The car ride was accompanied with silence.   

They barely spoke since that night and it's been nearly two weeks. 

Kent pulls into the parking space and turns off the ignition.  Camelia's gaze centered on the dashboard but for a moment feeling him look at her as if he wanted to say something.  Determined not to make the situation worse and blast him with everything she was thinking, she abruptly opens the passenger door, climbs out and slams it shut.

Kent does the same and locked the car. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw the way his mouth tightened with grim displeasure.

Tense moments passed before he slowly leads her into the shopping center in silence.

Lately, Camelia felt too imprisoned, deciding it was time to go out and do some therapy shopping. It's often stated, 'shopping is a girl's best medicine'. She demanded rather than asked like she was accustomed to do. Kent didn't try to hide his reluctance in his expression but she was surprised when he didn't hold up a argument.

She stared hard at his wide back and shook her head in irritation.   The unbearable tension whenever he was near made her weary. It's was excruciating to stand in the same open space lately when privately everything between them teetered on the edge of a sharp knife. Spending part of the afternoon with Kent was going to be difficult enough.

Camelia decided to avoid Kent as much as possible and only speak to him unless absolutely necessary. She resented his words that night. They were a absolute confidence deflater. They hit where it hurt. It was more than obvious what his views of her were. She didn't deserve it. She deserved a lot of things but she didn't deserve that kind of humiliation.

Verbal abuse was harder to forget than physical pain. It lingered. It hurt. It made her feel super insecure and unhappy beyond words. She was never at peace and always conscious that her thoughts never strayed from his wounding words.

A teenage kid going through a phase. 

It made her teeth grind. 

Ever since their 'argument' she began to feel self-conscious. Always wondering if she indeed not just 'acted' like an immature twenty-one year old but looked like that to him as well.  It was eating her insides alive to be left stripped and exposed. Her emotions were as fragile as walking on eggshells. It grew into a need to be accepted, a fear deep inside that made her uncomfortable in her own skin.

There was one thing she could change however, and it was her appearance. She needed to feel appreciated, wanted. She hoped to elevate some of her insecurities and deemed shopping the first step.

Camelia sighed heavily and pursed her lips, quickly lowering her gaze when Kent opened the door to the entrance of the mall and stood aside, inviting her to enter first. She couldn't stand the tension bunched up in her muscles as she strode forward, the smell of the strong manly cologne emitted from his skin.  Scrunching her nose in disgust, Camelia twisted her head away and clenched her teeth. 

Recently, she had grown accustomed to wearing her hair lose and close to her face, allowing her a brief shield from his prying stare.  Now, she could feel those stormy ice blue eyes upon her like a laser, searing her skin, making it sizzle and crackle underneath his scrutiny. 

Intensely aware of the heat emitting off his body, she  turned her face and walked past him as though he did not exist. She heard the scuffling of his shoes behind her as she began scanning the crowds in the busy mall. 

It was a busy Friday as people sat on benches, sipping coffee or a smoothie. Others walked, their hands occupied by recent purchases. Some looked through the glass windows at shops. Teenagers, families, couples, children–all sorts of people, ranging from babies to elders passed by her with smiles on their faces, their loud voices rising. 

She spots her first destination and approaches Victoria's Secret. The light mist of various perfumes and mists penetrated the air. She was greeted with a wide range of bras, panties and posters of supermodels in scant pieces.

All of a sudden she felt embarrassed. Kent was following behind and would be able to see the things she would be picking out. Turning around she faced him and looked him in the eye when he stopped before her. "I need you to wait outside while I shop." She announced.  Her voice sounding devoid of any life.

Kent raised an eyebrow looking to his right then left.

Camelia watched the uncertainty in his stare. His black hair was swiped to the side as usual. The black rimmed glasses were perched on his nose. He wore a simple white dress shirt and dark wash jeans. Camelia started tapping her foot with impatience and crossed her arms waiting expectantly.

"I don't believe that's a good idea."

His curt reply made her frown.

Kent noticed immediately. "Anything could happen with a crowd of people. You are more susceptible to danger when alone, Camelia. I wouldn't be able to protect you when I'm outside the boutique." He tried reasoning with her. His explanation went through one ear and out the other watching her shake her head in denial. "In case you've forgotten, the surveillance team I have watching us wasn't dispatched. It's only you and me..."

