Draiks and Angels: Rescued

14 - Freezer

Khloe finally gave in five days after Sera was rescued and let Alex buy her some new clothes. He found a periwinkle halter top and some jean shorts at the local thrift store. He also surprised her with a short-sleeved, black, silky duster.

"It was the only one they had," he apologized.

Khloe just held it up and admired it. With a duster, she could more safely leave the apartment. During the day, even.

"Thank you," was all she could manage without crying.

Khloe's wire sculptures were very popular, and the appliance store where Alex got the wire offered to display them. They knew it would attract more customers to their shop. They also offered to supply more wire. Khloe was slightly embarrassed, but also pleased that people liked her work.

A few days after receiving her new clothes, Alex and Khloe headed to the grocery store together. Khloe had never actually been in a grocery store, though she knew the idea. They walked because they couldn't both ride on Alex's motorcycle and carry groceries at the same time.

About halfway to the store, Khloe saw some young men up ahead. She knew their kind just from how they held themselves. Gang members. She didn't know the name of the gang who held claim to this territory, but it didn't matter. They were all the same. She averted her eyes and tried to blend in.

"Alex!" one of the young men called when they got close enough, "My favorite mechanic!"

Alex stopped and Khloe halted next to him.

"Hello, James," he said without pleasure. "How is your bike doing, now?"

"Oh, it purrs like a kitten! So kind of you to offer to do it for free."

Khloe was sure Alex had not offered.

"What have we here?" James came toward them, and the rest of the gang followed. "A lovely bit?"

Alex frowned and Khloe could see him tense up, though he didn't move.

James directed his attention to Khloe, "What's a sweetie like you doing with this loser?"

Khloe knew better than to answer his taunts. There was never a right answer.

"Didn't think he could afford a girl, but maybe it's cheaper during the day!" James laughed and all the members laughed with him.

Khloe kept her attention on James, but she could almost hear Alex's teeth creaking.

James glanced sidelong at Alex and frowned. Khloe thought maybe he was wanting Alex to get mad, and now he was upset that Alex hadn't. James raised his arm and pointed a splayed hand down the street. The gang members jumped to his bidding and raced around until they were behind and in front of Khloe and Alex. Alex threw his arm in front of Khloe protectively and they backed up toward the side of the street as the gang pressed on them.

The gang herded the pair into an alley that ended in a chain link fence with a gate. On the other side was an empty lot that opened into the next block. James slid through the group of men until he was at the front again. He looked at Alex, now standing in front of Khloe, and seemed to think better of whatever he had been planning.

"You're a good mechanic. Promise me you'll fix our bikes whenever we ask and I'll let you go."

"Fine," Alex said quickly.

"She can give me the duster."

Both Alex and Khloe took in a sharp breath.

After a moment, Alex said as calmly as possible, "She can't do that."