Going down in the elevator, the doors open into a dark underground garage. I walk the aisles of cars, trying to find my little beast. The entire time I walk, I can't escape the weird sensation of someone watching me. You'd think I'd be used to this sensation by now, but it still gives me the creeps.
I pick up my pace, finally finding my car right at the back in a more deserted part of the garage. Reaching my car, I pop the key in the trunk and unlock it. Pushing it open, all the hairs on the back of my neck rise, the feeling of being watched won't leave and sends goosebumps all over my body.
How many times have I looked before, only to be greeted with nothing? There’s no way I’m wasting time over this paranoia. Reaching into the trunk, I grab the liquor, careful to hold the bottom of the worn box so the bottles don't fall through to the ground. I don't relish the idea of chasing them everywhere. Closing the trunk with my elbow, I place the box on the back of the vehicle before unlocking the driver’s door. I need to get my hair straightener and dirty laundry out from the bag on the back seat where it has lived for too long.
Wind races past my legs that stick out of the door while I lean into the cab. I’m not being paranoid this time, something is down here with me. I turn slowly, not trying to entice whatever it is into attacking me. But once more, nothing is there.
My heart pumps hard, my adrenaline floods through me preparing me to either fight or run for my life. I reach into the box of liquor and grab a bottle, it isn't much of a weapon, but I can swing at anyone who tries anything. Whoever is here, won't find me easy prey. I snatch everything I need, scurry back to the trunk and throw the bag inside the box and seal it again. I grab it and turn to head back up to the apartment.
Before I can even finish my turn, a gust of wind tickles the back of my neck. I yelp, swinging my box around prepared to do battle. Theo watches me, an indecipherable expression on his face, he catches my box in his arms. Okay, maybe that isn't the best weapon I could have thought of.
Damn it, Theo! “For god’s sake, don’t sneak up on people. You nearly gave me a heart attack,” I scold. I hold a hand to my still wildly fluctuating heart.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, I just saw you and thought I would see if you needed a hand.”
“What are you doing down here?” I ask. Just saw me? He knew I was going down here. Why is he following me like this?
“Nothing, I was getting something from my car.” He replies so calmly, like it’s common knowledge or something. I doubt his explanation, I’ve seen his car on the floor above this level. Why would he come all the way down a level, let alone be able to see me at my car? I step forward, and grab my box back from him. I pull away not wanting him to see what’s in it, suddenly feeling like he won’t approve. Not that I need his approval, I’m well above the legal drinking age. When I don’t pass him back the box, he frowns faintly at me.
“Pass it back, it's too heavy for you,” he says, moving closer. He makes me uncomfortable. I back up, back towards the elevator, box snugly against my chest. When I reach the elevator, I maneuver the box enough to twist my hand to jab the button. The elevator dings and opens, giving me a chance to escape this ominous pressure. Theo strolls in first, standing in the small space, waiting for me to enter. Squeezing in, I press the button to the first floor. My back is to Theo, the box in my arms forces me closer to him to allow the doors to shut. His breath tickles the back of my neck, only his breath is cold, too cold. I shiver involuntarily.
“So, what’s in the box that you don’t want me to see?” His voice is by my ear. I jump and glance his way, his face is only a few centimeters off mine. His mesmerizing eyes capture me. I try to pull away, but I am frozen. I can't think straight, all I can focus on is his velvet voice. My body relaxes, and I can't tear my eyes away from his. Is this what it feels like to be hypnotized? Will he ask me to do something and I won't be able to resist?
Theo moves closer, his lips are so close. All I have to do is lean forward and they'd meet mine. I have the urge to give in, I want to kiss him and see where it takes us. I stare at his lips, licking my own.
Theo doesn't give me the chance to make the decision. He moves first, leaning in and softly his lips barely brush mine. A teasing smile creeps its way onto his face and his eyes sparkle at me.
I open my mouth to answer him, to ask why when the elevator doors ding, signaling our arrival back to the first floor. Theo pulls back, a mischievous smile on his face, and I shake my head trying to understand what just happened. Did I imagine it? I could have got lost in his hypnotic eyes for hours and not noticed the time pass by. Shaking my head, I step out of the elevator.
“Goodnight Imogen.” Theo’s words snap me from my daze.
“Night,” I whisper, my brain foggy. Theo's arrival, the offer of help, the kiss, it’s just too much to process. I feel like I'm a cartoon character - I have smoke pouring from my ears.
I stumble back to the apartment, the box held close to me. The receptionist glares at me as I pass by. No more fake welcoming smiles now that I don't have Theo or Tobias around. Juggling the heavy box on my hip, I slip the key into the door and open it. I plop my loot down on a bench and fish the bag of dirty laundry out. I toss it in the washing machine, which even comes with its own detergent, before unpacking my hair straightener and my make up bag in the bathroom. Walking back out, I grab the first bottle I lay my hands on and pop the cap. Pouring a large glass, I mosey back over to the couch and get comfortable. I turn the TV on, flipping through the channels till I find the local news station.
I sit there for hours, sipping my drink and gradually chipping away at the bottle until it’s half empty. I reach to pour another glass and notice the heft is off on the bottle of tequila. Oops, I'd probably had enough at this point. I get up to put the alcohol away when the room spins around me, making me feel like I stumbled off a tea cup ride. I abandon the bottle and grab onto the counter, trying to hold myself steady. I kick the glass coffee table while righting myself and I wince at the dull throbbing pain.
Hobbling my way into the bedroom, I collapse backwards onto the king-sized bed. I enjoy the sensation of the bounce I get when my body hits the mattress. I want to throw my hands out and laugh, but I also don't want to risk getting really sick. I yawn hard, staring up at the ceiling, they live up there. I wince at my stench, I really need a shower, but this is just too comfortable. I'll take one in a few minutes.