For the first time in weeks she finally looked him the eyes. The same eyes he could never say no to.

They barely exchanged a civil word since that night. It caused him to be in a foul mood. He'd regretted his impulsive words many times. He missed her. He mourned the silent, secret attraction growing between them.

"It's full of women! Nothing will happen! I won't be too long. Once I'm done I'll meet you outside. I need my privacy for goodness sake! Leave me be for a little while, I won't leave without you. I know danger can strike at any moment but I will be in here picking things out and in the fitting rooms..."

Her eyes pleaded with him.

Stefan had a alarmingly bad feeling in his gut. However, she was right, what could happen with a shop full of women picking out lingerie? He glanced around noticing the panties and bras the countless females picked out and understood Camelia's discomfort. The last thing she needed was him hovering while she chose personal items.

Stefan stared at her beautiful innocent face for a long moment ignoring the knot of dread.  "All right. But do not leave this place without me."  Pointing a finger at her in warning. "I'll be right outside sitting on the bench."

Camelia hid her smile of triumph, biting the inside of her cheek. For a moment she thought he wasn't going to agree. She had the sudden urge to swat his index finger out of her face. It was a pitiful reminder of how he always treated her like a child.

"Hello, my name is Chelsea, have you been measured yet?" One of the employees came up to the both of them with a welcoming smile holding the end of the measuring tape slung around her neck.

Camelia ignored Kent and glanced at the young girl probably no older than her.

"Hi, no I know my size already, thank you." Camelia replied back. She turned back to Kent with a pointed stare. "You can leave now." Dismissing him with a wave of her hand, she turned her back pretending to inspect the table full of sexy thongs.

Camelia listened to Kent mutter something inaudible under his breath while he walked away. Glancing behind her she smiled watching his retreating broad back. She exhaled in relief and made her way to the Very Sexy section, taking her time, deciding on a color she picked out her bra size and matching lacy panties in yellow. Next, she sauntered over to the Dream Angles finding her size and choosing a dark blue ensemble.

"Can I help you locate a size?" Chelsea spoke from behind her startling Camelia while she searched for a hot pink Body by Victoria multi-way bra. She had been so engrossed in what she was doing she didn't even hear her approach. 

"Oh my gosh, you scared me!" Placing a hand over her racing heart.

"I'm so sorry...would you like a shopping bag for all your things?" Chelsea asked with a sheepish smile, eyeing the undergarments which threatened to overflow from her arms.

"Yes, thank you." Taking the black netted bag she placed her things inside and slung it over shoulder. "I was looking for a 34D in this bra." Camelia said pointing to the mannequin wearing the same satin bra she needed. "And a size small in the matching panty."

Camelia stepped back to allow the girl to rummage through the drawers. She glanced back at the entrance and stood on her tip toes to see if she could find Kent. Spotting his dark head of hair she also noticed a female sitting next to him while they both exchanged smiles and small talk. She narrowed her eyes fractionally, the female was attractive with long blonde hair with a face and body of a super model.

The girl looked away shyly at something Kent said to her, taking a strand of her hair and placing it behind her ear in a nervous gesture. She liked him. She was flirting and blushing like a teenage girl with a crush.   Kent had only left her for a mere thirty minutes and managed to find someone to occupy his time with.

A rush of jealousy coursed through Camelia's veins and her face flared with anger. For someone that claimed homosexuality he certainly looked like he enjoyed the attention of the opposite sex. 

Damn him.

"Excuse me? Excuse me miss?" Chelsea's voice pulled her out of her dark thoughts. Blinking away the scene before her, she switched her gaze to the girl holding the set she asked for.

"Thank you." Camelia replied with a tight smile taking the items from her hands and placing them in her bag.

"Was there anything else I can help you find?" She asked.

Camelia thought real hard trying to clear her head. She wanted lingerie. Something she could sleep in and feel sexy. "I'm looking for a lace slip, I noticed some on the mannequins on the way in."

"Yes, we have several in the dream angles line in pink, black, nude, white and orange. I'm guessing you're a small?" Chelsea asked, starting to lead Camelia away to show her. 

"Yes, I am, and I'll take one of each color."

"I can hold these items for you with the cashier while you shop."  Chelsea offered, eyeing the bag slung over her shoulder. "Looks like you have plenty to carry already." 

