Post by charlirozzi on Nov 5, 2024 12:05:17 GMT -8
Thursday October 31st
Charli Rozzi was in a mood, for anyone else it would be described as a foul mood, but when it came to her it was a dangerous one. After being cooped up all day in her room under strict instructions to rest she has grown bored… boredom was dangerous for Charli and after accidentallyonpurpose upsetting both Olly and Ozzie with a stupid and badly timed joke, she had ended up darkening her mood even further thanks to Ozzie Savell.
And so she had suggested to Kian that they get all dressed up and go somewhere, she had every intention of making a spectacle and then ending the night with some dancing, dressed in a figure hugging dress that showed off her curves, her long hair loose down her back; she was ready to go and waiting by the front door for Kian.
The limo outside was a last minute decision, fuelled once again by her terrible mood but also wanting plenty of room to get up to the kind of mischief that got regular people arrested for public indecency.
Kian smirked as he spotted Charli by the door, looking every bit as dangerous as he’d expected. This wasn’t just a night out, this was her idea of blowing off steam in a way only Charli knew how.
”Damn, Rozzi,” he greeted, eyes sweeping over her dress before a grin took over. ”You look like trouble, but I guess that’s why you keep me around, right?”
He glanced at the limo waiting outside and chuckled. ”Pulling out all the stops, I see. Should I be worried about how many laws we’re about to break tonight?”
As he opened the door, he added, ”You ready to raise some hell? ‘Cause I’m right there with you.” He leaned in, his voice low and taunting. ”Tonight’s about you, so let’s make sure no one forgets it.”
With that, he offered his arm, fully prepared for whatever chaos they were about to unleash.
She drank the sight of him in, just his presence made her feel more grounded to the moment. It was a skill only he seemed to possess and the hungry, mischievous look he had for her when he saw her in the dress only made her more excited to go out and play.
”Best not worry too much about any potential law breaking tonight… it’s better if you have plausible deniability. Just in case.”
Before she took his arm, she leaned up to kiss him, her kiss was hot and heavy with both hands looped around the back of his neck, when she finally broke that kiss, she stayed right in close, her words against his lips as she spoke.
”Let’s go.” Her tone was low, dripping with her own gleefully mischievous gaze.
With that she took his arm and they headed out, reaching the elevator and stepping inside, she turned to face him. Her hand sliding down his arm and gripping his own hand, their fingers intertwined.
”I’m glad we’re doing this tonight, just us instead of that stupid fucking party.”
Kian grinned, his eyes had that familiar mix of danger and excitement as he squeezed her hand.
”Trust me, Rozzi, I’d take this over some lame party any night,” he replied, leaning in just enough to keep their faces close. ”Besides, we both know we’re a hell of a lot more fun when it’s just us, right?”
He gave her a cocky smirk as the elevator doors slid shut, leaving them in their own little world, free from prying eyes and endless noise.
”Tonight’s about us, and whatever trouble we’re getting into? I’m all in.”
With that, he held her gaze, ready for whatever chaos they were about to create. She stole another kiss from him, fingers wrapped up in his shirt and tugging him against her. Backed up against the wall of the elevator she leaned right into the kiss, only finally breaking it when they reached the foyer.
Leading him out towards the limo, her hand holding onto the crook of his arm and her body turned just slightly to lean into him as they walked she mused with a louder tone than usual, wanting to demand the attention of anyone around them.
”I’ve been cooped up for too long, one tiny injury and suddenly I’m supposed to be locked away and sit, waiting like some little princess.”
She scoffed into her tone, rolling her eyes as they stepped out and approached the limo, as he opened the door for her she slipped inside and coaxed him to follow with a curl of her finger.
”And tonight is gonna be good practice...”
Kian’s grin widened as he slid into the limo after her, shutting the door behind them with a satisfying thud. He leaned back, his arm resting casually along the seat behind her, eyes filled with mischief.
”Practice, huh?” he wondered, his tone both amused and a little challenging. ”Seems to me you’ve been ready to get back in the game since the second Nathan told you to sit out.”
He watched her for a moment, taking in the fire in her eyes, that barely restrained energy she carried so effortlessly. ”And let’s be real, Rozzi, you were never made to sit around and play it safe. Tonight’s yours to own.”
Kian shifted closer, his voice lowering, the smirk never leaving his face. ”So, what kind of trouble are we planning to stir up first?”
She dropped her head to his shoulder, nuzzled in close to his neck as she dropped her tone low and playful, her hands on his chest, pulling him closer as she spoke.
”Practice for you.” Bringing her lips close to his ear, she all but whispered her words to him. ”I wanna see how far I can push it… before your darkness comes out.”
She had been trying to be good for him, to keep him good. But tonight she had decided to stop pretending, there was no saving her soul. And if she was going to drag him down to her level, have him play in the dirt… they were both going to enjoy every second.
”You wanna play?” Her lips were against his neck now, as she all but tainted him, willing him to want to play the game she had in mind.
Kian’s grin widened, his eyes darkening as her words settled in, igniting something within him. He tilted his head, letting her lips brush his neck, his hand sliding up to the back of her head as he held her close.
”You really wanna go there together?” His voice was low, a hint of a growl beneath the words. ”You’ve been tempting this side of me for a while, but once you let it out… there might not be any goin’ back.”
He paused, letting the silence add weight to his words before pulling her face back just enough to look into her eyes, his gaze intense. ”But if that’s what you want… I’m all in for you. For us. Let’s see how far we’re both willing to go.”
With that, he leaned in, closing the space between them, sealing the promise of everything they were about to unleash.
She met his kiss with one of her own, her hands wrapped up in his shirt, tugging him closer and almost putting a pause on the entire evening when they reached their first stop. She groaned in an almost annoyed way at the sudden stop, finally breaking apart from him.
”Test one?” She stole another quick kiss before jumping out of the limo, checking her lipstick in the window and smoothing out her dress. ”This one’s gonna be fun...”
Her tone was sing-song like and playful as she walked towards the outside bar, totally skipping going inside and heading for the large standing heaters, immediately finding two incredibly overdressed older men, sipping red label and undoubtedly droning on about something unbearably boring.
A touch to one of their arms was enough for her to immediately pull the attention of both men to her, to start she just chatted and smiled. Laughing a little too much at one of their jokes.
Kian leaned back, crossing his arms as he watched Charli work the room, his expression cool and collected. There was no hint of jealousy in his eyes, just a quiet confidence as he observed her playing her game. He knew exactly what she was doing and was more than content to let her have her fun, his smirk never fading.
Catching her gaze for a brief moment, he raised a brow, subtly nodding to show he was ready whenever she gave him the signal. He wasn’t about to step in or interrupt; this was her show, and he’d play his part only when she wanted him to.
For now, he was happy to watch and wait, letting her see that he wasn’t the type to get rattled easily. If anything, he looked almost amused, as if silently telling her, ”Show me what you’ve got.”
The look from him spurred the defiant nature she tried to dispel sometimes. Tonight wasn’t one of those times, her eyes lit up with it, her gaze locked on his for just a second, blowing him a kiss before she brought her attention back to the two men.
A hand on one of their chests, her eyes feigning a locked in gaze as she batted those eyelashes. A drink appeared in her hand, she wasn’t sure which had bought it, it didn’t matter as she wasn’t going to drink it. The suit losing her attention sauntered off and she lured her chosen target over towards the far wall.
The crowd were around the bar, the loud music and drunken cheers just far enough back from where they now stood that there was no need to shout. Her back pressed to the wall as she allowed him to lean in, walking her fingers down his chest as they spoke.
There was nothing of note being said and as the suit ducked in to taste her neck, as she tilted her head, allowing him access, she once again locked eyes with Kian, just barely parting her lips in a silent invitation meant only for him.
Kian stayed exactly where he was, leaning back against the bar with a cool, detached smirk as he watched Charli work. He let her play out her game, unfazed, letting her know with his steady gaze that he was in on it, that he understood this was all part of the thrill for her.
When her eyes met his again, he didn’t move, just raised a brow, giving her an almost imperceptible nod as if to say, ”Go ahead, show me what you’ve got.”
He wasn’t threatened, wasn’t jealous; he was letting her know that he was the one she was really playing this game with. And in that silent exchange, he let her know he’d let her keep pushing, seeing how far she’d take it.
One foot pressed against the wall, her knee meeting the hip of the suit who was sloppily attempting to carry the mood. She played along, an almost bored expression on her face that he couldn’t see. Her hand finally moving to his hair, tugging it back to catch his lips with her own.
