Little Dark One

34 - wild eyes

Keira

Night had fallen by the time my fingers stilled on the piano keys. I must have been in here for hours dreaming up melodies, they were significantly less depressing than the last time and I found myself actually having fun instead of drowning my sorrows. It was a nice change. 

I lost track of time and had no idea what time Tommy would return from whatever business he was taking care of. I wanted everything to be ready by the time he did, so I slid off the bench and rushed out of the library. I closed the door behind me and turned, slamming directly into a hard body.

"Oh I'm so sor–" I gushed before glancing up into dark, beady eyes. Viper's eyes. "Sorry." I mumbled and stepped back, eager to escape his harsh gaze. 

"Watch yourself, girlie." He threatened with a poisonous smirk.

"Sorry, I didn't see you." My voice was small, shrinking from his intimidation. 

"You caused me a lot of trouble with the boss, you know." He took a menacing step towards me and I backed up, immediately hitting the wall. "I have permanent damage in my leg because of you." He sneered, making himself comfortable in my personal bubble. 

"I– I didn't mean to cause any trouble.." I stuttered, unsure how much danger I was actually in right now. His eyes traveled over me with a sinful sparkle, I could see the bad intentions swirling in his mind. "You can't touch me, Tommy will kill you." 

"Oh we're on a first name basis with the boss now are we?" He smirked as if it was pathetic. "Last time I checked, he wasn't too happy with you. Maybe I'll do us all a favor and take out the trash." His toothy grin made my stomach churn, he took another step and I cowered against the wall. He ran his bony fingers up my arm and shivers fluttered through me in the worst way. 

"Viper!" Thor came jogging around the corner and his baby blue's widened at the scene before him. "Yo, back the fuck up bro. Knox will kill us all!" He hissed. 

Viper leaned closer instead, whispering in my ear. "Tell anyone about this and one of my knives might accidentally slip and land in the side of your pretty little neck." His tone was murderous, he meant every word of his threat. I nodded frantically and cringed at his closeness. 

"Vipe! I swear to god, you can't fuck with the boss's girl, do you have a death wish?" Thor was beginning to panic but he kept his voice low, avoiding detection. 

Viper took a step back and walked towards Thor. I exhaled in relief. 

"She ain't the boss's girl, she's just the mediocre flavor of the month." He sneered, making sure his insult was loud enough for me to hear. I winced, his words affecting me just as he intended.

Thor shot me an apologetic look as he pushed Viper around the corner. 

I leaned my head back against the wall and closed my eyes, taking a few deep breaths to calm my nerves. After a few minutes my heartbeat regulated and I felt stable enough to continue towards the kitchen. 

I was conflicted about telling Tommy, I truly believed Viper would make good on his promise and if Tommy got to him first, his blood would be on my hands. My conscience couldn't cope with any more bloodshed. 

I pushed through the double doors leading into the kitchen and found Oreon sitting at the marble island, scribbling in a notebook. He glanced up at my entrance and awarded me a warm smile. 

"Keira, nice to see you. Need anything?"

"Um yes actually, if you're not too busy?" I didn't want to interrupt if he was busy.