OUTBREAK: ZERO is a semi post-apocalyptic pandemic roleplay set in the fictional city of Lethford, USA. Current season: Winter, 20/21.
March 2020. The world is in pandemonium as one month ago, GHNv-20 was confirmed, five months after the beginning of norovirus season. The number of the infected are in the higher hundred thousands, and the death toll is at an estimated 250,000, with about seventy percent of the rest of the population experiencing mild to moderate illnesses connected to the S. pyogenes bacteria.
The fear of the unknown has caused mass hysteria and panic.
In an attempt to provide a semblance of safety and control, military personnel patrol the streets, even here in Lethford City, and the police force is trying to keep up with the rising street violence, assault, and theft.
Welcome to OUTBREAK: zero. Will you survive?
HAYANA
SITE OWNER + HEAD ADMINISTRATOR
Hi! I'm Haya. I'm pretty much your girl for everything! If you have any questions regarding our plot, membergroups, etc. don't hesitate to ask me. I'm also in charge of coding, graphics, anything skin related, and advertising/affiliates.
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ADDI
ADMINISTRATOR
Hey! I'm Addi. Hit me up if you need help with anything. I'm always for plotting so don't be shy. I like coffee, booze, and working out. I'm back from a long hiatus the dead so if you need anything, best ask the others until I get back into the groove of things!
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FINNLEY
GLOBAL MODERATOR
Hi hello! My name is Finnley, or Finn, call whichever and I'll be there for you (yes like the FRIENDS theme song). I am in charge of the claims and helping with miscellaneous things. Let me know if you have any questions!
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outbreak
/ˈaʊtbreɪk/ zero /ˈzɪərəʊ/
a sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as war or disease. number, no quantity or number; nought; the figure 0.
Three weeks had passed since her little breakdown. The impromptu breakfast date had ended and Ezra had gone home. Stitch was happy to see her, but she couldn't help but notice the little ache in her chest at the sight of her empty apartment. That night sleeping had been rough. Eventually Stitch had climbed up in bed with her, and Ezra had wrapped the dog in her arms and slept fitfully for the rest of the night.
In the days following, work and new leads had kept her busy. Stories on the riots, on the cleanup and wounded. And not to mention the missing detective that had miraculously appeared. There was something bothering her in the back of her mind. Like she was missing something.
Of course, the little moments where her phone would buzz and she'd become immediately distracted would happen every now and then. On more than one occasion she found herself smiling like an idiot at something or other Jasper had said, and she'd remind herself that this little crush was just that. Still, she'd been excited to head back to the shop to pick up her bike. She hadn't stayed long, though part of her had wanted to revisit the kiss they'd shared in that very same shop. Instead, Ezra showed amazing restraint. At least, she thought so.
The bruises healed and faded. Her back was completely free of the scrapes, and her hand was nothing more than a thin, scabbed line across her palm. In another week it would just be a scar. Which was good, because Ezra was on the clock tonight. She had it on good information that some big names in the rebel community would be meeting at Lux that night. If she could get some more Intel on rebel movements, she might even be able to get some stories from the other side of this. Thankfully, Ezra was pretty good at convincing men to talk more than they meant to. Though she was a firm supporter of the independent, strong woman she was well aware that when men saw a sweet, next door looking girl they tended to underestimate them.
The outfit, a simple teal sundress paired with a little black set of ballet flats that cinched around her waist, didn't see the sunlight often unless Ezra knew she needed to play to the stereotypes surrounding small blonde girls. She did her makeup lightly, her lips pink and a hint of blush. The dress, thank heavens, had pockets that were well hidden in the flowy skirt. In went her phone and recorder.
Saying goodbye to Stitch, Ezra slipped out the door with her leather jacket and keys in hand. Going down to the garage, she smiled at the sight of her bike, pulling her jacket on as she approached it. Getting on, she started her up and couldn't help but think of Jasper. The bike sounded better than when she originally fixed it up. Begrudgingly, she had to admit to herself that he was likely a better mechanic. She hadn't worked in the shop for very long after all.
Lux wasn't terribly far. The drive was hauntingly quiet and lonely, but the closer she got to the bar, the more life she saw. People who couldn't, or didn't want to, hole up until this all blew over. If it ever did. Ezra wasn't worried about finding trouble, though, because she knew how to not draw attention to herself. For the most part anyways. The club probably wasn't supposed to be open, or maybe they only needed to maintain a lower capacity. Either way Ezra was able to get inside rather easily, hesitating as she glanced around quickly. She didn't immediately recognize anyone, but there were plenty of bodies inside the club, crowding around the bar and the pool tables.
