Nemesis: A Love Story

TESSA

She had sensed something. They were always on high alert. Her instincts.
Always aware of her surroundings. A skill she'd had to learn at an early age. Too early.
Never let your guard down.
Never turn your back.
Even on those you believed could be trusted.
It had come in handy in the foster homes and on the streets.
Keep your head down.
Make yourself invisible.
But always be prepared.
Always expect the worst out of humans.
Trust no one.
Protect yourself.
Protect yourself.
She'd learned self defence when she was 14. In one of the rare so so foster homes, she'd lived with a retired cop and his fifth wife.
They'd been alright.
He'd taught her self defence. The basics. How to break someone's nose with the palm of your hand.
Swift upwards movement.
The old reliable knee to the balls.
Most opponents will be bigger than you, he had told her, your job is to avoid being pinned, bring them down, and run.
If only she had known that at 13.
Now 7 years later, at the ripe old age of 20 she'd become a master of sorts at it. When she could afford it she took the odd class. She'd go without eating when she had too.
Protect yourself.
Always.
Because no one is coming to save you.
No one.
The rain gets heavier.
So now here she is,aware she is being followed. Has been aware of it for the last 10 mins. She sees an alley coming up ahead. She makes the decision.
They'll either follow or move on.
She doesn't believe in paranoia.
She dips into the alley. Finds cover and waits. Her right hand dips into her coat pocket.
She doesn't have to wait long.
She's knocked off kilter for a brief moment when she realizes who it is.
Lucifer in all his glory.
Wearing his usual whipped jeans, black hoodie and bomber jacket. His combat boots are scuffed up.
She watches as he turns around looking for her.
He can't find her.
He lifts his eyes up to the fire escapes above and she makes her move.
She pins him to the wall twists an arm behind his back before he knows what's happening.
He smells good.
She's never been this close to him. She can see the side of his face. His jawline, the angle of his refined nose, the cheekbones that could cut glass, the long eye lashes.
"Stop following me"
She warns him.
Her voice is calm. Cold. Like steel.
Her heart is pounding in her chest.
He smirks at her.
Bastard.
She pulls back and shoves him and his pretty face harder into the bricks again.
This is her mistake.
Her emotions get the best of her and before she knows it, he's turned the tables.
He gets loose, manhandles her until her back is pressed against the wall.
He's tall. Hovering over her. Those eyes lock into hers.
"You wish"
He whispers to her. Her eyes drift to his lips.
She gets a full view of his face. Even more perfect then she thought.
Those eyes of his move over her face. He licks his lips.
Habit or preparation for something else, she isn't sure.
Cocky son of a bitch.
He has her cornered.
She's cornered.
She's trapped.
No.
No.
Not now.
She's panicking.
Losing control.
His big hands press her shoulders tighter into the wall.
Light flashes before her eyes.
She's 13 again
Thrown back into the past.
On the ground.
A larger body on top of her.
Her face sideways, a cheek being smashed into the dirt.
Pains in her shoulder and back.
Sharp.
Twisted.
Blood.
There's always blood.
A rough hand, a strong hand flips her over onto her back now.
A body straddles her. Holding her down. She feels like she's sinking into the ground.
Something flashes.
She's want to scream.
But she can't.
She claws at his face instead.
There's pain like she's never experienced on her throat.
Flash.
The Sun is staring at her, there's no cockiness now.
He looks thrown. He's looking at something. His eyes fixed on her throat and neck. She's breathing heavily. She can hear herself.
He sees its.
He's seen it.
She panics.
His fingers come up. Pushing her hair aside.
Exposing it more.
His fingers touch the jagged leathery skin, gentle.
His eyes aren't gentle. His eyes fill with anger. Rage even. But it's not at her.
She knows this.
"Who hurt you?" He asks between clenched teeth. His grip has loosen on her and he's more holding her up in his arms now. Comfortingly.
"Tessa"
He says her name so softly, it sounds different coming out of his mouth. There's no venom in it. No underlined baiting.
That snaps her back to reality.
Her hand moves without her knowledge.
The cool steel rests against his throat.
Neither move.
"Back off" she doesn't recognize her own voice.
She feels him release her. She pushes the knife harder into his throat.
It doesn't cut him.
She wouldn't cut him. Not on purpose.
That realization cripples her.
"Tell me who hurt you"
She looks at him. Expecting pity. It isn't there. His eyes are just blue. Beautiful blue eyes searching hers for answers.
"Stay the fuck away from me" she warns him before using all her strength to shove him away.
He stumbles over his own feet and she uses the opportunity to do what she's learned.
She runs.
Leaving him there, standing in the alley. Alone.
There's blood on the tip of the knife.