Once Upon A Bet

/4/ Horrible memories

Dedicated to HushFan for being the first vote last chapter <33

My heart shouldn't shatter at the sound of his voice.

Not anymore.

But just my name coming out his lips was enough to send a warning chill down my spine.

Two years ago hearing his voice would probably have my chest fluttering with excitement. Butterflies in my stomach and all that stuff. My heartbeat would have increased and he would have swung me off with one of his killing smiles.

But as I stood in that noisy bar, fist clenched and not allowing myself to lift my gaze from his chest, I knew that naive effect he used to have in me couldn't be farther from our reality now. Instead, I focused on steadying my breathing and keeping emotions from my face.

"I..." his voice broke my thick concentration. It was deeper than I remember. With a hint of confusion and something I couldn't quite decipher. "Is that really you?"

I could count the loud beats of my heart, almost feeling as if it could from my chest at any moment. Ragged, yeah, but nothing in the churning I felt in guts screamed excitement.

This can't be happening . Not like this. I wasn't supposed to see him ever again. I-

-was snapped out my trance when my chin was gently raised, forcing my eyes to meet those sky blue ones that pierced through my soul.

Jake Tucker.

His sandy blond hair was no longer reaching his ears in a surfer style. He had it into a military cut, shorter on the sides which really suit him, along with his alluring tan like he'd spend a lot of time in the sun. But his eyes were the same. His leather jacket was the same. Much to my dismay, he still looked like a Calvin Klein model. Only now even more. His frame looked broader and that halo of mystery had increased noticeably.

My heart ached as a wave of tingles that spread from where our skins met down my neck and limbs, snapping me out my intent of keeping it cold. Red rage flowed through me and I immediately pushed his hand away.

"Don't touch me." I sneered with venom dripping from every word. Well, there goes my controlled approach.

His eyes widened a fraction, but it only took him a second to cover the confusion of seeing me there with a dark look. His eyes narrowed, hardening on the edges. "The fuck are you doing here?"

"I don't owe you any explanation."

I went to step pass him, refusing to enter this game, whatever he was planning; but of course Jake wasn't having that. His hand gripped my arm, halting me mid step and spinning me to face him again.

"Not so fast." he bellowed and the knot in my stomach tightened painfully. This is exactly what I feared when coming back. His reappearance in my life triggered bad memories I'd so desperately tried to bury.

"Let go of me." I tugged uselessly.

"Runnin' again?" he mocked maliciously. "Is what you do best, uh?"

"Now, Tucker." I spat out in disdain, but instead of listening his grip tightened all the more. My heart was beating so violently against my rib-cage, I was almost sure he could hear it.

"Make me."

"Jake," Shawn cleared his throat, stepping closer with a careful look, speaking slowly not to trigger more the situation. "Come on, man. Let's not make a scene here."