Hope you like it
Part Ten
Liz slowly opened her eyes trying desperately to focus her vision that seemed permanently blurry. Force of habit drew her hands from her side and to her face trying to rub away the fuzzy sights. When pulling up her hand she rubbed against something denim. Shocking her into awareness she sat up quickly and caused her head to start pounding.
“Hey, no quick movements ok?” A voice said softly as two strong hands pressed her shoulders back down gently.
“What,” Liz turned her head a little trying to clear her vision still, “What happened?”
“You hit your head pretty hard.” Max said stroking the side of her head.
The more the person talked the more Liz started to recognize the voice, “Boarder boy?”
“Call me Max.” Max said smiling.
“Get the fuck away from me.” Liz said again as his hand stroked her hair repeatedly.
“You’re definitely coherent so that’s good thing,” Max said taking his hand back his voice no longer gentle but annoyed.
“What did you do to me?” Liz asked blinking rapidly her vision slowly improving.
“I saved your life.” Max said cockily.
“Yeah right.” Liz scoffed forcing herself into a sitting position despite the pain.
“Lay down or you’ll make yourself sick.” Max said going to push her back onto the couch.
“Keep your hands off me perv!” Liz yelled making her head feel as if it would split straight down the center.
“Perv?” Max raised his eyebrows, “That’s the best you’ve got. The bump on the head must have really done a number on you.”
“How about piss infected cum bubble?” Liz asked putting her hands to her head.
“You have way too much time on your hands.” Max said seriously.
“I need some Tylenol,” Liz ignored him, “or a doctor.”
“Doctor part I got covered. Point the way to the Tylenol.” Max said awaiting instructions.
Liz looked at him skeptically before giving in to the pain, “Kitchen, through there,” Pointing to one of the doors, “Second cabinet.”
Seconds later Max returned with a bottle of Tylenol and a glass of water, “It was in the strainer,” he explained moving forward to help her support herself.
“I hit my head. I’m not paralyzed.” Liz quipped taking the glass and pulling away from his offered support.
“You’re really lucky.” Max said perching on the coffee table in front of her.
“Death or you.... Lots of luck there.” Liz said before swallowing a few pills, “What exactly happened?”
“Well I pushed you out of the way of an on coming car, but you hit the curb.” Max looked guiltily at her, “Sorry about that.”
“And then? How did you get in my house?” Liz asked resting against the back of the couch.
“The door was unlocked.” Max growled not liking her insinuations.
“Why didn’t you take me to the hospital?” Liz asked suspicion getting the best of her.
“You were in just as good hands here with me.” Max said arrogance noting his voice.
“Bullshit.” Liz said trying to stop her head from throbbing.
“I’m a premed student or at least I will be. I even interned at Roswell Memorial for two summers.” Max said resting his arms on his knees.
“All I know is that nothing better come up missing or you’ll be making buds with a big guy named Bubba.” Liz warned her eyes glaring at him.
“I save your life and you call me a criminal.” Max sneered at her, “Would you rather I let that damn car hit you? Perhaps instead of having a good citizen take care of you in your own house you’d prefer a body bag?”
“Wouldn’t be the worst alternative.” Liz said closing her eyes before something dawned on her, “Why were you here?”
“I told you I saved your life and..” Max began about ready to kill her off.
“No, why were you in the West territory?” Liz specified her question with a roll of her eyes to boot.
“Took a wrong turn.” Max said gruffly.
“Well since I’m still breathing your job here is done.” Liz dismissed him closing her eyes, “You found your way in you can find your way out.”
“You’re in no condition to be left alone.” Max said not budging.
“Leave.” Liz said opening her eyes.
“No.” Max refused getting up from the couch and walking towards the kitchen.
“What are you doing?” Liz asked forcing herself to her feet and nearly toppling over onto the coffee table.
Max, quick as ever, was by her side in an instant and pulling her to his chest to keep her vertical.
“You can’t even stand,” Max said gently into her ear, “I’ll just stay until one of your sisters get home.”
For the first time in a long time Liz couldn’t find the words to argue, instead she just let him lay her back down on the couch.
“I’m hungry, would you like anything?” Max said after watching her closely for a minute.
“Tea, it’s in the fridge in a container marked Liz. Just bring the whole thing.” Liz surrendered laying back and closing her eyes.
Max watched her for a moment. In her silent stillness she was beautiful. He had watched her as she slept, ever worried about her health but ever thankful for the opportunity to witness her innocent features as she slept on.
Liz opened one eye, “Now?”
Max sighed in exasperation before throwing his hands up and walking in the kitchen, “Of course you wreck it.”
Liz looked strangely at the door from her one eye open laid back position with confusion, “Wreck what Doctor Kavorkian?”
*
“So how was the movie?” Maria asked as Isabel stole a bite of her sister’s pizza.
“Spectacular sis.” Isabel said putting the pizza back on her sister’s plate.
