They made their way downstairs, and all eyes were on them as they walked onto the lounge.
Holly didn’t miss Evie raising an eyebrow at them, to which Alex gave a small shake of his head. Evie looked relieved.
I need to ask about that.
Officers Dixon, and Jones, were sitting on the sofa with an iPad.
“What’s happened?” Holly asked as she and Alex sat down together.
“How much do you know about Miss. Scutter?” asked Dixon.
Alex told them all he knew was that she’d moved from San Francisco, two years ago, with her mother. She’d started their school and had been a thorn in his side ever since.
Holly frowned, questioningly, at Dixon.
“There’s more to it isn’t there?” she asked.
“I’m afraid so.” He replied.
“Miss Scutter didn’t leave San Francisco for new opportunities, she was ordered to leave by the courts.”
“What?” Dev whispered in disbelief. Alex and Holly were stunned.
“Due to her age, documents were sealed until she turned eighteen. Other technicalities prevented us from telling you sooner.”
“What technicalities?” asked Evie, angrily. She was becoming visibly unsettled that Stacey was already known to the police.
“Unless Miss. Scutter broke any terms of her order, we weren’t made aware of her previous arrests. We only knew she had an order in place, but details were kept confidential until she was a legal adult. We never needed to look into it until yesterday, when she damaged Miss. Edwards’ car.”
“What was the order? What did she do?” asked Rami, angrily.
Dixon explained that, for over a year, Stacey had terrorized a family that lived near her. She had taken a liking to the husband and pursued him relentlessly. She’d even broken into their house and stole some of his personal items. Toothbrush, underwear, and some photographs of him, and had gone to his wife to show her the items she’d taken as ‘proof’ of his infidelity. Stacey had even approached his children and told them, in explicit detail, how she’d seduced their father. The family went to the local police.
They’d searched Stacey’s home and found photo’s that she’s taken of herself in the family’s home. Some explicit ones, in their bedroom, and a note that she was planning to send to the husband.
Her thought was, if he were forced from his family, he would be hers…’like he wanted’.
The family had a protection order against her and she was ordered to stay at least two hundred yards away from them and no communication in any form.
Two days later, she set their house on fire in retaliation. She had to undergo psychiatric treatment for three months, and she and her family had to leave the state.
“What the fuck!” shouted Ben. “You mean to say that a convicted psycho was allowed into our school to harass somebody else? What if she’d gone further and tried to hurt someone? What if she hurt them? What if she hurt Dev?”
Ben was raging with anger.
“Our hands were tied.” Said Dixon. “We knew she was moved, however, we didn’t know of the extent until we asked to see her records after yesterday’s stunt. They came through after she’d been released with the EPO.”
“Yeah, cos that totally worked!” Shouted Ben, sarcastically.
Alex and Holly sat in silence. Horrified that Stacey had done this before and that they were now on the receiving end of her psychopathy.
“Ben, calm down.” Said Dev gently.
Ben was pacing up and down the lounge, Alex and Holly in shock, and all of the parents terrified of what that girl could have done to their children.
Holly stared at the floor, breathing deeply to calm herself.
“I can’t calm down, Dev.” Ben said. “That…slut…was in your house! What if Alex and I hadn’t checked out the house? What if you…?”
He ran his hands through his hair and down his face in frustration.
“She wouldn’t have done anything. Not then anyway, but Ben…she’s in custody.” Said Dev and she stood to place her hands on his arms.
Alex was holding onto Holly, and he was rubbing up and down her back.
“Let me get this straight…” He said with an icy calmness. The initial shock subsiding.
“A girl goes crazy, stalks a married guy, breaks into his house, confronts his kids, tells his wife lies and, once actually getting arrested, commutes arson. She has a few months therapy, moves state, and school, then starts all over again. Can you please explain to me how that was ok? Who actually thought it was appropriate to let a fucking psycho into a school when she thought nothing of attacking a whole fucking family?!”
Alex was getting irate. His blood was like lava in his veins.
“Who the fuck thinks this shit is ok? Did the principal know? Oh no, wait, she was a minor and records were sealed. “He said sarcastically. “So Mr. Lawson unknowingly allowed a crazy bitch to roam the school to have her pick of victims? She approached me the day she started!
I’ve had to put up with her shit for two fucking years! Do you have any idea what that’s like? To have somebody constantly tracking you down and violating your personal space, putting their skanky hands on you and saying disgusting things to you?! Even the teachers told her to back off, and she didn’t. I had to hide from her. Janitor’s closets, storerooms, bathrooms even my car! She followed my friends, and I to our hang out and then we couldn’t even go there anymore. She. Made. My. Life. Miserable.
I was always looking over my shoulder!”
Evie was openly crying and Kim had her shaking hand over her mouth in shock at hearing what Alex had gone through at the hands of Stacey.
Holly was ready to kill. She’d sat in silence, tears rolling down her face as she listened to every disgusting detail. She knew she would normally have a panic attack, but she was far too enraged for any sort of anxiety to take hold of her.
Her hand curled into a fist, and she clenched her jaw. Her breathing was heavy.
Alex held her other hand, with his arm around her shoulder.
He pulled her closer to his side, sensing her distress.
“We’re sorry, Mr. Valencia.” We were not aware of the details of Miss. Scutters’ offences until earlier today. As we said, we only knew she had been moved and her files were sealed.”
“That’s not good enough.” Said Holly. Coldly. “She was a known danger. Yet, she was allowed in school after committing arson as a ‘retaliation’. What then?
If the principal was made aware of the order, would she have been arrested when she started to harass Alex? Even after he complained about her?”
Officer Jones answered and Holly could see he knew they were fighting a losing battle.
“We don’t know miss.”
Holly wasn’t happy with that answer and was ready to make her displeasure known.
“Bullshit! She would have been! Dad?”
She knew Oli would be able to let them know exactly what would have been done.
“Yes, she would, honey. If the faculty were aware, she would have been picked up and, because it was so soon after her previous conviction, she may have even faced a prison sentence.”
The officers turned to Oli with concern.
“I’m a lawyer.” He said with a scowl. “I’ve listened to everything you have told us, and it’s clear, to me that the police department and courts responsible for the girls’ release, and subsequent concealment of her files, have placed a great number of minors at risk.
Regardless of the details of her actions, you will only need to read over other cases to see how quickly an attack of this level can escalate to something of greater magnitude.