Ezra made her way over to the bar, able to find an empty seat and claim it. She took the leather jacket off, folding it neatly in her lap, happy to use it like a barrier for wandering hands searching for warm thighs to grope. Brushing some of her curls behind her ear, she tried to catch the attention of one of the bartenders. It didn't take long for a man to decide she needed help ordering a drink, and she felt a hand on her back. Chills crawled over her skin, but she fought back the natural reaction to lash out as a large, older man loomed over her. The guy looked like a biker, from what she could tell. The way he leered down at her made those chills return.
'Looks like you're having some trouble. Let me get this one.'
He leaned in as he spoke, under the guise of the music playing, but it wasn't nearly loud enough to require him to get so close. Ezra let that go, putting a bright smile on her face. Hook, line, and sinker. "That would be great. I've been dying for an old fashioned." She said, exaggerating and tilting her head. Her expression screamed helpless and ditzy. The guy didn't even question the manly drink order, looking like he'd won a bet as he went off to the other end of the bar to snag a bartender. Ezra watched him go, feeling the smile fading to a much more natural smirk.
It had been some time since he had actually gotten to see the little firecracker known as Ezra. Even though they had been texting, and she had one stop by the auto shop, it wasn't enough. He would admit it. He wanted to see more of her. And yet he was reserved to just enjoying her wit and banter through the phone. Through technology. It wasn't the same. He wanted to hear her laugh or her scoff at him. Even her short trip to pick up her now fixed bike had been way too short. And both seemed to control themselves from making any moves.
Jasper had truly thought about breaking something else in her bike so she would have an excuse to come around. To be around longer. But that would just make him look like a damn idiot and he chose pride over pathetic. And then that was it. She road off and ever since then, its been texting here and there. Nothing grand. It put a major damper on his mood for a few days. And one of his friends had decided that enough was enough. 'Let's go get some drinks'. That was the text that had him pulling up to Lux. One of the only places that was actually still open and allowing outsiders in.
He sat out front, waiting for his friend to pull up before the two made their way into the bar. Jasper was not someone to miss. Standing at six foot seven inches in height and built like a damn fridge, he drew attention when he entered a place. But he was used to it. The looks and stares were not anything new. So he moved through the place with ease, not far behind his friend who seemed to already know where he was bringing the two of them.
However, on his way to the open two seats, blonde curls caught his attention. His own dirty blonde hair was pulled back in a high, messy bun. He caught her profile and immediately knew who it was. Ezra. A small smile fell to his lips as he changed direction, giving his friend a 'one moment' hand gesture as he walked up behind her seat and grabbed the back of it. "Fancy seeing you here." He started, his voice deep as he stood directly behind her seat. Even though she wasn't facing him, he knew that the teal dress was flattering on her.
And then it actually set in his mind, where exactly they were. His brows furrowed lightly and he glanced around them. No one else seemed to be with her. "What are you doing here?"
Ezra flinched in surprise, twisting in her seat to look up at Jasper. How she hadn't even thought that she might run into him here, she didn't know. The surprise on her expression dissolved into a broad smile, amusement taking over for the shock of being snuck up on. "Jasper." She said, by way of greeting as her heart calmed in her chest. There wasn't anyone else that could have made her happier to see in that moment, if it wasn't for the fact that the biker guy was definitely going to come back eventually. Ezra suddenly wished she was just out for a beer, because she never would have entertained someone like the man who was off getting her drinks. Now, a man like Jasper, however…
"What are you doing here?"
Her brows pulled down, and the question made her glance around Lux. It was a fair question. Ezra generally preferred to drink in private. She wasn't much for dancing, or for socializing with drunk, horny strangers. A shrug moved through her shoulders as she returned her focus to Jasper, her chest already feeling as if electricity were building up in it. "I could ask you the same thing." She deflected, a playful smile on her lips. She was definitely avoiding his question, because even though it was effective, it was a little embarrassing getting caught doing her job like this. The little, girl next door dress and the 'innocent and easily influenced' makeup she'd done. The entire outfit was definitely not her style. Hell, clubbing wasn't her style either.