“Yeah we got kicked out and everything.” Alex smirked at her from across the table.
Isabel noticed his smile, “What?”
“You’re a slob.” Alex said handing her a napkin.
Isabel flicked him off as she wiped at her sauce covered chin.
Maria smiled at the two in front of her. Michael on the other hand glared heavily at his brother. He was alone, with Maria. Then he wasn’t. He really did prefer the former although it was filled with a few awkward silences and misplaced cracks on each other.
Maria finally decided to address the main issue, “So any new ideas about the Liz Adonis thing?”
“Alex thinks we should tie them up.” Isabel volunteered.
Alex followed her example, “Or lock them in a room together, which is Isabel‘s suggestion.”
“Yes, Massacre Massacre.” Maria said with a grimace.
“Actually it’s homicide homicide,” Michael corrected, “There’s only two people.”
“I was talking about when they get out and find us.” Maria smirked at him.
Michael seemed to consider this before nodding slightly in agreement.
“We know that Max is more than willing to hook up with her,” Alex said grabbing one of Michael’s pieces of crust when his eldest brother was staring intently at the small red tipped female in front of him.
“Liz’s qualms lie with him being the competition, she can’t get over the whole East West B.S.” Isabel said drumming her fingers on the table, for this she received a look almost identical to the one she bestowed upon Alex earlier for the same action.
“Well we could let her win in a match between her and Max.” Maria offered as a suggestions, “Then there wouldn’t be any competition.”
“Max would never let her win.” Michael shook his head, “He likes his pride just as it is.”
“We could take their boards so that they can’t compete.” Alex suggested half heartedly.
“Again with the death causing plans.” Isabel said with a fake overly done sigh of exasperation, “You are no longer allowed to be part of the strategic group.”
“Excuse me Princess? Have you been promoted to Queen or something?” Alex asked quirking his eyebrows playfully.
“What?” Isabel said looking as though it were a genuine inquiry, “you didn’t get the memo?”
They both chuckled until they found the most interrogating silent looks on their siblings faces.
“So about this Liz Adonis thing...” Alex began again noticing the awkward yet mocking silence falling over the four teens.
*
“So you and your brothers are alone a lot?” Kyle asked as he walked Tess through the front door.
“Three months and counting so far.” Tess said in a resigned sort of voice.
“Wow, that’s gotta be tough,” Kyle said closing the door behind himself, “I have a hard time running the shop when my dad is there.”
“It’s really easy after a while. I just run the books and appointments; the boys run the actual shop downstairs.” Tess shrugged, “We’ve been doing it since we were about fourteen.”
“I’ve been working in my dads shop since I could pick up a tool.” Kyle joked watching Tess slid into the couch and following suite.
“We’ve only been here about four years.” Tess said.
“Where were you before?” Kyle asked curious as to her past.
“私達は間の日本に住んでいた “ Tess said leaving Kyle’s eyes extremely wide and very confused.
“And that’s what?” Kyle asked after a few seconds.
“We lived in Japan for a while.” Tess said giggling.
“You mean with those cute little kimonos?” Kyle asked smirking.
Tess rolled her eyes playfully.
*
“Is that healthy?” Max asked watching Liz chug down at least half the pitcher of tea straight from the pour spout.
“What? Are you gonna be my nutritionist too?” Liz asked annoyed; her head feeling slightly better.
“I know a few things that would do your body good.” Max winked at her from across the coffee table.
“Like not being exposed to your disgusting ass?” Liz asked with a mock smile.
“Like taking that stick out of your ass.” Max countered with a gnarling leer, “Why are you such a bitch to me anyway?”
“Because you deserve it.” Liz offered with superiority written in her tone.
“How in the hell did you come to that conclusion?” Max asked glaring at her with disbelief.
“You’re not as good as me. You’re scum on the bottom of my shoes, and that’s how I treat you.” Liz said with an eerie smile.
“You’re warped.” Max said shaking his head. His anger trying desperately to be suppressed.
“Just honest.” Liz shrugged her arrogant tone resounding in Max’s next words.
“If you believe that then I’m too good for you.”
*
“It’s getting kind of late.” Isabel said after ten minutes of uncomfortable silence.
“And we’re getting no where.” Alex sighed standing up.
Michael leaned back on his chair, “That’s because it’s impossible.”
Maria stood up with Isabel, “Nothing’s impossible.”
Isabel cut Michael off as he began to protest, “Nothing’s impossible for a DeLuca.”
Isabel smirked as Michael turned to leave the food court mumbling about “Being spoiled.”
Once they arrived at the escalators they split up.
“Our cars are at the cinema. I’ll see you at home.” Isabel said and with a nod from her sister she took a left, a certain Whitman trailing behind her.
“Maybe tying them up together is our best shot.” Maria joked walking out the door and to her baby.
“I don’t feel like burying a brother.” Michael smirked.
Maria stopped in her tracks her breath catching in her throat.
