Audrey's strength

Love and hate

I catched Audrey with Kevin before bar's door. They got in and I waited by the open window. Kevin made on wall memory board. It was full of his fight pics and his best friend. He was telling us many stories about him. AUDREY was looking at wall went to this James. Kev's friend pic who never lost a single fight and she kissed face on picture. I finally connected dots. Stupid Jess u should know earlier. Kevin's best friend, a brother was her dad.

"Baby doll I miss him every day."

"me too" she didn't took eyes of one picture. Her father on it was after fight. Wasn't easy one, his face was swollen but u could see shade of blue eyes. He was tired but proud. Kevin said it was after his worst fight. Almost for death and life. With guy who tried picked up his wife.

" Uncle I have another favor to ask"

"Go baby"

"I know it's a lot, but if my mother will be released before I go to college, can I move to you?"

"Always kiddo, where ever u want"

"I'm good now but I can't be with her under same roof, never again"

I had to enter. I walked straight to her and she hid her tears in my arms. It was short crying. Good because I had fight to win.

"Will you cross fingers for me one more time?" I've asked. I forgot that Didn't tell her I'm boxing too.

"You fight in cage? I should knew it. You have magic cream. I will. I'm sure u win. Jess can I tell you a secret?" I thought she is a little drunk

"always"

"I can't drive home I drink little to much" she giggled.

"So don't drink more let me win and I will get you home"

"Don't u want spend time with your friends after?"

I got closer to her put my mouth to her ear and whispered

"I prefer be with you" she kissed me. She tasted good it was mix of mint, vodka and cigarettes, maybe it was me.

All I could think was Audrey so beautiful in childish dress.

And I kissed her. I didn't ask for permission I just took what was mine.

Audrey's

I needed coffee because felt drunk. I went to Dimitri who asked me to call him Machete. When I asked why he said that he play with crue. Who will guess his name will get some money. It was hard guess because Machete was a Mexican with Russian name. he had so much fun with it. Dimitri let me behind counter and asked to make coffee by myself. When I was preparing it, this hostess appeared. I hated her.

"Can you make one for me? Machete can't operate this machine and I need caffeine" she was polite and sound as nice girl.

"sure. Black, white, latte?" I asked as I never asked uncle to fire her.

"white strong please" while I was making coffee she was quite for a moment after cleared her throat.

"Why u kissed this guy on wall. You in his fun club as every girl here" she was cheerful.

"He made me after this fight" I joked.

We laughed

"So you and Jess hym?" I wasn't sure if I heard in her voice disappointment more admiration. It wasn't question so I stayed quite.

"I'm Emily by the way, all calls me EMS"

"I'm Audrey" counter join Bastien.

"Do I smell coffee. I do anything for one"

"black, white, latte, cappuccino?" I asked like pro.

" Black, dubble please. What are you doing here?" when Bastien asked my uncle approached.

" She's mine associate. One day it all be hers" I rolled my eyes.

"I just work here from time to time, or just visit, Bastien don't listen to Kev".

"I said true. It all will be yours I don't have any other hier. So used to that thought" He shocked me but I didn't reply him. Made coffee to every one who needed it and went to see Jess's fight. Bastien took me to first row.

"It's good to see you guys together. For a long time I didn't saw him in such good mood. I forgot how funny his laugh is. But with Jess u must forget about me babe I'm loyal friend" cheerful Bastien's attitude made me smile.

"thanks for everything Bastien"

Commentator announced first fighter, Jess oponent. I got shivers when he took of his robe . He was bigger than Jess. He looked much stronger.

"Don't worry he's big but slow, Jess know it and will use it" I wasn't so sure of that.

Jess got to cage. Looked around and when he noticed me he winked. I gave him my best smile and send kiss. It was cliche but who cared. First round was bad for Jess. He catched hit by hit. After he poured water on his face to wash blood. And went for more. This time he felt on ground. No one could stop me. When I approached cage. Cage was on high platform I could rest shoulders on it to reach closer to laying Jess.

"Jess get up, he is tired and with left punch puts his guard down. Use it, win it babe" I saw Jess smiled and jumped up at the end of count down. He didn't keep guard. He kept his hands down. It looked sexy but was dangerous. Jess didn't believed in what I said. And let his opponent to attacked from left. After he gave another punch. He attacked this big guy with all his strength. Dominated fight.

Third round was last. Jess was wounded but win by k.o.