"I just -" She started, but never got to finish the excuse she was about to dole out. Because at that moment, the biker guy decided to return, and as he swaggered up to them Ezra caught the once-over the other man was giving Jasper. Ezra could still remember, vividly, what it had been like to see Jasper for the first time. Poor guy's probably shitting himself. The thought ran through her mind as the guy got a 'I'm tough' look on his face and stepped up beside Ezra. Both men were larger than her, and suddenly she felt penned in.
'He bothering you baby?' The man grumbled, holding her requested drink out, as if to prove that he had some weird man claim on her. The 'baby' was completely unnecessary, and Ezra had to fight making a face as she took her glass, mind racing on how to handle this situation. The biker, though larger than her, was still smaller than Jasper. Ezra didn't think she'd ever met a man quite as large and imposing as Jasper.
Ezra, feeling awkward, wanted to chug her drink and run. Instead, she raised her brows and looked at Jasper. "Ah - this is Jasper. Jasper, this is…" Ezra trailed off, glancing at the other man, realizing she didn't know his name.
'Charles.' The man supplied, clearly trying to look intimidating. The laughter in Ezra's eyes made it clear what she thought about the attempt, but she still returned her gaze to Jasper, shrugging her shoulders lightly again.
"This is Charles." Ezra picked up again, trying to figure out how to clear away the tension. She raised the drink to her lips, gaze hooked on Jasper. "I was having trouble getting a drink." She gave her best 'I'm helpless' expression, somehow trying to salvage her act. She was, however, suddenly very much more interested in Jasper. But she had come here to work, and she felt duty-bound to at least try to keep up the guise of being an innocent, hapless girl.
His name leaving her lips made something stir inside of him. Watching her smile grow on her face as she turned towards him and looked up at him. He still towered over her, which wasn’t anything new for anyone near him. Jasper was a mountain. He would be for the rest of his life. So as he stared down at her, he also knew that his friend who had made a home at the other side of the bar, knew exactly where his friend had wondered off to. Even with her little retort back to him, he gave her a ‘oh really’ look. Because lets be honest, which one of them looked like they belonged there more? Little blonde in her pretty teal dress or giant bearded man with a man bun?
“You don’t get to just skip around that question. But if you must know, I came out for a drink with a friend.” He answered her, gesturing to the man at the end of the bar. Who lifted a long neck in reply to the eyes that fell on him. His own hello from a distance. Jasper knew the guy well enough to know he wouldn’t be exactly upset if Jasper had ditched him. A pretty little thing would find the friend soon enough anyway. He was not a bad looking guy. And he had a nice way with words, for an idiot. Jasper watched her start to speak only to hear another voice cut in.
”'He bothering you baby?”
He hadn’t even heard the other man approach. His blue gaze leaving Ezra to turn to the man. The man who Jasper had by a head. Not that it mattered. He did a once over the man, feeling the aggressive ‘tough guy’ act rolling off of him. And suddenly his eyes were back on Ezra. The look that laid in his eyes clearly saying ‘really? This guy?’ Was she really on a date? In a bar like this? With a guy like that? Well color him shocked. He really thought that there was something between the two of them. But she was clearly making sure she had other options. His brows were still raised high on his forehead when she jumped in to awkwardly introduce the two.
“Ah - this is Jasper. Jasper, this is…”
”Charles.”
Even his name was dumb. Charles and Ezra? Sounded awful. But Jasper buried that little green seed of jealousy that seemed to sprout in his stomach. Letting the man put on the tough guy act and he gave him an amused smile. Ezra continued her little explanation here. So they weren’t on a date, but the man was clearly trying to get in good with her. A drink was handed her way and he stuck a hand out towards the other man. “So sorry to interrupt, Charles. The little blonde here is a friend of mine. Thought I’d come say hi. Didn’t realize she was with someone.” His eyes flickering to her for a moment. He’d be watching from afar. And even if he was a little hurt by this, he now knew where they stood.
“Excuse me.” He said, patting the back of Ezra’s chair before he slipped back to where his buddy was. ‘Damn Jasper, even I know you are better looking than that man.’ Which only made him chuckle lightly as he sat down, palming the long neck and taking a long drink. His eyes locked on the two for a moment. He’d be keeping an eye on them. This was not the kind of place that Ezra needed to be in. And not a place to pick up men either. He took another long pull from his drink before he looked away and scanned the rest of the bar himself. His eyes landing on a leggy brunette not too far away. Her dark eyes connected with his and he gave her a small smile before he looked back at his drink.