Camelia nods gratefully as Chelsea walked away with items.  Before turning around to conclude shopping, her gaze was drawn to a super sexy satin pink and white, striped mid-length signature robe with the letters, "VS" written on the back in rhinestones.

She snatched the hanger off the display and held it against her body. Now that she was closer to the entrance, she had a better view of Kent's position next to Barbie. Pretending to hold it up as if inspecting the robe, she peered past the hanger and spied on them with narrowed eyes.

Kent's smile was wide showing white straight teeth. His laughter echoed in her ears while he nodded at something the blonde bombshell said. It was a stab to her heart hearing him so at ease and carefree. Wishing she could catch attention like the blonde did. The girl looked like a natural–flirting like it was her job, showing confidence and zero reluctance.

Gulping heavily, feeling her heart plummet and especially lonely, she turned and walked slowly towards the check out line in the very back not bothering to try anything on in the fitting rooms. 

After paying for her things numbly without noticing how much she spent on her black credit card, she hastily slung the large pink paper bag over her shoulder. But instead of going back to Kent like she promised, she held back dragging herself to a stop in the center of the boutique.  Camelia was overcome with the intense desire to run away, noticing from a distance how the blonde scooted closer to Kent. Their legs were brushing alongside one another and he was sitting back with a arm sprawled behind her and his legs crossed at the ankles casually.

It was like a punch to her gut feeling a pang of anger. This was a man she was supposed to trust, a person she believed in.   His display was a type of abandonment.  Maybe his concern was all a show.   Maybe he wanted to be done with her.  Maybe, he, like her, was sick and tired of their entire situation. 

But if she wandered, who knew what could happen. 

In the end, with her mind made up, the concern for her safety outweighed the rebellious side in her. Needing to take advantage of his distraction and escape, she searched wildly for a way not to be seen leaving the boutique. Stealing a quick glance in the other direction, it dawns on her Victoria's Secret had two entrances. One was for the Pink section and the other was the one she entered from.

Kent was at least twenty feet away from the second entrance.

Her expression looked faraway as she weighted the odds.

If she sneaked out the other way she may be able to slip through without being spotted. If she moved  behind a cluster of people exiting the boutique she had a chance.

With determined strides she crosses to the other section and heads directly towards it. Looking down at her clothing which consisted of black tight jeans and a soft pink blouse, she got an idea when she happened to glance at a rack of full-zip hoodies.

Picking out a black one in small, she puts it on and rips the tag off.

Rushing back to the check out line, she waits for a few minutes until it's her turn all the while standing on her tip toes to make sure Kent was still occupied.  She pays quickly and heads back out towards the exit. Placing the hoodie on her head, she ducks out the Pink entrance and makes her escape walking closely behind a group of teenage girls.

As she hurries off in the opposite direction she hears their laughter bounce against her retreating back. It was loud against the other louder voices echoing in the mall's high ceilings. Their laughter held happiness and joy. She envied them, burning with frustration.  It held no complications and set-backs like herself.

Brushing a stray tear from her cheek she continues to walk amongst the crowd, zig-zagging through hurriedly.  When she was a good distance away she glances passed the hood shadowing her features and looked around finding herself a few feet from Sephora. Nearly sprinting towards the black and white cosmetic shop she enters hurriedly, looking behind her again before she comes face to face with beautiful sales ladies with immaculate make-up waiting to help customers.  They greet her happily, murmuring hellos. 

"How can I help you today?"  One of them approached her with a warm smile. 

Camelia was not the type to apply much make-up on her face, unless for a special occasion.  The primary products she used everyday were mascara, blush and lipstick, trying to look as natural as possible.  Deciding it was time to change for a bolder more mature look she needed the necessities Sephora offered.

"Yes, I would like to learn how to apply eyeliner for a kitty-eye look and I want to see the most popular sets of lipstick you have.  I need colors that stand out, much bolder then the neutral colors I use."  Answering the black haired, chocolate skinned woman.  She was naturally beautiful with long curly eyelashes and bright red lips.

"Come right this way...my name is Katy by the way."  Katy turned away with a smile and Camelia quickly followed pulling the hoodie back, casting a worried glance over her shoulder. 

After Katy showed her how to apply a sexy dark cat eye with the liquid liner she highly suggested, she continued to show her the boldest and most beautiful colors lipstick had to offer.  Picking the ones that would compliment her skin tone, Camelia was ready to check out.  Waiting in line with her products she glanced down at her watch.  It had been a good forty-five minutes since she left Kent behind. 

