Black Temptation

Chapter 12

"Why were staring so hard at that picture?" I ask as he backs off the driveway. His hand halts its fondling with the radio stations as my questions lingers more than it should.

"It reminded me of someone."

I nod, not wanting to prod nor speak any longer than is necessary. The tainted silence hovers our heads like clouds, small talk not our forte.

"So, that picture is very old, why haven't you updated what I presume is your brother, Marcos, as it said?"

I bow my head in deep thought. My face dying in expression. Should I tell him?

"Um...He...He died a week after that picture from pneumonia."

His stare sorrowfully mirrors mine.

"I'm sorry."

I let out a deep breath.

"Me too."

We...He drives in silence, occasionally tapping his fingers on the steering wheel to mimick the sounds spurting from the radio. I can sense something is itching at his throat and it's torture to not speak about it.

Again, not wanting to prod nor speak longer than necessary, I hold my tongue. This skill-in-training probably being beneficial in my earlier days.

We near the sign that says, "Leaving So Soon?" with a hanging board reading, "5 miles from outskirts." I wonder, what is so special about this place that it can't be within the city? Harry was immensely eager to go and now his face pollutes my excitement for my outstanding toffee bars.

What could be bothering him?

I freeze at the thought. Harry almost combusted underneath me when Susan said "Mr.Earlwind" that day in the hallway. They have more ties to each other than just a little friendship. What if Peters is following Harry? Knew Harry would be at my house and planted something to take us both out?

I know he wouldn't do it so blatantly. He would take his time and that builds me in fear every minute.

My eyes hurriedly shoot to Harry's to avoid another thought that soils the the skin I wear. He's leaning on the adjacent arm rest, fingers stroking his bottom lip as the others hold the wheel. He pauses then temporarily looks at me and winks. My head moves away from his in an exaggerated intake of breath. He deeply snickers at this, releasing his swollen lips from the stroking they endured.

"Um s-so, where are we headed?" I query nervously, mentally cursing at myself for my timid actions. He accelerates and we continue treading along a antique road of various sized shops appearing on either side.

"Berkeley's-à-Portea." He states proudly. I gawk at him in awe, my heart beating at the pace of a jaguar, excitement I can't contain.

"That place is so expensive!"

He gazes at me, emerald jewels glistening as he slightly nods his head.

"I know."

"The hottest celebrities go there!" 

I exclaim, clenching my hands and looking at the floor.

"I know."

I release my fingers, only to have them swallow my head.

"The prime minister proposed to his wife there!"

"Yes, I know."

"...and I look like white trash." I whine into my hands.

"I kn-" He pauses.

I eye him... and he just weakly smirks. We pull into the parking spot on the side of the building. Streets are semi-flooded with hippies and college students, all who are conversing or making fun near bars and light poles. He unbuckles and I let out a sigh, trying to hide my uncertainty about entering.

"Well, thanks for the bringing here...I guess."

I unbuckle and wait for him to release me from the very stylish Coupe.

"Oh, it's the least I could do." His voice treading over my ears in a light, sweet tone I almost forgot he contained.

Wait, I'm confused. Didn't he just say I owed him? 

"Why is that?" I peer at him.

He looks and shrugs.

"I kindof... crashed your car."