Set Me Free

Chapter Two

“So what’s the problem?” Emra asks from the driver seat. Sitting in the passenger seat, Juno stared out the window watching the passing store fronts. Night has fallen and you in late November snow has begun to fall. Juno was thankful that Emra was a great listener, if nothing else she doesn’t judge, too much.

“Kevin just thinks he can control everything. For one thing, I didn’t like how angry he got when I mentioned going out with you and Callie again.” She doesn’t tell Emra how Kevin really feels about them.  That would really send her sisters up in arms and she really doesn’t want to keep arguing tonight with everyone.

“Maybe he’s developed an insecurity being away all the time?” Emra turns down a side street stopping at a red light.

Frowning at your reflection you look over your shoulder at Emra, “What? You think I’m not giving him enough attention?” Juno wasn’t even sure what that meant. Does she wait on Kevin hand and foot? Throw herself at him at every chance she gets? Whatever that was supposed to mean she knew that wasn’t it.

Emra giggles, “I’m not saying that at all. You even said he’s hardly home, maybe it stems from him being gone a lot. Like, maybe he’s starting to have trust issues maybe. I know I would. I don’t like distance, it bothers me.” Light turns green and they cross the intersection coming up to Callies apartment.

“Maybe you’re right. Maybe I should put more effort into ‘us’. I should tell him I don’t like him traveling as much. Problem is I know that’ll be an argument waiting to happen. His response is always” Juno pushes her chest out and lifts her arms likes she’s got too much muscle for her arms to hang by her side, her head swivels comically as she imitates Kevin, “I’m doing this for us so you don’t have to worry about a thing, Juno!” Emra burst out laughing and Juno followed suit.

Emra sighs as she pulls into Callies driveway and honks the horn three times and another three times immediately after. Patience has never been one of Emra’s strong suits. Callie burst from her apartment door, closing and locking it she rushes down the stairs.

“Jesus! I’m coming, I’m coming!” Callie yells as bounces from the final step and bounces to the car, swinging the back door open she throws herself in.

“Why must you honk so many damn times! You’re likely to wake our neighbor and he could sleep through a nuclear blast!” Callie shrieks but with a smile in her voice.

“Who? My. Benson? Psh, that old geezer is pretty much dead I think.” Emra backed out of the driveway and took off towards the club.

Juno’s wide eyes swiveled to Emra’s, “Way to be morbid!”

“What!? The guy’s like 300 years old or something.” Emra says defensively.

Callie pokes her head between Juno and Callie, “For one he doesn’t like it when you’ve got all sorts of animals around. They tend to leave messes.” Callie says, throwing a secret wink to Juno. Callie loved to tease Emra and generally will at every chance she gets.

Emra’s face pulls in like she swallowed something sour as they sweep onto the highway heading for the city and the bar that fills Juno with more anxiety the closer they get, Cauldron Cattails. The infamous bar that’s on the rise for hot and trendy and yet has the same vibe you’d get from a bike’s club. Filled with male testosterone in every corner of the building. Juno never enjoyed clubs because they always had the same trend of people, those that are willing to hump anything with legs, and for some reason they always think that you need another drink, or their companionship, which she does not and never has and never will. It’s for that reason she mainly avoids scenes like the club but since she’s with her Sisters, she figured she had a solid security group. 

“I know for a fact I picked up after the pup! That old man is just looking for excuses! He complains about everything! Callie, remember when he pounded on your door because he thought you stole his newspaper?” Callie narrows her eyes at Emra accusingly.

“Ya, because you stole it to use it to pick up the dog s**t when you forgot the baggies!” Emra rolls her eyes like that’s silly talk. But the way her cheeks puffed out in the dark, she got caught red handed. 

Callie gives Juno a pointed look. “See? Like cats and dogs.”

“Haha, jeez and I thought I had frustrations!” Juno laughs inwardly, not at all as worried as before that she’s not the only one whose facing frustrations even though they aren’t exactly the same, it still comforted her somewhat.

“Ya, Emra was saying something about you and Kevin. What’s up with that?” Callie asks curiously. 

Looking back out the window, watching the lights covering the highway flash across the window. Kevin is amazing, but for some reason a part of her is holding back or so it seems and she’s not sure why. Or maybe it’s because she doesn’t feel like a priority in his life.

“I don’t know. Lately I’ve been getting irritated at little things he does or doesn’t do. And that’s saying something considering he’s home about as much as Santa Claus visits.”

“Oookkk….” Callie drags the word out waiting for more of an explanation.