The warm body lunged into the space between them, pushing her back flush against the wall, his hands pulling at the fabric of her dress, sliding the hem up her thighs as she put on a show. Her hands quick to drop his suit jacked to the ground.
So she let him think he was leading. Her eyes flickered back to Kian, as she kept going in for harder kisses, his hands fumbling with her dress as hers dragged her nails down her back, little droplets appearing on the fabric of his white shirt as she broke skin through it.
Kian caught her glance and, for a moment, the smirk on his face twisted into something darker. He understood exactly what she was asking without a word needing to be said. He rolled his shoulders, loosening up as he closed the distance between them, no longer holding back.
”Hey, buddy,” he called out, his voice smooth but carrying an edge. As he stepped closer, his expression hardened, making his presence impossible to ignore. ”Mind keeping your hands off what doesn’t belong to you?”
The suit barely had time to turn around before Kian’s hand was on his shoulder, pulling him back with a firm grip. The man stumbled, bewildered, but Kian didn’t let him regain his balance, shoving him just hard enough to send a clear message.
”Touch her again, and you’ll wish you hadn’t,” he warned, his voice low but cold, each word laced with a promise of trouble. He shifted his stance, clearly ready for whatever came next, daring the guy to make a move.
A delighted smile crossed her lips as she watched the scene play out before her. The interaction had been enough to draw the attention of a few of the stragglers at the edge of the group over by the bar.
The suits friend appeared with some half attempt to get involved just as the the suit himself looked to square up to Kian. She flashed him that devious smile before grabbing up the now empty glass that contained a drink just moments before.
”Please, try and creep up on my boyfriend. That’s gonna go so well for you...” she addressed the friend who was now somewhat close, as she dragged the glass down the wall behind her, chipping and breaking the glass until it had several jagged edges. She offered a wave to the spectators with her other hand.
”Stick around, the shows just about to start.”
Kian’s smirk widened as there was excitement in his eyes while he watched Charli’s antics with the glass, each jagged edge catching the dim light. He shifted his stance, keeping his gaze locked on the suit in front of him, completely unbothered by the growing audience.
”Oh, you think you’re gonna make a move?” he taunted, his voice calm but with a dangerous edge as he looked the suit up and down. ”You don’t know what you’re gettin into you dumb fuck.”
He glanced back at Charli for just a second, catching her devious smile, and gave her a slight nod. Turning back to the suit, he rolled his shoulders and tilted his head, as if daring him to try something.
”Last chance you stupid bitch,” he said, his voice dropping low, a hint of menace underneath. ”Walk away... or we about to give everyone in here a damn good show.”
Charli didn’t wait for the approaching friend to make a move, she lunged at him with a surprising quickness and took him to the ground, getting to her feet quickly she rolled the now blood tinged glass between her two hands. The glass had barely scratched the man, the breast of his shirt torn open and little droplets of blood forming on the shallow cut.
As he yelled something lowbrow and insulting, Charli simply grinned. On her feet now she was shoving him back down with her foot any time he tried to move or get up, after a particularly rough shove she looked behind her to catch sight of what Kian was up to.
Kian didn’t hesitate. The second man barely registered what hit him before Kian’s fist connected with his jaw, sending him stumbling back. He followed up with a knee to the gut, doubling the guy over. The man tried to swing back, but Kian ducked and countered with a brutal uppercut, slamming him against the bar.
As the guy struggled to get up, Kian grabbed his collar and delivered a final punch that left him dazed, dropping him to the floor. Standing over him, Kian glanced over at Charli, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as they both surveyed the chaos they’d left in their wake.
Charli turned on her heel and jumped into Kian’s arms, her lips on his in a passionate, almost violent kiss. Her hands in his hair, tugging him closer as she laughed into the kiss. The now very thick crowd of people surrounding them didn’t matter, some had their phones out. A couple were probably calling the police, but more would be filming instead.
”God you’re fucking hot when you’re wearing someone else’s blood.” Her words almost growled against his mouth, finally breaking back she stepped around him and practically skipped back over to her victim, stamping down hard on his chest, her eyes on Kian the whole time.
Kian’s grin was dark and wild as he caught Charli mid-jump, meeting her kiss with an intensity that matched her own. His hands gripped her waist tightly, pulling her against him as he let out a low chuckle against her lips, completely unfazed by the onlookers and their phones.
Her words only fueled the fire in his gaze, his eyes never leaving hers even as she stepped back, practically glowing with excitement. He watched, captivated, as she circled around and stomped down on her victim’s chest, each impact punctuated by her wicked smile.
Kian ran a hand through his hair, smearing a trace of blood across his cheek as he smirked, his voice a low murmur just for her. ”Keep it up, babe. I might have to get us out of here before we do something that makes the news.”
But the look in his eyes suggested he was more than ready to keep the chaos going, his gaze fixed on her like she was the only thing in the room.
Making her way back over to him, she leaned in close and licked the smear of blood from his cheek, her body pressed tight against his as she purred into his ear.
”You really wanna put on a show?” Before she could finish that thought, sirens approaching had her change tack and grabbing his hand she broke through the crowd and slipped into the limo, demanding he take them to the next destination as she waved Kian to follow in behind her.
Kian’s grin stretched into an excited, almost manic laugh as he collapsed into the seat beside her, running a hand through his hair, still catching his breath from the chaos they’d left behind.
”Fuck, that shit was crazy!” he exclaimed, his eyes bright with adrenaline as he looked at Charli, practically buzzing with energy. ”You know how to put on a show, babe, fuck!”
He leaned in closer, gripping her hand tight as he laughed again, shaking his head in disbelief. ”I swear, with you? I don’t even know what’s coming next, and I love it. Let’s keep this going. Where to next?”
He knocked on the window, signaling the driver with a wild grin. ”Let’s go!”
She shifted in her seat to straddle him, her fingers dancing down his cheek and her other hand pulling her hair up out of the way, leaning her head close to his shoulder to litter his neck with kisses as she spoke.
”I told you we were out to make a scene tonight baby...” her voice was heavy with adrenaline, a laugh trailing off her sentence as she kissed him again, just as intensely as she had at the bar before sitting back, able to look down at him since she was on his lap.
”Next, we’re gonna go see dear old Daddy.”
Kian’s grin widened, eyes lighting up with an almost feral excitement as she straddled him, her fingers tracing his cheek, her lips pressing against his neck. Her words only fueled the fire, his hands gripping her hips, pulling her closer as he let out a low chuckle, his voice thick with adrenaline and anticipation.
”fuckyeah!,” he laughed, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that matched her own. ”You wanna raise hell? Let’s give ‘em a show they won’t forget.”
He leaned up, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss before pulling back just enough to look her in the eyes, a devilish grin crossing his face.
”Dear old Daddy has no idea what’s coming. Can’t wait to meet em the right way.”
She leaned into the desire, her passion being driven by her adrenaline. As the roads passed and they headed towards her father office, she leaned in close, her forehead against his.
”I haven’t seen him in years.” There was a tinge of malice to her voice, a growl of utter hatred that burned through her brighter than any other feeling she had ever shown. ”But I feel like tonight is the perfect chance to show him what I’ve become.”
Another kiss and her hands on his chest now, tugging at his shirt in a way that was half playful and half demanding, when the limo stopped she ignored it for a few moments, just enjoying him.
Kian grinned against her lips, his own adrenaline popping off as he felt her intensity. His hands slid up under her shirt and up her sides, holding her close as he met her gaze, sensing that deeper fire within her.
”Fuck yeah, Rozzi,” he said with excitement. ”Let’s make sure he gets the full picture of what you’ve become.”
He tightened his grip on her, his hands settling on her waist now, feeding off her raw energy. Even as the limo came to a stop, he didn’t move, meeting her kiss with an equal amount of passion as he was caught up in the moment. He broke the kiss with a sigh as he gazed into her eyes. ”Let’s go give him a show he ain’t ever gonna fuckin’ forget.”
She moved off his lap, but slowly, drawing out her movements until she was out of the limo, looking up at the office building, she adjusted her hair and her dress, putting on some air of presentability as she turned to face Kian once he was out of the limo as well.
”Remember when I asked you not to judge the apartment?” Her eyes danced with adrenaline and defiance, it was immediately obvious that their adventure before had just been a precursor for her. This was what she had been wanting to do all night.
Kian stepped out of the limo, straightening his shirt and running a hand through his hair which still had blood in it from earlier. Kian had a wild grin spreading across his face as he took in her excitement. Her defiance, the barely contained adrenaline, everything about her in that moment ignited something fierce within him.