When he got out I run to his locker. I slide quietly and saw him siting on bench, tired with swollen eyes, blood all over face and body. His face was full of blood and sweat, chest was covered with bruised. I came to him he pulled me between his legs. I stood and was playing with his sweat wet hair while his hands were all over my hips. Laps stomach, back.

"let me take care of you" I whispered.

"I'm ok just need shower and some painkillers"

"no you're not. I think your eyebrow need stitches"

"I just need you" and he hugged me. His head was hidden on my stomach. I around his head with my hands. In this moment Emily came in. She looked funny with her hostess outfit-golden shorts with tight yellow top-and first aid kit. She put bag on bench.

"Go away Ems" he was harsh.

"she is here to help you, don't be rude"

"Listen to your girlfriend. And show me face. I study medicine so chop chop." I moved away but Jess stopped me. Made me be in reach of his hand. His fingers went under my dress and petting my thigh skin. Not for a second Jess looked away from my eyes.

Emily first gave him dry ice. After got closer to examine wounds on Jess face and chest. Cleared them and stickied adhesive plaster.

"you will live but no more fights this weekend, see you later" she looked at me and gave my some spray.

"for your dress, blood stains will vanish, look how he got you dirty" I didn't care, he was important, not my dress. She grabbed bag and left. Jess brought me back to his arms. He needed come back from fury, stress. I couldn't say a thing just wait until he was ready. His aura always looked sad and full of rage it was attracting me to him, this strange mystery around him

"A. How you knew about his guard? Cars, fights. I'm totally startled" Jess came back from dark place he was in.

"My dad. Since I was 7 he teached me how to protect myself. How to observe abuser to find his blind spots. He always was saying that not my strength but opponent's vulnerability guarantee the win"

"Thanks for that tip, saved me. You looked sweet when u run to me"

"Shyy don't make me blush" he stood up, kissed me with his injured lips.

"I need shower, go to bar please, I'm good now" he kissed top of my head and went to bathroom. I came back to bar. I used this spray

"what u said to Jess during fight. I was sure he will lose, but because of you I'm a looser, u owe me truth" uncle was little drunk.

"Nothing special, and u shouldn't disbelief in your team, it's improper"

We talked with uncle he offered me more alkohol but I refused I knew I will driving my injured Jess out of this place. When I started thinking about him intense he was behind me. Stools by bar was high so he easily put his forehead on my shoulder. I cuddle his wet fresh hair. His hands was on my hips. My back and his chest was touching.

"Can we go now?" he asked quietly.

I turned on my stool to look at him.

"don't you want eat something or drink. I feel much better can sit behind the wheel. So it's all your decision"

"I want go" I catched face of sweetest grumpy guy ever. I smiled to him.

"let me say goodbye to uncle" he nodded I said bye to "Kev" and we were on our way to car. Jess took bag from Bastien car and we were ready to go. By my Mustang Jess approached to me, took my chin up. His dark orbs became my obsession.

"Audrey I planed take you to some nice place for date but I feel like s**t. Will you forgive me. Can we go mine or your house to do nothing?"

"I didn't except more. I just hoped that after evening here u will want to stay with me" I blushed, he tried laugh but his face hurt him.

"I like make u blush, and u drunk so I'm driving" I wanted protest but he took my keys and before I could say a word he was on driver seat.

"so where we heading? I'm prepared for any ideas" he was holding steering wheel with one hand second was on my thigh.

"Let's go my place. We eat something, watch film, do nothing." and we left Fun Hill.

While driving I tried tell him one thing but I just open mouth and closed

"Audrey talk!" he was patient with me but I played on his nerves.

"I'm starting work at Fun Hill from tomorrow. Kev need bartender" wow I bubbled it.

"why u need job?" I liked his curiosity.

"I made some decisions. But without job will not achieve my goals" I really wanted to put here dot.

"may I ask about details? You don't have to answer" no Mr grumpy u deserved to know.

"I must be prepared to be on my own. I will never again live with my mother. I could ask grandpa for loan or just for cash but I can't he will try control me. So I need money. Will live for some time at this house but I'm thinking for rental flat in town. I asked Kevin if I can live with him but I need be independent. I can't be burden" uf u did it girl. Jess didn't say a word, he parked on driveway and we silently enter my for not too long home.

"I will make something to eat, can I?"