In my professional opinion, there has been a great deal of gross mishandling on behalf of the courts.” Oli stayed calm and professional during his lawyeresque rant and Kim was holding his hand for support.
“We understand your position here, officers, and you being kept in the dark also, but you must understand that our children have been placed in danger.”
“We do understand Mr. Charles.” Said Jones. “But, according to the files Miss. Scutters’ psych evaluation, after three months treatment, cleared her for social integration.”
“Well they were wrong.” Said Rami. “My son could’ve been attacked. My daughter, their friends. They’ve all been affected by this girl. She should never have been allowed in school.” He snarled.
“We’ll be looking into it, sir.” Said Dixon.
“I hope they pay for what they did.” Said Holly. “She could’ve done anything…anytime…nobody knew!”
Alex pulled her into his chest as more tears fell down her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around his waist.
“If they let her go again…”
“They won’t miss. She’ll be held in custody, due to today’s events and breaking the order.” Said Jones.
The officers explained that they were waiting on a warrant to search Stacey’s home to check for any personal items or photographs of Alex. Like she had of the husband during her previous conviction. The officers would inform them if they found anything.
The parents wanted something done about whomever ordered the details to be kept from the principal, and that those responsible would be held accountable for what had been allowed to happen.
“If you want to file a complaint, Rami, I will be more than happy to take the case on for you, as well as ours. As for the prosecution of the girl, I will personally look into getting the finest lawyers of my company. Due to it being personal, I’m unable to do it myself. However, I can sure as hell assist with the research.
"Evie and Rami were leaving, and Alex was reluctant to go with them.
“I don’t want to leave you.” Alex said to Holly, pressing his forehead to hers.
“I don’t want to either.” She replied as she fisted her hands in his T-shirt.
“It’s too early. We could go somewhere…shopping for a new bed, clothes, just…don’t go home.”
“That’s a great idea.” Said Alex, brightening up. He was overjoyed that he didn’t have to part from Holly so soon, but he also didn’t want to dismiss his sister or best friend.
“Dev and Ben too?” Holly asked, as if sensing what he was thinking. He smiled, gazing into her beautiful green eyes.
“Is that ok?” He whispered.
“Definitely. We’re not leaving them out.”
Alex pressed his lips to hers before turning to his brave sister, and his best friend.
“You guys are coming too right?” He asked.
“Yay!” Dev squealed and she hugged them both tightly. Ben snorted a laugh.
“Of course. Someone needs to keep her out of trouble.” He motioned to Dev who narrowed her eyes and pulled a face at him.
Back to normal now.
Alex thought. The incident was over, and they were back to their hostile behavior towards each other.
“I thought you’d want to be alone.” Said Dev. “Not that I’m complaining though.” She added quickly with her hands up, as if they’d change their minds.
“I’m not going without my ‘BFF’.” Said Holly as she squeezed Dev and whispered in her ear. “Besides’…alone’ could be dangerous.” And Dev laughed.
“Let’s go then! Come on!” Dev said and she grabbed Ben’s arm and dragged him out to the car.
“Love. Keep me posted where you are ok? I’ll be going out of my mind here.” Said Kim.
“We’ll be fine Mum, she’s gone, but I’ll text you.” Holly replied as they turned to leave.
“You too, kids.” Said Evie. “Constant updates.” Rami gave Alex his debit card to buy whatever he wanted.
“It’s ok, Dad. I’ve got my own.” He said. Not wanting his Dad to pay for everything.
“I know son, but…just let me this once. Ok?”
Evie and Rami hugged their children before they left.
Alex turned to talk to everyone when they got in the car. He didn’t want the mornings’ events to ruin their day.
“Guys, could we not mention anything about what happened today? I don’t want any thoughts or talk about her to keep us from having a good afternoon. That’s what she wants and it’s not happening."
“Fine by me.” Said Ben.
“Not. A. Problem.” Said Dev.
Holly squeezed his hand.
“She’s not taking anything away from us.” Alex whispered as he leant over and kissed her.
“But…we’d like to go now though, guys. I can’t wait another hour.” Said Dev.
Ben laughed loudly.
“Yeah. What were you doing for so long?” He chuckled.
Alex and Holly both flushed pink.
“Um…we’ve just said not to talk about it.” Said Holly.
“Yeah, whatever.” Teased Dev.
Holly was trying to hide a smile as Alex looked the other way to hide his red face.
They drove to Northgate, where Alex had previously bought his clothes from. He’d found that the sizes and fit were more suitable for him. He liked his jeans loose fitting. Not like the skin tight ones a lot of guys wore. Because he liked to work out, fitted jeans weren’t suitable for an athletic person. He and Ben shopped at the stores there most of the time, or the online version, and even had Ryan and Kyle favoring them too.
They went into Alex’s favorite store. ‘Guy’. They had his favorite jeans and T-shirts. He picked out six pairs of jeans and noticed Holly looking appreciatively at them.
“You like these?” He asked.
“I like the way they fit you.” She replied, and he smiled knowingly at her, causing her to blush…again.
Alex picked up a number of T-shirts and went o the cashier’s desk.
“Is that all you’re getting?” asked Dev. “You’re gonna need more options than that! I mean, you can’t just have jeans and T-shirts. What about shorts? Sweaters? Shirts? We should go to Romey’s next…”
Dev was rambling on about different style choices and combinations and Alex snookered.
“Your sister can shop!” Said Ben, quietly. “How did I forget that?”
“I think I should have just let her go for me.” Said Alex. “But then I’d be afraid of what she’d bring back.”
“Oooh! There’s a great store around here, let’s go there!” Said Dev excitedly.
The guys groaned, and Holly laughed at Dev’s enthusiasm.
As they got to the store Dev wanted to go in, Alex and Ben were a little apprehensive.
“Underwear?” asked Ben. “Seriously Dev…You want us to go into an underwear store? A girls’ underwear store?”
“Why not?” she asked. “They have guys stuff too. Anyway, what’s the problem? We all wear it so…” She trailed off as she walked in, dragging Holly behind her who dragged Alex in as she still had a hold of his hand.
Alex was very aware of how his mind had gone from clean, ok fairly clean, to imagining Holly in her underwear.
He swallowed hard as he followed her inside.
Dev was still rambling as they went in.
“I could do with some new stuff.” She said. “Holly, will you help me pick? The boys can look at boy stuff. Anyway, we need some girl talk now so you two…over there…” She said as she pointed to the mens’ section.
