Afterlife - Stephanie Hudson Page 0,136

one side grabbing the arm that she had dug her nails into, so I couldn't help moaning at the feel of pressure. It was also the hand that I hit the tree with so it didn't look good for me. He let go of my arm once he heard the groan that slipped out. He didn't ask me what was wrong he just lifted my arm and examined it. I pulled it away from him and said,

“It’s fine,” and held my hand behind my back.

Draven looked furious and I felt scared being there to witness it. I swallowed hard trying to mask my fear with bravery. He turned his head towards the direction Layla had left and gritted his teeth saying,

“Kelba!”(Means“Bitch” in Maltese) But again I didn't understand. I wanted to leave but his tall frame blocked my way. I had never seen him so angry and I could have sworn that I saw his eyes flicker to purple but returned quickly to jet-black.

“I’d better be going,” I said as I tried to pass him but he didn't move and my hands started to shake behind my back.

“Wait,” he said in a softer tone as though my words had pulled him out of his rage.

“Let me see your arm.” He asked and when I didn't move he looked down at me meeting my eyes but I wasn't going to falter. I had had just about enough of being ordered around tonight and I was tired of it!

“I told you it’s fine and if I don't go now I will be late for Frank.” I said finishing it with a deep breath only it didn't sound as steady as I had hoped.

“He can wait.” He said pushing it further and the smart thing to do would be to give in but I just couldn't, so I stayed firm and replied,

“But I can't, so if you'll excuse me, Sir.” And with that I turned my back on him and left down the main staircase. Only my plan didn't work very well as when I got there I was stopped by two of Draven's huge guards. They stood in my way but with my blood boiling from all the humiliation my bravery didn't fade.

“Excuse me!” I said and they looked over me to their Master. I turned looking in the same direction to find Draven's eyes burning into me. His eyes stayed on mine for longer than ever before. I was just about to give in and go back to him when he broke away first, nodding to the men that stood like a wall blocking my path. They parted and let me through but I had a feeling I was going to pay for this at a later date. I nearly ran down the steps and out of the building that felt as though it was consuming my soul. I was sure I could still feel his eyes staring at me until I was out of the main doors.

I couldn't believe what I just did. What was I trying to prove? I had just disobeyed a man like Draven. I really was crazy.

It was raining and I ran for the car parked with the engine cut. Frank had been waiting. This time I couldn't fake anything to Frank so instead I turned to him and said,

“I think I just made a big mistake.”

“I doubt that but what happened?” He said giving me far too much credit than I deserved. He started the car and pulled out onto the main road.

“I just really pissed off my boss.”

“You mean Draven?” He was serious but he didn't look as worried as I did.

“The man himself.” I said as I held my head up with one hand leaning my elbow on the side window.

“Aww come on, it can't be that bad and he likes you remember?” He said nudging me on my other arm.

“Well if he did, I doubt he does anymore after the show I just put on.”

“Christ, you didn't take a swing at him did you?” He said as he’d just noticed my red fist. I laughed at the thought and his worried face straightened.

“No, but ha, ha... this was just another accident but when he had asked to see it I told him no and walked off.” He grinned and then his eyes fell to my gloved arms and sadness replaced his smile.

“Well I'm sure he admired you standing up for yourself, I can't imagine that happens a lot around a man like