Sunlight pours into my eyes and I wince, reaching for my cover to throw over my head. The stupid windshield seems to reflect that crap right at me in the mornings, and my alarm hasn't gone off so I know it’s early. Wait, something’s off, I blink hard and stretch my non sore body. I’m not in my car, or the storage unit.
I sit up and reach for my head as it throbs, a punishment from overdoing it last night. My whole night rushes back to me and I groan, dropping my face into my hands. I really need that shower now. I stretch, and hobble out of bed. My alarm hasn't gone off, but here I am up again just in time for 7. I’m a human alarm clock by this point.
Forcing myself up, I jump into the shower. I sigh and relax under the hot stream of water, my skin turning pink from the heat. This is heaven. Finally, hot water that isn't restricted I can get as close to burning as I want and just let it pound into my tight muscles. I haven’t had a shower this hot in months. The memories of the showers at the hospital and the parking garage fade away. I stretch my back in the shower, moaning at just how good it feels, this is better than sex. Granted, it has been more than a while since my last sexual encounter, but still. Unless it’s Theo and Tobias in here with me all soaped up in the middle, I don't see how anything could be more perfect in this solitary moment of bliss.
Spending far more time than necessary in the shower, I reluctantly get out and notice the time. No! I’m going to be late at this rate! I race around, trying to find something decent to wear for work, settling on some black slacks and a white button up blouse. It’s strange, having my clothes all hung up, waiting for me to pick them.
Everything looks so crisp, and I'm pretty sure there are clothes in there I've never owned before. I finish getting dressed and work on my makeup, without having to worry about using a small mirror or worrying about jabbing my eye out because someone comes up behind me.
I finish straightening my hair, slip on my tan heels and retrieve my purse and car keys. My hand is on the doorknob when I hear two sharp knocks. No one knows I live here, who could it be? I open the door and stare at the two gorgeous men outside of it. Theo has the same sly smirk from last night that I just want to smack off of him. My cheeks burn at just the memory of the whole incident. I duck my head so they can't see the blush stealing across my features. “Morning?” I say.
Tobias's eyes are hard, glaring down at me, making me take a step back into the apartment. “Morning,” his voice is colder than usual. I can tell he’s angry about something, I’m just not sure what has him in such a mood so early in the day. Have I forgotten something when getting ready?
“Come on, let’s get to work,” Theo says. He throws his arm over my shoulder like we are best buddies. Tobias' jaw clenches and unclenches out of the corner of my eye. How have I managed to make him even more upset? “I thought you could come to work with us. I don’t trust that car of yours,” Theo tells me.
I roll my eyes. “There is nothing wrong with my car, you are just a snob,” I scold. This man will never understand what it’s like to live by a certain means. He pulls me in closer, squeezing my shoulder before letting me go completely and letting me walk by myself. I follow them out to their car, the sleek blue BMW M340 which is waiting out the front. The valet tosses the keys and Tobias catches them in the air before walking around to the driver’s side.
My hand is on the rear handle when Tobias speaks. “No, in front, with me.” I looked back but Theo had already hopped in the backseat. Can this be any worse of a start to my day? I take a seat beside Tobias and do my best to not make him anymore upset with me.
Tobias is a demon, of the speed demon variety. The man doesn't pull away as we drive out. No, he stomps his foot on the pedal and the car screams as we race through the city. He plays a game with weaving between the cars. Honks, screams, and curses meet my ears and I slump a little in my seat. Is this because he’s mad at me, or is he always like this? Theo doesn't seem the least bit disturbed. Tobias swerves the car into a parking spot and stomps on the brakes. My head thumps against the headrest and I whimper at the whiplash. If either of them hear my complaint, they ignore it. Once safely stopped, I scramble out of the car, knees shaking. I've never been so grateful to get out of a vehicle before. There’s no way I’m driving with him behind the wheel again. I'll walk home first, or try to summon my missing stray and ride him. Anything has to be better than this experience.
Tobias exits on his side and slams the door behind him, stalking off. I shiver at the palpable rage.
Theo chuckles, eyes on me, “He is just jealous at how well we get along.” I can hear the mocking in his tone, I roll my eyes before following after.
My heels click on the ground as Theo and I race to keep up with the angry Tobias. Stepping in the elevator, I stand between Tobias and Theo. What is it with elevators? The smell of both their colognes fills the tight space. On one hand, Theo's scent brings back the memory of that kiss, and that other elevator ride. But on the other, Tobias's aroma makes my mouth water. I want that softer Tobias that stood behind me. I lean closer, inhaling Tobias' thick masculine scent. Tobias moves closer to me, snapping me out of my trance. I glance up at him to see if he notices, but his eyes are closed. Still, he’s leaning in to me, almost giving me a better chance to indulge in his unique aroma. I lick my lips and take a timid step back. My thighs are wet at this point, I have to reel it in.
I bump into Theo and Tobias' eyes snap open. They flicker between dark and light, this has to be a trick of the light, right? I grip his forearm and shake him, “You okay, Tobias?” As soon as my hand touches the warm skin of his arm, I gasp and a tingling sensation runs up my arm. Moving my hand, I run it up his arm to the crook of his elbow completely enthralled by the sensation of his skin under my hands. The door dings signaling our arrival at the office and breaking me out of this new trance. I want to touch him more, explore if all of him gives me that little zap. What am I thinking? These are my bosses! But, I can't deny there’s something there, something dangerous that is pulling me closer and closer to my boundaries every time I’m alone with them. I don't know how much longer I can hold back before I snap and cross that line.