“He came home today and at first it was nice but then quickly got mad when I told him I was going out with you tonight. Maybe he wanted me to stay home but he never even asked me that either. Then got upset when I mentioned I got drunk, as if he never gets drunk. It’s like he’s allowed to have fun and I can’t. I don’t know what’s going on with him.” Juno laments. Her mind has been in a spiral since she left the apartment and still is a jumbled mess.

“Well, let him stew. Besides you’ll want to remember being carried out of the bar by bad boy Nix.” Juno’s spiraling brain combusted into dust, turning her head away from the window she stared at Callie with wide eyes. Juno had no clue on what she was talking about but the mere mention of the name, Nix did something to her. Her thighs clenched and she squirmed in her seat somewhat uncomfortable. Why was a name alone having an effect on her?

“Wait. Hold up!” She throws her hands up like a referee calling timeout. In the corner of her eye she can see Emra smiling like a she-devil that she undoubtedly is. Narrowing her eyes at Emra she points an accusatory finger at her.

‘You knew!?”

Emra shrugs her shoulders, like it’s no big deal. “Sort of. I honestly didn’t but Callie helped fill in some of the blanks from yesterday.” Taking her death stare from Emra she pinned them on Callie.

“Oh, please. You were all over him last night.” Callie winks rather proud of herself at the moment. Juno’s cheeks rivaled the temperatures of the Earth’s core, her mouth hung open in shock and only a squeak came out. 

“Please tell me I wasn’t!” Juno asked, holding her breath, fearing the answer.

“I’m afraid you were.” Callie laughs at Juno’s misfortune.

“Again, why are we going back then!? Oh my god this is embarrassing! What are the chances he’ll be there tonight, slim right?” Emra and Callie exchanged knowing looks. Her sisters are truly evil and absolutely the worst, she decided.

“He sort of owns the bar so…” Sinking into the car seat willing it to swallow her whole and never spit her back out.

Emra shifted gears away from Juno’s discomfort and looked in the rearview mirror at Callie. “What about you Callie? How’s your handsome man doing?” With the attention taken off of Juno she was able to breath again. Callie sits back as if in a trance, her eyes soften.

“Perfect! Jackson is wonderful! I’ve never been more in love than I am right now.” Jackson is Callie's current boyfriend and one who seems to be sticking around. Callie has had bad luck in the men department and they never ended up staying long. They couldn’t handle her strong nature, stand toe to toe with her. Maybe simply they became too intimidated by her and ended up leaving her high and dry. Jackson however has been matching her with every pace and the way she talks about him it’s just the couples Juno does portraits for. Juno envied her older sister for that connection. 

Jackson is tall, lean with almond skin and hair as black as midnight. His green eyes always lit up like a Christmas tree whenever he lays his eyes on Callie. Juno’s happy for them, which brings her attention to their younger sister.

“What about you Emra?” Emra takes a second to reply. Her throat swallows as she searches for words.

“Peachy. You know sunshine and rainbows and all that…” She squeaks. She waves her hand dismissing the question as she pulls into Cauldron Cattails parking lot. “But that’s for another time! No doom and gloom tonight, Ladies!”

Juno and Callie exchange worried glances. Emra was hiding something, but if Emra doesn’t want to talk about it they won’t push, not yet anyway. Pulling into the large upscale bar in downtown Chicago they pulled up to the front arch, Emra tossed the keys to the valet like they were in some sort of James Bond film. Emra giggles, grabbing each of us in a hand she rushed us inside past the valets confused expression.

Entering the club they were immediately assailed by roaming lights of alternating colors, loud bumping beats, the lights dimmed and danced with as they changed hues and colors with the music. Neon lights line the interior flooring like a runway to guide people around. The bar, no more like a club now that Juno was standing inside it again. Though the bars were filled up to the ceiling with high end liquors, the place was packed, people mingling shoulder to shoulder. The dance floor took up much of the center with pockets of booths lining the walls with their own privacy curtains. Small tables were gathered closer to the dance floor. 

Slowly bits and pieces of Juno’s memories came trickling back. The familiar purple overlaying hue added to the intimacy. The bar was packed but packed or not it didn’t prevent Emra from weeding her way through to the counter, pulling Juno and Callie along like rag dolls. Emra ordered our drinks and  soon we’re sitting comfortably at one of the private booths.

Taking a sip of the cocktail sitting in front of her, Juno felt her insides burn deliciously. All the worries she was having with Kevin earlier just slipped away like it never was there to begin with, a forgotten memory.