Alex turned to Holly.
“I love you.” He said and kissed her gently, just once, as they were in public after all.
“I love you too.” She said and gave his hand a squeeze before letting go.
“Yeah, yeah, come on.” Said Ben and pulled Alex away.
The girls walked into the women’s area that was divided into colour sections.
They started with pink.
Holly could see Dev was itching to ask her something and as soon as they were far enough away, Dev pulled her close so they could whisper.
”So…what were you and my brother doing in your room?” she asked, her eyebrows waggling. “I know you didn’t ‘do it,’ but you looked, both looked, kinda guilty about something!”
“We just kissed really.” Said Holly. Not sounding convincing whatsoever and failing to hide her huge smile.
“Whatever. You need to spill…now!” Dev said, pointing her finger at Holly.
“Oh my God!” chuckled Holly. I can’t tell you everything you know.
“Yeah you can.” Said Dev, impatiently.
Holly rolled her eyes and looked through some items whilst they talked.
“Um…well…we, I may have squeezed Alex’s butt, a little.”
“Oh my God!” Dev whisper shouted.
“What else?” “I feel bad telling you.” Said Holly. She didn’t know whether she should tell Dev everything.
“Don’t!” Dev said, breaking her guilt trip. “Alex knows I’ll ask you. I won’t tell anyway so…come on!”
“I may have also felt his…I put my hands up his T-shirt.” Holly whispered, and Dev’s mouth popped open.
“Fuck me! What did he do to you?” “Dev!” Holly exclaimed. “Please Holly, “Dev begged. “I’ve never had these conversations before and now that I can, don’t deny me the details.”
“But he’s your brother!” Holly giggled.
“Oh I don’t care. This is about you now.”
Holly shook her head.
“He had his hands on my butt too…and my thigh. My waist too.” Her face flamed.
“That’s so hot! Did he…you know…touch your lady lumps?” Dev asked with a mischievous smile.
“No.” Holly’s face heated further.
“Did I disturb you?” Dev asked, her eyes widening.
The look on Holly’s face told her everything.
“Oh my fucking God! It would’ve gotten that far if I hadn’t knocked, wouldn’t it?” Dev put her hand over her mouth to stop her laugh from escaping.
“Seriously Dev, how do you do that?” Holly asked. Dev seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to her and Alex.
“Do what? Know what you’re thinking? You and Alex do the same thing. Either go off into a dream world or flush red. It’s really not that difficult to decipher. Of course, knowing how you feel about each other helps.” She said, tapping her temple.
Holly knew how she felt about Alex, and she knew how he felt about her.
She’d gotten to the top of the staircase as Alex was telling Stacey.
“I love Holly.” He’d said, and she froze on the top step.
She listened to him telling Stacey just how much, and her heart had swelled so big it felt as though it would burst from her chest.
All of her emotions rushed though her body at once, and she’d teared up until she heard Stacey screaming at Alex.
The disgusting things she said and when she’d asked where Holly was… Holly told Alex she loved him too.
“Hollyyyyy. Hellooooo.” Said Dev, waving her hand in front of her face.
“Sorry, I was miles away.” She said and Dev snorted a laugh.
“As I was saying…Do you think you would have, you know, if I hadn’t knocked?”
“No.” Holly said flatly.
“Why?” asked Dev, narrowing her eyes a little.
“We’re not eighteen yet.” Was Holly’s short, precise answer.
“Oh well, that’s good then. Anyway…let’s embarrass the guys a little.” She said with a giggle.
“How?” Holly was wary of what Dev was up to.
“Watch and learn.” She said, sticking her tongue between her teeth.
Dev picked up a pink stain bra and panty set. They looked girly with a small bow between the cups and on the tops where they joined the straps. The panties were boy-short style with bows on the sides.
“Hey Hol, what about this set?” Dev said loudly, as she held up the underwear. Alex and Ben looked over.
“What are you doing?” Asked Holly as she whisper shouted.
“Having fun.” She said as she winked.
“Oh Dev. You are bad!” Holly laughed.
“Yeah.” Dev said in a low growl. “So these…?” She held up the set. “Play along.” She said out of the side of her mouth.
Holly giggled and shrugged her shoulders.
“Nah. Too much pink.”
Dev bit her lip and she picked up a fuchsia vest set.
“How about this?”
“Too much…” Holly held back a giggle “…Coverage.”
“I hear ya sista!” Said Dev as she moved to the white section. “Now…how about…this?” Dev held up a lacy white bra and matching thong.
Holly had to cup her hands over her nose and mouth to stop her laughing. She cleared her throat.
“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” She said.
“Holy shit!” The girls turned as they heard Alex’s comment. Holly winked at him.
“Well, you’ll need a different size, obviously…” Said Dev and Holly’s eyes snapped to her. “…These are small, and you have way more than a handful!”
“Dev!”
Dev howled with laughter.
“Come on…” She said between laughs. “…Try it against you. See how it looks.”
Dev’s shoulders were shaking as she laughed silently, as she held up the set against Holly.
“Oh what the hell” Holly said and put one hand on her waist and the other in her hair in a pose.
“Ooh sexy!” Said Dev. Holly glanced over to Alex who was watching her with his mouth hanging open and a hungry look in his eyes.
“Let’s find your size.” Dev said as she noticed him too.
“Um…Dev…” Holly said, embarrassed. They don’t seem to have my size.
“What?” Asked Dev with a huge grin.
“Well, well…Excuse me!” Dev called the assistant.
The assistant came from the back room and sashayed over, repeatedly glancing back towards Alex and Ben.
“Can I help you?” She asked in a high pitched, tinny voice. Her dyed red curls bouncing around her head. Her too long fake eyelashes fluttering.
“Yes you can.” Said Dev, a little annoyed. “My friend here has a rather large ‘upper’ area, and you don’t have her size in this range."
“Hmmm. Oh yes of course.” The assistant said. Her own chest seeming to push forward. “What size?” Holly told the girl her size, and she looked surprised.
“What?! They must have cost a fortune!” She said with a hint of malice in her tone.
“Oh no…” Said Holly “…These ladies are all home grown.” The sly smile slipped from the assistant’s face.
“Oh…ok…um…this way.” She showed Holly to a section with ‘old lady’ types but Dev spotted some nice ones behind her, and pointed.
Holly knew the assistant was doing it on purpose.
