Five Hundred Miles

1.9: Cold Heart.

Chapter 1.9: Cold heart.

["He sighed, his hands tangling themselves in my already-knotted hair. "Violet, don't ever leave me. Whatever happens; however things get, just don't go. Please."
― Abigail Gibbs, Dinner with a Vampire]

Cara stares at me, not trying to press any further conversation. Feeling naked under her gaze, I cover my arms with my hands and shiver.

At the corner of my eye I spot Natalie behind the wall, eavesdropping. She meets my gaze and gives me a look that tells me it'll be hard to explain later.

Part of me is still mad at Gideon to do that to me. It's really embarrassing, and I'm not actually used to public display, especially when his mother is present. I'm also mad at the part of me that enjoys his lips. I haven't kissed for years, and he just did it to me in front of everybody.

What is Derek going to think of me? And Cara?

And why did I respond to Gideon just now? I'm surprised at how heated up my body was when he crushed me to him.

"So," says Cara. My eyes snap up to pay quick attention. "He is very good in bed, isn't he?"

Her words have me a repulsive mean to slap her. Derek flinches at her words.

"Cara," he warns. "You shouldn't be disrespecting Faith. Besides, Gideon isn't any good for you, so don't stick to him anymore."

"You won't decide my choice," says Cara defensively. She glares at me, sizing me up. "What did he see in you? I'd always be the one, and had been it for years. And God dammit, he won't even tell Derek that we're together."

"Enough, Carafina." Derek snaps. "Gideon has a girlfriend already, let it go."

"Oh sure," she says sarcastically. "And I wonder why his loving girlfriend acts so calm when somebody threatens to take her boyfriend."

I expect myself to be knocking her off the ground right now, but for the sake of Derek, I remain my stance. I smile at her. "It's because I trust him not to linger around ladies or somebody he considers as his sister. Gideon is very decisive, because when he says no, he means no. And, just for the record, he is the God in bed, I suppose you experienced that."

"More than you did," she says.

Derek stands up immediately, his nose flaring in the visible anger. He storms away, leaving the both of us behind.

Great, now I'm alone in here with somebody who slept with Gideon and has a particular grudge against me.

Luckily, seconds after Gideon is walking back into the house. His mother isn't behind him.

"Gideon," gratefulness spread through me as I rise.

He looks at me, then frowns slightly. "Where is Derek?"

"Upstairs, maybe in his room." I answer. Cara snickers behind me.

"Pissed off," she says. "You won't get away with this, Gideon. You won't deny me,"

He ignores her. "Faith, upstairs. My mother will go home once she feels uninvited."

He takes my hand, and seconds later we are at the stairs. I feel like we are somehow escaping. Whatever happened, I'll leave it.

Nat is knocking on Derek's door. She gives me a talk-later look and I nod, understood.

"Gideon, what happened to the dinner?" I ask once we're in the study. He looks frustrated and worn, unlike the usual confident person I know. Must be something Elizabeth said that had him squirming.