Chapter 1 - The Usual
The water droplet ran down zigzagging over the ripples of his abs moving lower and lower. His wet swim shorts clung to his chiselled hips and upper thighs hinting at what lay beneath. His chest and upper arms flexed as he reached up to brush the water back out of his eyes. Glancing at her, he stepped forward, a hungry glint in his eyes as his luscious lips lazily curved into a grin.
-Beep- -beep- -beep-
She groaned as she begrudgingly rolled onto her side to switch of her alarm. Mmm… what a delectable dream it had been, the warm crystal blue beach and the thrill of the attentions of a hot male.
Finally, she threw the cover off into a messy pile on the floor. She swung her legs over the edge and stretched up. If only her life were like that. She pushed aside her heavy turquoise curtain to glance at the weather. The low dark grey clouds held the promise of rain. She doubted she would see the sun today.
Sighing, she stood and walked toward the bathroom. After having a hot shower she returned to her room to rifle through her clothes. Inwardly she groaned looking at the offerings within. Everything she owned was at least two seasons out of fashion, one of the hazards of shopping at thrift stores. Pulling out faded, low rise, bellbottom jeans she pulled them on. She grabbed a black thermal vest and paired it with a dark indigo knitted jumper. Her final addition was a pair of worn black sneakers.
She quickly raked a brush through her dark curly hair before efficiently braiding it into a single plait down her back. -Beep- Her phone flashed. It was Bella, her best friend.
Sierra!! Are you up yet?
Hey Bells! Meet you for a coffee at LE PAT’s?
Deal!! Meet you in 10?
Sorted!
Sierra stuffed her things into her dark grey denim backpack. She roughly threw her bedding back onto her bed as she ran out locking the door.
About eight minutes later Sierra pushed open the door of a small café, Le Patisserie. She was greeted by the warm embrace of indoor heating and the delicious scent of freshly baked goods and bitter coffee. Walking up to the counter she looked around, Bella was not there yet. Sierra turned to the barista, Jimmy.
“Hey there Jimmy, can I please have the usual with a chocolate croissant?”
“Sure Si, coming right up.”
At that moment, the café door opened. The young woman who walked in could have easily been a men’s magazine model. She had a cinched waist that was accentuated by her tight high-rise jeans. Her hips and bust flared into a pleasing hourglass figure. Her hair flowed down her back in soft controlled waves of golden brown. Her make-up was immaculately done to flatter her features but not seem plastered on. Sierra sighed before waving Bella over.
“Heya Bells! I’ve just ordered”
Timmy seemed dazed as Bella approached the counter. Sierra was certain he flushed a bit before asking her for her order.
“Uh… Hey Bella, the usual?”
“Of course Jimmy! You’re a star!”
Bella answered in her high but soft-spoken voice, as clear as a bell. She then turned to join Sierra. They walked over to a minimalist table and took a seat to wait for their order.
“Gee SiSi you look exhausted, prepping for Prof Wolff’s class again?”
“Ugh.. Bells you know I hate to look like a fool. And Wolff is definitely going to try and catch me out.”
“Damn, why does he always pick on you? You are easily the most prepped always.”
Sierra shrugged, she had an idea why, but she tried to keep that side of her life away from her normal friends. Bella was normal. She was also Sierra’s best friend, they had been friends since the age of ten, when Sierra and her family had moved into the same street as Isabella and her family. Now here they sat, at 19 and besties.
Bella’s phone flashed a new message. Sierra couldn’t help but glance at the screen.
Bitch, you better be prepared to give us what we want or else…
Bella quickly shoved that phone in her jacket pocket. Sierra pretended not to notice, although she felt an instinctive growl in the back of her mind. she knew one thing, no one dare threaten her friend!