”Yeah I remember… Fuck that building is huge.”
He took a step closer, his eyes were filled with excitement as he reached out, letting his hand linger at her waist. ”Let’s show him exactly who you are. And let’s make em pay for this shit he pulled on you and your fam. He can fuck off for all I care.”
With that, he nodded toward the door, his gaze never leaving hers, ready for whatever she had planned.
She hesitated for a second, nodding her head when he commented on the size of the building. Chewing at her bottom lip for a second she then smiled at him.
”That doesn’t apply here… judge all you want.” Her tone was genuine but hard, like she was trying to keep back just enough of her darker desires, she wanted to enjoy his suffering.
When they walked into the building, the grand foyer sprawled out before them, only it was mostly empty and only one security guard sat at the large, carved desk in front of several screens.
“Miss Chamberlain” the man greeted her from behind the desk and she waved him off with no interest at all. Leading Kian to the elevators and slipping in hitting the top floor before pulling him up close against her.
”It’s time to have fun.”
Kian’s eyes roamed over the grand, empty foyer, taking in the size of the place with genuine awe. He shot Charli a quick, impressed look, “Damn, you really grew up in this?” But he saw the flicker of hardness in her eyes, the controlled restraint as she waved off the security guard like he was nothing.
As they stepped into the elevator, Kian felt her pull him close, her body pressed up against his as she hit the button for the top floor. The anticipation in her voice and that look in her eyes sent a rush through him, his excitement building.
His hand slipping to her waist as he peered down into her eyes, ”Alright, Rozzi. Show me exactly what ‘fun’ looks like in this place. Whatever it is, I’m fuckin’ down and excited as fuck. Let’s burn this shit down if we gotta. I don’t care.”
”Good.” Her tone was hard, not aimed at him, she just hardened when it came to this side of her life. Charli had allowed people to call her poor and fatherless, she had let them look at her like she was no one and treat her like she was some scrappy kid. Because she didn’t care, she didn’t care for them to know this side of her life.
She had Kian by the hand as the walked down the long carpeted hallway when the elevator stopped at the right floor. Two large glass doors with beautiful etchings and gold handles led them to an empty reception desk. She didn’t pause, walking around it and straight into the office behind.
Mr. Chamberlain sat at his desk, feet up and on some call that was likely very important to him, so he didn’t notice them enter the room until she snatched up the phone from his hand and advised the person on the other end he’d have to call them back.
“Charlotte?”[/u][/font] Her fathers voice was rough and low, it was obvious where she got her tone from. Even in his surprise he sounded commanding and intentional.
”Hi daddy.” She rolled her eyes, tossing his phone onto the desk and folding her arms over her chest. ”What? Did you think I didn’t know you were in town?”
Kian’s face shifted, a look of surprise and intrigue lighting his eyes as he took in the grandeur of the office and Charli’s change in demeanor. The hardness in her tone, the confidence with which she strode forward? It was a side of her he hadn’t fully seen, and it only fueled his fascination of her.
As they walked down the carpeted hallway and through the glass doors, his eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement, catching every detail around them. But when Charli confronted her father, Kian’s expression grew darker, a faint smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth as he leaned back slightly, watching the tense exchange unfold.
He remained silent, his gaze unwavering, taking in every word, every motion, almost like he was absorbing this side of her world. The intensity between Charli and her father was palpable.
“Don’t be so dramatic.”[/font] He sighed heavily, turning to sit properly at his desk and seeing Kian for the first time. “And you-“[/font] he went to ask who the guy stood before him was, but Charli cut him off with that same hard tone.
”Dramatic?!” She slammed her hand down on his desk and circled him just enough to be stood off to the side, not quite in front of him. ”You take off with a cheerleader when I’m 18 and I’M dramatic?” She seemed to catch herself, the feelings that bubbled up with them being pushed back down.
“Charlotte...”[/font] he started again.
”SHUT UP!” She yelled over him, shoving both of her hands into his chest and almost knocking him out of his chair. He was on his feet and the pair struggled against each other for a few seconds, but her father towered over her and shoved her down to the floor, his hand catching her in ribs and drawing an annoyed sound from her as she hit the floor.
Kian’s eyes darkened instantly as he watched Charli hit the floor, and something inside him snapped. In that brief moment, the image of her father shoving her down brought a flash of memories he’d buried long ago—nights he’d tried to forget, fists colliding with him, his stepdad’s angry shouts filling his ears. And now, seeing someone he cared about on the receiving end of the same violence, it felt like he was right back there, powerless… until now.
Without hesitation, he lunged forward, grabbing Charli’s father by the collar and hauling him up from his chair with a force that left no room for resistance. His voice was low, barely restrained, laced with a raw, unfiltered fury.
”Touch her again, I fuckin’ dare you.”
With those words, Kian slammed him back against the desk, each blow he delivered carrying years of suppressed rage. The calm, playful side of him was gone.., there was only the seething anger of a man reliving the pain he’d once endured, now channeling it to protect the person he loved. His knuckles hit hard, again and again, each punch leaving her father reeling.
Grabbing him by the collar, Kian leaned in close, voice almost a snarl. ”You think you can just walk back into her life like that?” Another punch landed, harder this time, his knuckles bloodied, as her father slumped, the fight draining out of him.
Kian finally let him go, watching him collapse to the floor, defeated. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the adrenaline and rage still coursing through him, before turning to Charli. The anger in his eyes softened as he reached out a hand, a quiet, unspoken promise in his gaze, the memory of his own past pain still raw but tempered by the need to make sure she was okay.
During the violent ordeal she had remained on the floor, her eyes never leaving Kian as he poured out some of his own darkness. Her own body tensed in response to the rage she saw shooting through him.
Her mind reeled with the idea that she was taking him down with her, those thoughts landing with her as his fists landed against her father. A smirk forming on her lips and finally he was standing before her with his hand out stretched.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him down to her, arms and legs entangling him with her. Lips hot and hungry tasting the blood and anger that had still been coursing through him, his body pulled on top of hers as she locked eyes with him.
”Fuck em all.” She repeated the words he had said before, her lips and teeth exploring his neck and throat as she pulled him closer still, the darkness in his eyes melding with hers.
Kian’s breathing was heavy as Charli pulled him down, her words igniting a fire that matched the darkness simmering in his gaze. For a brief moment, he could still feel the tension from every punch he’d thrown, the echoes of his past bleeding into the present, but her touch, her wild, unapologetic energy, grounded him in the now.
”Fuck ‘em all,” he repeated, a grin tugging at his lips as her teeth and lips traced along his neck. The anger that had burned within him was shifting into something electric, the intensity between them consuming every thought and breath.
With his hand firmly around her waist, he pressed her down, his fingers tracing her skin as he leaned in close, his voice a low murmur. ”You and me against the world, Rossi.” His words were rough, filled with a rawness he’d never quite felt before, as he let himself sink into her touch, letting the chaos they’d left in the office melt away around them.
Her hands were all over him, his shirt off and nails down his back, her body reacting to his touch, his gripping her with even more intensity as the heat between them continued to build, as she kissed and nipped at him, her body wrapped up in his, she barely breathed out the words that came next.
”I’m nobody's little girl anymore...” Her words were full of fervour and she continued to undress him, the rough burn of the carpet against her skin as she used that soft, pleading voice he could never deny. ”Make him watch...”
Kian’s grin grew wicked, her words fueling something dark and primal within him. He pressed her closer, his fingers tracing her skin with a hunger that matched hers, his body responding to every touch, every kiss, every scrape of her nails. Her whispered words, that soft yet defiant plea, sent a thrill through him, and he couldn’t help but smirk as he glanced briefly toward her father, still crumpled nearby.
With a rough pull, he leaned down, his lips grazing her ear as he whispered, ”He knows exactly who you are now.” His voice was low, edged with a mix of defiance and desire.
Kian let himself get lost in her, his hands moving possessively over her as he let the moment consume them both, feeling her fervor and relishing the fire that sparked between them. In that instant, nothing else mattered, just the two of them, burning together, proving to anyone watching that she was no longer the person she used to be.
Saturday November 1st - The Crucible Academy Halloween party.
The party was already in full swing, a sea of sweaty bodies all enjoying the music and the atmosphere as they wasted time that could be spent training, planning, on drinking and other frivolity. Charli had agreed to come to the party for Clarissa’s sake and Kian went where she did. After sending him off into the group to scope things out, she hung back.
