A Hunger to Share ( Book One )

chapter 17

Ada

As she ran through the streets, her mind was mostly occupied with one thought, and that was James's safety.

The other part was trying really hard not to think about her Mom and Nora and the fact that she had left them behind again.

Even if Nora said it was different this time, that they could protect themselves, Ada still couldn't help but feel like a piece of shit.

Maybe she should go back after she'd given James a heads up about her father. It diden't matter how much she enjoyed his company. She couldn't bring him into this mess. He didn't belong to this world.

But if she kept the truth from him, and Father got his hands on him to get back at her, then his blood would be on Ada's hands. Maybe his family's too, his brother that he cared about so much.

If everything went smoothly, which Ada doubted very much, and she went back to help, who could say she would succeed? What if her Father locked her up again?
She didn't think she could survive it for a second time. Being there would probably be nothing but a liability.

Ada didn't know what she was supposed to do. Angry and frustrated, she shouldered open the door to the bar.

Ada looked around for James. When she saw him safe and sound, serving drinks, her shoulders sagged with relief. There seemed to be a permanant scowl etched onto his beautiful face. 

"Hey handsome, missed me?"

James's head shot up. He took a step back, forgetting the drink he was preparing. His eyes fixed on Ada with anger, and disbelief. "Where the hell where you?"

"I..."

"I thought...I thought something bad had happened to you..."

"I..."

"Why would you disappear on me like that Ada?" He hissed. "I was worried sick. You have no idea how many times I almost came to your house..."

"I told you not to..."

"I said almost..."

Ada took a deep breath to calm herself down. "I know you're mad, and you have every right to be. Something did happen, but we can't talk about it here. I need you to come with me to somewhere safe."

James pressed his lips together, getting back to the drink he was preparing. "You can't just stroll in here and order me around. I'm working..."

"Look, I understand..." Ada said impatiently.

"No, you don't." His green eyes flashed with anger. "I can't drop everything and come with you just because you finally felt like showing you'r pretty face, after driving me mad..."

Ada smirked. "I drive you mad?"

"With worry." He snapped.

"I know I'm asking for too much but it's very important..."

"Hey, pretty boy, how much longer do I have to wait till you stop flirtting, and give me my damn drink?" The man sitting next to Ada said, glaring at her in his fancy suit.

James cleared his throat, glaring at Ada as well. "Endschuldigung herr. Coming right up."

Ada snatched the bottle of vodka out of his hand, and thrust it into the man's lap. "Here, drink all you want but interrupt me again, and I'll make you choke on it."

He looked pissed off but had the good sence not to say anything else.

"Ada what the hell? They can fire me for this." James said angrily, then apologized to the sulking man.

Grabbing his hand, Ada leaned over the bar top. "James, please. This is a life and death situation. You're life and your family's might be on the line..."

He stared at her. "Why didn't you say so?"

"I've been trying, but you're not listening..."

"By who?" He demanded.

"Not here..."

"Why the hell not?"

"Because we need to go somewhere safe. I know you don't trust me, but let me explain everything, and then you can decide for yourself."

James closed his eyes for a few seconds, running his hands through his face. When he opened them, he looked persuaded. "This has something to do with your Father, doesn't it?"

Ada nodded. "Yes."

"Fine, let's go, but your explanation better be a good one."