Colors - Halsey

THEA'S POV:

"Thea, can you see how many history books we can fit up there?" gestured Andrea to the shelf just above me.

"About... one big book and two really thin books if we have any," I said, examining the shelf to see if I'd calculated correctly.

"Great," she said while carrying a wobbly stack of puzzle boxes out onto the shop floor. "Can you find some at the back and put the price stickers on? You remember the prices, right?"

"Yup," I smiled and squeezed past her. I paced hastily to the backroom where we kept all the books, discs, bric-à-brac, and the other miscellaneous pieces. I grabbed the footstool and stepped up on it but embarrassingly enough, I still wasn't tall enough to get a good view of the books.

As I scoured the shelves above me, a nightmarish image suddenly flashed through my mind: two men towering over me, sinister grins creeping across their cruel, twisted mouths, their hands reaching towards me.

I shook my head at the thought and clamped down on my lip. I needed to forget about that night. It had been a few days since then but it seemed that I couldn't escape them in the daytime nor in the night, for they'd creep into my dreams like centipedes. But at the end of those nightmares, a figure would always appear from the dark - my saviour - and speak to me with that unforgettable voice that made me want to sit there and listen to him all day.

"Come on, Thea," I said with a shake of my head. "Stop getting distracted."

I knitted my brows and looked up and around until I found the history section like I was supposed to. Reaching up on my tiptoes, I grasped the few that I could. Curiously, I examined the covers as I paced back to the storeroom where I ended up pricing and labelling them. I held the three books to my chest and stepped onto the shop floor, shifting my way around the customers standing in my way.

"Excuse me," I muttered softly, having to angle myself in strange shapes to get through.

"Thea!"

I turned my head to find Judith working at the till. She was gesturing with her hand for me to come over.

Judith was a tall, old woman with short white hair framing her face and a slight hunch to her back. From my very first day, Judith and I had been working together, swapping places at the counter and chatting about the most menial of things to pass time. In fact, she was one of the main reasons for why I loved volunteering here.

"What are you doing back there?" she asked as I came up to the till.

"Andrea told me to put some books out," I said and nodded to the ones in my arms.

"Don't listen to her," she grumbled, swatting her hand in the air. I giggled quietly at her as she began to go on and on about Andrea. Their relationship was one of rude jokes, sarcastic comments and the rolling of eyes, but I could tell they enjoyed each other's company very much. "Here, you come on the till. I need a little sit-down."

"Are you sure- oh, okay," I laughed, watching as she stepped out from behind the till to make way for me to fit. I thanked her and squeezed inside with her sitting down on the chair next to me.

Before I could utter another word, a man was approaching the counter and I stiffened.

His face seemed to morph for a second.

Familiar features took form like something out of a horror film, melting and twisting into the face that had hovered over me so menacingly in the dark. How was he here? How was it possible? I thought the stranger had dealt with them. I thought my saviour had protected me. How was-

And then he was gone.

"Thea, are you okay?"

Judith's voice broke my train of thought. I looked at her, then back at the man in front of me. He was waiting to pay for the children's books on the counter with a strange expression on his face.

"Yeah. Sorry." Swallowing, I swept a hand through my hair and took the books. I was seeing things. It wasn't him. It wasn't either of those two. It was just a dad trying to buy some books for his kids. He was innocent. He wasn't going to hurt me.

That had been my constant mantra over the few months of me working here and I truly wanted to keep believing it, but what had recently happened to me deemed the statement false. Perhaps my fear really was legitimate. Perhaps it was well founded. Taking a peek at Judith, I couldn't comprehend how she wasn't afraid of the man standing in front of us. Why was I afraid and she wasn't?

As soon as the customer had left, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"You sure you okay? You don't wanna take a break, lovely?" asked Judith again.

"I'm okay, don't worry," I tried to reassure her with a little wave of my hands. I wanted to change the subject. "So how was your week?

And with that, she gleefully commenced her daily chat.

Somehow, we ended up approaching the topic of vegetable soups while I served customers. "And sometimes, I make spicy parsnip soup," she told me and I nodded my head with wide eyes, taking a mental note of the idea. "My son is working today but I'm meeting up with my friends this evening. They said to me, 'Judy, have you made soup this year?' And I said, 'Yes, yes, come along and we can have some soup together. I'll make some bread, just seeded bread. It's delicious with it.' So that's what I'm doing tonight."

"That sounds lovely," I smiled. "If you ever have the time to write down the recipe, I'd love to-"

"Oh, love, serve this man. He's been waiting for you the entire time," she chortled, making me blush as I realised that I had gotten too distracted.