Just out of the doorway and almost consumed by the low lighting behind her, unless you were looking chances are you weren’t going to see her. This wasn’t her idea of fun, she’d had hers on Thursday night. So tonight she hung back, black tape beneath her costume keeping things secure, she made a mental note not to favor that side in her movements.
Ozzie Savell slipped through the crowd with ease, his eyes sharp and focused as he scanned the room. The corners of his mouth curled into a smirk when he spotted Charli, half-hidden in the shadows just out of the doorway, looking as though she’d rather be anywhere else.
Sauntering over, he leaned casually against the wall next to her, his gaze drifting over her with a mix of amusement and something a little more devious. ”Hiding in the shadows, hmm? Thought you’d be out there in the thick of it, showing these wannabes how it’s done. Or is this… part of the ‘mysterious allure’ thing you’ve got going on?”
He flashed her a charmingly smug smile, raising an eyebrow. ”Or maybe you’re just waiting for someone worth your time to show up. Lucky for you, here I am.”[/font]
He leaned a little closer, lowering his voice just enough to be heard over the music. ”Unless you’re waiting on Kian to get back. But then again, I’d bet you’re not afraid of a little company while you wait.”
His tone was playful, but there was a familiar edge to it, a touch of the arrogance that he carried everywhere.
Charli leaned into the doorframe and looked up at Ozzie, he always had a heat, an intensity to his presence that she reacted to. It wasn’t a conscious choice to react, like a part of her connected to a part of him and they were both unable to stop it.
”I hate parties, I’d think someone who knows as much about me as you claim to, would know that.” She kept her tone light and cool, her eyes trained on his face as he leaned in closer. ”Pretty sure your little girlfriend is out there somewhere, I’m sure she’d just Love to dance.”
An eye roll and a cool tone, she kept her emotion out of it, her eyes flashing across the room to spot Kian as soon as he was mentioned, she didn’t trust Ozzie around him and that concern wasn’t from a fear of something he would say. Taking a finger and running it under his jaw she smirked.
”I’m bored. Ninety percent of the people at this thing would struggle to power a lightbulb, let alone actually offer me anything of interest.”
Ozzie’s smirk widened as he leaned even closer, that familiar spark of dark amusement flickering in his eyes as he looked down at Charli.
”Oh, I’m well aware parties aren’t your scene. But you’re here anyway, which tells me you’re looking for something… or someone.”
He let her finger trace along his jaw, his gaze unwavering, a hint of a challenge in his voice.
”And as for Val… she’s useful. But don’t get it twisted.. she’s no ‘girlfriend.’ She knows her place.”
His eyes shifted briefly, catching the subtle change in Charli’s gaze when she looked over at Kian. That smirk of his grew, a mix of amusement and something more calculated.
”Bored, are we? Maybe you just haven’t been looking in the right places. Ninety percent of these people may be useless to you, but that leaves a few worth your time. Maybe even right in front of you.”
His voice dropped lower, his eyes meeting hers with that same heat, daring her to call his bluff.
She turned slightly, her back against the doorframe and completely out of the room now, her head tilted back to look up at him directly, a small sigh escaping her lips.
”What the fuck is it about you?” A glimmer of genuine wonder, her eyes going over and over his face as she remembered the lines of his mouth, little scars on his hands, his neck, the kind that fade out to silver and almost can’t be seen. ”I guess it doesn’t really matter when it comes to what.”
Her tone shifted, her finger lingering on his jaw and her eyebrow arched up in question. Her other hand hooked into the belt-loop of her jeans. Occasionally flashes of light from the room still heaving with people catching the white paint on one side of her face, illuminating the skeleton effect she had painted on. ”Or why… all that really matters is the if, isn’t it? If I’m going to give in, if I’m going to hurt him… it’s all an if.”
Ozzie’s smirk softened slightly, an almost knowing look in his eyes as he leaned closer to Charli, his voice a low murmur.
”You’re not going to hurt him, Charli,” he said, his tone steady but laced with something close to warmth. ”Kian’s head over heels for you. Whatever you do, however far you push… he’ll understand. He’d do anything for you, and he’ll let you do anything, too.”
He tilted his head, his gaze fixed on hers with a confidence that left no room for doubt. ”You can have it all without looking over your shoulder, worrying about him. He’s not going anywhere.”
Ozzie’s hand slid along the edge of the doorframe, his voice dropping even lower. ”So don’t hold back on my account, or his. Just let yourself want this.”
”And you think that won’t hurt him? Having such total control and influence over someone who is capable of more?” She shrugged off the words as soon as she said them, her tone shifting back to the low purr she used most often. ”You think I hold back for you?”
She leaned up towards him just a little more, closing in the distance between team with a smirk of her own.
”What do you think I want, Oz?” She trailed two fingers now, across his jaw and down his throat, nails just barely dragging against his skin. ”Tell me… what I want.”
Ozzie’s eyes darkened, a slow smirk spreading across his face as her fingers trailed along his jaw and down his throat, the sharpness of her nails sending a thrill through him. He held her gaze, unfazed, leaning in just enough to close the space between them, his voice dropping to a near whisper.
”You want to push him, break him, just to see if he’ll hold himself together,” he murmured, his tone laced with a dangerous edge. ”But more than that? You want someone who can handle the storm you bring… without flinching.”
He tilted his head slightly, his lips just a breath away from hers, eyes glinting with a mix of arrogance and understanding.
”Lucky for you, Charli, I’m right here,” he added, a wicked smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. ”So go on… let’s see what you’ve got.”
Her breath caught as he closed the distance between them, her lips just brushing his. Not a kiss, quiet deniability of it being a kiss really… just enough for them to get a taste before she pulled back, dropping her chin slightly and sighing, looking back up to him through her eyelashes.
”There’s something about...” she paused, she could feel the darkness in his gaze, the intensity that continued to build between them as she slowly drew out her reply. ”…seeing them all as fragile.” She barely lifted her other hand to point towards the room where everyone was partying.
”You called it mystery, allure before but that’s not it and you know it.” Even through her lashes with her head bowed, she kept her eyes locked on his. ”But that’s not it. It’s indifference.” Her darkness pressed forward, her nails against his throat still, the taste of his lips on hers, his scent filling her nose and shutting down the part of her that held back.
”They’re all dolls… toys...”
Ozzie’s smirked as his eyes darkened while he held her gaze, feeling the slow, seductive pull of her words. He reached up, his hand resting against the side of her face, his thumb brushing her cheek as his other hand remained at his side, keeping his stance relaxed but charged with that intensity of it.
”Dolls… you’re right,” he said, his voice showing his darkness that mirrored hers. ”They’re nothing but fragile things waiting to shatter. That’s what makes it so damn satisfying, don’t you think?”
He tilted his head slightly, bringing his face closer, his lips brushing just beside hers, giving her that same near-taste she’d given him moments before.
”But not us,” he continued, his gaze unwavering, the smirk transforming into something darker. ”We’re the ones who pull the strings, Charli. The ones who watch them break.”
He leaned back just enough to study her, his fingers still gently tracing her jaw. ”And indifference? That suits you… suits us.” His eyes flashed, as if daring her to take this further. ”So, go on. Show me how you play with your toys and maybe I’ll show you how I play with mine.”
A smirk creeped across her lip, turning her head just slightly, her lips brushing his neck as she half growled, half murmured her words to him with a flutter of her lashes.
”Best keep watching then… personally I’m the kinda girl who plays the long game.” Her smirk melting into a small laugh before she slipped free of him, turning to walk into the party and back towards the noise, just before she disappeared around the door she glanced back to blow him a kiss.
As soon as she turned into the party she caught Kian by the arm, pulling him in close for a dance leaving Ozzie out in the hall with the words she’d left unsaid.
Ozzie’s smirk widened as he watched her walk away, her words echoing in his mind, the faintest brush of her lips still lingering on his neck. He stayed rooted where he was, one eyebrow raised as he took in her parting glance and the teasing kiss she blew in his direction. Her promise of the “long game” hung heavy between them, stoking the thrill that only Charli could bring out of him.
As she disappeared into the crowd and pulled Kian in for a dance, Ozzie stayed back in the shadows, a dark amusement in his eyes. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms and watching her move through the crowd, knowing that her words were designed to keep him on edge, to make him want more.
With a low chuckle to himself, he whispered to himself, ”Long game, huh? Well, I’m patient.” And with that, he remained in the hall, letting the thrill of the chase fuel him, every glance and every touch from her making him anticipate whatever she’d do next.
I’ll be waiting forever nonetheless.
