Danika

35

Music surrounding everyone, Danika zoned everyone out while sipping on her drink. 'they all look to be having a good time. Good for them. I will be heading home very soon. I have had my meal and i have some drinks at home. I haven't seen these men for a few weeks so it's good to be in their company. Not so much the rest. They can try to bring me in but it won't happen. He hasn't removed his eyes away from me but he's not getting me. He's not the only one. I haven't missed the looks. I need to go home and get changed. Being in company of men.. so many men that arent all trustworthy, it's a worry. I can't allow what happened in the past to happen again' Danika finished her drink and stood up. 'stop fucking looking at me' exiting the dining area, Danika walked to the bar and sat down. "Came to give me company?" "Yes" "it sounds like it's calm in there" "too calm" "a gut feeling?" Danika nodded "I will be slipping out soon. I need to go home" "many of us haven't seen you in a while" "I know. The trip had me away for a few weeks. Tomorrow, I receive my cap" "you should be very proud of yourself" "it's taken some time. I'm thrilled I have come this far. I'm positive opa would be proud too" Carlos grinned "he would be. Dad has asked after you. He would be shocked to see you dressed this way" "it won't happen often" "I'm not saying it doesn't suit you.." "as you shouldn't" Danika rolled her eyes "but it's not you" "it is her. She looks hot" "whether she looks hot as you call her or not, it's not her in comfort" "far from, Carlos. I will be slipping back into my usual attire" "much more comfortable. I understand that. Those tattoos are stunning. They suit you" "thank you. When will Wolfgang be back in?" "No doubt in a few days" "I would like to see them. Its been a few weeks" "they'd like that. I take it you will be heading out?" "Yes" "what?" "She doesn't live here" "everyone is getting along.." "I am going home" "it's only early" "it's what I want. Everyone else can have their fun. A meal and a few drinks is enough for me" Carlos grinned "good for you" 'shes going to leave. I don't want her to fucking go. I can't force her to stay but maybe I can convince the others to help me convince her' rylan walked off and to the dining area. "Danika is heading off shortly" "it's only early" Alexander looked out at Danika "I said that. She stated it's what she wants. She hasn't been out in years.." "yes she has. She comes here when she can" "we haven't seen her. Xavion wants to spend time with his daughter" 'more like he wants to spend time with her and waste his damn time' xavion stood up and walked out to the bar. Sitting beside Danika, he spoke up. "I would like to spend some time with you" Danika looked at xavion "why?. Why now?" Carlos walked away "you are my daughter. Okay so I put my time into my career but I still love you, Danika. It's been four years" "not once have you backed me. Pathetic shit at school and that's it. You know I don't want your life. You not only used April as bait, you also had me injured. A parent doesn't do that" "I have made a lot of mistakes, I know that" Danika nodded "but I want a chance to make it up to you" "I'm not being part of hart. I don't like way that runs. I'm not about hurting people unless it's deserved. I won't be dealing with drugs and allowing weapons in the wrong hands. As of tomorrow I have the career I want. It takes me away for weeks to months at a time" "MONTHS?" Danika rolled her eyes "is that how it has to be?" "Some cruises last for months. I like being out there. Last year it was six months. I enjoy it" Rylan sat down on the other side of Danika while Carlos held in his laughter. 'hes got no hope' "I was hoping to have you close. I know it's the career you want But that's a long time away" "not really. It's my career" 'exactly what I say with my men and my career. It's come back to bite me' "you could have it on land" "no. My career is out on the water. That's what I have always wanted to do and I finally get to live it. My opa would be proud of me for following my dreams" "not those tattoos" "I'm not living with those scars on me. I'm scarred enough without them" "they were only to slow you down" Danika ignored Rylan. 'he has no care about hurting someone. I will never trust him'.
"Your uncle is leaving too" Danika nodded "he wants to be with his girls. Maybe it's the wakeup call he needed" "you helped them leave?" "Yes. They were both frightened" "and yet they weren't hurt" "they had witnessed enough. I don't know if April and Teresa will fully trust him again. I guess that's up to them to make that decision" "he has missed them tremendously. He had men watching over them so they wouldn't be hurt, not to be hurt" "Teresa never wanted your life for April and her. He told Teresa he is done with it. He lied" "he was here to help find you" "I didn't want to be found" xavion sighed "contact would've helped. You may not see them as family but they care. I care. You are my daughter and I want the best for you" "cutting me up is not what's best for me" "we did it.." "you already told her but she's right. That isn't what is best for her. I want you to take over" "no. Give it to them" "it's been in the family for years. It was supposed to be passed down to Damon but he's not here anymore. I don't want to lose you too" 'he has. She may be here but she won't be close with him ever again' "done listening in?" "Excuse me? This is my hotel. You can leave" "I'm here because I'm with my family" "and this is my hotel. She's not your family. Your family as you say is out there" "she's part of it" "no she's not" "she's a hart" "no. I'm a Keller. I told you that" "WHAT?" xavion swallowed hard "you took your omas last name?" "Yes" "why?" "Well, she always treated me with kindness and care. She spent time with me and guided me. She respected me and my dreams. Encouraged me to be the person I am today. She had a heart of gold that woman" Carlos grinned as he over heard "my father speaks very highly of Ludwig and Dahlia" "I wouldn't expect any different. What time do you close up tonight?" "In an hour" "it's only early" "it's also a week night. We are only open until ten" "good for you. It gives you an early night too" "how do the cruises work. Do you get enough rest?" "Surely not..." "I wasn't asking you" "plenty. There are two captain's on board. A rotation. Enough time to eat, rest and sleep for eight hours" Carlos grinned "you get paid to sleep?" "It's good huh?" Carlos laughed "that's something I'm interested in" "the sleep for me. Speaking of that, I'm heading home. Thanks for the meal and drinks Carlos" "wait. What about everyone else?" "We aren't friends" "I meant the people you came with" "I didn't come with anyone. They met me here" Danika stood up and walked to the table. "I'm out" "us too. He will shut soon anyway. You good to get home?" "As always. You lot?" "Together as always. If you need a ride, it's there" "much appreciated but no. See you guys soon" "you better or I'm kicking that ugly ass" "in ya dreams" Danika winked and walked off. "Danika, I want to spend more time with you" "all of us" "I have your number" "it's better than a no" Danika nodded and walked out. 'time to go'.
The men stepped out and looked around "Danika?" "She's gone" "how the hell does she do that? She's in heels" carter internally grinned as he walked with Shannon "they say the same thing every time" Shannon chuckled "yep" "boo" carter and Shannon grinned "let's go home" "sounds good to me".