"I'm sorry, sir," I said and bowed my head bashfully, looking at the counter in search of what he wanted to buy, but there was nothing that he had put down.

Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I nervously glanced up at the man, only to have my throat tighten.

The man was... breathtaking.

His eyes were what I noticed first. You couldn't help but notice them. They were a haunting blue that looked like they'd been frosted over, just as the ground was during winter, and remained fixed, unmoving. He looked at me with so much certainty as a pair of sharp, thick brows pulled together and shadowed those eyes. His hair was obsidian, falling over part of his face; his jaw was chiselled and sharp; his pink, sensual lips set in a line as he carefully assessed me.

I was in awe of the man, struck by how striking his every feature appeared to be. Every aspect of his face was strong. He looked inhuman.

I felt my heart begin to thud faster and faster as the man stepped closer to the till, looming forward until I was craning my neck to look at him. Every inch of his body was made of pure muscle. Dressed in a suit, several tattoos appeared to crawl up his neck and my eyes flickered to his hands, only to find them inked with plenty of black too; I wondered if there was any inch of him that had been left unmarked. The tattoos ran under his sleeves, leading to bulging arms that he slowly rested on the counter.

I blinked at him.

"Um... is-is there anything I can do for you, sir?"

I silently cursed myself for sounding so weak. A loud slurp resonated from beside me and I would have burst out in laughter at the fact that Judith was sipping tea so noisily at a moment like this, but I was too entranced by the man's eyes. They were so intensely cold and it felt as if I would get lost in those icy plains forever if I wasn't careful, but I didn't have the strength to pull away.

"Sí, I'm looking for a girl who goes by the name of Thea."

[Yes.]

My heart momentarily stopped. All blood flow seemed to cease entirely and for a moment, I grew lightheaded at the sound of that voice. That voice - the same voice that couldn't seem to escape my every thought.

He was still staring at me, observing me, analysing me with those inquisitive eyes of his as he waited for me to answer. He already knew my answer.

I was standing right in front of him.

"Sorry, may I ask why you're looking for her?" interrupted Judith.

My saviour glanced at my co-worker, then fixed his gaze back on me. "The little lady and I are... acquaintances," he said carefully, finally catching my eye.

"Is that true?" Judith asked and turned to me.

Licking my lips, I gave her a short nod of my head but my eyes were still locked with the man. She looked doubtful for a moment and was about to open her mouth to say something, but was cut short by a familiar voice calling from the backroom: Andrea. The woman muttered something under her breath in annoyance. Giving the man another look, she pulled me close to whisper in my ear.

"I'll keep an eye on you from out back, okay?"

I released a small breath. I nodded.

After patting my shoulder, Judith hobbled out from the till and out of sight, leaving me in the sole presence of the man before me. With her departure, my confidence depleted further. I felt like a rabbit, eyes now hopping from place to place in hopes of me bounding out of the situation.

"U-Um, sorry, what did you need help with? Mister... Mister..."

"Synn."

The word left his plump lips like melted butter. I felt tingles soar down my spine as his lips tilted into a sort of smile. It was no mistake that his name held resemblance to that of something devilish, considering that it sounded like sin and may have even been spelt like that. I wasn't sure.

"Mr... Synn," I repeated softly. His eyes flashed with something undecipherable. "Gosh, I just didn't imagine you'd look so-so..." I paused, the word lingering on my tongue, so close to being uttered. Alluring. Handsome. Completely irresistible. Any of those words would have done the job but I couldn't find the will to say them.

"So?" he insisted, arching a thick, sculptured brow.

"You're just so-so big."

I dug my teeth into the pink flesh of my lip and had to force myself not to slap my cheeks for saying something so silly. But, to my relief, I watched as the man named Synn bowed his head and held back a smile of his own. He looked deeply entertained by something which I couldn't figure out, shaking his head softly at me while the stray strands of black hair swayed above his forehead.

"I can assure you that there is nothing small about me, créeme."

[Believe me.]

"Oh, well, is there something I can help you with?"

He stepped away from the counter. "I wanted to return something to you."

I watched from behind the glass as he revealed something from his coat pocket. My eyes found the thick, dark blue material and my lips parted.

"Oh, how did you..."

He slid the beanie across the counter. "You lost it that night," he said in that deep, resonant voice. I scrunched the hat in my hands. "I found it when I was walking down and thought you may want it back."

My heart was a bee buzzing incessantly from inside my chest, and I cleared my throat. "Th-Thank you," I said quietly and looked back up at him, my lips spreading into a warm, hesitant smile. "Thank you, Mr Synn."

