"He looked at her the way she needed to be looked at, like the whole world could crumble and he wouldn't blink."

~ Atticus

My phone vibrated and the screen illuminated with a message from Dan which read "outside". I glanced at myself one last time in the mirror, my long curls were frizzy as usual and my white blouse made my complexion pop. I hurried outside with a mouthful of cereal, the brightness of the sun welcoming me.

Dan had told me earlier that he would pick me up to go gift hunting for Emily. I had figured he would be alone. I realized I was wrong when a 4-door hardtop Chevrolet Impala glided into view, stopping right outside my front lawn. It was a '67 make, that much I was certain of. Reflections of the sun bounced off it's sleek jet black paint, the silver trim glistening like water. I gulped in awe, overwhelmed by its beauty.

Orgasm on wheels.

As I climbed into the backseat, I was met with Dan seated on the black leather upholstery which contrasted impeccably with the light buckskin-colored interior.

"Hey," Dan said while eyeing the driver's seat, which was occupied by none other than Tobias.

I could see the side of Tobias' face, cheekbone still slightly bruised with a faint stubble growing. His cheekbone and jawline looked even more prominent from the angle I was sitting at. On top of that, he was driving.

Why is that such a turn-on?

What the hell, Ariel?

"Yo." Andy raised his arm over the headrest to fist bump me from the passenger seat, pulling me away from my internal conflict.

"Hey, sweet ride," I replied to both their greetings with a smile.

"Tell me about it," Dan responded.

"She's a goddamn beast," Andy remarked, "But Tobias here is too possessive and won't let any of us get behind the wheel." He chuckled which made Tobias scowl.

I couldn't help but admire his driving skills once we were on the move, he was effortlessly in control of the vehicle despite testing the speed limit. The way he was overtaking and changing lanes, it was absolutely intoxicating. He was intoxicating. Even for a single second, I couldn't look away from him, the veins on his forearms throbbing as he gripped the wheel tightly.

Gulp.

All of a sudden a police siren started trailing us, most likely for breaking every traffic law ever created, because that was how erratically Tobias drove.

"Pull over," Andy insisted, but Tobias was hell-bent on grinding the accelerator, causing us to pick up even more speed. "Anderson, I mean it, pull over." Andy's tone was laced with far more authority this time.

"Fucking pussy," Tobias muttered before slamming the brakes and jerking us to a halt.

Andy darted out of the car like a bullet while Tobias took his sweet time. Dan and I, on the other hand, remained seated. Curiosity getting the better of me, I peered through the back windscreen, trying to determine what Tobias and Andy were saying to the officer.

"Let's go," I said to Dan before climbing out, leaving the door ajar and standing between it.

"Ariel, don't—" Dan was quick to respond but I was already sauntering out.

As soon as I met with the fresh air, Tobias caught sight of me. The look in his eyes was as turbulent as his stride, "Get back in the car." His tongue swiped over his dry lips as he glared at me with blazing intensity, the amber in his orbs representing an angry pit of fire. Without waiting for me to answer, he infiltrated my personal space making me weak in the knees. He yanked my arm and pulled me towards himself, only to usher me back into the car.

Breathe.

"Get back in the car," I mimicked him dramatically, scoffing towards the end.

"Told you so," Dan gloated smugly, his blue eyes lighting up with amusement.

I rolled my eyes, "How is this remotely entertaining?"

"Well, for starters, you get all flustered around Tobias, so, that's hilario-"

"I do not get flustered!" I crossed my arms over my chest defensively. "What the hell are they even doing here? I thought we were gonna go buy a gift for Em."

Dan began explaining, "The truck's at the mechanics for an oil change. Andy and I were bored so we decided to catch a ride in this sweet baby after a lot of convincing." He shrugged. "I was going to call you to cancel but then one thing led to another and before I knew it Andy was asking Tobias if we could pick you..."

Breathe.

"Tobias said he didn't mind as long as we could eat at the riding club first." Dan gave me a teasing look.

The thud of the car doors slamming interrupted our conversation, startling me. The engine roared to life seconds later as we sped off, making my heartbeat spike. Andy's loud voice reverberated through the car, "This isn't the fucking city, man."

"Don't start with me," Tobias warned him, his voice almost resembling a low growl.

Is it just me or is it getting hot in here?

"Or what?"

"Dammit, Andy. I said not now!" Tobias bellowed, a ferocious look capturing his features, which surely meant 'don't say another word or I'll chop your dick off'.