Michael took note of the sudden change in the beauty in front of him, “You aight?”
Maria forced herself to swallow and breath before answering him, “Fine.”
Michael quirked his eyebrows in curiosity and slight worry but remained silent all the same.
Maria swung a leg over her bike and instantly felt better.
Michael watched as the red tipped pixie slid her body forward on the glorious machine.
Michael bit his lip trying to sedate the lust growing in his veins at that simple, yet seductive, movement.
“Later Porcupine.” She threw over her shoulder as she tugged on her helmet.
Michael’s head perked up at the quiver in her voice, she wasn’t alright. He too pulled on his helmet and started his bike.
Waiting for her to leave he went around the opposite corner of the mall waiting for mere minutes until he drove his bike around the corner and in the way her now minuscule looking bike was heading.
Where ever she was going... He wasn’t too far behind.
*
Part Eleven
“Tonight was fun.” Isabel said walking slowly towards her car, which was parked beside Alex’s
“It was definitely interesting.” Alex agreed watching Isabel’s hips sway as she walked.
“You didn’t enjoy yourself?” Isabel asked whirling around in front of her car- her eyes daring him to deny it.
Alex brought his gaze up slowly to meet her eyes, his eyes admiring her body as he did so, “I enjoyed myself.”
Isabel smirked at him. Usually boys knew better than to be so bold with her. Her eyes turned feral as she walked forward leaving less than half a foot between their faces, “Like what you see?”
Alex let the dark look and cool tone come over him before taking caution, “Well that all depends.”
“On?” Isabel asked titling her head to the side smiling wide baring her teeth.
“What the reaction to my answer would be.” Alex smiled portraying indifference, completely opposite of what he truly felt as his heart quickened in nervous anticipation.
Isabel tilted her head, obviously playing with him, “Only one way to find out.”
Fire. In her eyes- hot threatening mesmerizing fire... And there was only one way to fight that...Alex wetted his lips, “ I seem to like everything about you.”
Had this been any other guy Isabel would have planted her fist securely in his face by now, but this wasn’t any guy, “For real?”
Alex leaned closer, his breath fanning across her face, “For real.”
Isabel closed the gap between them pressing her lips to his.
Alex took mere seconds to respond and he wrapped his arms around her pulling her body flush to his own.
*
“Hell no!” Liz barked glaring at Max.
“I just wanted to sit down on some friggin furniture!” Max yelled back glaring at the female on the couch.
“Too bad!” Liz yelled back huffing as she put her arms across her chest.
“You little...” Max began but was cut off by the phone ringing.
“Don’t you dare!” Liz warned struggling to get to the phone before Max did.
Max sneered at her as he picked up the portable from the receiver, “Hello?”
“This is Max.” Max said with a grin as he watched Liz’s mouth drop open, “Liz is here, hold on.”
With that Max stuck the phone out to her with an innocent smile.
Liz glared at him and dug her nails into his hand as she took the phone, “Hello?”
Max growled at her as he brought his hand up to his eyes seeing four deep bloody scratches marring his tan hand.
“Hey Mom.” Liz said her voice changing to a delighted tone, “No, Maria is in the shower and Isabel and Kyle ran to go get pizza and a movie.”
“Max is one of Kyle’s friends. Max Whitman.” Liz said slumping down on the couch.
“Yes he works at the Whitman’s garage.” Liz responded to the phone as she propped her feet on the coffee table in front of her, “That’s fine mom, we love you too. I won’t.”
After a few more seconds Liz finally said good bye and hung up the phone, “You almost got me in serious trouble.”
“What did I do?” Max asked feigning innocent virtue.
“I’m alone. In my house, with a boy. Let’s see how much a single mother would like that.” Liz said with scorn as she watched Max shift positions from standing to leaning against the kitchen doorframe.
“Mothers watch your girls- Maxwell Whitman is on the prowl.” Max smirked jokingly.
“You really think too much of yourself you arrogant bastard.” Liz rolled her eyes, “Besides I’m not a girl.”
Max looked her over before walking towards the couch, “You’re right. You’re not.”
Leaning over he quickly pecked her on the cheek whispering in her ear, “You’re a bitch.”
Max couldn’t move fast enough as Liz’s small shock wore off and she punched him in the side of his face.
“And you just proved it.” Max gritted out grabbing the side of his face.
“Well I hate to disappoint.” Liz smiled pleased with herself.
*
Michael watched as Maria curved around the bend in the high way, her small body one with the machine between her leather clad thighs.
His eyes traveled from her red hair to the aforementioned thighs....the rumbling between his own becoming erotic at the thought.
It was after these thoughts and some... Adjustments that he realized that he had followed her into Frazier Woods. Careful not to alert her to his now stalking presence he hung back, turning off his engine before she could even pull into the dense forest. Walking stealthily into the nearest trail he crept slowly forward watching her every movement.
*
Maria let the wind carry her memories away.