Remembering to place her hoodie back on she paid for her things and took the offered purchase from the cashier in a black and white striped paper bag.  Slinging the medium bag on her shoulder like a purse, she hesitated at the exit looking right and left. 

Where to now?  She thought to herself feeling around her crossover Chanel bag slung over her body.  She took out her iPhone and it instantly started to vibrate in her hands. 

It was Kent's number. 

Pressing decline, Camelia gulped heavily when the screen showed seventeen missed calls from him and five voicemails while fighting down feelings of guilt. Her heart started to beat erratically and her breaths came out shallow. 

There was going to be hell to pay if he finds her. 

Tucking her hair inside the hoodie, she continued to walk out into the stream of people and blended in the best she can.   Glancing over her shoulder nervously, in her haste, she accidentally bumped into what felt like a hard chest and stiffened for a fraction of a second.

"Oh, I'm so sorry..."  Camelia apologized quickly without looking up trying to gather her belongings which slipped off her shoulder and onto the shiny tile floor. 

"No need to apologize love, it was my mistake..."  A heavy English accent replied. The British man bent down to help retrieve her things. 

Camelia looked up with a blush meeting the handsome stranger's piercing stare.  A humorous smirk marked his strong lips and shadowed jaw.  His head was nearly shorn with barely a trace  of hair but it suited his face.  He had a strong shadowed jaw, very masculine features, and fascinating piercing eyes. 

"Aren't you a lovely little thing, if you don't mind me saying." He compliments with a slight lift of his eyebrows as though inspecting her like a rare piece of forbidden fruit. 

A warning went off in her head.

Camelia narrowed her eyes suspiciously and stood upright balancing the bags in her arms.  The man moved in sync with her movements.  Although the mysterious man did nothing to cause her discomfort his words were eerily cryptic. 

Just as tall as Kent and just as broad shouldered, Camelia noticed the muscle packed underneath the suit jacket and his white dress shirt.  He rewarded her with a polite smile and took a step back as if sensing her distrust. 

From the looks of his posture and stance it reflected a alpha male, standing tall, poised and confident. 

Just the type she liked.

The man cleared his throat looking deeply in her eyes.  "I'm sorry for appearing so bold but I must say you have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.  Please..I must know your name."  He insisted, speaking above the voices surrounding them.

Camelia blushed again and looked away in embarrassment.  Thanks to Katy for applying the eyeliner so beautifully over her upper and bottom eyelids, it made her eyes pop out like a sexy feline.  It added a few stacks of confidence to her deflated self-esteem. The stranger's complement was welcoming and heart warming.

"Um, thank you...my name...?" She was unsure if she should provide a complete stranger that information. But the spark of interest in his eyes made her smile inwardly. "My name is...Mia." Deciding to give him the nickname Zayn and Jamsine called her.

"Such a simple name for such a beautiful woman. Pleased to meet you Mia, my name is Jason." He stuck out his hand for a formal handshake.

Camelia hesitated for a second but decided to take life by the reins and take risks instead of cower away from the challenges life threw at her. Thrusting her hand forward she clasped his large firm one.

Catching her off guard completely Jason holds her hand with the both of his and brings it up to his lips, placing a soft kiss to her knuckles. Wow. She thought, blushing profusely from the display and the impact of that soft kiss. He stared down at her, his sparking hazel brown eyes full of interest. 

"I know this may seem awkward, seeing that we bumped into one another but would you care to join me for a coffee or tea at the Starbucks right across the corner?" He asked still clasping her hand in his.

Camelia was completely caught off guard. Join him for coffee or tea...should she do it and hand her life over to fate? She teetered with indecision. Most of her life was sheltered and held minimal risk. All her choices were calculated and censored.

His eyes held hope she would agree. The charm he used on her was like falling into a jar of pure honey. Who wouldn't be swayed, she thought.

"Yes, I think I would like that." Agreeing to his unexpected question.

It was time to let it all go and take risks....
_______________________________________________________________________
Looks like Camelia is growing bolder.  

What's Kent going to do when and if he finds her? 

I'll give you a small hint:  all hell is going to break loose and that could mean many, many things! :)

Thanks for reading! 

Thanks for all the votes!  

And...

Thanks for commenting too!

Until next Friday!

-Shaz