The way she kept glancing at the boys and not wanting to show Holly the nice stuff…she was jealous.
“Oh yes.” She said and pursed her lips a little. She picked up a bra from the rack and held it up…against herself and looked over to Alex and Ben.
Holly and Dev had followed her gaze and then looked at each other.
“Can I try some on?” Holly asked as she winked at Dev.
“Y.Yes. Of course.” The assistant said as she looked, yet again, at the guys.
”Thank you. Can I ask my boyfriend to come with me to check the fit?”
“Wha…? Excuse me? Boyfriend?”
“Yes.” Said Holly with forced cheerfulness.
“He’s right over there.” And she pointed to Alex who was smiling at her as he heard the whole thing. He and Ben walked over to them as the assistants’ eyes widened.
“Hey babe.” He said as he got closer.
“Hi babe.”
“Have you seen anything you like?” He asked as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I have. The underwear’s not that great though.”
Alex licked his lips and swallowed.
The assistant turned her attention to Ben and Dev, as Holly noticed, wasn’t too pleased about it.
“Do you need some help?” she asked, batting her eyes and pushing out her chest.
“No thanks.” He said and put his arm around Dev.
“Just seeing how my girl’s getting on over here.”
Holly held her lips in her teeth to stop her smile.
“Oh. Well.” Said the assistant, with disappointment all over her face.
“I’ll just be over here if you need me.” And she walked away, red faced.
Another assistant came out of the back room and walked over to them.
“Hi.” He said, drawing out the word. “I’m so sorry about her. Is there anything I can help you with.?”
“Umm…” Holly wasn’t too sure what to say now that their little game was over.
The new assistant, ‘Justin’ it read on his tag, clasped his hands together.
“Oh I see.” He winked at the girls.
“You boys shoo.“ He said, waving them off. “It’s girl time.” As the guys slowly walked away, Justin said in a sing-song voice… “You’ll looove iiiitt! I promise.” He turned back to Holly and Dev.
“Ok. I’m all ears. I need sizes and favourite colours.” The girls looked at each other in disbelief.
“This could be good.” Said Dev.
“It’s soooo on.” Said Holly with a giggle. Dev let Justin in on the game they were playing with the boys and, amazingly, he was more than willing to participate.
He held up different lacy bra’s in Holly’s size.
“Really?” He’d asked when she told him her size. “Lucky you!” He said and he wasn’t bitchy at all, like the red haired girl. Also, he didn’t assume she’d ‘bought’ them either.
“I can tell they’re real from the way you stand and the way you’re dressed.” He said.
“You can?”
“Of course! Anybody who’d paid for those puppies would be showing them off every chance they got. You, however, are hiding them away. Now, let’s find you something to display these bad girls to make your guy crazy!” He said, glancing to Alex. “I don’t think we’ll need to do much though. He looks ready to blow a gasket already!”
The girls giggled at his boldness.
He turned back and winked before walking over to a rack of teddy outfits. He picked up a black chiffon teddy that parted wide in the centre, up to the black lace cups, with a red trim. Cute little red bows, where the cups met the straps, and black and red satin ties hanging down the centre. The matching black thong was barely there. Justin held it in front of Dev.
“This would look amazing on you, You have a fantastic figure that needs to be encased by this sexy, sultry little number."
“Oh Fuck!” Ben said as he walked into a rack of mens’ socks.
“Ben, dude!” Said Alex.
“Shit, sorry. I couldn’t help it.” Alex shook his head and resumed his drooling over imagining his sexy girlfriend in her underwear.
“You my voluptuous vixen…” continued Justin “…should be seen in this!”
Justin held up an outfit. Not just any outfit…it was bright red, with lace that had no lining.
Leaving it completely see-through.
The panties were tiny bikini style briefs that were slightly more than a thong at the back. Very sexy and not something Holly would have chosen…ever!
She risked a peek at Alex.
He was running his hand through his hair and over his face. He looked in pain.
“I’ll take it.” Said Holly, feeling a little bad for Alex, but also good that the thoughts of her got him frustrated.
“Which one honey?” asked Justin, his hands full of underwear.
“All of it.” Justin’s eyes popped open.
“Me too.” Said Dev, excitedly. “I haven’t had fun like this before!”
“Oh my God, that’s great!” Squeaked Justin. “Oh and for my colleagues' rude behaviour, I will give you twenty percent off.”
“Wow thanks!” Said Holly.
“Your guys too.” He said as he smiled towards Alex and Ben.“ That was fun.” He whispered as he leant forward.
Holly and Dev giggled quietly.
“You guys done?” Dev asked as Alex and Ben walked over to the cashier’s desk. Justin had rung up the girls’ purchases quickly, to keep them secret.
Holly watched to see what Alex had chosen. He’d picked boxers that had the flat elastic waistbands. The shorts were fitted close to the leg. Typical style of Calvin Klein. He’d also chosen Diesel, Armani, and Hugo Boss.
Holly’s mouth was watering imagining Alex standing there in nothing but a pair of them.
“Holly!” Said Dev, snapping her fingers in front of her face. “Whatchya thinking about?” She asked with a grin. Alex and Ben both turned to see what Holly would say.
“Trust me Dev. You really don’t want to know. Holly bit her lip as she smiled cheekily at Alex.
He groaned.
“You’ll be the death of me.” He said.
“What the fuck Dev?” Said Ben as they left the store.
Here we go.
He wondered when the truce between them would be over. It looked to be right then.
“What?” she asked innocently.
“You know you’re like a sister to me. I don’t need to know what underwear you have.” He ran his hand through his hair as he blew out a ragged breath.
“They’re at it again” Alex whispered to Holly as they walked along. Holly rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“We were playing…You know…having fun? Anyway, I didn’t ask you to treat me like a sister. You’re my brother’s best friend. Not my brother.” Dev replied with a snarky tone.
“We’ve know each other forever Dev. I can’t help it.”
Alex saw that Ben looked at war with himself. He’d been like that for the past four years. He didn’t know what had happened but since then, their bickering had gotten worse. This one seemed to be escalating quickly to the worst one yet.
“Little sister my ass!” She said. “That’s not my problem. You’re not my brother, like a brother, or any other family member. You’re Ben Stevens, who’s friends with my twin brother. I can’t change that, and I can’t change how you see me. But don’t ever question what I do because of that. I’m not a kid anymore, Ben. Or is that how you see me too?”