Her tears ran like wet salt on her lips... Bitter tears and bitter pain. Without much thought she had found herself at the only place that was really her own... What to do now?
Maria pulled her bike underneath a tree , the moon light glinting off her chrome pipes as she kicked out the stand and dismounted gracefully.
Leaning against the tree she where she had parked her bike she sank to her knees, staring woefully through the canopy of leaves to the moon ahead, “Damn you.”
Her whisper was light, but in the silent darkness it carried to the only other ears near, Michael’s.
Michael didn’t understand what had made her upset, but he was fairly certain that he had triggered this reaction someway.
Maria rolled back on her feet, sitting with her back to the tree, knees to her chest, and arms looped around them. Her cries were soft, but not soundless.
Feeling as though he had intruded on some private moment Michael began to back away slowly before he stopped himself, did he really want to leave her there in tears? Without any comfort?
Considering that she had not asked to be followed, and had retreated to a very undisclosed, remote place she, in all likeliness, didn’t want anyone’s comfort at the moment.
With that reasoning in his head Michael left the way he came, unnoticed.
As Michael snapped his helmet shut he wondered what he had been thinking, he didn’t know anything about this girl, but yet he had followed her with concern...He didn’t know anything about this girl- yet.
*
“We’re denting your hood.” Isabel remarked as she breathed heavily against Alex’s shoulder.
“It’ll be fine.” Alex huffed back into her ear, his hands on either side of her hips as she was perched on his car.
Isabel wrapped her hands around Alex’s upper arms pulling his sleeves up slightly. Her eyes flashed to the tattoo as her fingers exposed his flesh, “So, is that really a male ego thing?”
Alex looked at her hands, his eyes finding the familiar black dragon around his bicep, blue fire, silver eyes and teeth glared brightly against it. Looking into her smiling eyes he shrugged, “Maybe.”
“Maybe?” Isabel asked tracing the fire with her finger tips, “Maybe not?”
“No,” Alex said after a moment, “It’s not a male ego thing, although it does make me look sexy.”
Isabel laughed at him causing him to grin, “Then what is it?”
“My parents moved us around a lot.” Alex leaned in and kissed the base of her neck.
“Army?” Isabel asked her hand, not on the tattoo, going to the back of his neck.
“No, business franchise.” Alex further explained, his tongue licking at her throat.
“And what does that have to do with your dragon?” Isabel asked pulling him back before she lost her train of thought.
“Last place we lived was Japan.” Alex said looking slightly puppy eyed at his mouth losing contact with her, “Thus the dragon.”
“You got a dragon because you lived in Japan?” Isabel asked quirking her eyebrows.
“I loved Japan, for reasons I’m not willing to elaborate on.” Alex smirked mischievously, drawing attention away from the quick flash of pain across his eyes.
“And what about this one?” Isabel asked, the hand leaving from his tattooed arm and running across his pants top, her nails could feel his muscles tighten through the shirt.
“That one is none of your business.” Alex said pulling back slightly, her hands losing contact on him.
“Why’d you get it permanently on you if you don’t want people to see it?” Isabel asked quirking her eyebrows up stubbornly.
“It’s for me to know, and not tell you.” Alex remarked sneering a little.
Isabel blinked at his 180 attitude, but she had pressed where she wasn’t wanted, “Fine, I’ll leave it be.”
“Thanks.” Alex said quickly.
Isabel looked down at her reflection in his car’s hood, “I wanna have some fun.”
Alex moved forward, pressing his body between her legs, “What kind of fun.”
Isabel grinned at him, “Back off horndog.”
“I was just saying...” Alex trailed off a laughing blush crossing his cheeks.
“I know what you were getting at.” Isabel laughed with him, “I want to have a different kind of fun.”
Alex watched her eyes as they looked from her car to his.
“What ever you want Princess.” Alex said pulling her forward and off his car.
“That’s what I like to hear.” Isabel smiled at him graciously.
Isabel pulled Alex’s head down to hers, not that it was really so far, and kissed him passionately. Alex ran his hands over her sides, pulling the back of her shirt up and resting his hands against the smooth skin of her back.
Pulling away Isabel walked straight over to her car, not looking back.
Alex chuckled at himself as he got into his own vehicle, what had he gotten himself into?
*
Part Twelve
“Give it back.” Liz ordered before throwing the cup at Max’s head.
“Not unless you ask nicely.” Max caught the cup easily.
“You’re such a fucking pig.” Liz growled standing up and slamming her fist into Max’s stomach, taking the cup and tea pitcher from him.
Max watched in disbelief as she sat back down, throwing her feet up dramatically and reclining to lay on the couch, “What the hell is with you? You can’t go around beating the hell outta every one!”
“Watch me.” Liz said coldly her eyes on the television screen.
“You’re so fucked up it’s unbelievable.” Max said exasperation written in his tone and face.
“Thank you.” Liz said with a phony smile.
“Superwoman, you’re really messed up.” Max said shaking his head.
