried to talk him out of it but he wants to try and win the prize money to help get us out of trouble. You and I know that he doesn't stand a chance but he has still got hope." He lifts his eyes to mine and I see the pain in them. "Is there anything you can do to talk him out of it Scarlett? He won't listen to me and it may be better coming from you."
I squeeze his hand and think about my answer. I know deep down that he won't listen to me but I have to give Drake hope. Trying to look positive I smile at him. "Leave it with me Drake; I'll see what I can do."
Drake smiles softly at me and pulls me close. "I love you Scarlett, in fact I know that you are the first girl that I have ever truly loved. Just remember that will you despite everything that might happen."
I pull him towards me. "I love you too Drake and the same goes for you. Lets not let my family come between us, we're stronger than that."
As we kiss I feel so much love for him. I will do whatever I have to to make it right for them that much I do know.
We are so busy that I don't have a chance to talk to Dylan. He seems brighter than yesterday and I am glad to see that he is almost back to his old self. He enjoys teasing Drake and I and all in all the entire shift is a good one. Drake asked if I would go back to his grandparent's house after work with him and I can't wait. However just before we close my brother Ash comes into the bar and even before he speaks I know what he is going to say.
He looks at me with the usual hard expression. "Scarlett you're to go straight home after closing. Dad wants a word with you and he insisted I come and tell you." Scowling at him I almost see the pity in his eyes and then it is replaced with indifference.
Sighing heavily I tell Drake what he said and he looks at me with disappointment. "Never mind Scarlett. Why don't you come in early tomorrow and we can do something before the bar opens."
I nod excitedly. "That would be good. What do you have in mind?"
Looking sexily at me he raises his eyes. "It might be best if you choose, because what I have in mind might not go down too well with your father." I blush and he laughs.
On the ride home it is all that I can think of. The thought of being closer with Drake is all I have thought of since I saw him that first day in the bar. I have never wanted anyone as much as I do him. I curse my father for summoning me home and not for the first time I wonder what he is up to.