Alex wanted to know what the hell was going on and why Dev had reacted that way.
“What’s all that about?” He asked. “Dev? What’s up?”
“Nothing.” She said, scowling.
“Ben?” Alex said as he turned to him.
“Nothing. Just a disagreement about family issues.” Ben replied.
Alex, protective of his sister, was about to say something else to Ben. He didn’t care if Ben was his best friend. If he upset Dev, he would pay for it.
“I’ll talk to her.” Whispered Holly, squeezing his waist as her arm was around it and placing her other hand on his chest, over his heart.
He calmed immediately.
Alex looked down into her beautifully, perfect face.
“Thank you, babe.” He said. Knowing Holly was more likely to get through to Dev than he was.
“Coffee anyone? I know I could use some.” She said.
“Yeah, sure.” Said Dev.
They put their bags in the trunk of the car and crossed the street to ‘Cal’s Coffee’.
“Bathroom.” Holly said to Dev after they’d ordered. As soon as they were out of earshot, Alex started.
“Ben. What the fuck did you say to Dev?” He’d heard the conversation, but he wanted Ben to explain why.
“I just said I don’t need to see what underwear she buys.” He said with a shrug.
“Really? So why the outburst? I heard you guys arguing but what I don’t understand is why Dev would freak out like that.”
“I said I see her as a sister! She said it’s not her problem, I’m not a family member and she’s not a kid. That’s all. I don’t know why she freaked out. You know Dev, Man. She jumps down my throat no matter what I say.” Ben ran his hands through his hair again.
Alex could see Dev’s and Ben’s relationship was strained now more than ever.
Sure, they exchanged pleasantries, occasionally, but they hardly spoke anymore. When they did talk, it became somewhat ‘hostile’. That was until she showed up, and they’d become concerned for each other. Especially when Ben was ranting about her safety.
In the bathroom, Holly confronted Dev. She knew Dev was upset and wanted to help her, but she also wanted to rip Ben a new one for making her mad in the first place.
“I know you still like Ben. A lot.“ She said
“What?” Said Dev as she swallowed.
“Come on, Dev. It’s obvious. In the shop you were getting a reaction out of him and when he said that to you outside, you almost tore his head off!” Dev paced back and forth.
“It’s so frustrating!” Said Dev. “Yeah, I like him more than I said I did.” She admitted.
Holly stayed silent until Dev finished.
“He says he sees me like a sister. What the hell? I’m not his sister.“
“I don’t think he does.” Said Holly with a small smile.
“You don’t?”
“No. I think he’s trying to protect you and his friendship with Alex.”
“Why would he need to protect me?”
“He’s known you since you were six, right?” Dev nodded in reply. “Alex is, maybe, like a brother to him and seeing or ‘saying’ he sees you like a sister protects his friendship with Alex and protects you. Because if, for any reason you didn’t feel the same or, maybe you had a falling out, it may cause bad feeling between you, him and Alex.”
“So you’re saying he doesn’t see me as a sister?” asked Dev, a smile spreading across her face.
“I am. But…I think he needs to figure that on his own. Somehow I don’t think he would react well to anybody telling him what to do.” She hoped she was right. Ben sure had been watching Dev in the shop as they were having fun with Justin, and he looked as distressed as Alex did.
“You’re right there.” Said Dev. “Ben hates being told what to do and what to think… ok. I’ll wait. But, he better not take too long though.” She said.
“Yeah I know.” Replied Holly. If Ben didn’t get his butt into gear, Dev might agree to a date with somebody, just to piss him off. That wouldn’t end well for anyone.
He needs to wake up.
They left the bathroom and joined the guys at the table.
Holly immediately leant into Alex as he moved his arm for her to cuddle into his side. As he lowered his arm, he laid his hand on her backside and gently squeezed.
She snapped her eyes to him and he leant in to whisper into her ear.
“Was that little display some payback?” He said as his breath caressed her skin.
She gasped and gripped the edge of the table.
“Guys, seriously.” Said Ben.
“Oh shush.” Said Dev. “They love each other. Deal with it.”
Ben rolled his eyes.
Holly licked her lips as she turned to face Alex. She moved her mouth to his ear.
“Maybe…But I’m just getting started.” She said before pulling back and kissing his lips. She reached her hand under the table, rested it on his upper thigh, and gently brushed her hand to his inner thigh and back up. Alex jumped in his seat.
“Fuck!” He said and Holly gave a satisfied smile.
“Guys, come on, keep it clean.” Said Ben with a smirk.
“I have no intention of anything other than extreme cleanliness.” Said Holly with a straight face as Dev laughed.
Alex put his lips right up to Holly’s ear, and she felt them graze the outer shell.
She shut up instantly.
“Limpio no es divertido.” He whispered in his low, sexy, skin tingling tone.
Holly had to squeeze her legs together as a flush of heat travelled there.
“Not in here, Alex.” She warned as he threw back his own satisfied smile.
Holly took out her phone and handed it to him.
“Type what you said.” Holly cocked an eyebrow as Alex took her phone and typed in his comment. He handed it back, and Holly pressed ‘translate’.
‘Clean isn’t fun.’ Heat crept up Holly’s neck into her cheeks.
“What is it?” asked Dev. Luckily, she hadn’t heard Alex.
“Alex, what did you say?”
“Erm…I don’t think you want to know, Dev. Honestly.” Said Holly.
“Dude. I meant it when I said ‘who are you and what have you done with Alex?” Said Ben, shaking this head.
“That…we agree on.” Said Dev.
Once they finished in Cal’s, they went to one of the bedroom stores.
Walking through the automatic doors, they walked around and looked at the different mattress types and the number of ‘firmness’ they were.
“Holly, come see this. I’ve got this one. It’s a two.” Said Dev, motioning her over.
As Holly walked to Dev, a female assistant took no time in approaching Alex.
“Hi. I’m Josie. Can I help you?” she’d managed to unbutton the top of her blouse and was swishing her blonde hair back. “I can show you some amazing mattresses. Even help you test them out…” She said, biting her lip and batting her eyes.
“Seriously?” asked Alex. He’d had enough. “My girlfriend just walked away for a minute, and you say that disgusting shit?”
The girl looked surprised.
“What? Um…I just thought…” she stuttered.
“Yeah, well don’t.” He said with a repulsed expression. As he turned round, he saw Holly standing, watching the exchange. She was standing eerily calm, staring right at the assistant. Alex took her hand and gave her a gentle squeeze as he stood behind her.