Would you?
For you?
Yes.
Always.
Charli Rozzi was in a mood, for anyone else it would be described as a foul mood, but when it came to her it was a dangerous one. After being cooped up all day in her room under strict instructions to rest she has grown bored… boredom was dangerous for Charli and after accidentallyonpurpose upsetting both Olly and Ozzie with a stupid and badly timed joke, she had ended up darkening her mood even further thanks to Ozzie Savell.
And so she had suggested to Kian that they get all dressed up and go somewhere, she had every intention of making a spectacle and then ending the night with some dancing, dressed in a figure hugging dress that showed off her curves, her long hair loose down her back; she was ready to go and waiting by the front door for Kian.
The limo outside was a last minute decision, fuelled once again by her terrible mood but also wanting plenty of room to get up to the kind of mischief that got regular people arrested for public indecency.
Kian smirked as he spotted Charli by the door, looking every bit as dangerous as he’d expected. This wasn’t just a night out, this was her idea of blowing off steam in a way only Charli knew how.
”Damn, Rozzi,” he greeted, eyes sweeping over her dress before a grin took over. ”You look like trouble, but I guess that’s why you keep me around, right?”
He glanced at the limo waiting outside and chuckled. ”Pulling out all the stops, I see. Should I be worried about how many laws we’re about to break tonight?”
As he opened the door, he added, ”You ready to raise some hell? ‘Cause I’m right there with you.” He leaned in, his voice low and taunting. ”Tonight’s about you, so let’s make sure no one forgets it.”
With that, he offered his arm, fully prepared for whatever chaos they were about to unleash.
She drank the sight of him in, just his presence made her feel more grounded to the moment. It was a skill only he seemed to possess and the hungry, mischievous look he had for her when he saw her in the dress only made her more excited to go out and play.
”Best not worry too much about any potential law breaking tonight… it’s better if you have plausible deniability. Just in case.”
Before she took his arm, she leaned up to kiss him, her kiss was hot and heavy with both hands looped around the back of his neck, when she finally broke that kiss, she stayed right in close, her words against his lips as she spoke.
”Let’s go.” Her tone was low, dripping with her own gleefully mischievous gaze.
With that she took his arm and they headed out, reaching the elevator and stepping inside, she turned to face him. Her hand sliding down his arm and gripping his own hand, their fingers intertwined.
”I’m glad we’re doing this tonight, just us instead of that stupid fucking party.”
Kian grinned, his eyes had that familiar mix of danger and excitement as he squeezed her hand.
”Trust me, Rozzi, I’d take this over some lame party any night,” he replied, leaning in just enough to keep their faces close. ”Besides, we both know we’re a hell of a lot more fun when it’s just us, right?”
He gave her a cocky smirk as the elevator doors slid shut, leaving them in their own little world, free from prying eyes and endless noise.
”Tonight’s about us, and whatever trouble we’re getting into? I’m all in.”
With that, he held her gaze, ready for whatever chaos they were about to create. She stole another kiss from him, fingers wrapped up in his shirt and tugging him against her. Backed up against the wall of the elevator she leaned right into the kiss, only finally breaking it when they reached the foyer.
Leading him out towards the limo, her hand holding onto the crook of his arm and her body turned just slightly to lean into him as they walked she mused with a louder tone than usual, wanting to demand the attention of anyone around them.
”I’ve been cooped up for too long, one tiny injury and suddenly I’m supposed to be locked away and sit, waiting like some little princess.”
She scoffed into her tone, rolling her eyes as they stepped out and approached the limo, as he opened the door for her she slipped inside and coaxed him to follow with a curl of her finger.
”And tonight is gonna be good practice...”
Kian’s grin widened as he slid into the limo after her, shutting the door behind them with a satisfying thud. He leaned back, his arm resting casually along the seat behind her, eyes filled with mischief.
”Practice, huh?” he wondered, his tone both amused and a little challenging. ”Seems to me you’ve been ready to get back in the game since the second Nathan told you to sit out.”
He watched her for a moment, taking in the fire in her eyes, that barely restrained energy she carried so effortlessly. ”And let’s be real, Rozzi, you were never made to sit around and play it safe. Tonight’s yours to own.”
Kian shifted closer, his voice lowering, the smirk never leaving his face. ”So, what kind of trouble are we planning to stir up first?”
She dropped her head to his shoulder, nuzzled in close to his neck as she dropped her tone low and playful, her hands on his chest, pulling him closer as she spoke.
”Practice for you.” Bringing her lips close to his ear, she all but whispered her words to him. ”I wanna see how far I can push it… before your darkness comes out.”
She had been trying to be good for him, to keep him good. But tonight she had decided to stop pretending, there was no saving her soul. And if she was going to drag him down to her level, have him play in the dirt… they were both going to enjoy every second.
”You wanna play?” Her lips were against his neck now, as she all but tainted him, willing him to want to play the game she had in mind.
Kian’s grin widened, his eyes darkening as her words settled in, igniting something within him. He tilted his head, letting her lips brush his neck, his hand sliding up to the back of her head as he held her close.
”You really wanna go there together?” His voice was low, a hint of a growl beneath the words. ”You’ve been tempting this side of me for a while, but once you let it out… there might not be any goin’ back.”
He paused, letting the silence add weight to his words before pulling her face back just enough to look into her eyes, his gaze intense. ”But if that’s what you want… I’m all in for you. For us. Let’s see how far we’re both willing to go.”
With that, he leaned in, closing the space between them, sealing the promise of everything they were about to unleash.
She met his kiss with one of her own, her hands wrapped up in his shirt, tugging him closer and almost putting a pause on the entire evening when they reached their first stop. She groaned in an almost annoyed way at the sudden stop, finally breaking apart from him.
”Test one?” She stole another quick kiss before jumping out of the limo, checking her lipstick in the window and smoothing out her dress. ”This one’s gonna be fun...”
Her tone was sing-song like and playful as she walked towards the outside bar, totally skipping going inside and heading for the large standing heaters, immediately finding two incredibly overdressed older men, sipping red label and undoubtedly droning on about something unbearably boring.
A touch to one of their arms was enough for her to immediately pull the attention of both men to her, to start she just chatted and smiled. Laughing a little too much at one of their jokes.
Kian leaned back, crossing his arms as he watched Charli work the room, his expression cool and collected. There was no hint of jealousy in his eyes, just a quiet confidence as he observed her playing her game. He knew exactly what she was doing and was more than content to let her have her fun, his smirk never fading.
Catching her gaze for a brief moment, he raised a brow, subtly nodding to show he was ready whenever she gave him the signal. He wasn’t about to step in or interrupt; this was her show, and he’d play his part only when she wanted him to.
For now, he was happy to watch and wait, letting her see that he wasn’t the type to get rattled easily. If anything, he looked almost amused, as if silently telling her, ”Show me what you’ve got.”
The look from him spurred the defiant nature she tried to dispel sometimes. Tonight wasn’t one of those times, her eyes lit up with it, her gaze locked on his for just a second, blowing him a kiss before she brought her attention back to the two men.
A hand on one of their chests, her eyes feigning a locked in gaze as she batted those eyelashes. A drink appeared in her hand, she wasn’t sure which had bought it, it didn’t matter as she wasn’t going to drink it. The suit losing her attention sauntered off and she lured her chosen target over towards the far wall.
The crowd were around the bar, the loud music and drunken cheers just far enough back from where they now stood that there was no need to shout. Her back pressed to the wall as she allowed him to lean in, walking her fingers down his chest as they spoke.
There was nothing of note being said and as the suit ducked in to taste her neck, as she tilted her head, allowing him access, she once again locked eyes with Kian, just barely parting her lips in a silent invitation meant only for him.
Kian stayed exactly where he was, leaning back against the bar with a cool, detached smirk as he watched Charli work. He let her play out her game, unfazed, letting her know with his steady gaze that he was in on it, that he understood this was all part of the thrill for her.
When her eyes met his again, he didn’t move, just raised a brow, giving her an almost imperceptible nod as if to say, ”Go ahead, show me what you’ve got.”
He wasn’t threatened, wasn’t jealous; he was letting her know that he was the one she was really playing this game with. And in that silent exchange, he let her know he’d let her keep pushing, seeing how far she’d take it.
One foot pressed against the wall, her knee meeting the hip of the suit who was sloppily attempting to carry the mood. She played along, an almost bored expression on her face that he couldn’t see. Her hand finally moving to his hair, tugging it back to catch his lips with her own.
