Beyond The Dragon

Chapter Six

I pull my grey off-the-shoulder sweater on over my black skinny jeans and pull on my black leather jacket with faux fur around the hood. "Kat hurry up!" Ian yells and I quickly pull on my black combat boots before grabbing my mint green beanie. I pull it over my head and race downstairs to meet Ian. I'm so excited I haven't been to the festival in ages! He chuckles and shakes his head at me as he flicks the black ball on top of my beanie. "You look... cute. Let's go." He urges as I grab my white gloves off the entryway table next to the table and I run out to my mustang with him. He drives us out to the festival and lights a cigarette as we get out. I wonder who we're looking for. He leads me past the food carts and games towards the ice skating rink in the back. He pulls me towards the skates booth and the teenager smiles at us.

"Owens! What's up, man? Glad you came!" He chuckles and I raise a brow. Is this the guy? "Hey, J! You staying out of trouble?" Ian asks and he nods. "For the most part. Hey, that thing you were asking about. Dad says it's happening in the club down the road. Said you can only get in with a ticket or by working it. Very exclusive. Tomorrow night. That help?" He asks and Ian nods. "Wonderfully. You're staying home, right?" Ian asks and J nods as he hands some skates to the next couple while taking their money. Oh, so he's just a kid that spies on his dad. Okay, that makes me feel a lot better.

"Definitely. I cannot get caught up in those messes again. Hope you find the guy though. You guys wanna skate?" He asks as he wipes the snowflakes out of his auburn hair and Ian looks down at me for a moment before turning back to him. "Why not? We don't have anything waiting at home." Ian sighs and we tell him our size before he hands us the skates. "On the house, man. Have fun!" He chuckles and I smile as we walk to the benches. He's a sweet kid. 

"Have you ever been ice skating?" He asks as we switch our shoes and I sigh. "Nope. Well, once, but I fell and my dad said I didn't have to skate anymore if I didn't want to so I haven't." I explain and he chuckles as he stands to his feet. "Come on, Kat. I won't let you fall." He assures me as he holds his hand out to me and I put my left hand in his. He's nicer than I thought he was. Very different. We get on the ice and I squeak when I glide forwards making him laugh.

"Jesus Christ. No wonder your dad worried about you. You look like you're about to fall face first." He taunts and I scoff. Never mind! He's still an ass! He pulls my hand forcing me to stand straight and shakes his head at me. "Alright, dork, listen. Just push off the right foot then the left like you're taking a step." He advises and I whine as I gently push my right foot off the ice making me glide forwards while he keeps up with me. "Oh my God!" I gasp as I push again and he laughs at me. Oh no, I'm getting wobbly again! I squeak as I crouch close to my feet and he bursts into fits of giggles.

"What the hell are you doing? You're gonna hurt yourself. Stand straight." He pulls me up and I clench his hand even tighter. He guides me to the side rail and I grip it tightly with both hands. "So, you can fight thugs trying to kidnap you but ice skating is just terrifying." He comments and I glare at him. He's not funny. He chuckles at me and pushes my raven hair out of my face. He is so cocky.

"You know what? You're so good. Show me what you can do!" I challenge and he crosses his arms over his chest. "Oh, really? Okay!" He agrees and skates off with his hands behind his back. I can't wait to see him fall on his face! I grin as I watch him and he skates to the center before he lunges. He does a small spin around and lands facing me before skating back to my side. Excuse me?!

"What the hell was that?!" I yell and he chuckles. "My mom and dad took me and my brother ice skating every year. Even after she passed. After a while, skating in circles gets boring. So, my brother and I would dare each other to try a bunch of tricks. After a lot of broken bones and some blood, we stopped falling on our asses." He explains and I scoff. "Is there anything you don't know how to do?" I ask and he hums as he thinks about it. "I cannot pilot a helicopter, plane, or jet." He answers and I giggle. Oh, is that all? He smiles and holds his hand out to me.