There's Something About Him (Complete)

Chapter Twelve - Forgiveness

I sat on the hood of my car and looked around the Daimon's front yard. It had only taken me a moment to remember that I had no way to leave the property until River thought to unlock the front gate.

My tears hadn't fallen for long as I slumped over the steering wheel, both frustrated and disappointed. I had wanted for this day to go well but it seemed that Heath's bitterness ran deep and he wasn't going to give the same sort of chance that his brother had.

As I had slipped back out of the car and around to the hood, I had consciously realised that telling him who I was may have helped since it would become clear that I had no need to use his family for anything, but I had also wanted for him to like me just because of who I was.

I knew that I was probably going to lose River over my lies but I had wanted to hold onto the fantasy for a little while longer.

I sighed and dropped my head back, depressed as I looked up into the darkening clouds. Why did life have to be so complicated and why had River's brother turned out to be a dickhead?

Lost in my own thoughts, I failed to hear the footsteps until a throat cleared close to the right of me.

I squeaked and started to slide down until I could catch myself. I turned my eyes and found myself looking up into Heath's amused eyes as he peered down at me.

My cheeks heated up as I slowly sat up, I figured that standing or sitting I was still tiny compared to him and I might as well be comfortable while I shared in another confrontation with him.

I peeked around carefully but River wasn't anywhere in sight causing my heart to clench at the prospect that he had abandoned me to another scathing set down.

"Are you going to open the gate?" I asked quietly, watching his eyes. My father had always told me that the eyes never lied.

He shook his head, "I wanted to talk to you."

I laughed without any sort of amusement, "I've had enough of your talks, thank you. I have to say - although River was a bit of an asshole the day we met, you definitely outshine him."

He rubbed his hand through his short brown hair; the movement only highlighting the definition of his muscles. I could certainly believe that he was a professional fighter of some sort with the tribal tattoos decorating his arms only adding to his aura of power.

"Yeah, I wanted to come out and apologise. River promised to kick my ass if I couldn't convince you to stay," His eyes held mine as I pulled a face.

"I don't want your apologies when we both know that you'll only start throwing shit at me again."

His lips drooped in a frown, giving me the distinct feeling that he wasn't used to people blowing him off so easily, "Look Alira. I know I've been a dick since you got here but it's just because..."

I cut him off, "I get it. You're a celebrity and you're wary of people always wanting something off of you. You don't have to feel sorry for that - I'm angry because you think that you can treat both River and I like shit. I'm not here to get into your bed or your wallet and I never will be because that's not the type of person I am. I came here because my only friend wanted me to meet his family - I was excited about spending the day with you until you opened your mouth."

I wanted to laugh at the way his mouth gaped open but I had become agitated whilst delivering my little speech. I honestly wanted to throw a shoe at him!

"Umm," he paused, continuing to look befuddled as I pulled out my car keys.

"Will you open the gate now?"

His head jerked, "What? No, I still wanted to talk to you."

"What for? We've both said our piece - I don't think there's anything left to talk about."

"No we haven't," he suddenly smiled at me, his expression reminding of River, "No one will let you out until we've had a chat and I've shown you around the property."

I crossed my arms and huffed, "Why should I believe that you aren't going to bury me in the backyard?"

He laughed, "I don't really like to dig so I think you're safe for the moment." His face turned serious, "Please let me try and make this right for both you and my brother. I want him to have friends and I want to get to know you as well...as a person. I promise that there will be no more accusations."

I studied him, seeing only open sincerity on his face. Pathetic as it may seem, I didn't want to lose my only friend and if making nice with his older brother would guarantee me that for the moment, I would it through a tour.

"So?" He gestured toward the side of the house where I had seen River appear from earlier.

I shoved my keys back into my small handbag and quickly threw it onto the front seat of my car, "Ok but if you annoy me, I'm going home. I'll also encourage River punch you in the face."

He nodded solemnly whilst fighting down an amused smirk, "I'll make sure to keep my mouth shut in that case. My face is how I make all my money."

I gave him an involuntary once over before I lifted an eyebrow, "Seriously? And I thought that you did more for the UFC than stand looking pretty."

He shook his head, "Nope. I'm only a champion because my smile makes my opponents faint when they get in the cage with me."

I coughed, trying to suppress a giggle - if this was meant to be the real Heath, I could see how the two boys were related.

"Why the sudden change of attitude?" I couldn't help but wonder, "Inside you were pretty sure that I was only hanging around to screw River over."

He shrugged, his eyes flashing with some sort of regret, "River wanted to put a fist through my head and he told me to get my shit together. Every day I regret that my family has to live with the knowledge that anyone they talk to could have an ulterior motive and I really want for them to be happy while I compete and do everything else." He cleared his throat, his eyes drifting over my features, "Since he was fourteen, River has been forced to watch who he hangs out with and I forgot that he's not stupid - he knows what people are really like and I should have trusted that he has the ability to separate genuine friends like you from the assholes who just want to get to our money."

I blew out a breath and fiddled with the tips of my ridiculously long hair, "Ok, I believe you but like I said. My hanging around you is conditional on how you treat me and what you say to River."

He nodded sharply, "Just knock me about if I say something dickish."

I walked past him before looking back to smile slightly, "I'll make sure to ask your Dad for a piece of the roof so that I can make sure you really take notice."