Again, something happened in his eyes at the sight. It was like a chemical reaction, those sparks flying and frozen eyes melting just slightly as he stared at me. For the first time in those minutes I'd known him, the man called Synn looked away. He swallowed and a vein in his jaw pulsed before he returned his gaze to mine, and then I was looking away in embarrassment. I'd probably made him uncomfortable.

"I used the hat as an excuse."

Confusedly, I tilted my head.

"I wanted to see you. So I came. Por alguna razón, no podía mantenerme alejado."

[For some reason, I couldn't stay away.]

I stared at him whilst trying to figure out what he was saying. Then it seemed to click.

"Is it because I hung up on you?" I trailed off guiltily. "Because I, gosh, I really didn't mean to. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings or anything, or made you mad. That wasn't my intention at all. I was just really- really-"

"Scared?"

I stared at the gorgeous man.

"Yeah..."

Synn nodded his head to himself, almost like he understood me, but I knew there was no chance of that.

"Can I ask what I've done to scare you?" he asked and leaned down once more, setting his elbows back on the counter. From this position, it was even harder to avoid his searching eyes. I would have thought he'd look less intimidating but in fact, he looked even more intimidating when he was at my level. Dominance seemed to exude from his every pore like it was born and bred within him: innate, natural.

I cleared my throat and fumbled to change the topic. "Thank you again for saving me, Mr Synn. I really appreciate you- I mean! What do I mean? I-I really appreciate it and- and-"

"Why are you scared of me?" he said again. It was a demand this time, veiled by a deceptively soft tone. How did he know my name?

"Because I-I don't even know you!" I squeaked. "I'm grateful that you saved me. I'm so grateful, you don't even know. Bu-But you're also a stranger to me. I don't know who you are or anything about you, so I need to be a bit wary." The last part, I regretfully added in a mumble. "You could be a psychopath for all I know."

"Watch your words, little girl."

My cheeks flushed in hot embarrassment. He didn't look angry; he looked like he was testing me, waiting for me to say something along those lines again, but my heart was already exhausted from the number of flips it was doing and I didn't think it could take any more stress. It was probably an acrobat by now. Scrunching the beanie in my hands, I avoided his eyes.

"Sorry, that was rude of me," I muttered.

"It's okay." Synn tilted his head at me, still level with my height. "I understand you're being cautious. Your parents taught you well, didn't they?"

Gnawing at my lip, I nodded my head. "My parents wouldn't really like it if they found out I was talking to you," I said and peeked up at him, "Especially my mum."

"And why is that?" he mused, his Spanish accent poking holes through the mask of his British voice.

I held my breath and repeated the question in my head.

Why is that? Why wouldn't your mother like you talking to boys?

Before I could reply, I was met with the sight of a couple standing behind him, a few skirts and jeans draped over their arms. "Hello," I greeted cheerfully, giving Synn a glance as a polite request for him to move and give them space. He slowly pushed himself up from the counter and stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest. The action defined his build even further. He was big, both in terms of muscle and height. He must have been about six foot four, six foot five?

I snapped my eyes away.

He was still staring at me but he was deep in thought, a calculative, curious expression taking over his features.

Focusing on the customers in front of me instead of his threateningly beautiful presence, I gave them a soft smile and entered the codes. The man rummaged through his pockets for some money and while I was waiting, I forbid myself to look back at Synn because I was afraid of what he was thinking of me now. It didn't take long for the customer to get what he was looking for and as I held my hand out for the coins, he dropped them into my palm, his fingers grazing mine.

I flinched but they didn't notice.

Biting down on my lip, I looked away and opened the cash drawer, gathering his change. I gave them both another gentle smile while my abdomen spoke otherwise, tensing until I thought my muscles would shred. "Thanks, love," said the woman who took the bag from me and left the store with the man beside her.

"Did someone hurt you?"

I raised my head and looked up at Synn who was leaning over the counter again; his gaze looked a fraction harsher, as if he was contemplating the possibility and experiencing it himself. Wordlessly, I shook my head and stepped away from the till, resting my back against the wall behind me. I wanted him to go away. He was coming too close. Asking too many questions. I thought I would break down any second now.

"But you hurt when people touch you," he said quietly.

"Some people don't like to be touched," I whispered, eyes darting away from his.

Swallowing, I subconsciously raised my hands to my chest, a habit that had been implemented over the years that served as a barrier of protection for me. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. It looked like he thought I was scared of all touch and not just men's, but perhaps that was good too. Maybe he'd leave me alone now.

