Eden's Isle

Chapter 5

Seth leaned against the kitchen counter, his expression softening slightly. "Look, I get it. You don't know me, and I haven't exactly made the best impression. But I'm not just some random guy who does business with your dad. I mean, yeah, that's how we met, but there's more to it."

I stirred the soup absentmindedly, not entirely convinced by his words. "So what? You want to be friends now?" I asked, a hint of skepticism in my voice.

Seth chuckled, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I mean, I wouldn't say no to that. But what I'm trying to say is, I know I came off as a jerk last night, and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stress you out."

I sighed, feeling some of the tension in my shoulders ease. "Fine. Apology accepted, I guess, but you are still staying over there. I already have friends, I don't need you." I conceded, still not entirely sure about him.

Seth nodded, his expression understanding. "That's fair. I won't push it," he said, a hint of disappointment flickering across his face before he masked it with a smile. "But hey, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

I nodded in response, focusing back on the soup as it bubbled away on the stove. The air between us felt lighter now, the tension from earlier dissipating into the morning sunlight filtering through the windows.

After a moment, Seth cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "So, uh, do you need help with anything else? Besides scaring you half to death, I mean."

I glanced at him, suddenly becoming aware of the fact that I was half-naked. "Yeah, no. I'm going to get dressed, just...Don't touch anything."

Seth chuckled softly, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Got it. Not touching a thing."

I shot him a pointed look before disappearing down the hallway to my room. The moment the door was shut I breathed a sigh of relief, but it was short lived as my narrowed eyes fell on buttercup curled up on my bed. "Shoo!" I said, but she still didn"t move.

"Damn pussy cat." I muttered under my breath as I picked the feline up and sat her on the floor. I kick through a small pile of clothes and make my way to the closet where I pull out my favorite pair of skinny jeans.

As I slipped into my jeans, I subconsciously wondered if Papi had eaten anything since his shift started yesterday morning, and made plans to bring something by the mine if he was still here in an hour.

A knock sounded at the front door, and I sighed looking down at my half naked torso. "Can you get that?" I called out to Seth and was met with an amused answer.

"Nope!" He said. "Not touching anything!"

I huffed and opened my bedroom door, while pulling a shirt over my head. Buttercup walked out with me, nearly tripping me as she walked between my feet. "Get out of my way, cat, or I will decide that I don't care how much Papi likes you."

"Nice shirt." Seth comments, referring to the fact that it's only over one of my breasts when I make it into the living room.

"Fuck you." I say casually, and look to see his feet propped up on the table.

"I wish."

I glare at him, and he smirks. ""Real classy," I mutter. "Feet off the table, South-boy." I say making my way towards the door.

I open the door, and when my eyes land on the pair of men standing in front of me, the oxygen leaves my body. Two Demonsmen stand in my view dressed in their all black attire. Twice before, this had happened to me. Once with Mami and then again with Abuela. "No." I manage to breathe out even though I feel like I've been punched in the gut.