“Take your slutty mouth away from my boyfriend.” She said in a flat, menacing tone. “Before I put my fist in it and break all of your fucking teeth.” She was fuming inside and was ready to physically hurt the girl if she tried anything else.
“I…I…” the girl said as she looked around.
Holly cocked an eyebrow, and the girl scurried away as fast as her stilettos allowed.
“Cheeky cow!” Said Holly as she turned round. “Are you ok, babe?” she asked, immediately calming when she faced Alex.
“I am now.” He smiled.
“You?” He stroked her cheek and she nodded.
“People looking at you is one thing, and I know they’re going to, but that’s just…just what…”
Alex knew exactly what Holly meant, and she was trying hard not to talk about it.
She closed her eyes tight for a second, and Alex cupped her face and pressed his lips to hers. The assistant had said something Stacey would probably have suggested to him.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be babe. I was thinking the same thing and it made my skin crawl.” He whispered. “Now… Let’s go check out some bed springs.” He waggled his eyebrows and laughed as Holly’s mouth dropped open.
“Alex! Oh my God!” She said.
“What can I say? You’re a bad influence, Miss. Edwards.” He said in a low voice.
“It’s your fault, Mr. Valencia.” She replied as her skin prickled, and her legs trembled at Alex’s suggestive tone.
“Eso es tan jodidamente fantástico.” He whispered into her ear.
“Stop it, Alex! Not in here!” She squeaked as he held his tongue between his teeth mischievously. “I really need to learn what you say to me. I have a sneaky suspicion it’s not sweet and innocent.”
Alex gasped in mock offence, his hand to his chest.
“What? Me? I am shocked!”
Holly narrowed her eyes.
“Hmmmm.” She said, raising her eyebrows.
Alex pulled her close, his arms around her waist.
“No puedo ayudarme a tu alrededor.” He said.
“What did you say?” she asked, breathlessly. Her insides were swirling, and her knees were weak. Hot lava was pooling in her lower half, and she was fighting the urge to rip Alex’s shirt from his body.
“He said he can’t help himself around you.” Said Dev from behind them. “I don’t want to know what came before that comment but seriously, you guys are getting some funny looks. So, let’s move it along."
Alex took Holly’s hand and led her around the store, chuckling at their embarrassment.
They looked for Ben and saw that the same assistant was talking to him, and he didn’t look happy about it.
She was a bit taller than the girls, possibly because of the insanely high stilettos she was wearing. She was wiggling about in her sky blue uniform blouse, and a tight black pencil skirt that stopped mid-thigh. They didn’t catch what the assistant said, but her body language gave away the fact that she was flirting with Ben.
Holly saw Dev’s face, and she appeared upset as she was trying to look anywhere but at them.
“No, mine is fine and I like it empty and cold.” He said to her.
“What is this? Sluts ‘r’ us?” Holly said when she heard Ben’s answer.
She’d taken all of the disgusting comments she could, and seeing Dev upset had tipped her over the edge.
“Excuse me?” the girl said in surprise.
“First, you try it on with my boyfriend the second I leave his side, and now you’re harassing him?” She asked with a tone so cold that it could chill the air.
“Did you not see us all come in together, or are you just so fucking dense to think it’s ok to practically spread your legs in front of them? Have some fucking self respect?” She spat. “Oh, and do you realise they’re still in high school? Do you even care? Fuck off!”
The assistant teetered rapidly away.
“I guess that was the ‘don’t piss Holly off’ thing that Em was talking about.” Laughed Dev.
They left the store, and Holly was still fuming.
“The audacity of that horrible…oomph!” She growled. She was so mad thinking about what the girl had said to Alex, and then she had turned it on with Ben. It made her think about the comments Stacey had made to Alex at school. She felt nauseated.
Seeing Dev upset had only made things worse.
Alex put his arm around her and pulled her close as they walked towards the car.
“We’re not going there again, babe. And anyway, you are seriously scary. That girl ran away as if she’d seen a ghost!” He said as he grinned.
“Hey!” She said and Alex leant in closer.
“But, I also think it’s seriously hot.” Holly’s eyes snapped to him in disbelief. How he found her ‘hot’ when she was enraged was beyond her.
Alex flashed his panty melting smile and Holly’s lips parted before biting into the lower.
“Down girl.” He said quietly into her ear, making her breath hitch.
“Right. I’m riding in the back with Dev.” She said, and Alex laughed again.
“Aw, I’m sorry, babe.”
“Oh really? Why do I not believe you? My nerves can’t handle any more, Alex, and I think Dev would like the switch anyway.”
Holly’s body was alight and if Alex turned her on with his sexiness any more, she may get arrested for inappropriate behaviour in a public place.
“Yeah, it’s cramped in the back, man. I need room for my legs.” Said Ben. Glad he was going to ride comfortably.
“Oh, ok.” Said Alex with a pout. He loved that he was able to do that to Holly.
He didn’t like the way other girls reacted to him. But with Holly…it turned him on.
A lot.
He didn’t even have to do much either. Just get in close, talk quietly and low… Speak a little Spanish… Kiss her just under…
”Alex?” Said Ben.
“What?”
“Snap out of it. I asked where are we headed?” Said Ben, shaking his head.
“Oh. Dreamworld.”
“Oh my God. How fucking appropriate.” Laughed Ben.
As the girls opened the doors to get in the car, Alex held Holly back, turned her around and kissed her…hard. His tongue seeking hers as he pulled her tight to his body. He let a hand wander, to cup her ass, and he gripped. He looked into her eyes as he pulled away, and saw his own passion reflected in hers.
“I needed that.” He said and released her.
Holly let out a shaky breath.
“I need to sit down before I fall down.” She said as she tried to catch her breath. Alex held her door whilst she got in the car, behind his seat. Holly leant towards Dev and they whispered something to each other. Alex got in and as he fastened his seat belt, he felt Holly’s left hand on him.
Holly caressed over Alex’s chest, down his stomach, and his waist before removing her hand. She sat forward so her face was next to his head rest, allowing her to whisper to him.
“Esto se siente sabroso.” Alex froze as Holly giggled. “Payback’s a bitch.” She said quietly as she sat back.
“Are we going?” Ben asked as Alex’s hands were gripping the steering wheel so tight; his knuckles were white.
“Holy shit.” He whispered.