The warm body lunged into the space between them, pushing her back flush against the wall, his hands pulling at the fabric of her dress, sliding the hem up her thighs as she put on a show. Her hands quick to drop his suit jacked to the ground.
So she let him think he was leading. Her eyes flickered back to Kian, as she kept going in for harder kisses, his hands fumbling with her dress as hers dragged her nails down her back, little droplets appearing on the fabric of his white shirt as she broke skin through it.
Kian caught her glance and, for a moment, the smirk on his face twisted into something darker. He understood exactly what she was asking without a word needing to be said. He rolled his shoulders, loosening up as he closed the distance between them, no longer holding back.
”Hey, buddy,” he called out, his voice smooth but carrying an edge. As he stepped closer, his expression hardened, making his presence impossible to ignore. ”Mind keeping your hands off what doesn’t belong to you?”
The suit barely had time to turn around before Kian’s hand was on his shoulder, pulling him back with a firm grip. The man stumbled, bewildered, but Kian didn’t let him regain his balance, shoving him just hard enough to send a clear message.
”Touch her again, and you’ll wish you hadn’t,” he warned, his voice low but cold, each word laced with a promise of trouble. He shifted his stance, clearly ready for whatever came next, daring the guy to make a move.
A delighted smile crossed her lips as she watched the scene play out before her. The interaction had been enough to draw the attention of a few of the stragglers at the edge of the group over by the bar.
The suits friend appeared with some half attempt to get involved just as the the suit himself looked to square up to Kian. She flashed him that devious smile before grabbing up the now empty glass that contained a drink just moments before.
”Please, try and creep up on my boyfriend. That’s gonna go so well for you...” she addressed the friend who was now somewhat close, as she dragged the glass down the wall behind her, chipping and breaking the glass until it had several jagged edges. She offered a wave to the spectators with her other hand.
”Stick around, the shows just about to start.”
Kian’s smirk widened as there was excitement in his eyes while he watched Charli’s antics with the glass, each jagged edge catching the dim light. He shifted his stance, keeping his gaze locked on the suit in front of him, completely unbothered by the growing audience.
”Oh, you think you’re gonna make a move?” he taunted, his voice calm but with a dangerous edge as he looked the suit up and down. ”You don’t know what you’re gettin into you dumb fuck.”
He glanced back at Charli for just a second, catching her devious smile, and gave her a slight nod. Turning back to the suit, he rolled his shoulders and tilted his head, as if daring him to try something.
”Last chance you stupid bitch,” he said, his voice dropping low, a hint of menace underneath. ”Walk away... or we about to give everyone in here a damn good show.”
Charli didn’t wait for the approaching friend to make a move, she lunged at him with a surprising quickness and took him to the ground, getting to her feet quickly she rolled the now blood tinged glass between her two hands. The glass had barely scratched the man, the breast of his shirt torn open and little droplets of blood forming on the shallow cut.
As he yelled something lowbrow and insulting, Charli simply grinned. On her feet now she was shoving him back down with her foot any time he tried to move or get up, after a particularly rough shove she looked behind her to catch sight of what Kian was up to.
Kian didn’t hesitate. The second man barely registered what hit him before Kian’s fist connected with his jaw, sending him stumbling back. He followed up with a knee to the gut, doubling the guy over. The man tried to swing back, but Kian ducked and countered with a brutal uppercut, slamming him against the bar.
As the guy struggled to get up, Kian grabbed his collar and delivered a final punch that left him dazed, dropping him to the floor. Standing over him, Kian glanced over at Charli, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as they both surveyed the chaos they’d left in their wake.
Charli turned on her heel and jumped into Kian’s arms, her lips on his in a passionate, almost violent kiss. Her hands in his hair, tugging him closer as she laughed into the kiss. The now very thick crowd of people surrounding them didn’t matter, some had their phones out. A couple were probably calling the police, but more would be filming instead.
”God you’re fucking hot when you’re wearing someone else’s blood.” Her words almost growled against his mouth, finally breaking back she stepped around him and practically skipped back over to her victim, stamping down hard on his chest, her eyes on Kian the whole time.
Kian’s grin was dark and wild as he caught Charli mid-jump, meeting her kiss with an intensity that matched her own. His hands gripped her waist tightly, pulling her against him as he let out a low chuckle against her lips, completely unfazed by the onlookers and their phones.
Her words only fueled the fire in his gaze, his eyes never leaving hers even as she stepped back, practically glowing with excitement. He watched, captivated, as she circled around and stomped down on her victim’s chest, each impact punctuated by her wicked smile.
Kian ran a hand through his hair, smearing a trace of blood across his cheek as he smirked, his voice a low murmur just for her. ”Keep it up, babe. I might have to get us out of here before we do something that makes the news.”
But the look in his eyes suggested he was more than ready to keep the chaos going, his gaze fixed on her like she was the only thing in the room.
Making her way back over to him, she leaned in close and licked the smear of blood from his cheek, her body pressed tight against his as she purred into his ear.
”You really wanna put on a show?” Before she could finish that thought, sirens approaching had her change tack and grabbing his hand she broke through the crowd and slipped into the limo, demanding he take them to the next destination as she waved Kian to follow in behind her.
Kian’s grin stretched into an excited, almost manic laugh as he collapsed into the seat beside her, running a hand through his hair, still catching his breath from the chaos they’d left behind.
”Fuck, that shit was crazy!” he exclaimed, his eyes bright with adrenaline as he looked at Charli, practically buzzing with energy. ”You know how to put on a show, babe, fuck!”
He leaned in closer, gripping her hand tight as he laughed again, shaking his head in disbelief. ”I swear, with you? I don’t even know what’s coming next, and I love it. Let’s keep this going. Where to next?”
He knocked on the window, signaling the driver with a wild grin. ”Let’s go!”
She shifted in her seat to straddle him, her fingers dancing down his cheek and her other hand pulling her hair up out of the way, leaning her head close to his shoulder to litter his neck with kisses as she spoke.
”I told you we were out to make a scene tonight baby...” her voice was heavy with adrenaline, a laugh trailing off her sentence as she kissed him again, just as intensely as she had at the bar before sitting back, able to look down at him since she was on his lap.
”Next, we’re gonna go see dear old Daddy.”
Kian’s grin widened, eyes lighting up with an almost feral excitement as she straddled him, her fingers tracing his cheek, her lips pressing against his neck. Her words only fueled the fire, his hands gripping her hips, pulling her closer as he let out a low chuckle, his voice thick with adrenaline and anticipation.
”fuckyeah!,” he laughed, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that matched her own. ”You wanna raise hell? Let’s give ‘em a show they won’t forget.”
He leaned up, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss before pulling back just enough to look her in the eyes, a devilish grin crossing his face.
”Dear old Daddy has no idea what’s coming. Can’t wait to meet em the right way.”
She leaned into the desire, her passion being driven by her adrenaline. As the roads passed and they headed towards her father office, she leaned in close, her forehead against his.
”I haven’t seen him in years.” There was a tinge of malice to her voice, a growl of utter hatred that burned through her brighter than any other feeling she had ever shown. ”But I feel like tonight is the perfect chance to show him what I’ve become.”
Another kiss and her hands on his chest now, tugging at his shirt in a way that was half playful and half demanding, when the limo stopped she ignored it for a few moments, just enjoying him.
Kian grinned against her lips, his own adrenaline popping off as he felt her intensity. His hands slid up under her shirt and up her sides, holding her close as he met her gaze, sensing that deeper fire within her.
”Fuck yeah, Rozzi,” he said with excitement. ”Let’s make sure he gets the full picture of what you’ve become.”
He tightened his grip on her, his hands settling on her waist now, feeding off her raw energy. Even as the limo came to a stop, he didn’t move, meeting her kiss with an equal amount of passion as he was caught up in the moment. He broke the kiss with a sigh as he gazed into her eyes. ”Let’s go give him a show he ain’t ever gonna fuckin’ forget.”
She moved off his lap, but slowly, drawing out her movements until she was out of the limo, looking up at the office building, she adjusted her hair and her dress, putting on some air of presentability as she turned to face Kian once he was out of the limo as well.
”Remember when I asked you not to judge the apartment?” Her eyes danced with adrenaline and defiance, it was immediately obvious that their adventure before had just been a precursor for her. This was what she had been wanting to do all night.
Kian stepped out of the limo, straightening his shirt and running a hand through his hair which still had blood in it from earlier. Kian had a wild grin spreading across his face as he took in her excitement. Her defiance, the barely contained adrenaline, everything about her in that moment ignited something fierce within him.