"I will do it you need rest. It was exhausting fight. I promise heat it on stove not in microwave, you lay down on couch ok?" I really wanted take care of him.

he took me in his arms, our heads were glue one to another, he kissed me. His lips was soft and warm his tongue penetrate my mouth. I liked it a lot. Jess felt perfectly when I loose breath. He moved away and looked deep in my eyes

"I don't trust you in kitchen, but you can help me" I punch him delicate in his chest, he played pain. Marry prepared a lot of food in fridge for a weekend. We didn't have to make much just heat. We ate at my old room. It had in big TV, console for games. It was perfect to relax. I took empty plates and left to kitchen and washed them, didn't hurry. I knew Jess needed some space. Time for himself I couldn't be on him all the time. When I got back he was sleeping. I took medic cream which I called magic. And started gently put it on Jess face. Accidentally woke him up.

"Sorry" he mumbled and opened his beautiful sexy addictive dark eyes.

"For what. Take off t-shirt I need rub it into you" I showed up bottle of magic cream. He listened. His chest was purple on ribs and stomach. I saw that even gently moving my fingers on bruises coused him pain.

"Jess you need rest. I will be upstairs"

"why?"

"I don't want to hurt you in sleep" he lifted up himself to be closer to me. Leaned his head on my shoulder.

"Stay"

"You sure?"

"completely, I can't be away from you" I started to liked this moments when we were motionless. But at this time I was sure he felt asleep on my shoulder.

"Jess"

"yes?"

"Lay down I need shower"

"You don't have to, you smell so good"

"I have dust all over me, let me go I'll be back. Need few minutes"

"Please don't leave me alone" the way he said it, was so sad he all the time was with his head on my shoulder. His hands was wandering on my back and legs.

"I'm here, I'm here, Jess I'm here. Will not leave" I put my hand to his head and started playing with his messy hairs. Second leaned on his back and made circles with my thumb. I didn't know how long it took. He needed me I was for him. He was shaking.

"Jess I need to move a little to cover you. I'm not leaving, you hear me"

Jess freed my shoulder looked into my eyes.

"oh eye contact" I tried be gentle with him. "come one let's go to bed. f**k shower. I will lay down on my back u can use me as pillow tonight. U don't have to although this way u will feel me all the time. I just need vanish in wardrobe to put pj on. First let me help you take it off."my hands went to his belt. We were close his lips tickled my ear. I wasn't thinking when I wanted unzip his jeans. Jess grabbed my hands.

" Don't. You enter dangerous territory I will undress myself" I felt strong wave of shyness. I knew I'm red on my face my neck. I heard his delicate laugh.

"Go shower A. I'm better, go baby"

"Bu.." he shut my lips with his finger

"go" as always I obeyed . I spend in bathroom only 10 minutes. I didn't want leave him. This time I didn't hide my pj. Jess was already under duvet but was sitting with TV remot in his hand. He up duvet for me.

"Audrey come, you will get cold, jump in" I didn't listen, layed down as mildly as I could and sat as he.

"I found good film what you think about night watching? It's about boxer who lost wife, Jake Gyllenhaal is in it. You in?" Jess sounded normal

"sure" he pressed play, lower himself and put his head on my laps. We watched it in silent. Jess didn't move whole the time I realized that I love his hairs couldn't stop playing with them.

Film was very emotional, great act, good story. But I didn't want discuss about it. Thankfully Jess felt the same. He just catched my hips and lower me till I had head on the pillow and got above me. I liked his eyes and his mesmerizing gaze focused on me. I arouned his neck with my arms and drown my fingers in his thick black hairs. Jess kissed me, but it hurt him. So he layed down on his side of bed

"Is your offer still stands? Can I cuddle to you?" I didn't say a word just up my closer to him arm to make place for him. When he was on my chest I closed my arm around him.

When I opened my eyes I was alone. I rolled from bed wanted looking for him but I saw his cell on my desk. I heard he wander around the kitchen and I smelled oil and eggs. I used this moment to refresh myself. When I got out bathroom Jess was standing with two plates full of something tasty.

"lay down I wanted make you breakfast to bed" his sweet injured face looked better and his eyes had this please look. So I was back under duvet and played I'm still sleeping. He smirked and joined to performance.

"Audrey weak up, baby breakfast" I sat stretched myself

"Hi, it's smell so good" we laughed a little. Jess passed me a plate his put on desk and asked what I want to drink. I chose juice and he vanished for a few seconds. I waited with eating for him.

"what, not good?"

"No, I'm sure it taste like heaven. I just wait for you to join me" I crossed my legs under duvet put plate between and started to slice my omlet. Jess placed on his side.

"I'm sorry for yesterday" he mumbled under nose without looking at me. I moved myself to made him upper his eyes on me.