Liz glared at him, “If I’m the one screwed in the head why the hell do you keep trying to get with me? I might be the crazy person but at least I’m not the dumbass chasing after one.”
Max cut his eyes at her, “So I like a challenge.”
“Mount Everest is a challenge, trying to get with me is like trying to manipulate quantum mechanics with a spatula.” Liz looked back at the television.
“If they were big enough to be manipulated with a friggin spatula then it wouldn’t be quantum.” Max said glaring at her profile, “What are you so scared of anyway?”
“Scared?” Liz said after a moment, surprised he understood quantum mechanics.
“You’re obviously scared of something.” Max said as if he were her psychiatrist.
“Not of you that’s for sure.” Liz said obviously trying to close the discussion.
Max moved forward leaning towards her. Catching her hands as they struck out; he pinned them behind her head, “You’re not scared of me.”
The statement was followed by a long set of kisses on her collar bone. Liz bite her lip her body shuddering at the contact on her sensitive skin, damn him.
Max pulled his head up trailing kisses up her jaw to whisper in her ear, “You’re scared of what I do to you.”
Liz closed her eyes and swallowed, DAMN HIM.
Liz reached up with her lips, pressing them against his own. Opening her mouth she let his tongue enter her awaiting lips. She opened her eyes as she brought her jaws together.
Max wheeled backwards his hands going to his mouth as he bit the inside of his cheek to keep his face impassive; refusing to show the pain she had caused him, “You bitch.”
“You’re the one who should be scared.” Liz said a sinister smile on her face.
Max stormed down the hall going to try and find a bathroom.
About two thirds of the way down a hallway he found a set of stairs and a small door, opening the door he found a master bed room and adjoining bathroom.
Stepping inside he spit into the ivory sink, his saliva tinged with blood from his injured tongue, “Psycho.”
Max looked up and saw his reflection almost mocking him, “We’re both fucking psychos.”
*
Liz stared blankly at the hallway. So, she did feel a little guilty, but it wasn’t her fault. He had stepped over the line again and touched her. He had no right to lay a hand on her. Those big strong warm hands pinning her arms down, while his hot silky lips tortured her.
She wasn’t scared.
Not of him.
Never of him.
*
Maria wiped at her face as she put her helmet on, she needed to learn to pull herself together.
Mounting her bike she heard an engine in the distance being revved up.
Her eyes widened, there wasn’t a house for miles....
Quickly starting her engine, she raced through the woodsy trail getting to the road in time to see tail lights of a bike in the distance.
Him.
Laying her body down on her bike she zoomed forward her mind racing.
Coming up next to him she leaned over, turning into him slightly, not enough to crash either of them but enough to notify him of her presence.
*
Michael’s eyes widened behind his visor, he messed up. He shouldn’t have met with her, followed her, and definitely shouldn’t have started his bike.
Not knowing what to do he ignored her. This seemed to only make matters worse as she dipped towards him again, this time almost dangerously close.
Pulling forward he pressed down on the gas trying to get away from her and his discomfort of not knowing what to do.
Maria matched him speed for speed all the way back into town, pressing closer to him as she caught up.
Michael turned sharply on the main highway, causing her to have to pull a U and follow him.
He weaved in and out of the suburban streets trying to lose her. After a few moments he found that she was no longer behind him, he pulled into his driveway thinking it was safe, that was until he found her already there, propped against her bike. He took his jacket off and threw the heavy material on the bike handles, his skin was glossed with sweat.
Trying desperately to appear calm he started to remove his helmet and strap it in to the side bag.
“What the hell were you doing?” Maria asked storming towards him.
“I don’t...” Michael’s response was cut off because as soon as he had taken off his helmet his face was met with a small white fist of fury.
Snapping his head to the side with the force he looked over at her in disbelief, “What the hell?”
“You followed me.” Maria was shaking with anger, “You had no right to pry into my life, Asshole.”
Michael narrowed his eyes at her she was pissed, and begrudgingly he admitted that she was right, “Wanna come inside?”
She looked taken aback. Her mouth opened, her face clearly showed her protests.
Michael cut in before she could speak, “It’d give me a chance to explain.”
“I don’t think you need to explain, you nosy ass porcupine!”
Michael almost shouted back but, by some grace of God, he controlled his quickly mounting fury- he was just concerned, he wasn‘t the damn paparazzi, “Please.”
Maria looked as though she was considering it.
Michael took this time to walk past her, grab her helmet, and move towards the door. Taking notice of a certain red mustang as he did, “Kyle?”
“Kyle.” Maria confirmed grabbing at her helmet from behind him causing him to whirl around.
“If we go in there fighting, he’ll just beat the shit out of you.” Maria said at his inquiring look.
“Or vice versa.” Michael grumbled.
“Don’t make me hit you again.” Maria growled obviously very protective of her brother.
“About that,” Michael moved back and leaned against his bike, “I didn’t mean to invade your privacy.”
