The Risen HODWII

Chapter 28 : Enjoyment

**Venice Claire's POV**

"Fuck." He murmured, looking at me.

"Turn your back, or I'll pull your eyes out," I threatened, and he immediately obeyed.

I was covered with nothing but a towel; luckily, I was facing away from him the moment he opened the door, which is why my tattoo stayed hidden.

I quickly grabbed my shirt and pajamas, putting them on.

"Ohh, war freak... I like that," I sensed him smirking.

"I'll let it slide today, but not next time," I said, passing him and sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Done already?" He asked, partly surprised.

"I wouldn't be sitting here if I wasn't," I stated plainly. His thick eyelashes batted at once. "That fast?" he asked, walking toward me.

"Not really. So how was it with the Blue Fire Gang?" I asked the moment he sat beside me.

"They aren't suspicious, and they seem fine to me. But..." He stopped and held my hand.

"But?" I asked, wanting him to continue.

"I hate them touching what's mine." I saw his oceanic blue eyes staring deeply into my brown hazel ones.

"I'm not yours," I suddenly stated out of the blue.

I had been given freedom for five years and didn't want to be anyone's possession. I saw his eyes darken at my words, but they softened after a moment.

He smiled. "Not yet... but you'll be mine." His eyes never left mine. "Only mine, Claire." His voice turned possessive.

I should be mad—furious—but I didn't know why... I felt the opposite.

I could feel butterflies filling my stomach as if...

It couldn't be... my heart was dominating my mind.

Our attention was turned to the door when we heard someone knocking. "Claire! Xen! Dinner is ready!" Cassy yelled.

"Thanks. Just for a sec." Xenon replied as he stood up. "Remember this, Claire. I'll fight for you," he stated and opened the door.

I was left speechless until his silhouette disappeared from my sight.

I hated it... because...

I am not worth fighting for.

*****

"I'm glad to know that one of the strongest gangs takes sides with you," Drena stated while taking a sip of her juice.

"So, when are you planning to attack?" Stella softly asked Lucas.

"As for now, we are still looking for the right time," Lucas answered, and Stella nodded in understanding with a spoon in her mouth.

"I heard you're going to a bar on Sunday. Can I come?" Jenna asked, smiling sweetly while wearing her puppy eyes.

"Shit." Coby cursed lowly.

Bar?

"Bar? You never mentioned anything about it." Drena faced Adrian, raising her eyebrow.

"Ahm... it is for a mission, not for fun," Adrian defended, and I just continued eating while listening to their conversation.

"Still... it's a bar, Adrian," Drena insisted, testing him.

"Let us come," Cassy demanded while smiling.

"No," all the boys said in chorus.

"Yes," Stella demanded, her voice dull. Lucas suddenly stiffened in his seat.

I smirked. I knew he couldn't resist Stella when it came to Uno.

"Claire, do you want to come too?" Drena asked, and all the girls faced me, waiting for my answer.

"Yes." I simply replied.

"Shit." I heard Xenon murmur, and the rest of the boys sighed in defeat while the girls, including Martin, grinned widely.

"OMG! I'm so excited!" Cassy yelled.

Jenna's eyes sparkled with excitement, along with Stella's.

"Time for enjoyment!" Drena yelled, clapping her hands.

"I want to remind you. We'll go there for a mission, not for fun," Xenon stated firmly.

"Ohh, Xenon, just take a break!" Drena said.

He took a deep breath and sighed. "Fine."

The girls, including Martin, cheered with happiness, but I could feel the tension from the boys... they were scared. I don't know why, but I thought... this would challenge me. I smirked.

A bar... a place I've never been, but I'm not stupid enough not to know what a bar is. I see the outside every time I pass it, but not the inside.

I hope a challenge awaits me. I'm tired of waiting... I need to warm up.

*****

"Claire! Choose what you like: this," Cassy showed me a blue cardigan dress that reached mid-thigh, "or this!" And a floral dress that reached knee level.

But Drena slapped the back of her head. "Ouch!" She glared at Drena.

"We are going to a bar, Cassy, not an occasion," she stated, then looked at me. "I have you... this!" She showed me a sleeveless fitted blue skirt dress that reached mid-thigh.

"That's too revealing, Drena! She can't wear that; it might reveal—" Drena quickly put her hand over Cassy's mouth, shutting her up.

"I know, Cassy, I know!" She took her hand and walked toward her closet. Yup, all the girls were gathered in their room. They made us gather here, saying it was a girls' party, but it turned out to be... dressing up. Tch. Do I need this?

"Where did you get all of these dresses?" Stella asked, confused.

"Oh, about that... the boys won't let us out, so... we ordered online!" Cassy explained happily with her arms wide open while looking at the beautiful dresses displayed on the bed.

"Oh, I see." Stella nodded in understanding.

"They ordered too many. I didn't know they were this shopaholic," Jenna whispered to us.

"I heard that!" Drena yelled. "Here! Add this to your dress, Claire. It will look great!" She waved a black leather jacket and black heeled boots.

"OMG! That is a perfect fit! You will definitely look cool with that!" Cassy giggled excitedly.

"Tch. I don't wear dresses," I said and turned my back, ready to go out.

"Oops! Where are you going?" Drena quickly blocked my path, grinning.

"You have no choice but to wear this, or else..." Cassy smirked, challenging me. Is she really challenging me? Nothing can scare me.

"Or else what?" I challenged back.

"Or else... Xenon will find a prettier girl with a sexy body... revealing legs... nice—" I cut her off.

"I'll take that." I took the outfits from Drena's hands and put them to the side. "These are mine; touch these and you'll die."