“No one.” Draven turned away and it ticked me off more than it should.
“Really? So it’s just a coincidence that you’re calling me by someone else's name?”
“It’s not like that-”
“Then what is it? Who is Lianna?” I questioned, this time with a more demanding tone and he gave me a hard long look before walking right past me and opening the door to leave.
“Draven, are you just going to lea-” I bit my bottom lip angrily when he disappeared out of my sight, leaving me with so many questions. Who is Lianna? Did he meant to say Lianna or my name? Both our names sound so oddly familiar. Why? Is she his sister or current girlfriend? There is no way, right?
x-x
I stared at the pendant and let out a deep sigh, my thoughts finally coming together as I clutched it tightly. How I missed my parents. To be honest, I wasn’t the type to get all clingy towards my parents but right now, there’s nothing more I want than to run into my mother’s arm and hug her tightly. Maybe that’s what I needed right now. A hug from someone I loved. Things have been hella crazy for me these days, not to mention the fact that I keep having weird feelings around Draven lately. It doesn’t seem right. None of this was but what choice did I have?
“You know what, Adriana? Fuck them, just go out, go visit your parents and come back. What’s the worst that could happen?” I hesitated for a while but then decided to go with my plan. The worst that’s going to happen is that Draven’s going to get pissed at me and wow, how shocking that would be.
“Adriana, hey.” I cringed a little when I heard Vincent’s voice and loosened the grip I had on the main door before turning to face him as he suddenly appeared in front of me. He was now wearing a loose blue t-shirt with a pair of black joggers and I blinked innocently as he eyed me suspiciously.
“Are you-”
“Yes, I am.” I cut him off, folding my arms across my chest. “And don’t stop me or I swear, I’ll jump off this dumb mansion again.”
“Really? That’s the best you can come up with?” Vincent chuckled before shaking his head.
“Try me.”
“Alright, jeez, I was just kidding.” He took a step forward, scanning me from head to toe. “All jokes aside, what’s going on with you and Dexter?”
“How am I supposed to know, Vincent? You should know better, considering the fact that you’re Draven’s side kick.” I grunted, moving past him and marching my way to the dining room, giving up on my attempt to sneak out from the main door. Maybe I can use the back door that’s in the dining room? I only noticed the back door the other day while I was having breakfast and yes, the thought of sneaking out from that door did occur to my mind then but guess I wasn’t feeling so smart tonight.
“And I can see why.” I mumbled out the words as soon as I saw the boys making out on the dinner table with a bunch of half-naked girls.
“Darling.”
“Edward.” I watched him brush his blond hair to a side, sitting up straight as a female got off his lap in satisfaction and I held back the urge to gag.
“Care to join?” he opened his arms and I was about to walk right past him and towards the door when both Edward and Vincent appeared in front of me, making me gasp before shooting them a glare.
“Move,” I pushed past them for the first time and opened the door to leave. “And don’t follow me!” I snapped and I could hear the guys groaning before hearing the sound of heavy footsteps behind me, causing my pace to fasten but I knew it was no use.
“Seriously, love, you cannot just barge out like that.” Raymond wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me to a stop. “Now let’s go back inside.”
“Will you get your hands off me?!” I huffed, brushing him to a side and turning to face Tyrell, Raymond, Edward and Vincent, who were now coming to a sudden halt.
“Will you stop acting out? Where are you going in the middle of the night, anyways?” Raymond ruffled up his hair before wiping the blood from his mouth. “You do understand that Draven’s going to kill us if anything happens to you right?”
“That sounds more like a "your" problem.” I emphasized and I watched the rest of the guys run out of the mansion, making me huff in aggravation. “God, will you guys cut me some slack? I am just going to see my parents.” I lowered my voice a bit, now that everyone was here.
“Adriana, we’re in the middle of something, can you just stop giving us attitude and come inside for a minute?” I glared at Jason, who was now buttoning up his shirt and not even bothering to brush his messed up hair.
“No, I swear if any of you touch me, I’ll tell Draven that you tried to hurt me!” I don’t know where the threat came from but it somehow seemed to work on Danny, who immediately took a step back from me and pulling his hands away.
“Seriously, you’re going to play that card?” Kevin raised a brow, taking a step forward and before they could say anything more, I turned and started making my way outside, ignoring the boys as they kept calling my name.
Just as I walked out of the gate, a car stopped right in front of me and I took a step back, narrowing my eyes as someone slid the window down to reveal Draven’s face.
“Oh, how cute. You guys go around in cars when you have super speed?” I muttered under my breath as the they huddled around me, half of them shooting me a glare in annoyance and I mentally rolled my eyes.
“What’s going on?” Draven asked softly, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion and I folded my hands across my chest, turning away. Honestly, seeing Draven just pissed me off. I don’t really know why, but ever since he called me “Lianna”, it’s been bothering me a lot. Was it his side chick or something? But seriously though, he called me by another girl’s name? We were in the middle of a serious talk and-
“She’s been messing around again. Probably sulking about something again.” Danny spat with venom in his voice and I scoffed in annoyance. I could feel Draven burning holes through my face but I didn’t even bother to look at him and instead I blurted out the first and utter most ridiculous thing that came into my mind.
