Afire Love (Under Editing)

Chapter 3: My Hero

I go to the mall with Buddy and park my car in the closest place to the front entrance. 

I think I'm going to buy that new Eminem CD. 

I look anxiously at the music store and step inside. I look at who is sitting at the front desk and feel my heart sink a little bit. It's Austin. He's always too flirty and doesn't seem to take no for an answer. I'm a little worried he'll try to pull something and not know where to draw the line.

The door closes and Austin quickly gets up. "Sorry, no dogs allowed, rules are rules," he says, looking me up and down.

I grit my teeth, trying my best to ignore him, turning around to walk outside to tie Buddy onto the nearest pole when he grabs my waist and pulls me toward him. I quickly turn around in shock and my hand reaches out to slap him but I stop myself. He smirks and grabs my hand, kissing it and going up to my neck and then biting the skin under my ear lightly.

"Calm down, baby," he says.

I manage to control my anger but my eyes are silently choking him.

"I'm just here to buy a CD, so if you excuse me," I say, pushing him off of me. I tie Buddy outside and walk back into the store. I desperately look through the CD's looking for the one I want as fast as I can while regretting that I had ever set foot in here. I go to the register and hand him the money without looking up.

"No need for the receipt," I say, slightly shaking.

"But it's the rules," he insists, dragging each word. Austin holds out the receipt, waiting for me to walk over to him and take it. I snatch it from his hands, but he grabs it tightly and begins crushing my knuckles.

I wince at the pain in my knuckles.

 "Austin, please let me go," I whisper.

He says, "Hold on, cupcake, what's the rush?"

He pulls me forward, puts his hands on my waist, and kisses me.

Ugh, he tastes like cigarettes.

I instantly pull away, shaking. Just then, someone walks in the store and Austin lets go of me.

"How may I help you, sir?" Austin says, straightening out his shirt.

I walk away, with my CD in hand, as fast as I can when I ram into a man. I look up and see that it is Ash. He scans my scared face worriedly and then frowns. He keeps glancing between Austin and I.

"Is everything ok?" he asks sternly.

Austin hurriedly replies, "Yeah, of course, man. It's fine."

I glare at him, my nerves starting to ease now that there is someone else in the room.

"Are you sure?" Ash asks, not sounding convinced.

"Dude, I said yes."

"I wasn't asking you." Ash snaps. He grabs me by my shoulders and looks into my eyes.

"Kat, are you okay?"

I feel something inside of my change. I look out the window and see my reflection. I watch as my eyes change from their plain brown to gold. I stay silent for a minute and then let out a small whisper, hiding my face from Ash.

"Actually, I-I'm alright."

His worried expression turns into one of pure anger as he walks over to Austin.

"What have you done to her?"

Austin looks away, trying to look occupied, fumbling with the cash register.

Ash steps closer to him and asks again; calmly but firmly, "I said," he says furiously, "What have you done to her?"

"Ash, just leave it," I say, intervening.

"No, I won't leave it. He hurt you and I want to know why."

Austin looks terrified but continues to play it cool.

Ash then turns back to me, asking again.

"I know he did something to you. I can see you are not okay. Please." He begs.

    I look down at the floor and sigh, giving in and explaining what had happened. The entire time, I can feel Austin's eyes staring me down. I know he's apprehensive about what was going to happen next. Ash turns back to Austin, his face burning with anger.

"Are you out of your mind? You can't treat a woman like that!"

He walks up to Austin, grabs his shirt, and practically rips him over the counter.

"Who are you to tell me what to do? I didn't do anything except flirt with her. It is not against the law!"

"It is not exactly appropriate if she constantly declines your attempts. There is a fine line of boundaries and you crossed that line!"

"She brought it on herself! Look at what she's wearing!"

"The clothes she wears does not allow you to touch her! What gives you the right to handle someone against their will?"

"Get out of my shop or I will call security."

"She should be the one calling security, not you!"

"Guys, please. Just stop." I desperately attempt, becoming worried.

"He did something wrong and he won't admit to it. That is it. I can leave, safe and unharmed and I promise I will never come here again."

Ash pauses. 

"I have not nor will I ever forget this. Bear that in mind." 

He shoves Austin onto the floor and takes my hand and walks me out of the shop. I turn one last time, not knowing why; but I see Austin wink at me through the reflection of the window. I stop in my tracks.

"What?" he asks, letting go of my hand and looking around him. I have the same feeling of uselessness; like I'm dirt being tossed around.

"Kat?" Ash asks, then glances up and saw Austin, who is smirking at me. He walks back into the shop, grabs Austin's shirt, and pulls him to his face. I see a flash of panic in Austin's eyes as he scrambles for release.

"If you hurt her in any way, you will have me to answer to."

I gasp but am secretly amused. I blankly stare at Austin's baffled face, then Ash sets him down.

"Apologize for your behavior," Ash says.

"Sorry," Austin mutters.

"Not to me, to her." I turn to ignore Austin and look over at Ash, who continues to frown.

Austin walks out of the shop and towards my direction. Ash is walking right behind him just in case Austin tries to pull a stupid move on me.

With no emotion in Austin's voice, he says, "Kat I'm sorry for what I did."

"Say it with some tone," Ash exclaims, shoving Austin.

Ash leaves his hand tightly gripped onto Austin's left arm and his right hand on top of Austin's right shoulder.

"Kat, I'm sorry for what I did to you."

I am about to reply, but Ash quickly pushes Austin to the ground.

"Stay down until we leave."

Ash holds me in his arms for a moment. Then, he grabs my hand and we start walking away. I look back to see if Austin is still on the ground but of course, he is already getting up and walking back into the store.

Hey guys, I'm back! Hehe. I will be updating soon! 

              -Lots of love and pandas, Kikikat14