”Yeah I remember… Fuck that building is huge.”
He took a step closer, his eyes were filled with excitement as he reached out, letting his hand linger at her waist. ”Let’s show him exactly who you are. And let’s make em pay for this shit he pulled on you and your fam. He can fuck off for all I care.”
With that, he nodded toward the door, his gaze never leaving hers, ready for whatever she had planned.
She hesitated for a second, nodding her head when he commented on the size of the building. Chewing at her bottom lip for a second she then smiled at him.
”That doesn’t apply here… judge all you want.” Her tone was genuine but hard, like she was trying to keep back just enough of her darker desires, she wanted to enjoy his suffering.
When they walked into the building, the grand foyer sprawled out before them, only it was mostly empty and only one security guard sat at the large, carved desk in front of several screens.
“Miss Chamberlain” the man greeted her from behind the desk and she waved him off with no interest at all. Leading Kian to the elevators and slipping in hitting the top floor before pulling him up close against her.
”It’s time to have fun.”
Kian’s eyes roamed over the grand, empty foyer, taking in the size of the place with genuine awe. He shot Charli a quick, impressed look, “Damn, you really grew up in this?” But he saw the flicker of hardness in her eyes, the controlled restraint as she waved off the security guard like he was nothing.
As they stepped into the elevator, Kian felt her pull him close, her body pressed up against his as she hit the button for the top floor. The anticipation in her voice and that look in her eyes sent a rush through him, his excitement building.
His hand slipping to her waist as he peered down into her eyes, ”Alright, Rozzi. Show me exactly what ‘fun’ looks like in this place. Whatever it is, I’m fuckin’ down and excited as fuck. Let’s burn this shit down if we gotta. I don’t care.”
”Good.” Her tone was hard, not aimed at him, she just hardened when it came to this side of her life. Charli had allowed people to call her poor and fatherless, she had let them look at her like she was no one and treat her like she was some scrappy kid. Because she didn’t care, she didn’t care for them to know this side of her life.
She had Kian by the hand as the walked down the long carpeted hallway when the elevator stopped at the right floor. Two large glass doors with beautiful etchings and gold handles led them to an empty reception desk. She didn’t pause, walking around it and straight into the office behind.
Mr. Chamberlain sat at his desk, feet up and on some call that was likely very important to him, so he didn’t notice them enter the room until she snatched up the phone from his hand and advised the person on the other end he’d have to call them back.
“Charlotte?”[/u][/font] Her fathers voice was rough and low, it was obvious where she got her tone from. Even in his surprise he sounded commanding and intentional.
”Hi daddy.” She rolled her eyes, tossing his phone onto the desk and folding her arms over her chest. ”What? Did you think I didn’t know you were in town?”
Kian’s face shifted, a look of surprise and intrigue lighting his eyes as he took in the grandeur of the office and Charli’s change in demeanor. The hardness in her tone, the confidence with which she strode forward? It was a side of her he hadn’t fully seen, and it only fueled his fascination of her.
As they walked down the carpeted hallway and through the glass doors, his eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement, catching every detail around them. But when Charli confronted her father, Kian’s expression grew darker, a faint smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth as he leaned back slightly, watching the tense exchange unfold.
He remained silent, his gaze unwavering, taking in every word, every motion, almost like he was absorbing this side of her world. The intensity between Charli and her father was palpable.
“Don’t be so dramatic.”[/font] He sighed heavily, turning to sit properly at his desk and seeing Kian for the first time. “And you-“[/font] he went to ask who the guy stood before him was, but Charli cut him off with that same hard tone.
”Dramatic?!” She slammed her hand down on his desk and circled him just enough to be stood off to the side, not quite in front of him. ”You take off with a cheerleader when I’m 18 and I’M dramatic?” She seemed to catch herself, the feelings that bubbled up with them being pushed back down.
“Charlotte...”[/font] he started again.
”SHUT UP!” She yelled over him, shoving both of her hands into his chest and almost knocking him out of his chair. He was on his feet and the pair struggled against each other for a few seconds, but her father towered over her and shoved her down to the floor, his hand catching her in ribs and drawing an annoyed sound from her as she hit the floor.
Kian’s eyes darkened instantly as he watched Charli hit the floor, and something inside him snapped. In that brief moment, the image of her father shoving her down brought a flash of memories he’d buried long ago—nights he’d tried to forget, fists colliding with him, his stepdad’s angry shouts filling his ears. And now, seeing someone he cared about on the receiving end of the same violence, it felt like he was right back there, powerless… until now.
Without hesitation, he lunged forward, grabbing Charli’s father by the collar and hauling him up from his chair with a force that left no room for resistance. His voice was low, barely restrained, laced with a raw, unfiltered fury.
”Touch her again, I fuckin’ dare you.”
With those words, Kian slammed him back against the desk, each blow he delivered carrying years of suppressed rage. The calm, playful side of him was gone.., there was only the seething anger of a man reliving the pain he’d once endured, now channeling it to protect the person he loved. His knuckles hit hard, again and again, each punch leaving her father reeling.
Grabbing him by the collar, Kian leaned in close, voice almost a snarl. ”You think you can just walk back into her life like that?” Another punch landed, harder this time, his knuckles bloodied, as her father slumped, the fight draining out of him.
Kian finally let him go, watching him collapse to the floor, defeated. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the adrenaline and rage still coursing through him, before turning to Charli. The anger in his eyes softened as he reached out a hand, a quiet, unspoken promise in his gaze, the memory of his own past pain still raw but tempered by the need to make sure she was okay.
During the violent ordeal she had remained on the floor, her eyes never leaving Kian as he poured out some of his own darkness. Her own body tensed in response to the rage she saw shooting through him.
Her mind reeled with the idea that she was taking him down with her, those thoughts landing with her as his fists landed against her father. A smirk forming on her lips and finally he was standing before her with his hand out stretched.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him down to her, arms and legs entangling him with her. Lips hot and hungry tasting the blood and anger that had still been coursing through him, his body pulled on top of hers as she locked eyes with him.
”Fuck em all.” She repeated the words he had said before, her lips and teeth exploring his neck and throat as she pulled him closer still, the darkness in his eyes melding with hers.
Kian’s breathing was heavy as Charli pulled him down, her words igniting a fire that matched the darkness simmering in his gaze. For a brief moment, he could still feel the tension from every punch he’d thrown, the echoes of his past bleeding into the present, but her touch, her wild, unapologetic energy, grounded him in the now.
”Fuck ‘em all,” he repeated, a grin tugging at his lips as her teeth and lips traced along his neck. The anger that had burned within him was shifting into something electric, the intensity between them consuming every thought and breath.
With his hand firmly around her waist, he pressed her down, his fingers tracing her skin as he leaned in close, his voice a low murmur. ”You and me against the world, Rossi.” His words were rough, filled with a rawness he’d never quite felt before, as he let himself sink into her touch, letting the chaos they’d left in the office melt away around them.
Her hands were all over him, his shirt off and nails down his back, her body reacting to his touch, his gripping her with even more intensity as the heat between them continued to build, as she kissed and nipped at him, her body wrapped up in his, she barely breathed out the words that came next.
”I’m nobody's little girl anymore...” Her words were full of fervour and she continued to undress him, the rough burn of the carpet against her skin as she used that soft, pleading voice he could never deny. ”Make him watch...”
Kian’s grin grew wicked, her words fueling something dark and primal within him. He pressed her closer, his fingers tracing her skin with a hunger that matched hers, his body responding to every touch, every kiss, every scrape of her nails. Her whispered words, that soft yet defiant plea, sent a thrill through him, and he couldn’t help but smirk as he glanced briefly toward her father, still crumpled nearby.
With a rough pull, he leaned down, his lips grazing her ear as he whispered, ”He knows exactly who you are now.” His voice was low, edged with a mix of defiance and desire.
Kian let himself get lost in her, his hands moving possessively over her as he let the moment consume them both, feeling her fervor and relishing the fire that sparked between them. In that instant, nothing else mattered, just the two of them, burning together, proving to anyone watching that she was no longer the person she used to be.
Saturday November 1st - The Crucible Academy Halloween party.
The party was already in full swing, a sea of sweaty bodies all enjoying the music and the atmosphere as they wasted time that could be spent training, planning, on drinking and other frivolity. Charli had agreed to come to the party for Clarissa’s sake and Kian went where she did. After sending him off into the group to scope things out, she hung back.