“Ok,” Maria said titling her head, “So you stalked me and expected me to like it or something?”
“Not exactly.” Michael glared at her, “When you spilt you said you were fine, and you weren’t. So I followed you.”
“Why?” Maria asked quirking her eyebrows her anger and sarcasm lessening by the moment.
“I have no idea.” Michael said honestly. He looked more confused than she did.
Maria nodded bringing her helmet to her head, Michael stopped her with his question, “What gotcha so upset?”
“Nothing.” The helmet was on and she was on the bike.
Reaching to flick the ignition on she found his hand on it instead, he was looking at her with concern and uncertainty, “You can talk to me.”
“You’re a relative stranger porcupine. Why would I tell you my problems?” Maria asked pushing her face guard up to look him in the eyes.
“My baby sister is hooked on Kyle, and both my brothers have gone off the cliff for your sisters, we won’t be strangers for long.” Michael reasoned his gaze not faltering.
Maria looked at him with narrowed eyes, she was over this, she could tell people about it...couldn’t she?
“It was my dad.” Maria’s voice was soft and she broke their eye contact.
Michael stayed silent not sure what she meant or what she’d like to hear.
“He died a while back and when you said you didn’t want to burry anyone it just..” Her voice broke off, not in tears but in self anger.
“Brought up stuff.” Michael finished for her watching her carefully.
“Yeah.” Maria said after a moment or two.
“You go to Frazier woods a lot?” Michael asked curious, he didn’t want her to leave. She intrigued him, even her pain- she seemed so intense but so still. Her body was like a stone, but when he got glimpses at her eyes, they were so wild- never ceasing in their intensity.
“Only when I need to be alone, but apparently that didn’t work.” She let out a small laugh.
“Why don’t you come inside a get something to drink, you know,” Michael offered quickly, “calm down a little more before you leave?”
“Because if I go in there with you Kyle will flip.” Maria smiled at the offer.
“I can understand freaking out about us making out or something, but just hanging out?” Michael looked in as though it was absurd.
Maria looked at him for a moment before taking off her helmet, she seemed to have regained her composure by far. She pulled his azure spiked head to hers and kissed him soundly.
Michael went rigid against her lips before relaxing and drawing his arms around her waist, pulling her awkwardly into him as she sat on the bike. His tongue traced her lips as she opened them. His tongue was soft and probing, his hands hot and strong on her already sweating skin. Before he knew it- it was over.
Pulling back Maria snapped her helmet back on quickly, covering her blush and grin as the face guard fell into place.
“Now he would freak out.” Maria cracked and she was gone.
Riding out of the street and out of his line of sight... A smirk on his face as he retreated to the house throwing his leather jacket over his shoulder as he did so.
*
“What was that?” Kyle asked coming up for air as he looked over to the side of the living room.
Before Tess could say anything a gravelly male voice was speaking, “That was her big brother coming home.”
Kyle’s eyes widened as he pushed himself up from the couch, Tess not far behind him, “Hey.”
Michael almost laughed, he was in a good mood, that was for sure. Otherwise Kyle would be flat on his back and bleeding right now.
After a few seconds of fidgeting from the couple Michael spoke, “It’s late. Go home.”
Michael turned and walked towards the stairs before Tess voice stopped him, “What happened to your face?”
Michael looked back at them, completely dumfounded, “What?”
“Who hit you?” Kyle asked his eyes looking to the side of Michael’s face, a very dark red spot on his jaw.
“Your little hellion of a sister.” Michael smirked at him.
“Which hellion?” Kyle asked obviously apologetic, but mostly proud.
“Red.” Michael was upstairs before they could say anything more to him.
Kyle wanted to ask what he had done to his sister to make her want to hit him, but Tess was tugging him towards the door.
*
Isabel laughed as she watched Alex curve around the bend in the road, his car like molten fire as it excelled in front of her. She had only fell behind to watch him, she was in complete control as per usual.
Coming around the bend herself she was surprised. Alex’s car was not in front of her. Turning her vision to her rear view mirror she could see him speeding out and behind her from a small unseen alcove on the side of the road.
Changing lanes she touched the electric pad on the side of her door, the windows quickly rolling away letting her have a clear view of the passenger side, Alex’s car gaining on hers. She was letting him gain though.
Pulling even with her Alex rolled down his own windows after noting hers. Looking over to her quickly he yelled out with a ebullient tone, “What?”
“Pull over!” Isabel yelled back her own voice lighter than it had been in a long time. She usually only raced for one reason, to win, but this wasn’t about winning. This was simply about being beside him and experiencing the speed with him, even when separate.
Alex pulled ahead of her and remained that way until a few side roads passed and he choose one, pulling in it sharply, his turn signal barely blinking once.
Isabel, following his lead, was right behind him.
Coming to a dead end she pulled parallel to him.
Alex smirked at her, he was already perched on top of his hood, his eyes bright with life.
