Page 14 of Bazooka
“Have you lost your mind, Luz? How could you not tell us you were attacked? Why didn’t you call us? We could have come back. We could have helped you. I swear to God, Luz. Sometimes I hate that we’re friends. Sometimes I hate you!”
“And you would have helped me how? By getting your ass kicked?” I said, rolling my eyes. “Besides, Bazooka was there to rescue me.”
“Oh, fuck you and him,” Alain bit out, sounding bitter. “We’re your best friends, in case you have forgotten, you prick.”
“Did you at least have a good time at the club?” I asked him, feeling guilty. “Anyone hooked up with anyone?”
“We danced, we drank, and then we went home. We were angry with you because you ditched us. Shit, now I feel so guilty.”
“Don’t,” I said, closing my eyes because I was getting sleepy. “Everything worked out just fine. I’m safe, and I’ll get better in no time.”
“Can we visit you?”
“Um… maybe not just yet. I’m at Bazooka’s place, and I don’t want to jeopardize staying here. If Baz wants me out of his bed, he’ll have to drag me out.”
Alain groaned. “Fuck, you’re selfish. You already have a plan for how to get into his pants, don’t you?”
I snorted. “Who do you take me for?”
“And the not-so-small problem of him being straight?”
“He’ll change his mind.”
He let out a heavy sigh. “I give up. Just let me know when we can visit you, okay?”
“I promise. Kiss the guys for me.”
“And catch a cold or something? No way.”
After he hung up, I fell asleep. I dreamed about something awful… drowning, maybe, because I couldn’t breathe. I was somewhere dark where I couldn’t see anything. Worst of all, I was alone. No, I was Bazooka-less, which was ten times worse than loneliness. There was warmth in that man, a warmth unlike any other. It was hidden behind his gruff exterior, but I could feel it as if I were standing in front of the sun. It was that hot and blinding.
The nightmare went on and on until I woke up with a scream lodged in my throat, sweaty like a pig. And thirsty. And hungry. My bladder was suffering, too, so I limped over to the bathroom. After I was done, I washed my hands, and for the first time since yesterday, I looked at myself in the mirror.
“Jesus Christ!” I exclaimed, staring at my reflection.
Was that me? I could see a faint resemblance, except that I looked like my evil twin from a schlock horror movie. Countless ugly bruises marred my cheeks, my swollen lip was cut in a few places, and I had a black eye. To think that people used to tell me I looked angelic, despite my demon-like behavior. Well, they certainly wouldn’t say it now.
In any case, with a face like that, I wasn’t seducing anyone, so I had to do something about it ASAP. I made a mental note to get myself a face powder or at least a concealer when the front door opened.
“What are you doing up?” Bazooka growled, slamming the door shut behind him. “Get back in bed.”
“Yes, Master,” I murmured, limping into the bedroom before he could hear me.
“Do you need help, pest?” he bellowed across the hall.
Aww, he cared.
“No,” I replied, only to curse myself because I wasted a perfect opportunity to feel his hands on me.Next time.
Just as I settled into bed, he walked through the door. And God, he looked delicious, every muscular inch of him. Whatever was in the bag he brought with him smelled great, too.
“I brought you some food,” he said, giving me a once-over. “How are you feeling?”
I yawned. “Better, actually. Starving, too.”
“Good. By the way, you’re eating here since I don’t have a table.”
On any other day, it would sound weird, but today I just nodded.