At least he had some options if he needed to find himself a distraction.
Ezra never thought that she'd find it pleasing when a man towered over her, but Jasper didn't intimidate her. Instead, as he looked down at her, she felt a warmth blossoming in her chest. Happy. Despite the terrible timing of this chance encounter, she was genuinely, thoroughly happy to see him. The look he gave made a thrill run through her, and she felt that excitement that had been building go on a frenzy.
"You don’t get to just skip around that question. But if you must know, I came out for a drink with a friend.”
She liked that he didn't let her play around, called her on her shit. Any other man would have likely not actually cared why she was there, always too busy trying to get a piece of her body to care much for her mind. At his mention of a 'friend's that warmth in her chest froze over, trying to keep her expression casual as she followed his gesture with her eyes. Ezra had been expecting a woman. The stirrings of jealousy died a quick death when she saw it was a male friend who was out with him tonight. Ezra had felt jealousy before, but never when it came to the opposite sex. She didn't really know what to call the feelings that Jasper seemed to stir awake in her, but she hadn't ever been jealous of the idea of someone else feeling those feelings too.
Any "relationships" she had had were always open ended. Always just physical. She had never sat and talked to those she brought into her bed, at least not any longer than was required to get them there. Never about her work or family. Never anything meaningful. And she never spent the night with them. Whatever it was that she felt for Jasper, it was different and exciting and terrifying all in one.
Of course, the arrival of the biker cut the warm feelings short. Ezra tried not to look annoyed as she watched the two men interact. She was impressed that Jasper didn't also puff his chest and try to exert his dominance, because he certainly could have.
“So sorry to interrupt, Charles. The little blonde here is a friend of mine. Thought I’d come say hi. Didn’t realize she was with someone.”
The words only made the ice in her chest worse, and Ezra was still deciphering the hurt she was feeling as Jasper excused himself and walked away. Her eyes followed him briefly, before she forced herself to return her attention to Charles. Why did she feel guilty? It wasn't as if her and Jasper were an item. Did she even want that? Was this what being in a relationship felt like? Being guilty for letting someone buy her a drink? Whatever the case, Ezra didn't like the feeling. Didn't understand the urge to go after Jasper and explain that she wouldn't, ever, let someone like Charles into her bed. Much less choose someone like him over Jasper. Stubborn, and in deep denial, Ezra mentally shook herself. She didn't owe any man an explanation.
And yet, by not going after Jasper, wasn't that exactly what she was doing? Her thoughts became increasingly crowded, as if the different facets of her personality were coming together and colliding. Charles was talking, and she really should have been paying attention to what he was saying. Listening for any tidbit of info that she could latch onto and milk for more. Instead she was trying to navigate the maze that was liking someone, wanting to be with someone, in her head. She nodded along, a hollow gesture, as Charles talked about his car, realizing just how boring she found the discussion. She "hmm'd" where appropriate, her gaze always flitting away to capture Jasper, completely distracted now that she knew he was within her vicinity.
'...pool?'
Ezra's attention snapped back to Charles, realizing she hadn't heard a word of what he said. "This drink must be strong." She said, a light chuckle in her words. Let him think she was a light weight, that her inhibitions were weakened. It would loosen his lips. "What'd you say?"
'I said, do you wanna go play pool?'
Charles was looking at her like she was a piece of meat he wanted to take a bite out of, which meant he was completely convinced that a few sips of alcohol had done something for her. Idiot. Still, she plastered a delighted grin on her face. "I'm not very good, but I love pool. Let's do it." She told him, sliding off the seat with her jacket clasped in her hand. It was a lie, Ezra did love playing pool, but she was also pretty good at it. Definitely better than Charles, if the lack of intelligence in his eyes was any hint. She let him lead her through the building number of bodies, refusing to glance over at Jasper as she sidled up to the pool table Charles chose. Setting her jacket and drink down, Ezra took the pool cue he offered, one suited to her height. The weight of it felt like a weapon in her hands, a sensation that had begun after she was attacked. Anything was a weapon in the right hands, right?
'Why don't you break, sweetheart?'
