Bloodlust

Chapter Two

My body let out heavy thud as I rolled off of the couch. I groaned, hurting from the sudden change of cushion to wood.

"Morning sunshine," a disembodied voice sang out. I glanced up to find Quinton staring down at me.

Quinton was another close friend of Rowen's who also stayed at the house. He used to scare me until I realized how much of a teddy bear he was.

"Morning Quinton," I mumbled out. Sitting up, I readjusted my sad excuse of a bun and looked around. The living room was empty. "Where's Rowen?"

Quinton shook his head disapprovingly. "I don't know why you bother with that boy." Knowing I would ask again, he gestured towards the poker room. "He's playing with his other homeboys."

Prior to heading to find him, I walked to my car and pulled out the duffel bag that now held my life. I carried it upstairs, freshened up, and sauntered towards the cigar scented space.

"Cabrón!" someone's voice yelled out. Laughter erupted in the room as a pile of cards spread out on the table.

"You owe me a hundred now. Ima be waiting to collect." Rowen gathered his victim's poker chips. He was ready to start the next game and barely noticed me at the door until someone else did.

"Aye who's the honey at the door? You look too sweet to be on this side of town," an older gentleman complimented me.

I rolled my eyes and smiled, disgusted but flattered at the cliche compliment.

"The name's Char," I introduced myself.

"Damn." He analyzed my body vulgarly and I instinctively crossed my arms to cover my chest. "I'd do whatever it takes to get my hands on you."

"Edgar." Rowen shot him an evil eye that could be felt throughout the entire room. "That's enough."

"Yeah Edgar. Boss says Char's off limits. Or is your memory so fucked you forgot?" Charlie taunted.

I was almost satisfied with hearing he had claimed me until he gave me a similar death glare.

Oh no, here we go.

"I'm out this round. Ima be back." He had made his way across the room mid-sentence. He locked eyes with mine, communicating with me without having to speak up. He shut the room door and pulled me into the kitchen.

"You're mad at me," I sighed.

"Damn right I'm mad. You never fucking listen. Didn't I tell you not to go into the poker room?!"

I let out an irritated huff. "I wasn't in the poker room. I was standing by the door."

He stepped back and balled his hands around his hair. Glimpsing up, he continued to cuss under his breath sharply.

Rowen's rage was an emotion that was easily triggered. Men feared him for it, but I thought it made him incredibly attractive. Even watching him right now was turning me on.

"Are you even listening Char?" he interrupted my thoughts.

"Yes, I was!" I protested.

"Really?" He crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side. "What was the last thing I said?"

"You said... it had something to do with... alright you caught me I have no idea." I stuttered. How can he expect me to listen when he was looking at me like that? 

"I'm starting to second guess if this was a good idea," he mumbled, leaning back on the granite kitchen counter. He pressed his thumb to his lip and frowned when I stepped closer. "Stop."