Meanwhile, Dan and I just sat silently as the atmosphere in the car grew dense and a deadly silence followed. For a millisecond Tobias' gaze connected with mine through the rearview mirror, before his stone-cold eyes turned away.

Breathe.

When we arrived at the riding club a sense of comfort and ease set in. Tobias parked the car and immediately pulled out a cigarette, probably to refrain from letting his anger swallow him whole. The four of us walked towards the paddock, where not too long ago, I had sketched a certain someone while they were riding. I never thought I would have had to interact with him...

I'm officially a creep.

We followed him towards the stables, each of us trying our best not to trigger the ticking time bomb that was leading us. The stables were as breathtaking as the first time I saw them; old-fashioned woodwork, symmetrical enclosures, and regal horses. One, in particular, caught my eye, it was a chocolate-colored mare.

I read the name on the wooden frame next to the enclosure and smiled to myself as I read it aloud, "Reina."

"It means queen." I heard Tobias' low voice from behind me.

I knew what it meant, but I remained silent. Instead, I offered him a gentle smile while caressing the beautiful horse in front of me. He was still smoking but I tried to ignore it.

"Yo, I'm gonna go order. You guys want something?" Andy asked.

"No, thank you," I replied.

Tobias shook his head while releasing a cloud of smoke.

Wait, wasn't he the one who suggested we eat first?

"I'm going with Andy, you gonna be okay?" Dan whispered low enough so Tobias couldn't hear, his brotherly nature peaking through. I nodded in response and he walked away.

My attention instantly returned to admiring Reina. "Sometimes I just wish I could ride again." I voiced my thoughts, which weren't directed towards anyone in particular.

"What's stopping you?" Tobias asked as he leaned against the wooden framework, his cigarette now withered to dust.

Shit, what do I say?

Think, think, think.

"Oh, I can't, I mean, I don't. Not anymore. Not since..." I shook my head, a forlorn expression consuming my features. After a deep breath, I attempted to explain--

"My, oh my, look how the mighty have fallen." A female voice cut my attempt short.

Lucky me.

The first thing I noticed when my eyes landed on her was how tight her leather pants were. She had a devilish smirk on her plump lips as she approached Tobias. She opened her arms to embrace him, her shoulder-length hair bouncing as she moved. Instead of reciprocating her affection, Tobias nudged her shoulder harshly and stepped around her with an angered expression dressing his face.

This should be interesting.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Tobias interrogated her, his deeply embedded scowl depicting his displeasure.

"Chicago's so...boring without you." She purred, dragging her syllables.

"Don't." Tobias became apprehensive, his fists balling up.

"I have a surprise for you." She bit her lower lip, playing with the strap of her flimsy bralette on top of which she wore a short leather jacket. Her dark brown eyes briefly caught my stare before a smirk surfaced her lips.

Tobias' jaw clenched, his knuckles turning white with rage. I inhaled a sharp breath, worried that he would explode. "Get out of here." His voice was frighteningly low. I gawked at the girl and then at Tobias, expecting her to leave until Tobias' wild orbs connected with mine, making me realize that he was ordering me to leave, not her.

Breathe.

I didn't wait for another warning, turning a corner to escape the intense atmosphere. My back against the wooden panels of the stables, I exhaled slowly, looking over my shoulder to watch their encounter in the hope that it would reveal something about Tobias.

It's not illegal to eavesdrop.

She whispered something to Tobias, something I couldn't quite ascertain. In response, Tobias kicked the pail of water that was near his leg.

Crash.

The water splashed out like a tsunami and the pail went flying. My eyes widened as I held in a gasp. The girl faltered in her step, slightly shaken up by Tobias' reaction.

"He'll never stop," she said humourlessly.

"Doesn't fucking matter." Tobias hissed. I could only see the side of his face from where I was peeking but I could visualize his anger.

"This game you're playing...Tobias, you'll lose." She warned him.

"This isn't a fucking game, Kiara." He bit back with a blazing fury, his voice laced with more rage than ever before.

Kiara.

When her gaze flickered in my direction, I immediately cowered back. My eyes squeezed shut as I hid with my back against the wall.

"You won't survive this." There was something eerie about the way she said it like she knew something Tobias didn't.

When I heard footsteps retreating I became cautious, my heart thundering against my ribcage. I brisk-walked away from the stables, wandering towards the watering hole, the whole scene replaying in my head. I lowered on the soft grass and began picking pebbles to throw in the water, trying to make sense of the strange conversation I had overheard. That was when I realized that I had been holding my breath.

Breathe.

————

Be the best version of yourself, for yourself.

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Love, Ari