Dev was trying not to laugh as she covered her mouth.
Holly had asked for a translation as she got in the car so Dev knew exactly what had happened.
“What? What’s up?” Ben asked.
Holly, taking a different meaning to ‘what’s up’ snorted a laugh that she could no longer hold in.
“Nothing. We’re going now.” He said as he started the car.
In Dreamworld, the assistants didn’t bother them after Dev had said…
“We’ll ask if we need help, thanks.” As soon as they’d walked in.
They walked around and saw a bed the same as Holly’s.
“That’s yours.” Said Alex.
Ben and Dev exchanged a look.
“What? We sat on my bed. Big deal!”
“Mhmm.” Said Dev as she sat down on a bed.
Holly shook her head as if to say ‘not a word’.
“That’s like a brick!” Alex said as he sat down.
“They’re all numbered. That’s a five.” Said Holly as she looked at the chart.
“That means it’s really firm. I think mine’s a three.”
Alex grinned, and his eyes twinkled wickedly.
“What?” she asked. A little wary of what he would say. Alex looked around and Ben was reading a poster about orthopaedic mattresses, and he turned back to Holly.
“I’d say more like a four, and that’s perfect.” He said, glancing down towards her rear.
“Oh my God, Alex!” She squealed and he threw his head back and laughed.
“Something funny?” Ben asked as he turned to see what had happened. Holly had her hands on her cheeks in shame.
“Alex thinks he’s hilarious.” She scowled, but couldn’t stop her smile breaking through.
“Hey guys, there are two’s and three’s over here. They’re so comfy I might have to change my mattress to one of them. Holly saw Ben run his hand through his hair and over his face before looking away.
Alex sat and then lay on one of them and patted the space next to him for Holly.
She nervously lay down next to Alex, and he turned on his side, facing her.
It felt so right seeing her there, next to him. Like it was meant to be. Like his whole existence only mattered with her. He reached over and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.
Holly turned on her side to face Alex and took his hand with her own.
“Do you like this one?” she asked gently. She would need to get up soon. She had an urge to straddle him and kiss him like he was the only thing keeping her alive. She wanted to rip the shirt off of him and lick his bare torso.
Remove his pants and…
”You’re so beautiful” He said, bringing her back to reality and out of her lustful daydream. “They’re all perfect with you.” He moved to kiss her.
“Ahem. Not the time and certainly not the place guys.” Said Dev.
Holly was shaking she was so nervous!
Lying on a bed, next to Alex, was doing crazy things to her body. In her room, they’d gotten a little hot and heavy, but that was behind closed doors. But even in the bed store, in public, she was having to restrain herself.
“This one’s perfect.” Said Alex.
He’d picked a three, which was right in the middle and felt like Holly’s bed.
“I want the same as you” He said, coming in close to Holly and holding her around the waist. “That way, it’s like I’m with you even when you’re not there.”
Holly’s eyes filled with tears.
“Babe…What’s wrong? I won’t get them if it upsets you.” Alex was so worried that Holly didn’t want him to have the same as her, whether that was too much or that he looked like a crazy person now.
“No. I want you to. Definitely. It’s just…” Holly put her hand over her mouth as tears flowed down her face.
“Shit! Holly…” He said.
“Oh my God! What’s happened?” Asked Dev.
“I’m not sure yet.” Said Alex. “I need to get her outside for some air.
“Dev.” Holly gasped.
“Yeah honey?” Dev replied.
“Get the bed…for Alex…” She said as her breath hitched. Dev took the card from Alex and the purchase slips from the end of the bed frame and mattress, to give to the cashier.
“Ben, stay with Dev.” Alex said.
“No problem.” He replied as if that’s what he was going to do anyway.
Alex took Holly outside and got her to the car. He thought she was going to have a panic attack. They got in the back seat, and he saw the tears were still rolling down her cheeks.
“Oh my God, baby, what’s wrong?” He asked gently as he tried to wipe her tears.
“Nothing.” She replied as she steadied her breathing. “Nothing’s wrong. It’s just…”
Alex waited for her to finish, worry filling him, and Holly took a deep breath before she continued.
“…It’s just, you’re so perfect. You say nice stuff to me, all of the time. You make me feel like I’m the most precious thing in the world to you, and then you go and do that too. I just got a bit emotional. I’m sorry if I freaked you out.” She said, sniffling.
“You had me worried.” He said in relief. “And, you are the most precious thing in the world to me. I say that stuff because I want to and that’s how you make me feel too. All those things.” Alex took a quick breath and ran a hand through his hair. “Look… I know we’ve only been together just two days, but Holly…I’ve loved you since we first met. I kinda freaked out in school when I realized too. I had to leave.” He said, thinking back to the day in the gym when he left suddenly.
“That’s why you ran out that day? I thought you were sick?” Holly said in surprise.
“Yeah.” He said with a blush. “Love sick.”
“Wow.” She whispered. “At first, I thought it was just me.”
“You too?” He asked with a grin. He was so happy!
“Yes. I almost walked into you, and…I couldn’t speak. God that was embarrassing! It’s unbelievable to think I’ve only been able to talk to you for less than a week.”
“Why was that?” Alex already knew that Holly was nervous around him, Dev had told him, but there had seemed to be more to it than that.
“You’re going to laugh.”
“I won’t.” He said. Holly took a deep breath and licked her lips, and he gazed at her tongue as it travelled along the bottom edge.
“You remember me informing the class that I think you’re sexy, don’t you?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.
“How could I forget that? It was awesome!” He grinned, pleased that Holly had meant it too.
“Well, I had to stop myself blurting out the first thing that came to my mind. It took a lot of control too. I’m a good girl, Alex. I never had thoughts like that before. You corrupted my mind.”
“Really?” Alex’s heart was racing more than ever. Just being near Holly had him on edge and now…
We’re in the car, in a parking lot, broad daylight.
He was trying to remember that there were a lot of other people about who could see them.
“That first day, what had you thought?” He’d often wondered that when he’d mistakenly thought that Holly was, possibly, a foreign student and didn’t understand him.
“It’s embarrassing!” Holly said with her hands on her cheeks.
“I’ll tell you, if you tell me.” He said quietly.
“You swear?”
Alex put his hand on his chest and nodded.
“I swear.”