“I love doing that!” He crowed as soon as she was out of the car.
“I can tell.” She smirked tossing her keys from hand to hand as she walked towards his car.
Her hands faltering as she tripped over an unforeseen dip in the ground, her keys landed with a loud click as they bashed together on the ground. Bending over to get them Alex took his time for his eyes to graze over her back, his gaze slipping lower but falling short of his goal as he saw red decal like things on the small of her back.
“Isabel?” Alex asked sliding off the car and coming to stand right behind her as she straightened her posture.
“What?” Isabel replied eyeing him coyly from the corner of her eyes. Turning her head ever so much.
“What’s this?” Alex asked running one hand under her shirt and over the waistband of her pants.
“None of your business.” Isabel said turning quickly, her body pulling back as she crossed her arms over her chest- leveling him with an undeserving glare.
Alex eyed her carefully. Her personal life was her personal life. He couldn’t deny that he wanted to know more about her, know everything about her, but he wouldn’t push her, she had showed him that much respect at least, “Obviously.”
Isabel regarded him with a cool stare, looking as if ready to bolt or attack.
Trying to avoid either Alex spoke up, “Nice driving.”
Isabel smiled and relaxed a little, “I haven’t done that in a while.”
“Driven?” Alex asked his eyebrows drawing up.
“Not for fun.” Isabel said shrugging.
“But you love to drive.” Alex said confusion written on his face.
“I love driving, but the only times I get to drive any more are for practices or to races.” Isabel leaned on her left foot, her arms falling so that her hands could prop on her waist, “Don’t get me wrong, I love racing and being behind the wheel, but I just miss goofing around with it.”
“Well you shouldn’t goof around behind the wheel of the car anyway.” Alex said picking on her choice of words.
“You know what I mean.” Isabel laughed slightly rolling her eyes.
Alex’s eyes roamed her face. Her hard set but soft brandy eyes, her long wavy blonde hair. And her lips, her soft warm lips. Lips that tasted of cinnamon and heat. Lips that were moving. Refocusing his attention he tried to piece together what she was saying.
“... pulled you over for. It’s getting kind of late and if Kyle gets back before me he’ll probably come hunt me down.” Isabel was playing with the keys in her hands again.
Alex spoke with clear disappointment, “It is getting kind of late.”
“I’ll see you later then.” Isabel gave him a second to move in for a kiss, but when he didn’t she started to walk away.
She gave him a glance before slipping into her car and speeding out of the enclosure.
Alex titled his head to the side for a moment before a smirk over came his face. Following her movements he was soon in his own car and in pursuit.
*
“I hate you.” Liz spat angrily as she glared at the boy who was leaning in the door way, his helmet in his hands.
“I love you too baby.” Max said with a sweet smile as he watched the clock tick away the seconds.
“You’re so sick.” Liz said mustering up the most disgusted face she could.
“I know,” Max nodded in agreement, “Just look at my taste.”
“I hate you.” Liz growled.
“You’re like a fricken’ broken record, ya know?” Max asked his tone even and impassive.
Liz glowered at him in silence as she looked at the clock herself.
“Where are your sisters?” Max asked his voice sounding slightly confused.
“Out.” Liz said curtly.
“Na shit?” Max asked his facial expression mock amazed.
Liz bite her tongue lightly so she wouldn’t reply, she wouldn’t get sucked into this stupid banter again.
“It’s almost one A.M.” Max’s voice held true exasperation.
“You can read a clock I’m so proud.” Liz snapped almost smacking herself for it. She would not get sucked in again!
“You can fu...” Max’s crude comment was cut off by Maria slamming the door.
“Finally!” Max almost hollered in relief.
Liz pursed her lips at him, she wasn’t that bad of company...
“What are you two doing?” Maria asked her lips twitching at the corners.
“Nothing like that unfortunately.” Max grumbled catching her lewd meaning, “I’ve spent the last few hours taking care of your ungrateful sister after saving her life.”
“Saved her life?” Maria asked worriedly as she rushed over to her sister’s side.
“I’m fine.” Liz reassured her sister, “And he’s been here harassing me the stupid...”
Liz was cut off as the door slammed again followed by a voice so cheerful it was almost singing, “Ladies, where are you?”
Maria’s eyes bulged as she rocketed up and grabbed Max’s arm dragging him to the hallway and up the stairs, Liz’s voice far behind them greeting their almost brother.
“What’s up?” Max asked as he was jerked up the stairs and through the closest door.
“My brother doesn’t like guys around us,” Maria pushed the window open, “Now imagine if he found out you’ve been alone with his youngest sister.”
“So how am I getting out of here?” Max asked his eyes darting around the room.
“Climb down.” Maria nodded to the trellis just below the window.
“Is that sturdy?” Max asked his eyes wide as he looked out the window.
“Maria?” Kyle called as he ascended the stairs.
