Secrets |

Chapter six | Stay with me.

At the very back of the small kitchen Julia stood with her back pressed against the cool surface of the metallic fridge. Her heart was beating rapidly and her breathing was coming out in uneven gasps - it had looked as if she had run a marathon when in reality all she had done was try to escape the hooded guy she had somewhat encountered not long ago. The coffee maker next to Julia was working away at the sixth mug of coffee and Julia played nervously with her hands whilst attempting to relax herself and silence her thoughts. But it seemed as if all her mind wanted was to think about the mysterious male that had decided to join the usual group of six. Six.

He has to be someone new to the town maybe? Or was he a family friend of one of the boys? The possibilities are endless but why oh why was he wearing a bloody hood that covered half of his face? Was he a criminal? Oh God what if he is! He could be an outlaw, hiding from the government - but if he was didn't he know that this was the stupidest town to seek shelter in? Nothing ever goes unnoticed here and an incredibly tall, well-built man wearing a scruffy hood definitely won't go unnoticed by these nosy townspeople that hold no compassion towards their own lives whatsoever.

Julia grabbed the sugar and mixed it with the coffee - she had memorised by now how much sugar each of the boys took in their coffees and basked in the joy of not having to go out there and ask. Setting up the seventh and last mug of coffee she began messing about with the small sound system that played music around the whole café, eventually settling for a Sam Smith track. Grabbing the last mug of coffee she placed it on the tray, away from the ones with sugar. Balancing the tray she walked outside, making sure it was as slow as she could possibly go to avoid further embarrassment on her behalf. The talk with the normally quiet and polite Bentley had left her speechless and rather embarrassed at the fact he had caught her staring at his friend. And she was not willing to go through that again.

Her trek to the dreaded table took less time than Julia had thought it would and she eventually found herself serving the correct coffee to the correct person, she walked around the table and carefully placed the last coffee in front of the hooded plus one - who was still in the rigid position he had been in when Julia came out to take their order. Except this time she could be sure he was looking at her, just the way he was doing when Julia was serving the other boys. It felt to her as if his hidden eyes followed her every move, making her nervous and it was almost as if even breathing in the wrong manner would make his stare even more intense.

Cursing under her breath and promising herslef that she wasn't going crazy, Julia turned to walk away.

"Wait." That deep voice was like the perfect piece of music to Julia's ears but the clear authority it held sent shivers down her spine and goosebumps became visible on her arms that were barely covered by her short - sleeved top.

It's just the cold.

Julia turned around but stood rooted to her spot; raising her head and focussing her eyes on who she was sure had spoken, letting him know that he had her full attention.

"What's your name?"

Well. That was unexpected.. Why would he want to her know her name? Had he not known her for about half an hour and was he not some sort of criminal on the run? Would it be wise to trust this stranger with her name? His gaze held her captive because even though his eyes were hiding from view she could feel his eyes on her - giving her his full attention.

"Julia." Her voice was a hoarse whisper and she cleared her throat, looking everywhere but his invisible, yet penetrating gaze.

Why am I so emotional? No it's not a good look. Gain some self-control deep down I know this never works but you can lay with me so it doesn't hurt.

With a brisk nod he dismissed the confused girl and turned his attention to his black, sugar free coffee.

Cause you're all i need, this ain't love it's clear to see but darling stay with me.

Reluctantly, Julia turned on her heels and headed towards another table that was occupied by a new customer and began taking their order. Trying to keep both her thoughts and her eyes from the hooded man that had her heart racing for reasons unknown to Julia.