“Funny how only now do I remember this place. Promise you won’t let me drink too much this time. I don’t want to do something stupid which it seems I did yesterday.” Emra waves Juno’s worries off.

“Nonsense!” She says.

“That’s right!” Callie chimes in. Staring at her sisters over the rim of her glass. Juno begins to wonder if there’s some sort of ulterior motive for the night. She doesn’t trust them right now, they seem to be in cahoots with each other and she isn’t included. 

Callie flags down a waiter decked out in a suit and tie, very classy she mused. Ordering us another round of margaritas. Surprised she looked down at her own drink and realized she must have polished it off only moments before. Shrugging her shoulders, she decided it wouldn’t hurt to have another.

‘What’s that sound? Is that someone's phone? Callie?” Callie checks her purse and nods her head no.

“Not mine, and besides, I don’t like Britney Spears.” Her nose wrinkles.

“Oh!” Juno shoved her hand into her purse and rummaged around searching for her phone. Pushing around her wallet, she dug deeper below her lip gloss, her small makeup kit, some scrunchies and her mace. There buried underneath it all vibrating was her phone, snatching it peered down at the caller Id screen. It’s Kevin. She knew she should answer it, showing the phone to your sisters so they could see who was calling. They both look at each other and visibly shake. Their whole dislike for Kevin is still unfounded in her opinion, with a weary sigh she slid out of the booth.

“I have to take this. I’ll be right back. I’m going to head out to the terrace over there.” Juno points to a pair of doors leading outside along the far wall, calling out over the thundering techno beat. Callie and Emra both nod.

Wiggling through the mass of dancing bodies she made it to the outside doors, moving aside as a person came back in, she quickly grabbed the door and slipped through into the chilly november air. Her phone started ringing again. Must be like the fifth time he’s called so it’s either an emergency or he’s calling to apologize. Deep down though she knew that it wasn’t either. Most likely calling to check up on her which in itself isn’t bad, but currently it feels like checking in, keeping tabs and that doesn’t sit well with her.

Even though the sky is covered with falling snowflakes, they melt as soon as they land. Leaning her elbows in the cold railing she peered out at the bustling city below. Juno accepted the call, blowing out a gusty sigh.

“Hi, Kevin.” Juno tried to sound cheerful, excited even but she didn’t feel excited. Instead she felt hesitant. 

“Don’t scare me like that. I’m sorry ok? Just come home.” Kevin speaks softly, waves of panic covering his words like oil.

Juno rolled her eyes, “ I can’t. You know I’m out with my Sisters. I’ll come home after and then we can talk.” Kevin starts stuttering like he’s nervous or afraid or irritated and doesn’t know how to respond. 

“What is there to talk about? Just come home my little, Diamond.”  He coos which doesn’t sound sweet like it used too, now it feels sickly or dire with need that isn’t reciprocated. 

She’s always hated that nickname. Your father, the same father to Callie and Emra, despite his inability to hold a monogamous relationship he still provided. Being called Diamonds just makes it seem like that’s all Kevin sees in her, a bank account. Juno would argue that she hated that nickname, Kevin would simply say, ‘Oh, you’re so cute.’ Ignoring her wants, needs and desires, all because ‘He knows better’. What a load of s**t.

“We just got some drinks. We’re probably going to go dancing in a bit.” She says calmly through the anger rising within her.

“ Juno! What did I say about the drinking?” If Kevin had a good reason for not wanting her to drink she would probably listen, but since he doesn’t and just seems to want to control her, she won’t.

“Jesus, Kevin! I’m not an alcoholic! And the fact that you’re even insinuating I am is beyond hurtful!” She yells into the receiver. A few people swiveled their heads so Juno dropped her voice to a whisper.

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” Kevin says through an aggravated sigh.

“No Kevin, I don’t ‘Know it’.” She hisses between her teeth.

“How about I come down to the Cauldron Cattails and we can talk?” Pulling her phone away she looked down at the screen. How did he know she was at the Cauldron Cattails? She looked around the patio, small groups of people were deep in conversation, none paying any attention to her plight.

“How did you know I was here? Are you spying on me!?” She screeches having about all that she can take of him.

Where else would you three go?” He says rather calmly, despite her growing hysterics. That does make sense, but she couldn’t ignore the growing paranoia.

“We’ll talk later, ok? I’ve got to go, bye!”

“Love you.” Juno hung up without replying. Her heart has been in all sorts of confusion. She likes Kevin, but did she love him? At some point she may have thought so, but it was only a thought. If she’s being honest with herself, no, she doesn’t love Kevin.

