The Criminal's Girl

Chapter 7

“Oh MY GOD!!! You look amazing!” Zeni complimented loudly as I exited the bathroom. Gushing at the proud comment, I grinned and gave her a twirl.

“Thanks Zeni,” I said.

“No seriously, I’m not even joking, you look AMAZING!!! Xavier is not going to be able to take his eyes off you tonight!” she complimented further, making me blush crimson.

“That’s the idea,” I said cheekily.

“It better be, now, he should be here in about 5 minutes, have you got everything?” she asked, getting serious.

“I think so,” I replied and checked out my bag looking for all my essentials. My outfit consisted of a short white lace skirt that brushed mid-thigh, a sleeveless denim bandeau that showed off my pierced belly-button (hey, it was boiling hot outside) bare legs and a pair of lace-up Jeffrey Campbells on my feet (I said I had a thing for shoes). My long curly hair spiralled down to my butt and my make-up was light. A little black eyeliner, mascara and dark red lipstick (I’m pale, there has to be an advantage or two that comes with that, right?)

Handing me my cross earrings, Zeni grinned encouragingly. “Now, I expect you back at mine no later than 12:00 missy, or I will be calling the police officer to come fetch your naughty be-hind away from any young gentleman thinking to settle their hands there!” Zeni joked, putting on a Jamaican accent and preaching like a priest to the choir.

“Amen, Brother Zen, Amen!” I joined in, dissolving into a fit of giggles. We laughed for a solid two minutes before we heard the doorbell ring and paused. Picking ourselves up from the floor, Zeni and I walked to the front door, not worried about being caught as Dan and Mel were out at the cinema. I’d already texted saying I’d be sleeping over at Zeni’s for the night and as I opened the door, I signed a little as I glanced upon the guy in the entrance.

“Hey,” he said, his eyes locked on mine as soon as the door was fully opened. He looked amazing, I thought, smiling a little, as my eyes took in his low-hanging jeans, white string-vest, leather jacket and high-tops.

“Hi, yourself,” I managed to say, my eyes glued to his, mirroring the fiery desire lurking in his. Having worn my Jeffrey Campbell, my height had increased a little and my head now met his chin, he still being about a head taller than me.

We heard a small cough in the background and yanking our gazes away from one another, turned towards the intruding noise.

“’Sup!” Zeni greeted a triumphant smirk on her face. Shit, we’d been caught seriously ogling one another, I thought, mentally whacking myself in the head, I am soo not going to hear the end of this.

“Ah, right, um, Xavier, this is my best friend Inez, and Zeni, this is, my, I mean, Xavier Matheson,” I stuttered through introductions, silently cursing myself at Zeni’s amused expression.

“Nice to meet you, Xavier,” Zeni nodded to him.

“Likewise, Inez,” Xavier replied coolly, nodding back. I breathed slowly and looked back at Zeni, hoping she hadn’t gotten offended by Xavier’s cool greeting. I understood why he’d acted the way he did. People in our line of business weren’t overly trusting and had to be short and indifferent with strangers, best way to stay safe.

“Okay, so we’ll see you later,” I said goodbye and hugged her, whispering quickly, “I’ll be back by 12:00, have a good time with Dillon.”

Xavier held out his hand and I slid mine into his waving at Zeni closing the door before turning back and clutching his hand.

“What... is that?” I asked.

“I’m not going to lie, that is the first time I’ve heard someone ask what that is,” Xavier smirked, his voice deep and lulling. “Since you’re a newcomer, I let you in on a secret... It’s a bike.” He replied, sarcasm dripping from his tone.