INSANELY FALLEN

ACTION

Seb’s viewpoint…

I took quiet steps inside, accompanied by Char. His face asked me if I am okay, and I just nodded to that. I have that adrenaline rush I mostly get during hunting my prey, and this time was no different. The aching in my skull was long ignored.

Peter advanced towards a group of bearded men and wobbled forward, tumbling over one.

“What the f*ck man? Who the b****y hell did this to you?” The other guy was nearly yelling. Peter pointed his finger at me before crashing down again. Five men glowered at me with fire in their eyes, which I intend on extinguishing soon.

They pranced at us while we waited for them to approach.

“I will take the three short ones. You deal with the other two.” I nodded at Char and grabbed the shotgun he offered, simply to tuck it inside my jeans. I would like to have some fun today.

The first man heading my way was twice my size, but that didn’t hold me from gripping the nearest chair and swinging it right on his head. Within a second he was knocked down. Too bad. I hoped he would last a little. The next guy stared at my handiwork with wide eyes and trudged towards me.

“You little....” I did not let him complete as I picked up a beer bottle from the counter and smashed it on his head. Blood covered his face, but his reaction was what that amazed me.

“Oh, my God. Oh my God. Blood. Blood. Oh my God. Blood.” And suddenly he passed out. I blinked once, twice, and then burst out laughing. That sure was the absurdest thing I have ever experienced.

I shrugged and turned to find Char heatedly conversing with one of the terrified server. He was a swift worker. We have gathered quite a crowd, and I examined for my actual business. He was nowhere to be seen, but few muscle men turned up from the dark. I noted the crooks I saw before among them, and they had an ugly grin pasted on their faces. Char was quick enough to be by my side and glanced at me with a knowing look.

One man pulled something from his back, which turned out to be a trembling Peter.

“Take him if you can.” He said menacingly.

Char was the first to react. He marched towards them but was hard struck by one muscle man. Char was on his feet in a moment with a bruise on his left cheek. Anger flared inside me. No one touches my brother other than us.

The fight turned out to be remarkable as I passed few blows and punches, and gained some as well. But none of them slowed me. Char was in his absolute form and smacked one man’s head over the bar. We both were breaking bones as much as we can when one jerk kicked me in the tibia. I knelt down by the force and my cap gave away. Few gasps and curses were heard. Not again!!!

“He is a She.”

“That’s a girl.”

“Are you seeing what I am seeing?”

Murmurs erupted around her. Why do people have to be so judgmental? I took out my anger on the person who caused the problem, and he himself had a shocked expression.

After settling the scores, I took out my g*n and pointed it at a pleading Peter.

“Say hay to Satan for me, babe.”

‘Bam’

And the game is over.

I handed the g*n to Char, who returned to chat with the now extremely horrified server.

“Char, the job is done. Now come on.”

Hearing the sirens wailing at a distance, I grabbed Char by his collar and grabbed him towards the exit. None tried to stop us as I swept my eyes around the place, but a familiar shocked face caught my attention.

“John?” I don’t know why I was whispering. The guy shook himself like he just woke up from a trance. I was expecting a string of curses or ‘Wh’ questions, but he did something different. He ran.

.....................................

I quickened my pace as I saw John take a right turn. My reason to follow John was not him rattling to Shawn, rather it was curiosity. Curiosity as to why he came to this part of the town, and especially in that bar where your typical villains roam around. Was he sent by Lucas to spy on Shawn? Did John tell about our deal to him? Was John going to harm Shawn? After all, he is a recently appointed employee and of a fighter’s built.

He never turned once to check if I am behind him or not, but just kept running. He must be certain about me following him and that thought just helped me speed up more and soon was just a meter away from him. Chasing someone was a routine here; hence our cat-and-mouse play welcomed several irritated glances from here and there.

Grabbing on to the back of his shirt in a fist, we both jerked backwards causing him to fall on me. Taking a moment to stabilize, I tackled him to the ground, with a handful of spectators around us. Mostly drunk as they started cheering and shouting profanities.