"For what Jess? U were beaten, in pain had to rest. And it's better to have company. I am for you no matter what. So please don't sorry me" I prefere to write than talking. I wasn't sure if I chosed right words for sure to strong. It sound so silly as we have been together for years. But he got it.

"So I'm sorry I'm not typical teen, don't ask you for permission to kiss you, to hug you"

"I like it, just hope you ask at least for divorce" I smiled, sarcasm was my true nature.

"so you think of us long-term, great" at this moment I blushed and he bursted out with his addictive laugh.

"I like how shy u are"

"I like how u laugh" I bubbled under my nose. awkward jiff paused vibration of my cell. I took it saw "dummy" showed to Jess

"It's Eric yes?" Jess nodded and I picked up and put call on speaker.

"sup? Hangover?"

"Yes as I told you yesterday. I arranged it with mom. I said mom that you got time at school on Monday. But I need notes and I have money for you" he sound like still was drunk

"give me 2 hours"

"Audrey"

"yes?"

"I've told you about yesterday party"

"yes you did"

"You and this new doush guy were main topic of it. Thanks to u I have chance to go college not frying chips for rest of my life so I feel in responsibility to warn you. Madeleine and her friends made bet. They want recapture him from you, so stay alert"

Me and Jess at the same time said "thanks"

"hahahaha I see you not alone, sorry for interrupt."

"Eric?"

"Sweet Audrey for the first time u used my name. I'm not so stupid as u think, don't worry it's staying between us. Take care guys" and he hang out.

I looked in Jess eyes they were shining.

"Don't worry, I'm only interested in you" he took plate from my knees put it on desk and sat by me. Took my head in his hands and kissed me gently.

"Why, Jess what I did to them. I don't talk with them don't involve in they conquest, they life" I was close to cry

"They sad and jealous. You smart, beautiful you look more sexy in simple hoodie than them in short skirts. And you catched unchatchable guy.! So f**k them and let's live our life."

I could just laugh.

"You almost quote my fav movie"

"which"

"Big Fish. It's old but so sweet. And there is a quote 'sometimes to catch unchatchable fish it's to offer her a wedding ring' and it's showed in my head"

"You like avoid hard topics, hmm"

"I don't know what is more to say, I'm not sure what to expect, what they will do, I'm weak Jess. I learned to stick to plan. It's saves me from mess I have in my head, in my life. I don't know how to prepare for this. I like being with you, I need all the time be close to you. I did not create plan for you, us, so don't worry. With you I felt no need for it."

" Audrey"

"What"

"you need breathe while talking, and make some dots or pause so I can interup."

"Sorry for how I am"

"f**k, don't sorry for that. You the best person I've ever known. I just need tell you, that u have nothing to prepare for. It's you I want spend time , it's you 24/7 in my head. I want to be close to u you, touch you. under YOUR fingers I get chills. So they can try but will not achieve me. Our school be the same as on Friday. We will sit together on every class we share, we be together on every break and lunch. Please trust me"

He didn't let me answer, closed my mouth with kiss. We were kissing for some time. His lips was wandering between my lips and neck. He tickled me with his tongue. His presence calmed me. But I had fear. I didn't want to lose him. I had to trust Jess.

He had some kind instinct to read me. When he felt I'm better, stopped kissing me. Still was on me, closed his head to mine.

"You need make notes for Eric"

"not without coffee"

"what is your plan for now?" I smiled

"none. I know I need do notes and be at 6 pm on Hill" I really didn't had a plan.

"may I offer something?" I nodded

"Coffee, you doing notes, I will read something after we will watch this Big Fish movie and will leave earlier to eat something in town?"

"Perfect. But I don't think you will like Big Fish"

"Let me decide about it after ok?" when I nodded he came back to kissing me. After moment I put my hands on his shoulders and draw him away a little.

"stick to plan Jess, now it's coffee time" he smirked.

"fine let's go"

I made notes fast. It was easy week. I send copy to Eric, printed them and marked some important things for me. Jess came in with cup of tea for me and took papers.

"Wow it's great writing. You use short sentences but they involve what's important. You should be writer. Even reading here about industry in XIX century sound interesting. U f*****g talented." I got kiss in top of head and dose of his low laugh.

"Audrey it's simple true compliment you don't need to blush"

"I'm not use to them"

He laugh to me thankfully not from me.

We watch movie in living room. This time Jess was sitting and I put head on his laps, he was playing with my hair. I didn't want him to see that I knew in this movie every sentence and quoted it under my nose. But he noticed and smiled

"How many times you watched it?"