“Well, Danny here, tried to make out with me.” I said bluntly and for the next few seconds, silence clouded the atmosphere before Draven snapped.
“The fuck did you do?!”
“Draven, she’s lying! Seriously, Adriana, you’re going to play dirty now?” Danny defended himself and I couldn’t help but smile inside a little before the guilt kicked back in. Okay, maybe I took it too far. It took a few seconds for the boys to calm Draven down and actually convince him that I was lying, making me slightly regret that petty move.
“I don’t have time for this, Adrianna, get in the car.” Draven raised his voice slightly and I watched him grip the wheel before I averted my gaze again, tightening my hands across my chest. “Adriana Reed, get in the fucking car!” he suddenly snapped, making me slightly jump a little before I glared at him.
“Make me, Draven Cruz!” I tried to hold back the anger but somehow I couldn’t anymore. Everything about him pissed me off right now.
“Gladly.” I heard him mutter as soon as I started walking away, ignoring the sound of the car door slamming.
“Get in.” he grabbed my wrist and I brushed them away. “Adriana-”
“Last I checked, my name wasn’t Adriana,” I watched him flinch a little at my words. “Now if you’ll excuse me-”
“Is that what you’re mad about?”
“No. I’m just mad because you keep getting pissed over nothing and ordering me around 24/7. It’s bound to get tiring.” I regained my composure, trying to hide the lie I was telling myself now and he let out a small sigh, a muscle on his jaw line flickering before his expressions softened.
“Fine, can you get in the car now?” he questioned and I raised a brow at him. “Can you please get in the car now, doll face.” He said “please” like it was the dirtiest word that ever came out of his mouth but I decided to let it go. By now, the guys were already leaving back to the mansion and I got inside the front seat before slamming the door shut.
“Where are we going?” I questioned, staring out through the window and at Vincent, who was now giving me a small smile but I didn’t bother to return it back.
“Just be quiet and wait.” He mumbled, leaning closer against my seat and reaching his hand to pull on my seatbelt. My breath hitched when he finally pulled away, returning back to his seat and I inhaled deeply as we finally drove off. The drive was quiet, almost too quiet and I squirmed in my position uncomfortably, sending a glance at Draven every now and then but his eyes remained on the road, as if he was lost in his own thoughts the whole time.
“So who is she?” I broke the ice and he raised a brow, his eyes not leaving the road for even a second. “Lianna, is she like your side chick or something?” I asked with no emotion in my voice and I watched him give me a look from the corner of his eyes before going silent again.
“It’s none of your concern.”
“None of my concern? It’s not that I care or anything but-”
“Then let it go.”
“But, it’s because it bothers me that you just randomly called me by a whore’s name, alright.” I continued and gasped when the car came to a sudden halt, causing my heart to almost rip out of my chest.
“Don’t you ever disrespect her.” He spat with so much venom and for the first time, his words actually got to me and I pressed my lips together into a thin line before turning away, blinking away the tears. What was wrong with me? Why do I keep acting out like this? Is it because of Dexter’s compulsion? Am I still under it?
“I’m sorry.” His voice was barely above a whisper as we drove off again but I didn’t bother to say anything. God, I hate him so much right now. But then again, when did I stop hating him? I used to loath his existence but look at me now, getting worked up about some girl. Do I really have feelings for him? No way, there is no way, right? When and how? Who in their right minds would fall for Draven Cruz anyways?
“Adriana?” he finally called but I ignored him, swallowing down the lump in my throat. I didn’t want to have these feelings for him but I can’t be in denial forever either. I definitely had something for him or else I wouldn’t be hurt over some dumb shit like this. But don’t get me wrong, I don’t plan to let my feelings get in the way. I’ll just figure out a way to get over it. It was probably some dumb crush anyways, maybe because he has been a bit nice to me lately? And actually showing emotions and remorse?
“Are you upset?” he mumbled, cutting off my thoughts and I regained my posture before shaking my head.
“What's there to be upset about? Obviously I’m at wrong for forgetting my place, so forgive me. I forgot that I was just a blood-bag to you.” I blabbered out before I could even stop myself and I could see Drave’s face scrunch up in confusion along with a hint of concern but I quickly turned on the radio before he could say anything more.
“You really think that’s how it is?” he asked, glancing at me and then back at the road every once in a while.
“Your words, not mine.” I decided to end this conversation when the female cover of the song "Attention" came on the radio, making me squeal in excitement.
“I just want attention, I don’t want your heart, I bet that you just hate the thought of me with someone new.” I sang along with the song, ignoring Draven, who was now calling my name repeatedly before reaching to lower the volume down but I brushed his hands away.