Staring up at the night sky, the cold breeze running across her bare arms.  Closing her arms around herself she shuddered. Still, even with the evening chill she didn’t want to go back inside. It’s a quiet night and surprisingly she was alone on the terrace. Juno took a deep breath.

“Welcome back, Gorgeous.” 

A deep voice reverberated behind her. Warm, sweet minted breath tingled her ears. Her skin prickled with the awareness as she slowly turned around. Juno’s mouth dropped open, her eyes bulging as she stared at by far the sexiest man she’s ever laid her eyes on. His medium length hair was perfect with his chiseled features, his strong jaw peppered with a 5 o’clock shadow. This thick neck disappeared into his dress shirt that held promise of mountains upon mountains of what she could only assume were mounds of hidden muscle.

“Daaaaamn.” Juno slapped her hands across her mouth embarrassed that the first thing out of her mouth was nothing short of awe sounding.

The man before her, his tempting lips curve into a knowing smile as he leans forward invading her personal space, but for some reason she made no effort to move, nor did she even want to. Her eyes were drawn to his broad shoulder but kept running back to his lips and the way they pursed.

“I was almost thinking you forgot about me.” He moves closer, encasing her against the railing, one hand gripping the railing while his other trailed softly against her arm. He smelled of pine wood with a hint of cinnamon. The strong column of his neck , the corded muscle disappearing into the collar of his shirt. Her tongue darts out unconsciously across her lower lip. 

This has to be whom Callie was talking about. From his upscale looking suit, minus the jacket as he wore none and his sleeves were rolled up his forearms. Thick veins covering his skin, he didn’t look like a bar owner at all, more like a wild GQ model or someone from one of those outdoors survival magazines.

“Nix…” His name came out breathless. Mentally chastising herself for sounding weak willed, so easily manipulated by some hotness. 

“Juno. I was actually surprised to see you again so soon.” He says. He smiles, flashing his pearly white teeth. “Last night ended too soon if you ask me.” His tone was warm, like a warm blanket it filled her with heat.

“No one did ask you. I actually don’t remember a thing.” Juno narrows his eyes at him. He holds his hands up.

“I did nothing, but make sure you were cared for. Of course that didn’t stop you from trying anything.” His carnal tone was infectious, he winks knowing full well what he’s doing to her, as if he can feel the heat building inside her as well. Knowing he’s the reason that there’s a kindling subtly burning within her. Juno’s cheeks burned like embers, burying her face in her hands she groaned.

“Please tell me I wasn’t too horrible.”

Nix leans in, his nose inches from hers. Juno’s eyes zoned on his lips and the way they move when he speaks. Her mind wandered off towards naughtyville and now carnal images have begun flooding her brain. She blushes madly trying to reign in her sexually fueled mind.

She shouldn’t be having these thoughts. She’s dating Kevin and she shouldn’t even be thinking about anything s****l with anyone other than Kevin. So why is it that she doesn’t feel all that bad if she was to act one of the impulses running rapidly through her wicked brain.

“You were feisty that’s for sure. I had hell of a time convincing you to keep your clothes on.” She quirks a brow at him.

“Normally wouldn’t guys take that as a sign to go further?” She meant to tease him, by the way Nix’s face closed down with a shadow falling over him. Nix’s voice got dark and primal. There was an intensity to him that wasn’t there before.

“Never. You will be willing and begging. That I promise you. There won’t be anything in the way to cloud your judgement.” Her mouth opened to say something, Nix’s lips crashed down over her’s in a heated brawl. As soon as his lips touched hers it was like something snapped inside her, something breaking free, unraveling.

His hands slid around Juno’s waist settling on her firm ass. His grip was firm and gentle as he hoisted her higher on his hips. Wrapping her legs around him, her pelvis grinding against his belt buckle, the friction had a mewling cry escape her quivering lips. Looping her arms around his neck, pressing her lips into his with as much fervor as he was giving. She kissed with such hunger that she wanted more and more as if she couldn’t get enough.

That sudden train of thought broke through her delirium lust fueled haze and pulled back. Nix noticed the change and gently lowered her, her feet touch ground but Nix kept his hold on her until she was confident her jelly filled legs could support her. Stepping out of his hold she cleared her throat and looked away.

‘I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” Guilt gnawed her insides. How could she be that type of person? With tears in her eyes and a lacerated heart made by none other than herself, she ran from the terrace and from the man who tempted her heart.