Just out of the doorway and almost consumed by the low lighting behind her, unless you were looking chances are you weren’t going to see her. This wasn’t her idea of fun, she’d had hers on Thursday night. So tonight she hung back, black tape beneath her costume keeping things secure, she made a mental note not to favor that side in her movements.
Ozzie Savell slipped through the crowd with ease, his eyes sharp and focused as he scanned the room. The corners of his mouth curled into a smirk when he spotted Charli, half-hidden in the shadows just out of the doorway, looking as though she’d rather be anywhere else.
Sauntering over, he leaned casually against the wall next to her, his gaze drifting over her with a mix of amusement and something a little more devious. ”Hiding in the shadows, hmm? Thought you’d be out there in the thick of it, showing these wannabes how it’s done. Or is this… part of the ‘mysterious allure’ thing you’ve got going on?”
He flashed her a charmingly smug smile, raising an eyebrow. ”Or maybe you’re just waiting for someone worth your time to show up. Lucky for you, here I am.”[/font]
He leaned a little closer, lowering his voice just enough to be heard over the music. ”Unless you’re waiting on Kian to get back. But then again, I’d bet you’re not afraid of a little company while you wait.”
His tone was playful, but there was a familiar edge to it, a touch of the arrogance that he carried everywhere.
Charli leaned into the doorframe and looked up at Ozzie, he always had a heat, an intensity to his presence that she reacted to. It wasn’t a conscious choice to react, like a part of her connected to a part of him and they were both unable to stop it.
”I hate parties, I’d think someone who knows as much about me as you claim to, would know that.” She kept her tone light and cool, her eyes trained on his face as he leaned in closer. ”Pretty sure your little girlfriend is out there somewhere, I’m sure she’d just Love to dance.”
An eye roll and a cool tone, she kept her emotion out of it, her eyes flashing across the room to spot Kian as soon as he was mentioned, she didn’t trust Ozzie around him and that concern wasn’t from a fear of something he would say. Taking a finger and running it under his jaw she smirked.
”I’m bored. Ninety percent of the people at this thing would struggle to power a lightbulb, let alone actually offer me anything of interest.”
Ozzie’s smirk widened as he leaned even closer, that familiar spark of dark amusement flickering in his eyes as he looked down at Charli.
”Oh, I’m well aware parties aren’t your scene. But you’re here anyway, which tells me you’re looking for something… or someone.”
He let her finger trace along his jaw, his gaze unwavering, a hint of a challenge in his voice.
”And as for Val… she’s useful. But don’t get it twisted.. she’s no ‘girlfriend.’ She knows her place.”
His eyes shifted briefly, catching the subtle change in Charli’s gaze when she looked over at Kian. That smirk of his grew, a mix of amusement and something more calculated.
”Bored, are we? Maybe you just haven’t been looking in the right places. Ninety percent of these people may be useless to you, but that leaves a few worth your time. Maybe even right in front of you.”
His voice dropped lower, his eyes meeting hers with that same heat, daring her to call his bluff.
She turned slightly, her back against the doorframe and completely out of the room now, her head tilted back to look up at him directly, a small sigh escaping her lips.
”What the fuck is it about you?” A glimmer of genuine wonder, her eyes going over and over his face as she remembered the lines of his mouth, little scars on his hands, his neck, the kind that fade out to silver and almost can’t be seen. ”I guess it doesn’t really matter when it comes to what.”
Her tone shifted, her finger lingering on his jaw and her eyebrow arched up in question. Her other hand hooked into the belt-loop of her jeans. Occasionally flashes of light from the room still heaving with people catching the white paint on one side of her face, illuminating the skeleton effect she had painted on. ”Or why… all that really matters is the if, isn’t it? If I’m going to give in, if I’m going to hurt him… it’s all an if.”
Ozzie’s smirk softened slightly, an almost knowing look in his eyes as he leaned closer to Charli, his voice a low murmur.
”You’re not going to hurt him, Charli,” he said, his tone steady but laced with something close to warmth. ”Kian’s head over heels for you. Whatever you do, however far you push… he’ll understand. He’d do anything for you, and he’ll let you do anything, too.”
He tilted his head, his gaze fixed on hers with a confidence that left no room for doubt. ”You can have it all without looking over your shoulder, worrying about him. He’s not going anywhere.”
Ozzie’s hand slid along the edge of the doorframe, his voice dropping even lower. ”So don’t hold back on my account, or his. Just let yourself want this.”
”And you think that won’t hurt him? Having such total control and influence over someone who is capable of more?” She shrugged off the words as soon as she said them, her tone shifting back to the low purr she used most often. ”You think I hold back for you?”
She leaned up towards him just a little more, closing in the distance between team with a smirk of her own.
”What do you think I want, Oz?” She trailed two fingers now, across his jaw and down his throat, nails just barely dragging against his skin. ”Tell me… what I want.”
Ozzie’s eyes darkened, a slow smirk spreading across his face as her fingers trailed along his jaw and down his throat, the sharpness of her nails sending a thrill through him. He held her gaze, unfazed, leaning in just enough to close the space between them, his voice dropping to a near whisper.
”You want to push him, break him, just to see if he’ll hold himself together,” he murmured, his tone laced with a dangerous edge. ”But more than that? You want someone who can handle the storm you bring… without flinching.”
He tilted his head slightly, his lips just a breath away from hers, eyes glinting with a mix of arrogance and understanding.
”Lucky for you, Charli, I’m right here,” he added, a wicked smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. ”So go on… let’s see what you’ve got.”
Her breath caught as he closed the distance between them, her lips just brushing his. Not a kiss, quiet deniability of it being a kiss really… just enough for them to get a taste before she pulled back, dropping her chin slightly and sighing, looking back up to him through her eyelashes.
”There’s something about...” she paused, she could feel the darkness in his gaze, the intensity that continued to build between them as she slowly drew out her reply. ”…seeing them all as fragile.” She barely lifted her other hand to point towards the room where everyone was partying.
”You called it mystery, allure before but that’s not it and you know it.” Even through her lashes with her head bowed, she kept her eyes locked on his. ”But that’s not it. It’s indifference.” Her darkness pressed forward, her nails against his throat still, the taste of his lips on hers, his scent filling her nose and shutting down the part of her that held back.
”They’re all dolls… toys...”
Ozzie’s smirked as his eyes darkened while he held her gaze, feeling the slow, seductive pull of her words. He reached up, his hand resting against the side of her face, his thumb brushing her cheek as his other hand remained at his side, keeping his stance relaxed but charged with that intensity of it.
”Dolls… you’re right,” he said, his voice showing his darkness that mirrored hers. ”They’re nothing but fragile things waiting to shatter. That’s what makes it so damn satisfying, don’t you think?”
He tilted his head slightly, bringing his face closer, his lips brushing just beside hers, giving her that same near-taste she’d given him moments before.
”But not us,” he continued, his gaze unwavering, the smirk transforming into something darker. ”We’re the ones who pull the strings, Charli. The ones who watch them break.”
He leaned back just enough to study her, his fingers still gently tracing her jaw. ”And indifference? That suits you… suits us.” His eyes flashed, as if daring her to take this further. ”So, go on. Show me how you play with your toys and maybe I’ll show you how I play with mine.”
A smirk creeped across her lip, turning her head just slightly, her lips brushing his neck as she half growled, half murmured her words to him with a flutter of her lashes.
”Best keep watching then… personally I’m the kinda girl who plays the long game.” Her smirk melting into a small laugh before she slipped free of him, turning to walk into the party and back towards the noise, just before she disappeared around the door she glanced back to blow him a kiss.
As soon as she turned into the party she caught Kian by the arm, pulling him in close for a dance leaving Ozzie out in the hall with the words she’d left unsaid.
Ozzie’s smirk widened as he watched her walk away, her words echoing in his mind, the faintest brush of her lips still lingering on his neck. He stayed rooted where he was, one eyebrow raised as he took in her parting glance and the teasing kiss she blew in his direction. Her promise of the “long game” hung heavy between them, stoking the thrill that only Charli could bring out of him.
As she disappeared into the crowd and pulled Kian in for a dance, Ozzie stayed back in the shadows, a dark amusement in his eyes. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms and watching her move through the crowd, knowing that her words were designed to keep him on edge, to make him want more.
With a low chuckle to himself, he whispered to himself, ”Long game, huh? Well, I’m patient.” And with that, he remained in the hall, letting the thrill of the chase fuel him, every glance and every touch from her making him anticipate whatever she’d do next.
I’ll be waiting forever nonetheless.
Would you?
For you?
Yes.
Always.