“Later.” Max said quickly before putting his leg out the window, the other quickly behind it.
Maria shut the window as his hands found a grip.
“Hey Maria,” Kyle called as he opened the door, “Where’s Izzy?”
*
Isabel leaned against her car watching as Alex pulled up beside her.
“And you followed me why?” Isabel asked smiling widely.
“Just to make sure you got home safe.” Alex shrugged getting out of his car.
“What a gentleman.” Isabel laughed.
“I was taught to always walk a lady to her door after a date.” Alex said as he pointedly stepped towards her, his door shutting behind him.
“Who said this was a date?” Isabel challenged him as he offered his arm.
“I did.” Alex said firmly.
“So will there be a repeat performance?” Isabel asked taking his arm and strolling to the drive way, both of them almost tripping over a board left carelessly on the side walk.
Upon catching her balance against Alex he smirked at her, “Do you want there to be a repeat performance?”
Isabel tugged him towards her door, “Maybe.”
Alex rolled his eyes playfully as he pulled her to a stop turning her to face him, “Yes or No?”
“Depends.” Isabel’s lips wore a dazzling smile at his open eagerness to see her again.
“What doesn‘t depend on something with you?” Alex laughed at her wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.
“Everything depends on something else.” Isabel shrugged hyper aware of his arms.
“And what does this depend on?” Alex asked drawing his face down closer to hers.
Isabel seemed to consider this for a moment before she titled her head up and whispered just for him, “Whether or not I get a good night kiss.”
“That can be arranged,” Alex grinned down at her before pressing his lips against hers, her lips warm, wet, and welcoming.
Alex ran his hands up her sides, wrapping one around her mid back and the other tangling in her silken locks.
Isabel drew her hands up his lithe shoulders pulling him even closer, her body wanting to meet him in every place it could.
“Oh shit!” The yell broke their moment and they pulled away both confused.
“Max?” Alex called out walking over to the side of the drive way, only to find his brother sprawled on the ground.
“Max, what is going on?” Alex asked reaching out a hand to help his brother up.
“I’ll explain it on the way.” Max said leaning against his brother for support.
“On the way?” Alex asked looking from a startled Isabel back to his brother.
“Home.” Max said firmly as he straightened his posture, pain crossing his face briefly before he walked away from the couple to the car parked near the curb.
“This makes no sense.” Alex said his eyes wide as he followed his brother’s path.
“None.” Isabel almost a mirror image of him as she shook her head slightly, “At all.”
“Call me when you find out what’s going on.” Isabel ordered him as she walked purposely towards her house, bent on finding out what she had been excluded from.
“Isabel!” Alex called her name as he neared his car.
Isabel turned around to find him looking at her expectantly and Max entering the passenger side, the almost neck breaking skateboard in his arms.
“Repeat performance?” Alex asked grinning as he leaned against his car hood.
Isabel nodded with a coy smile before disappearing from sight.
Alex grinned like a madman as he settled himself into his car and pulled into the street.
Max rubbed at his arm before looking to his brother, “What performance?”
Alex meet Max’s gaze before leveling him with his own, “So you always fall from second floor windows?”
“I didn’t fall from the window.” Max grumbled looking at the window.
“Oh really?” Alex asked clearly not convinced.
“Really,” Max said in irritation, “I fell from the trellis.”
*
“He took care of you?” Isabel asked with a smile, “That’s so sweet.”
“Sweet?” Liz asked dumbfounded, “He’s the one that knocked me out!”
“Keep ya voice down,” Maria hissed taking a bite of ice cream, “Kyle would kill him if he knew.”
“So where were you two all night?” Liz asked accusingly.
“I was out practicing.” Isabel shrugged averting her gaze.
“With who?” Maria asked smiling, she wouldn’t let Isabel out of this one.
“None of your business.” Isabel glared at her middle sister, she didn’t need this right now.
“Isabel,” Liz picked up on the silent conversation, “The East racer?”
“His name is Alex.” Isabel snapped defensively.
“Traitorous bitch.” Liz retorted half heartedly as she pushed another scoop of ice cream into her mouth.
Isabel almost laughed at her sister. Liz was dressed in pajamas, shoveling down ice cream, and halfheartedly berating her.
“Traitorous?” Isabel asked smirking at her sister, “I wasn’t the one making out with the enemy, and I wasn’t the one who spent the entire evening alone, in the house, with one.”
“First off,” Liz said licking her spoon, “that was a temporary moment of insanity, secondly I was kept here with him against my will, and last but not least I have spent every free moment trying to kill him, there for I have made up for it.”
Maria looked at her younger sister’s self satisfied smile and grimaced, “You know you’re creepy right?“
“You know Liz,” Isabel watched her sister take another scoop of ice cream, “If you were so gung ho about killing off Boarder Boy why didn’t you tell Kyle?”
Liz glared past the spoon as her teeth ground together.
*
TBC...
Later,
Vix
, I hope you enjoy part five (again)!