The Game of Hearts

11. Baggage Pt. 1

Aria was staring at that guy who just walked in. At first, I made the assumption that she thought he was cute. He was handsome, but then when she gave me a nervous look I decided it definitely wasn't that. My eyebrows contorted into the middle of my forehead, my eyes asking her what was wrong before I glanced back at the guy giving us dirty looks. Better yet, giving me dirty looks.

"I should get back to work," she mumbled before standing and making her way over to whoever got Aria into such a funk. He kept his eyes on me when she approached, giving me a weird vibe.

After continuously looking at him, even after he looked away when Aria got his attention, my mind came to a conclusion I really didn't want to come to. Especially after having a sneak peak at Aria's shoulder, which was dumb on her part.

Vampire.

I stood slowly and made my way over to the two who seemed to be arguing over something or other. "Hi, I'm sorry if I caused any trouble," I locked eyes with him, feeling a sudden hatred in my chest. "Liam Foley," I brought my hand out to the Vampire, and I understood what I was doing. I had done this before. This technique was just letting the vampire know who I was. It was a warning.

He glared at me, a low rumble lingering in his chest before he took my hand. His grip was more than firm, it was bone cracking. I winced at the first pop, but then he relaxed when Aria put a hand on his shoulder, which I found odd.

"Oh?" He immediately smirked. "As in John Foley? Didn't he die last year? How tragic," his voice was one of a menace. My hatred burned even more.

"Yes," my tone was passive aggressive. "That was my father."

Aria gave me a look, one made of pity before she looked back at Rowan. She seemed to glare at him before slapping his arm. "Rowan, cut it out. Don't be a dick," she growled. "This is my work, you want to come here and cause drama then you can forget about that deal," she threatened. Deal?

His eyes flashed to hers, suddenly very hectic. "Aria, I just wanted to surprise you. It's not my fault you were flirting with the local Vampire Hunter," Rowan's voice became a hiss.

Aria looked at me finally, a questioning look on her face. "Hunter huh? Interesting..." she paused before looking up at Rowan again. Some sort of realization lingered onto her features but it was gone as fast as it got there. "Listen, we can talk more later, okay?" She asked Rowan, but his glare was still on me. I smirked, knowing I got under his skin. Aria took his elbow, forcing him to look at her. "Okay?" She repeated. He nodded, clearing his throat before exiting the cafe in a rush.

"So you have a vampire boyfriend? Not a wise choice," I commented, and I wasn't trying to judge. But I was.

"Not my boyfriend. Just temporary entertainment," she said before looking like she regretted saying that. "I didn't mean it like that... I'm just new, too... no one here wants to get close to me so I have no one until the people of this town settle with me."

"Well, I want to get close to you," I smiled slightly, glancing down at me feet before hearing her giggle.

"You sure bout that? I'm in cahoots with a vampire," she sent me a teasing eye.

"I mean, why not?"

----

I stayed at the cafe for some time, just waiting for those little chances I could get with her when she'd walk by and ask if I needed anything. On her break she came to talk to me, but I figured I shouldn't stay for that long. I didn't want to creep Aria out. The third time she came by I grabbed her by the hand to stop her from going back behind the counter. She paused and looked at me, confused. "Do you mind if... I get your number?" It had been playing in my mind for a while. Even if I was close to leaving, at least there was a possibility to leave with that.

Aria cocked a brow before putting her hand out. "Phone," was all she said but I got the gist. I pulled it out and handed it to her, watching her put in her information. When she finished I took the phone back and gathered my things.

"I guess I'll see you," was all I said, smirking as she smiled. Her cheeks became a soft pink, making me nervous. But I left before I did anything stupid, which knowing me would definitely happen.