Branded

Chapter 9

- Nikki's POV -

Calum leads Lee off of the dance floor and out of the bar. If she wasn't so sensible, I'd be worried. Calum shoots a quick look at Michael before taking Lee out. Calum seems like a nice guy, even if he's always in trouble. I don't want to, but I trust him around her.

"Looks like he was the smart one," Michael says watching them leave, "Maybe we should get out of here, too." He takes a wad of cash out of his pocket and leaves it by our empty glasses. He grasps my arm and starts to lead me out. We are just at the door when a voice stops Michael, "Well, well, well, look who it is."

Michael's whole body tenses up. "Don't turn around" he hisses in my ear before he turns. The doors to the bar are glass. I try to get a look at the person who stopped Michael via reflection, but he's standing directly behind me. I can feel someone touch my hair a little. I try not to flinch. The person twirls some of my hair around one of their fingers. Our of the corner of my eye, I can see how tense Michael has become. He's also fuming mad.

"Turn around, gorgeous," the man says, "Let me see your face." His free hand traces down my back along my spine. I hold my ground and refuse to turn. His grip on my hair tightens and he pulls me back into him. He holds my face in one of his hands and presses his fingers in. Instinctively, I glare at him with pure hatred.

I get a good look at him through my anger and catch my breath a little. He has dark hair and dark eyes. He wears black clothes that look relatively expensive. He has an innocent looking face, but mischief dances in his eyes. He is sexy as hell. He smiles at me like he can read my thoughts, but simply says, "Well, Crimson, you caught yourself something different here. She isn't a slut like the others and she looks more durable. She might last you two months this time."

"Leave her alone, Jack. She's just a friend." Michael says holding his temper. I feel a lump form in my throat at that comment. She's just a friend.

Jack's hand slides down my side and I punch him in the nose. Blood trickles out slowly. I brace myself for the hit, but he simply smirks as he holds napkins to his face, "She's feisty, too. Can't wait to get a hold of her."

Jack walks out of the place, but Michael doesn't loosen up at all. He grips my arm again, tight, before leading me out of the bar. He basically drags me to his car and peels out of the parking lot. Normally, I probably wouldn't get into a car with Michael, but Jack had scared me.

After driving around in circles for nearly half an hour, Michael takes me to the outskirts of town. There, we arrive at a large, empty-looking house. Michael walks around the side of the car and opens my door. He helps me out and brings me inside. Its beautiful even if it is a bit dirty. He brings me upstairs to what I assume to be his room. I sit on his bed and watch as he paces back and forth.

"Who was that?" I finally ask.

"No one. An ass hole who is supposed to leave me alone." he replies as he continues to pace.

"Why was he interested in me?"

"Because you were with me."

"So?"

"Drop it, Nick. It's none of your business." he snaps. I sigh and stand up. I walk over to him and stand in front of him to stop his pacing path.

I lightly place my hands on his arms, "Michael, what's wrong?"

He looks me in the eyes before shaking his head, "Babe, its nothing. Don't worry about it, alright? I won't let Jack bother you again."

"Babe?" I ask slightly confused.

He smiles and kisses me softly, "That is if you'll have me."

"I.. I don't know because I have school and work and-" He interrupts my ramblings with a kiss.

One kiss turns into two and soon enough, we can't pull away for even a second. Our kisses become more and more heated and the warm feeling in my stomach spreads. I feel him hand slide under my shirt and up my side. Goosebumps trail his touch. He lifts my shirt off and throws it across the room. I cross my arms over my chest. He smiles and shakes his head.

Michael walks across the room to his dresser and pulls out a red-and-black plaid shirt. He makes his way back to me and pulls me in his embrace. His fingers trace up my spine and stop at my bra. He fiddles with the latch a little before I feel the freedom of having it off. Michael's eyes don't leave mine, though. He slips the shirt on over my head and pulls it all the way down.

"There," he whispers, "That should be more comfortable." He starts to kiss me again and I soon find myself laying on my back on his bed. He's on top and is kissing me more and more.

We kiss for hours before we both grow tired. I lay my head on his chest and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of his heart and his breathing. He plays with my hair a little and holds me until we both fall asleep.