"Sir, um, Mr Synn, I don't mean to be rude but i-if you're not here to buy anything, I'll have to ask you to-"

"Did you hurt when I touched you?" he asked, eyes flashing with momentary agony.

I couldn't understand why.

"I-I don't really remember. I was asleep for most of it," I answered timidly, feeling rather small with him putting me on the spot.

He didn't look like he believed me; I didn't believe myself either.

The thing was, I did remember. I remembered the very feeling of his arms around me, locking me protectively against his chest until I could hear the melodic thudding of his heart against my ear; it sung such a sweet song. I recalled the way he carefully adjusted my position, letting his hands trail to the space beneath my knees until he was carrying me bridal style. The way he adjusted his arm, cushioning my neck ever so tenderly. Even the discernable scent of his cologne was enough for me to remember.

The night he saved me... he didn't hurt or scare me in the slightest.

For the first time in my life, I felt... safe with a man.

"I'm sorry, I-I think Judith is calling me so I have to go now. I hope you take care and get home safe."

I grabbed my hat from the counter and stepped out from behind the counter, feeling a breath of relief after leaving the tight nook, but then I was being stopped in my tracks. Synn stepped in front of me, his figure towering over mine. Slowly, he leaned down in front of me as I clutched the hat to my chest in the empty store, listening to the rushed sound of my breath. I stepped back impulsively as he stared.

"Liar," he whispered.

I furrowed my brows at him.

His lips tilted into a subtle smile. "Why are such dirty lies coming out of that sweet mouth? Hm?"

I stuttered as my cheeks grew hot, "Th-They're not."

He didn't say anything more. He didn't need to. I couldn't tell if he was accusing me of lying about Judith or the statement before, but I could guess. To my complete bewilderment, it was then that I realised Synn could see right through my glass facade and I wondered how. But what frightened me most was the emotion I felt as a result: it wasn't fear; it was comfort.

"Look at me," he started deeply. "I know you're wary but my intentions aren't to hurt you, understand?" He fixed his tie and murmured something else. "Eso sería lo último que podría desear."

[That would be the last thing I could want.]

"But still," I said with a pout, then looked at his expression, "You don't want to stalk me or my cat or anything, right? Or do anything weird?"

I sounded stupid, didn't I?

"No, you don't sound stupid. And no, I don't want to do any of those things," he said coolly. I said that out loud? Pursing my lips in embarrassment, I buried my face in the hat for a split second, then looked back at Synn again who was watching me in great amusement. He cocked his head to the side, black locks tumbling over his forehead. "How about I prove it to you?"

"Prove it to me?"

He placed his large hands on his thighs and bent down in front of me.

"Are you going home with someone, baby?"

Scratching cautiously behind my ear, I shook my head.

"Then how about I give you a ride?"

*****

Read 5+ chapters ahead on my Patreon: patreon.com/Fudgecakexox

Hey fudglings!

Okay I HONESTLY DK HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS CHAPTER EVEN THOUGH I EDITED IT but here you go o.o the infamous mafia man has been introduced oo la la I love him so much you guys don't understand. I'm planning to portray Synn a little differently in this version which you guys will see c:

What do you guys think? Thoughts on Synn? HE COULD STEP ON ME IDC and what do you think will happen in the next chapter? I'M ACC SO EXCITED FOR THINGS TO PICK UP PACE SOON but I will be taking things a little slower (as you guys will also see) because I want to make it as realistic as possible

ALSO yes I do have covid now ._. I literally woke up DYING today like I have a sore throat and runny nose and my head hurts :( but I still wanted to upload the chapter today. I JUST STARTED WATCHING A NEW KDRAMA ON NETFLIX AND ITS SO CUTE BRO Extraordinary Attorney Woo you guys should all go watch it I love it

Potato question of the day: What's your favourite book?

I don't have a single favourite but I do have 3. Firstly, I read A Monster Calls when I was around eleven and I didn't understand at first but I read it when I was a little older and cried so hard. I don't know what but there's something about that book which I love. Then, The Knife of Never Letting Go is amazing. I love the language used and the way the author creates the setting is phenomenal. I feel for every character. AND THEN, The Book Thief is beautiful. I love the characters so much and the naivety and innocence is so endearing. I CRIED SO MUCH WHEN I FINISHED THE BOOK (I was at school when I finished it and just started sobbing at lunch and everyone was like r u oKaY?? (I was not okay))

Anyway, thank you so much for reading  and if you enjoyed the chapter, please do vote, comment and share this book with your friends. I love you guys!

- Fudge x