After few grunts and soft blows we settled in an intimate position with me on top of his chest and him cradling my waist. My one hand held his waist while the other positioned to punch him. If it wasn’t for the last gesture, the scene would have probably delivered a different meaning. I could tell from his hold that he was restraining himself from hurting me. John is comparatively muscular than Char and has the potential to crush me if he wants, but not that I will allow him to, still he acted as if he was affected by my light blows (because I didn’t want to hurt him before knowing the reason). That just made my curiosity reaches at its peak.

“What are you doing here?” I breathed out as I noticed our spectators dispersing of boredom.

“I could ask you the same.”

I avoided his question and continued to glare at him. Sighing, he looked at me with a failed expression.

“Not what you think.” He said while his eyes roamed to our current position and a flash of amusement passed in his eyes. I could not care less about the position, as answers were more important to me right now.

“Then why did you run?” I asked lowering my raised hand and placed it on my hips which made him immediately retreat his hands and bit on his lips, a small patch of red forming on his cheeks. Was he blushing? Shaking away the thought, I looked at him questioningly.

“My boss told me to, but it’s a secret.” He whispered the last part like a kid asking something to Santa.

I took my time in removing myself from his body and helped him to his feet.

“Who, Shawn?” I asked once, wiping off the dirt on my hoodie. John was straightening the creases on his once ironed shirt and pants.

“He is my boss. So of course.” He said it in a duh tone. I rolled my eyes before answering him,

“Why?” What could Shawn possibly get from sending John to such a place?

“That’s private business, Isabelle. I am not supposed to say that to anyone.”

His voice and face were filled with honesty so I did not pressure him further though my curious side was poking me to.

“You killed that man. And that too professionally, ” He said, now his expression turning into disbelief. “Why did you?”

“Private business, John. And it will remain that way. Won’t it?” I looked at him with raised brows, a threatening look appearing in my eyes. He visibly gulped and nodded.

“Yes.”

I don’t want Shawn to know about my other business deals and most importantly, though I don’t like to reveal to myself, I don’t want him to think I am so cold-blooded. Why? Well, God knows why.

“Where the hell have you been? I searched for you almost everywhere.” Char asked while approaching us panting.

“Long story.” I said nonchalantly.

“You seem to have lots of long stories nowadays.” I just shrugged at his amusement and he understood that my sudden coldness was because of the stranger next to me, who was practically trying to escape from us.

“Who’s this guy?” Char eyed John as if he’s an insect. Though Char is less built than John, his eyes are pretty damn good at intimidating. Not even Neb could stand longer than a few minutes in front of him before engaging into a fight or backing off.

“John Miller’s PA.” My words brought a frown on Char’s face and avoided his extended hand. John must be unaware that his boss brought the monster back into our life and my entire family had that in mind, except Bryan maybe.

“Char” My voice sounded harsh enough to me and as if waking up from a bad dream, Char wiped off his frown and took John’s hand.

“Charlie Stapleton. Her brother.” He said pointing to me.

“Oh. Well nice to meet you but I should keep going.” With that, John semi ran into the crowd and disappeared.

“That was not awkward at all.”

“You made it awkward, Char.” I punched him in the chest and he winced.

“What? I don’t like that son of a financier.”

I smiled at his use of words. We walked towards our car silently and were about to get in when my phone rang.

And guess who it was, none other than the son of the financier.

Char shook his head in disappointment after seeing the screen and walked ahead of me to take the driver’s seat while I entered the other and occupied mine.

“Yes?” I asked after answering the call.

“What the hell are you doing in that place?” He was literally screaming. And wow, John was fast.

“Personal matters, Shawn.”

“You might get hurt. Wait there. I am coming for you.”

“What?” I stood on the pavement, bewildered.

“God knows what your i***t brother has gotten you into.” Rustling were heard behind his voice and I assumed he was searching for his keys.

