Double Trouble novel Chapter 4

But of course Brogan had already been circulating in the wrong crowd for many years, far longer than I wanted to think about. I'd like to say I had many happy memories of Brogan kissing my cheeks and giggling with me, but I could not summon any of them when I recalled my brother and the way he acted with me. Pity, to think a connection as great as that could be thrown away. A connection I'd forged with Nahla instead, although it wasn't the same because we did not share the blood that Brogan and I did.

Target entered my sights and I jogged to the entrance, wanted to get into the warmth for a moment. I hitched my backpack back on and made a beeline for the shampoos and conditioners, picking up the cheapest one I could. Then I went to the check out, passed the woman the money before she'd even scanned the item and stuffed it into my backpack as she printed out the receipt. "Thanks." I said quickly, slinging my bag back on my back. Then I made for the exit. I did not want to be late to school. I didn't want to have to explain why I was late because I couldn't walk quick enough was not a good enough excuse.

I was just going through the exit when I noticed that I actually had less time than I thought I did. I quicken my pace and stepped out, off the sidewalk and across the road into the parking lot. If I cut through the parking lot and behind the hair salon on the other side of the road, I'd save two minutes. I knew that.

Without thinking, I broke out into a sprint only to almost jump out of my skin a moment later. The sound of screeching tyres caused me to jump and I turned to the left, feeling my neck crick. I winced in pain, and then groaned as I hit the hood of a car - the very car that was coming to a sudden and abrupt holt. I rubbed my neck to try and ease the pain, grumbling to myself as the driver got out of his Mercedes. I was look, bracing myself to be shouted or swore at, but it didn't come. Instead a small inhale of air drew my attention to the man's face.

The chestnut haired man from yesterday stood awkwardly half in and half out of his car. When he noticed me, he scrambled out. I looked around. Could I make it to the other end of the parking lot before he could get to me? No. Did I try anyway? Of course.

I turned, ready to take a step, when the man's hand wrapped around the upper of my arm. He pulled me gently towards me. Well, by gently, it might have been for him but for me, it was enough force to knock me slightly off my feet. I rocked, off balance, and ended up knocking into his chest.

He looked down at me with those soft, large Amber eyes and I realised I'd never seen eyes that colour. "We need to stop meeting like this," I breathed before I could stop myself. I could feel his other hand on my waist, holding me there. A blush spread lightly across my cheeks, and I tried to will it away.

"I want to protect you." The guy whispered, almost inaudibly.

Heat rose to the back of my neck. Imagine wanting to hear someone say they'd be your knight in shining amour for so long for someone to actually say it to your face? The reality of someone noticing that I needed help did not give me the pleasure I thought it did. Dad's damn pride again, that is. I squirmed out of the strangers grasp, clearing my throat. "That's not necessary." I replied formally. "There is no need."

I thought the man would drop his hands now that they were empty, but he reached across the space I'd made between us and put a hand on my shoulder. "I like your eyes." He said. I didn't know whether he was trying to distract me or if he'd changed the conversation because he could sense that what he'd said was out of line.

I thought of my eyes. One blue, like Brogan and our mother and the other a light green. I had always tried to hide my mutation with my ashen hair, but after my parents died, I'd got my bangs cut because my mother had always insisted that I'd looked cute that way.

"Tell me one thing..." He replied.

Blood drained from my face. I remembered Brogan's face yesterday. I remembered the way this man had caught Brogan's look from his car outside of the gallery. I remembered the guy studying me as I waited for Nahla - the free hot chocolates. Don't let people see you're miserable, Brogan's voice rung through my ears. People are nosey. "Maybe." I responded, surreptitiously taking a step away from him and his fancy car.

"What's your name?"

"Darcy." I said quickly. That I could answer. Well, my first name at least.

"Darcy," the guy murmured, letting it roll of his tongue easily. My heart pounded. I much preferred the way he said my name to Brogan. Absurd, isn't it, to think that the way a stranger calls you is sweeter than that of your own blood? I was about to walk away again when he spoke. "Darcy, my name is Eric."