Princess Can Fight |✓

Chapter 8: Protected

They both said nothing at first. There was just eye contact. The worry that pooled in Austin's eyes said so much, it almost made words seem unnecessary. Brad nodded and got off the sofa.

"Go get the car... We'll see you outside." Brad was the first to speak. I had a feeling that Austin was waiting for him to say something. Like he was waiting for - orders?

Austin passed a hand through his dark brown hair and walked towards the front door. His body looked so rigid it freaked me out.

It was one thing for Brad to be tense, it looked sexy on him. With Austin? It looked like he could cry any moment... It made him look vulnerable, scared almost.

"Let's go Izabelle." I heard Brad's voice and noticed him buttoning up a shirt he had thrown over carelessly. "Can't leave you here alone after what happened." He explained thoughtfully.

I really felt confined and caged at home currently, and actually felt like getting fresh air... I mean if I was with them, I didn't have anything to worry about, right?

"What's the emergency about?" I found myself asking as we walked towards the car. It was more of a distraction for myself than anything else.

"He has this-this habit of calling home every six hours. I suppose he must've called home after he spoke to James. I don't know what it is yet but it's family related so it's probably serious."

"How do you know it's something related to his family? I mean- I'm just curious. He didn't specify-"

"I've known him long enough to know when it's about family." Brad gave me a smile.

Brad held the door open for me to get inside the car.

I got the front seat while Brad got in the back. I didn't understand why he'd do that- wouldn't it make more sense for him to be closer to Austin? To calm him down?

I didn't dare make a sound though.

The silence was something I figured Austin needed at this time. Brad didn't have the habit of talking too much- that I had learnt.

Watching Austin's pensive face made me realise something. He was disturbed. Hell I would be too, if James was in danger.

Brad was right, his eyes showed everything. Those dark brown pools of madness could hide nothing. His lip had been chewed on. His hair had been tugged at. I didn't need him to talk to say any of that.

I noticed Brad's eyes in the mirror. He looked calm. Peaceful almost. I couldn't read him. His eyes showed pain but it was how he hid everything else. Happiness showed. Nothing else did. That worried me about him. How could someone be so open and so closed off at the same time?

How could he be these two people- one who only felt pain and one who felt nothing but joy- and still breathe?

The car jerked stopped, Austin jumped out hurriedly walked towards the door that stood there tall.

I had an overwhelming urge to run after him but I decided against it. Staying in the safety of the car seemed practical, in light of recent events of course. I wasn't one to invite trouble on myself, at least I tried not to.

My eyes met Brad's again. I opened my mouth in a vain attempt to start a conversation with him. His gaze somehow intimidated me- and that didn't happen very often.

Should I ask where he was? Ugh no! He'll probably avoid the topic like the freaking plague! Let's not call for any more silences.

Oh but where was he? Where had he been? What did all the deep blue sadness hide? How was pain so peaceful for him?