I was about to yell at him for calling my brother an i***t, but something clicked inside my mind then. Shawn Miller was concerned about me. I mean, I know we have shared few personal situations, but this was...

I don’t know how to form words for this reaction.

“Shawn.” I called softly and everything went silent on the other end,

“What did John tell you?” I asked, trying to labor my breaths.

“That stupid only told me you were seen in The f*******n Club with your brother and that you had some business there. He wouldn’t say anything else.”

So John is a trustworthy guy. Good for him. He must have told about me because he might be scared whether I will disclose seeing him to Shawn, maybe. After all, it was a secret mission.

“Are you okay?” His voice was straining and small.

Something tugged inside me and I just let out a ‘hmm’. Why was he so scared?

“I am okay, Shawn.” I breathed out.

“Just call me when you get back. Right?” He almost pleaded to me.

“I will, Shawn.” I honestly don’t know what is happening or why we are having such a conversation. But it felt good; like it’s the first time someone outside my family fears my safety.

“Okay. And I have a lead in Lucas’ case. I think we can get to him this week.”

“That’s great, Shawn. I will call you when I reach my home.” I was enthusiastic now. Finally, good news.

After ending the call I had a gigantic smile on my face, but once I saw Char’s face it was wiped off immediately. He was looking at me with a mixed expression of amusement and a frown.

“You are going to spill everything that just happened, Miss Isabelle Stapleton.” Char kept his hands on his hips and looked at me as if a teacher expecting for answers. My cheeks heated in response, which caught his immediate attention.

“Are you freaking blushing?” He asked as his large palm covered his mouth in a girly style. Char can be really dramatic sometimes.

“Stop squealing and start driving.” I said, trying to mask my nervousness, and looked straight ahead.

“Seb?” This time his tone was different with a tinge of concern in it. I turned to look at him expecting the same dialogues Neb told me last time but surprising me Char burst out laughing.

I interjected his laugh by slapping hard on his arms. “Stop making fun of me” I said through gritted teeth. But he had other plans as he roared with laughter, seeing my discomfort. We got few glances from the passersby and I sighed in annoyance. Once he settled his t*****e, Char looked at me with his face all red and mouth filled with air as he was suppressing the few giggles that badly wanted to escape.

“You know Seb, I am not like your other brothers. Though I am protective, I want you to enjoy your life like every normal teenager, just how the way you would have been if mom was around. Miller is not a person whom I will agree to be my sister’s boyfriend blindfold, but if he is making you happy or making you blush, I can definitely change my attitude towards him. You don’t have to worry about me being like Ben that day.”

I looked at him questioningly.

“Were you eavesdropping?” I asked incredulously. Which means he has heard everything Neb told me and my reaction. God!! I was already in a difficult situation when he caught on my little tongue slip but somehow overcame that. Now connecting the dots, Char must have known I lied to Ben that day.  I dropped my head in defeat when Char nodded his answer.

“But it was unintentional. I came in search for you both and heard the conversation. I didn’t mean to stay, but… you know… curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to talk to you about it but did not get the right time. I am sorry.” He said making me less edgy.

“Its fine Char. I am sorry too. I should have told you guys about this little crush I have on Shawn. But I haven’t confirmed it myself yet. I know I am attracted to him, but not to the extent of having him as my boyfriend. It must be temporary, just a hormone thing.” I was more like telling that to myself. My mind screamed otherwise, but I shut it out.

“I haven’t seen you like this before and don’t blame it on your hormones. If it was, then you would have had such attraction to others as we worked. Even when the school’s hottest guy proposed to you, you threatened to cut his balls and feed it to stray dogs. So don’t say s**t about hormone thingy.”

We both laughed at the memory.

“Think it out, Seb. Take your own time. You will be able to find a solution and please do what makes you happy Seb. You really need to do that after everything.” Sadness covered his face, and I nodded.

Soon we headed towards home.

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