The storm (Sideswipe)

Ch 1. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2009

⚠️ HIS BOOK HAS VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL CONTENT
(Edited version)

—   CASIPHIA BLYTHE —

The brilliant sun hung high in the sky, its warm rays gently caressing my face as I gazed upwards. With a deep inhalation, I closed my eyes, savoring the briny sea breeze that filled my lungs. In the distance, the tranquil sound of waves lapping against the shore provided a soothing backdrop. I reclined on my beach towel, releasing tension from every muscle in my body. My adoration for Miami had been growing. This was my first visit to the South Coast, and I was quickly falling in love with it. The weather was simply fantastic, and the atmosphere had a special charm. It had been a year since I moved to New York due to my stepfather's new job. The whole relocation had been a challenging experience for all of us, especially leaving my birthplace in Europe behind, but I had grown accustomed to my new life, and I found myself genuinely enjoying my time in the United States.

    My peace was interrupted by an unexpected surge of sand. Startled, I exclaimed, "Hey!" and glanced at my mischievous brother, who had just plopped down beside me, sending yet another wave of sand my way. "Did you have to do that?" I growled, brushing sand from my chest and stomach. Chase rolled his eyes. "You're boring. Are you staying on that towel all day?"

    "You want me to join you in the water?" His response was a subtle nod, accompanied by an innocent smile, and a hopeful, 'Please?' Those puppy-dog eyes made their appearance, a well-practiced routine of his whenever he sought a favor. I relented, albeit cautiously, "Fine, but no more sand!" I jabbed a finger in his direction, narrowing my eyes slightly.  Chase leaped up with a delighted yelp, brimming with happiness. "Promise!" he chirped. I slowly rose from the ground, brushing the last remnants of sand from my body before following my younger brother.

    After a refreshing swim with my two younger brothers, I decided to dry off and take a leisurely stroll along the shore. I reached for the towel and meticulously dried myself. My mom glanced up from her spot on her own towel and inquired, "Where are you off to?"

"Just planning on a brief walk... I'll return shortly." She offered a subtle suggestion, gesturing toward the bag, "There's a quaint café not too far from here. Get some food." It wasn't really a question, so I nodded.

    Bending down, I tucked a silver strand of hair behind my ear while sifting through the bag. Flashing a reassuring smile, I got to my feet and assured her, "Alright, I'll be back in about twenty or fifteen minutes." She returned the smile, "Enjoy yourself," before reclining on her towel. I quickly slid into my jean shorts and made my way off the beach.

    Some men flashed me a smile. With my long silver hair and deep emerald green eyes, I was different from people. I got used to the stares and picked up pace. As I made my way across the street, I stumbled upon a quaint café. The one my mother had mentioned before. I came to a stop and took in the buzzing sight. It'd take me forever. At least longer than twenty minutes. "Busy, huh?" A male voice spoke, startling me.

    I turned my head to look at the tall, muscular male. He had to be five inches over six feet tall, with a chiseled jaw, shaved, bright blue eyes, and dark brown hair. Just long enough to run your fingers through. He was covered in tan skin and wore a strong perfume. I guessed his age around nineteen or twenty maybe. He took me in carefully, from my hair to the pink flip-flops I wore, and smiled with arrogance, that I knew, meant trouble.

    "Yes, I suppose I'll have to go somewhere else."

    "There's a restaurant down the street. If you like, we can grab a bite." His sensual mouth curled in a mischievous smile. "Unless you'd like to wait for whatever is so popular here." He jerked his chin to the cafe. "Sure, let's go down the road. What's your name?" The male fell in a pace beside me and stuffed his hand in the front pockets of his jeans. Way too warm.

    "Sideswipe. You can call me Sides for short." I chewed on my lip, taking in the strange name. "And yours...?" He trailed off. "Casiphia Blythe," Sideswipe repeated my name as if I was some sort of goddess. "Beautiful name for a beautiful female." I rolled my green eyes. A charmer for sure.

    We hobbled down the street and eventually came to a stop. A small restaurant and it didn't bustle like the cafe on the other end. Sideswipe took the lead and held the door open for me. "Thank you." He seemed very pleased with my company. Like most males did when I got asked to have dinner or lunch with them. Sometimes I agreed, but most of the time I didn't. Especially after just escaping an abusive relationship.

    After we ordered we settled down at a table near the window. "You're... unusual." I cocked a brow at him and he gestured at his eyes and hair to imply what he meant. "Is your hair natural?" I twirled some wet strands around my fingers and nodded. "It is." He let out a soft 'oh' sound and leaned back. "And where are you from?" I asked. "Far away." His gaze slid to the pepper grinder and reached for it. Fiddling it in his hands.

    "So am I." Sideswipe slightly angled his head. "Europe," I added. "Then what are you doing here?" I shrugged. "My dad got a new job." He hummed. "Stepdad actually." Sideswipe took me in carefully. "And, do you like it here?" I nodded.

    The waitress served our food a few minutes later. "Are you on a holiday?" Sideswipe shook his head while he dug into his eggs. "No, I am here for business." I cut into my own food. "What work do you do?" Sideswipe's lack of response had me look up. He set his fork down and swallowed his bite. "I— some sort of... special force," he trailed off. "So, you work for the government then?" He nodded slowly. "Yes and no. I am a soldier."

    "At such a young age then."

    It also meant he knew how to handle weapons like guns, riffles, and daggers. Although he didn't wear any of it now, didn't mean he didn't possess it and if he was really here for business. Whatever that meant. "You work alone?" Sideswipe nodded slowly. "Usually with my twin brother. For now, I work alone." There was a hint of sadness in his tone and I knew right then that this wasn't the full truth and that something must've happened.

***

    When lunch finished, we walked down the street again. "I'd like to show you something." There was something in the way he spoke that made her feel uncomfortable. "I'll have to return to my family." This male was powerful, trained in combat from a young age and she didn't know him. In fact, she had a terrible feeling gutting her. "It won't take long. It's down this road on the left."
She frowned.

    Sideswipe flashed a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.  "Can I have your number?" I snorted. "We just met." He hummed. "So?! Why can't I have your number?" he asked somewhat arrogantly. "If I would give my number to any guy, I'd be slammed." His eyes darkened. "I'm not any guy, for a starter. Secondly, you can't reject me." Both my brows rose at this point. Had he truly lost his mind?

    "You're too puffed up in your own importance, Sideswipe." I gave him a flat look. His nostrils flared. "Your honesty is downright delightful," he deadpanned. I strode onto a parking lot and pointed to a stunning Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2009 parked in the lot. It was his sports car he'd liked to show off. Males and their cars. I followed him.

    I walked a circle around it, stroking his ego with a compliment, and intended to leave shortly after that, but Sideswipe grasped my elbow. "You'd like to have a ride?" In a car with a stranger? No, thank you. I flashed a smile. "I'm good. It was nice meeting you, Sideswipe. Good luck with your... mission."

    "I am sorry." She cocked a brow and swirled, watching his eyes flash around. "You're sorry for what?" I cocked a brow. His blow happened so fast that I couldn't register his fist connected with my head before I collapsed and blacked out.