Returning to Life

Chapter Four

"Don't you think it's time we stopped acting like just acquaintances?"

Leelah turned her head slightly away.  His breath smelled like rotten garlic.  The fact that she smelled it so strongly  enforcing the fact he was way too close to her.

The doors beside her slid open and she watched worriedly as the other passengers stepped off.  Without waiting too long to think of it, she slid by him and out the doors. 

Unfortunately Jonny and his minions stepped out too.  He smiled at her.

"Leelah, why do I get the feeling you wanna get away from me all the time?"

She squared her shoulders.  This was rediculous.  "Look Mr. Kyri--"

"Call me Jonny baby." He stepped towards her.  "We are gonna be good friends.  Let's go find a good place ro get to know each other better."

He grabbed her elbow.  She tried to pull away but he took a firm hold.  His friend boxing them in.

"Relax.  I'm not gonna hurt you Leelah.  You're knew here and still don't know the area.  I'll show you around tonight." 

He leaned down and kisses the side of her face.  "It'll be fun."

She took a calming breath, resisting the urge to wipe where his lips had touched her skin. 

She didn't want to make a giant scene on the platform.  He made it clear he wasn't going to let go of her arm.  She had never felt unsafe walking home before.  She followed him down the stairs.  Thankfully he headed in the opposite direction of her house.

This entire situation enforced her decision that he could never know where she lived. She'd never get rid of him.

She had to be smart about this.  She didn't want to blindly follow him anywhere.  She needed to be around people.  She glanced around the streets.  She vaguely recognized the area.

"I actually know a good place.  It's low key and quiet."  She smiled up at him.  He looked a little suspicious.  "If you don't care for it, you can show me you favorite places."

He seemed to relax a little and smiled at her.  He shrugged.  "Lead the way babe."

     ***

A good fifteen minutes later they were were walked into the tall, swanky, building that served as a well known historical hotel.

"Here?" 

He grinned down at her.  It was obvious he was coming to a completely different conclusion to why she chose a hotel.  She mentally grimaced.  She suppose it was risky choosing this place for obvious reasons.  But usually grand hotels like this had bars or restraunts.  And bathrooms.  He couldn't follow her into the restroom."

She tried to smile normally and nodded.  "The bar here is super nice."

His smile was edging towards lewd.  "I'm sure."

The bottom of the hotel was busy.  Just like she had hoped.  If under different circumstances, she would have enjoyed looking around.  It was an extremely beautiful hotel.  White granite floors, small shops, a beautiful fountain, and thankfully a small, but posh restraunt with a well sized bar.

Jonny's friend standing on her other side ran his hand up and down her back.  She edged away but Jonny tightened his hand on her wrist. She tried to pull it away but he tightened his hold almost painfully. 

"Don't be so shy babe."  He pulled her forward, she stumbled slightly but quickly caught her step.  This was going to get ugly if she couldn't slip away.