Rewrite Me

2. Rain Cloud

Paisley 

"Who are you?" The one to the right has a rough voice, one that sings through my ears as he cocks his head to the side.

His ash-brown curly hair cascades just slightly past his temples, a triangular, sharp jawline dusted with stubble, prominent cheekbones, and honey-coated eyes grabbing my attention instantly. He's got a strong build, broad shoulders, and muscular arms telling me he most likely works out quite a lot.

"I live here," My mouth finally decides to move, my tongue feeling dry as I move farther into the room.

"You've got the wrong place, baby." My eyes dart to the one on the left, irritated by the pet name.

This one's sort of clean-cut, shaved to achieve that baby face look. With similar features to his friend, there are only subtle differences. He's got the deepest blue eyes I've ever seen, almost blinding. Accompanied by shaggy blonde hair and pouty lips, I can tell he's the pretty boy of the group. Possibly, the jokester too, considering the sarcastic lilt to his tone.

"No," I protest, crossing my arms. "My key with this unit number is right there," I point to the kitchen island's counter. "And my name is Paisley," I send a pointed look at the cover model of the group.

It's then that the man in the middle acknowledges me with a scoff. He's the intimidating one of the bunch, pure muscle on display from the cut tank he sports, and the tattoos go on for miles. Intricate designs in the full range of colors paint his skin.

His head is shaved on the sides, dirty blonde hair cropped toward the middle. A straight browbone and nose, coupled with a square jawline that has the perfect blanket of hair, and full lips give him a forbidding look. His arms are folded similarly to mine as he seems to face off with me, hazel eyes making me shiver under their spotlight.

"As Elias said, you have the numbers mixed up, grab your shit." Disregarding their mid-day snack, he stalks over to me, gaze laser-focused.

For a mere second, I consider retreating, but my anger gets the better of me. Elias, the now-identified playboy lifts a corner of his mouth.

"And like I said, check my key, I can even show you my lease, signed and dated." I'll be damned if I'm going to be pushed out of here after the day I've had.

"I'll call security and have your ass thrown out on the street," Tattoo practically snarls, invading my space, as I plant my feet, unwavering.

"Whoa trigger-finger, let's not go all Hulk smash. Why don't we start with names?" His jaw pops but he halts his movements. "You know mine and I know Channing Tatum's," Pointing at Elias, I watch as both he and the curly-headed one snort.

"Malachi Steiner," The man next to Elias identifies himself with a name that suits him perfectly.

"I vote we should keep her," Elias raises his hand in all seriousness, prompting his friends to take their eyes off me to reprimand him with a glare.

"I'm not a dog," I deadpan, pursing my lips, but Elias only snickers.

Relaxing slightly, the tall brute of a man in front of me rolls his shoulders.

"Rain Joffrey," He grumbles, the sound seems to travel from the base of his throat.

What an interesting name for a child, although I can't argue that it fits him. Maybe that's why he's so damn grumpy, he's trying to keep a reputation. I mean, you can't be named Rain and not act like the personification of a thunderstorm.

"My last name is Hedge, didn't realize we were being all formal and shit." Again, the pretty one speaks up and I watch as Malachi wacks him over the head.

"Hey!" Elias shouts. "I'll hide the chips," He points a threatening finger at his friend's chest.

Malachi gasps, truly hurt. "You wouldn't dare," A giggle bursts from my lips, despite my best efforts to cover it.

"Would you two quit acting like toddlers?" Rain turns, shaking his head. "We have to deal with this,"

They aren't brothers, considering the difference in last names, but they sure act like it. I don't remember the last time I was around such a comfortable family-like setting and it causes me to slip away, basking in the strange, yet warm feeling it brings to my body.

"We can't exactly kick her out, she's right about this being her place." Malachi shows Rain something on his phone. "She was added to the lease today,"

I can't quite figure that one out yet. Elias is the class clown, Rain is the ringleader, but Malachi is hard to decipher at face value.

"I told you," I wave a hand in the direction of the phone. "The complex must've mixed something up on their end, I thought I was rooming with only one other person."

Rain grinds his jaw, visibly unhappy with what he finds written in the document.

"She can't stay," He speaks to his friends, not me, which angers me instantly. "The leasing office needs to fix this,"

"Excuse me?" I snap, stepping fully into the kitchen so that he faces me again. "Shouldn't I get a say in this? And either way, breaking a lease could get me blacklisted from every apartment complex in this city." Forcing Rain to hold eye contact, I get in his space as he did to me. "Pick another option cause that's not even a choice,"

Speaking through his teeth, he doesn't back down. "I will throw your luggage off this balcony, don't try me, Scott."

I blink, stomach knotting. "How'd you know my last name?" That's one thing I had intended not to tell them, so I didn't, he shouldn't know.

Scoffing, he scrutinizes me, eyes casting up and down as I shrink into myself. "Your face is constantly plastered on every scandal piece in the tri-state area. No way am I letting the poster child for drama stay with us," He practically spits the last part, disgust evident in his tone.

"Paisley Scott?" Malachi's eyes widen as he attempts to conceal the blush slowly creeping up his neck.

"The one and only," My voice is flat, irritated at best. I can't run from my name for even a day.

Elias raises an eyebrow at his friend as he awkwardly rubs the back of his head.

"I'm familiar with her work." He supplies, surprising me.

Usually, when people learn who I am they don't turn my novels up as a reference, and even when they do, it's not to appreciate them.

"What work? The drunken partying and arrest records?" Rain is less than amused, practically fuming.

"Yeah, and I guess taking your manners and shoving them up your ass is how you've earned such a sparkling reputation, Joffrey." I've never seen a man so angry, but a weird zap of excitement fires through my veins.

"Guys maybe we should just talk about this." Elias sounds worried, but it's futile, Rain has his sights set on buying me the next ticket to Japan.

"You'll be out by the end of the day." With one last menacing scowl, Rain stomps out of the apartment, slamming the door on his way, and leaving my heart pounding.