"way to many" I joked

"we can stop."

"No I love watching it. Always comfort me. But if it boring you I don't mind"

"I'm not. Actually I enjoy it. It's good. And I want to know how he will go" Jess gave me proof he truly watched it. It was perfect day and even didn't start for good. It was only noon. I started drill slightly and accidentally touch his stomach he groaned from pain. I stood up immediately.

"f**k, sorry I didn't want to hurt you"

he smiled got my hand and pulled down me to sit. Took my face in both his hands. How I liked feel his rough skin on my body.

"it's not you, I let this scumb beat me to much. But it's OK I even still didn't use painkillers. When you close my pain vanish."

This time he laid down on me. I was afraid to touch him. He turn on me took my hand under his arm and turn to screen.

After movie we talked a little, kissed a lot. Around 2 Jess announced preparations for leaving.

"Jess, can I be with clothes I want work in?" I asked because he didn't want tell me where we heading.

"U will change at Hill's locker, now we go on date" while he was talking he took out of his bag navy blue shirt with buttons and long sleeves. And black jeans without holes. Good I saw it, it helped me chose outfit.

I packed black trousers white t-shirt and 3 red bandanas - to cover my wrists and neck and red snickers. Second later was ready to pick up dress for a date. s**t I was going on a date, real date, me sad girl who don't have friends. I was thrilled and excited. Didn't need much time to made my choice. He was in dark colors so I chose bright but matched. Light blue dress, covering my thighs with wide straps and small neckline. I covered arms with red jacket sporty but elegant. I used red lipstick and loosen hair. I liked how I looked. Delicate but sexy. I need just frayed shoes. They were waiting for me. Elegant red heels with blue stripes. Only silck scarf was ruining my look but I still needed it.

I couldn't find courage to show myself to Jess. What if he will not like it. What it's too much, mayby I will change again. When I was panicking he knocked my door.

"ready?"

"I'm not sure" I heard his low sexy and unique laugh.

"I'm entering" before I could say no he stood in my room. He had on his navy shirt black sweater he looked hippie my attention caught 3 daffodils in his hands. I turned face to him.

"Too much?" he didn't answer. His eyes were all over me he was gazing me from top to heels

"I still can change?"

"No! U look perfect" and he smiled when noticed my blush.

"For you" he gave me daffodils . I was so nervous that I didn't ask how he got it.

"Audrey you look beautiful. I can't find words to describe it. I'm sorry that our date has time border. I promise that next will be special." he moved to me took me into his arms and smiled

"I like you in heels it's easier to kiss you"

I didn't have to stop Jess, he knew I got lipstick on and chose my forehead.

"Jess you don't have to take me on dates. I like spend time with you. I don't need nothing more than your presence" I looked deep in his eyes.

"But I want to spoil you deserve best" I blushed he smiled

"let's go, let me be the best boyfriend. I want make you happy, surprise you, spoil you, please let me" he took my hand in his and we left home where another surprise appeared.

On driveway waited for us bmw z3.

"I can't let my girl drives me on date" Jess packed our bags I was smiling like crazy.

"when u organised it?" Jess took up his cell

"I had secret aid, so I could focused on you" he opened doors for me and I was on passenger seat. On dashboard waited for me another daffodill

"Jess Logan you astonish me" he really did. I never would say that he is romantic.

A place where he was taking me was on other side of town. I didn't know well this part. All was new for me. So I had nose in widow

"Audrey now I will tell you where we heading. It's nothing fancy but it's place I spend a lot of time with my brother. Owners are like family to me. Place will be open just for us. I asked them to pretend strangers but I think it will be too hard for them"

Jess didn't get eyes from road and I from window. I wanted kiss him, hugged him. So hudge effort, and he was taking me to place important to him. I couldn't dream more. It was my first date with Jess, and firs date in my pathetic life.

Restaurant was in middle of beautiful park, full of trees and flowers. It was wooden building with big windows. The interior was nice, filled with colorful accessories to match the wood trim. When I admired the surroundings older lady with big smile on her face walked to us. Jess was right it was hard for her to play stranger. She gave up and hugged Jess. Then from kitchen went older man

"Ann he asked us, we promised" they both was afraid to disappoint Jess. I decided interfer.

"Jess already told me, so he is worst in keeping secrets" in this moment grey eyes of the woman met with mine. She smiled and hugged me.

"Audrey this is Ann, she rules this place, and this evil looking Chief is Mark. He teached me how to cook."