Oh, I just want your attention, since you broke my heart. I’m just making sure you’re never getting over me too.
I stopped when we suddenly came to a stop and before I knew it, Draven was already getting out of the car and opening the door for me. I hesitantly got off the car, slightly afraid that I might have pissed him off even more but that didn’t seem to be the case. I stared in awe as he motioned me to follow him ahead, towards a beach, and for the first time in a long time, I smiled a little. The crescent moon shone over the dark sea and the white beach as I followed him behind, a breeze brushing against my legs as I fastened my pace behind him.
“Why are we here?” I asked finally, suddenly feeling a bit scared that he might have other intentions besides going for a walk.
“Chill out, I just brought you here so that you can relax.” He came to a stop before sitting down and edging a little closer towards the sea. I took in his words and found it hard to believe at first but then decided that he would have no better reason to do so anyways.
“How nice…” I tried to sound polite but somehow, ended up being sarcastic instead.
“I’m a nice guy, doll face.”
“Oh, nice is a strong word for you.” I made a face and he raised a brow before grinning at me, showing off his pearly white teeth and my heart skipped a beat at the sight.
“Sure it is,” he stretched one of his leg and I went silent. “About Lianna-”
“I don’t really want to know.” I interrupted him and I heard him let out a sigh before shaking his head impatiently.
“She was my ex-girlfriend. The one I told you about,” he said softly and my eyes widened in surprise. “Her name was Lianna.”
“You mean the girl your best friend kill-”
“The girl Dexter killed,” I froze at his words and I could feel the knot in my stomach tighten as he continued. “And he’s not my best friend. We’re past that point.”
“Wh-what are you saying? I don’t really-”
“I’m telling you that Dexter killed my ex-girlfriend, Adrianna. Simple as that.” He said bluntly but I could see the hatred filling in his eyes and I gulped softly, trying to puzzle the pieces together.
“So-so let me get this straight? Your ex-girlfriend, her name was Lianna and Dexter is the best friend you were talking-”
“Yes, Adriana.”
“You’re lying…it can’t be. So all this time, I was with a man who killed an-” I stopped, processing the whole thing, trying to make sense of everything and I stood up straight as soon as realization came crashing down on me like waves.
“Adriana…?”
“I have to go.” I turned around and started leaving when Draven appeared in front of me and I gasped before taking a few steps back.
“Why? Where are you-”
“Just don’t, okay? Everything you said doesn’t make any sense. You’re telling me that all this time, I’ve been hanging around with a Killer? A cold-blooded murderer?!” I raised my voice, hugging myself tightly. “And you didn’t tell me? After everything he did, after everything he tried to do to me, you couldn’t even give me a hint?!” I snapped, anger boiling inside of me as I came to understand that Draven actually put me in a dangerous position when he decided to keep this from me.
“Calm down, alright? I didn’t want you to know-”
“Of course you didn’t, Draven. Because you obviously couldn’t care less about me or what happens to me and that is exactly why you kept this from me!”
“I couldn’t care less?” I could tell that he was trying to conceal the hurt and guilt in his voice but at the same time, I didn’t want to believe that he was genuinely feeling bad right now.
“I don’t care, just leave me alone! And from now on, whatever’s between you and Dexter, stays between you two. I don’t want two murderers on my case and-” I froze when he suddenly wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a hug and burying his face in the crook of my neck as I squirmed to break free from his tight grip.
“Let me go,” I spoke harshly and he didn’t even budge. “God, just let me go, Draven!” I snapped sharply, grabbing the back of his shirt and attempting to pull myself away.
“Let go-”
“No.” he barely whispered and I let out a huff in frustration before gripping his shirt even more. With another frustrated sigh, I pulled away with all my strength and just as we slightly pulled apart, Draven pulled me back in, making me growl in annoyance.
“Just for tonight, stop,” I stiffened when his voice barely choked out and I could feel my heart racing faster as he buried his face even more. “Please…” his voice sounded so vulnerable and weak, almost making me feel bad for him.
“Draven, let go.” I demanded this time.
“Come on, doll face-” before he could finish, I jerked myself away and shot him a glare as he took a step forward. “Look, I’m exhausted as fuck tonight, alright? I can’t fight with you right now, not tonight, so please, just hear me out.” His voice remained surprisingly soft and it bothered me that he could be so soft with me when I’m giving him so much attitude.
“Why are you exhausted?” I finally mumbled out, folding my hands across my chest and brushing a few strands of my hair out of my face.
“Because I’ve been looking for him for the past few hours and he’s already gone.” His tone became colder and I narrowed my eyes at him.
“You mean Dexter? So what, just let him leave then.” I shrugged it off but I knew the situation was a lot more complicated than that.
“No, you don’t understand, alright? If he’s gone, then that means that he’s planning to do something.” Draven took a step forward, his eyes boring into mine, causing a shiver down my spine.
“And he will come for you again, Adriana.”

xxx