“Ok. I thought…you were so…beautiful. Can guys be described as beautiful? Anyway…” Holly shook her head. “You looked right at me, like you saw into me. I thought I was dreaming when I looked at your mouth, and I wanted to kiss you. I remember thinking ‘How the hell can somebody be so perfectly gorgeous?’ That’s when it registered that you’d spoken to me, and I got…well, embarrassed.”
“Wow!” He said, stunned at what Holly had just told him.
“I had no idea. So that was every time we crossed paths?”
“It kinda got worse every time.” Holly smiled shyly. “I actually almost told you to kiss me, but luckily the teacher showed up.”
“When was that?”
“Outside Delaney’s room.”
Alex’s eyes widened.
“Yeah that would’ve been creepy and shameful.” She said.
“I totally would have.”
“You would?” Now Holly looked surprised.
“Yes.I wanted to kiss you too. That first day I saw you walking towards me, I thought ‘That girl. I want her.’ I thought you were the most beautiful, perfect, and sexy thing I had ever seen. I wanted to touch your face, and I had to put my hands in my pockets to stop myself.”
Holly’s eyes teared up again.
“See? You say the sweetest things.” Alex held her tight as she continued talking. “How can we feel like this? It’s insane! I don’t mean that in a bad way because, I like it. It feels…normal. Hell, I used to find myself turning towards you even before you walked in the door. Like I knew you were there.”
“And you say that I say the nicest things.” He said into her ear. “It feels right to me too, babe. I feel like I’ve found my missing piece.”
Alex pulled back to look into Holly’s eyes and saw, nervousness.
“Alex…I wanted to tear your shirt off in there…”
“You’re so fucking sexy” He cut in and crashed his mouth to hers. He didn’t care that they were outside anymore.
Holly’s fingers flew to his hair that she loved so much as she stroked her tongue into his mouth and then sucked his lower lip. Running her tongue along the edge, like he’d done to her. Alex let out a sexy growl, and Holly tightened her grip on him as she pressed her knees together in attempt to stop the ache between her thighs.
“Alex!” she breathed as she released his lip. “I love you so much.” She said. Panting with the need to be closer to him.
“Holly…I love you too.” Alex’s voice was strained as if he could barely talk. He brought their lips together again, tasting her mouth, merging their tongues together in ecstasy.
His hand reached down to her ‘number four’ rear. Holly slid a hand to his chest and down his stomach, finding the hem of his T-shirt. Like earlier, her hand slipped underneath and caressed his smooth bare skin with her palm. Her other hand joined the party and stroked his hard chest, rippling abs and round to his hard back.
“Mmmm” She moaned.
Alex gently pulled back from their kiss, keeping his hand firmly on her ass.
“Holly…” He said, their foreheads together.
“Football, baseball, cricket…”
There was a knock on the window.
Dev and Ben had come out of the store and Dev had knocked.
“Whoa, guys! You’ve steamed up the windows!” Said Ben.
“Holly, are you ok?” Dev asked as she opened the car door and got into the front passenger seat.
“Should I drive?” asked Ben with a smirk.
“Yeah, that’s probably best.” Said Alex. There was no way he could get out of the car with a hard on like that.
“I’m fine. I’m just a bit emotional.” Said Holly, to Dev.
“Awwww!” Said Dev, with the realisation that Alex’s sweet comment had set her off.
“Alex. I got the stuff you wanted. They’re both in stock and will be delivered tomorrow morning. I paid, well Dad paid, a bit more to get it then.”
“Thanks Dev.”
Alex took Holly’s hand and held tightly. He wanted to feel even closer to her. So, as he had sat to her right, he held her right hand in his right as he rested his left hand on her right thigh and lightly squeezed.
Holly looked into his perfect chocolate button, thickly lashed eyes and let go of his hand. His brow creased a little until she dropped her right hand to his left thigh. She reached over with her left, taking his right hand. She began to stroke towards the inner part of his thigh, looking down in time to see a ‘twitch’ in the bulge of his jeans.
She smiled, mischievously, at him until he moved his hand to her inner thigh too. She had to stop herself from gasping out loud.
Holly was filled with need.
The need for Alex to do more.
To move his hands, to where she needed him the most.
She didn’t know where to first.
She felt it all over…
Alex noticed Holly fidgeting, slightly, in her seat. He was uncomfortable too.
His pants were too tight, he felt hot all over, his heart pounding in his chest.
He wanted Holly so bad it physically hurt.
As they saw each other’s situation, they slowly removed their hands from their thighs. Simple hand holding would have to do.
On the ride home, Holly rested her head on Alex’s shoulder and he rested his head on top of hers.
“Riss and Ryan have a date tonight.” Said Dev, breaking the silence.
“Yeah?” asked Holly.
”Yeah. She texted me when we were at the cashier’s desk. Seeing you two getting down and dirty in the back seat kind of made me forget about it.” She said and waggled her eyebrows at them.
“No we weren’t!” Said Holly. “Don’t exaggerate, Dev.”
“Exaggerate? Isn’t that another interrupted episode today?” She giggled.
“Dev.” Alex said in a warning tone.
“It’s ok, man.” Said Ben.
“I totally get it. Dev, you don’t need to try to embarrass them. They’re not gonna have sex in the car.”
“Oh my God.” Said Holly, putting her hand over her face as it flamed.
“I was not trying to embarrass them, Ben.” Dev said, raising her voice. “I think it’s sweet that they can’t leave each other alone. I’m just making a point that I noticed, with a little added humour. You know…haha? You should try it Ben. Before your face cracks.” Dev folded her arms.
“Try what? Getting hot with some girl? No offence, Alex. I don’t mean Holly is just some girl…”
“I’m glad you said that Ben.” Said Alex, annoyed.
“No…” continued Dev. “I didn’t mean that, you ass. I meant humour. You’re so grumpy at times. And FYI, I know they’re not gonna have sex in the car. You know they can’t have sex yet…”
Holly ears pricked up.
Can’t have sex…yet? Ben knows we can’t? What’s going on?
“You get on my nerves!” Dev added.
“Right back atcha, sweet cheeks.” Ben replied, calmly.
“Oh you did not just call me that!”
“I’ll explain about that later.” Alex whispered.
“There’s a lot that you need to tell me.” Said Holly. “You still haven’t told me what you said, in Spanish, this morning. I’ve been wracking my brain, but I have no clue, except for ‘very, very hot.’ I’m guessing it’s not clean?” Alex shook his head whilst keeping eye contact with her.
Yep.
She was gone.