The unoriginal pet names were already staring to annoy her. And Ezra knew the offer was an excuse for him to see her lean over the table, but she still carried on her ditsy act, her false identity absolutely excited at the chance to start their game. Ezra moved to the end of the table, leaning down as she got her cue read. The focus in her eyes erased the ditsy glee, but as she went to hit the cue ball, she felt a hand on her hip.
'Your posture is a little off, baby. Let me-'
Ezra pulled her cue back, as if she didn't realize he was right behind her, jabbing him in the gut with enough force to back him away from her. She turned around, her expression one of false surprise. "Oh! Charles, I'm so sorry." She simpered, her voice filled with concern. Charles was tough, apparently, because he didn't look too hurt. The annoyance on his face was wiped away as she spoke, and he seemed to put forth an effort to brush it off.
'That's alright, honey. Go ahead.'
Smiling brightly, she turned back to the table and readied her cue again, leaning down and focusing intently. Annoyance made her hit hard, the clack of the balls bouncing off one another loud and sharp. Immediate two stripes and a solid found their homes in various pockets. Ezra chose stripes, of course, and the two of them traded random words and turns, Ezra forcing herself to let him pull ahead. Still, she made him work for it. The distraction tactic seemed to work, because the conversation suddenly turned to the pandemic.
'Most of us are out of work, at least the jobs the government stole from us. This whole pandemic is just a tactic….but thankfully the rebels and Legion gave us something to do.'
Legion. Ezra knew of the group. Knew they often were known to spend time in Lux. They had something to do with the rebels? Was Charles a Legion member, or a rebel? Or was he just a pawn in this game? "The Legion?" She asked, turning her gaze on him. Trying to look clueless. "Do you mean the riots?" She followed her question with another, digging for more details. Ezra would pursue this line of questioning, and then she decided she would cut him loose. Go find Jasper. Explain herself. The fact that she was still thinking about the look on his face, making her feel like she had swallowed glass, made up her mind.
He caught her looking to him occasionally. Though he prided himself in the fact that he had seen the looks from the corner of his eyes, while he was trying very hard to not just stare at the two. To observe every little interaction they had. To see if she was interested in whatever was falling out of that mans mouth. To see if it captured her attention and made her light up like he had done for her before. But from what he could tell, in the corner of his eye looks, she seemed just as disconnected from her company as he was from his. He was glad to see his buddy stalk off after the second beer, his eyes clearly locking onto his target and finding himself a pretty little thing to go sweet talk.
Jasper wasn't offended by any means, and even gave him a clap to the shoulder as his friend left. He was quite content where he was. Watching with a small amused smile as Ezra seemed quite detached from whatever Charles was sending her way. That was, until suddenly her blonde hair whipped to look at the man and they seemed to come to some sort of agreement. Both of them were out of their seats and moving. Which is when Jasper turned his head completely towards them to watch where they were going. Of course, the pool tables. It was like almost asking a girl to go putt putt golfing and 'show' her how to properly hit the ball. He could already picture that line being used or the move happening.
He released the long neck from his hand because he felt his grip tighten and really didn't want to be breaking bottles in the bar. Pretty sure that was an immediate get out. So he watched as the balls were set up on the table and then, as sure as he was six foot seven, the man made a move to pull up behind Ezra. Jasper was half way out of his seat when the pool stick was rammed into Charles stomach and a small chuckle left his lips. 'That's my girl,' he thought to himself. Whether they were an item or not, Jasper liked her. It was clear for all to see. And then the game seemed to be on. And she didn't seem to be hating it. A small jealous monster grew in him. Watching her clearly winning the round of pool. But sometimes was said to her that made her face light up. Her attention clearly grabbed and she seemed to look at him like how she looked at Jasper sometimes. Wide eyes with wonderment.
And that's when someone clearing their throat caught his attention. He twisted in his seat and would you look at that? The leggy brunette from earlier had found her sea legs and had crossed the bar. 'Hi, I'm Amber.' She said, leaning against the bar as if to show off her body just a bit without actually waving a flag for him to look her over. He was a man, of course his gaze flickered down her and then back up. "Jasper." He responded, his blue eyes quickly moved to see Ezra one more time before he reminded himself that they were not together. She owed him nothing. He owed her nothing. "What are you having?" He asked, nodding towards her empty glass in front of her.
She let out a small giggle and smiled brightly at him, slipping into the empty seat that his friend had once sat in. Placing her order with the bartender before she turns her attention back to him. And small, flirty talk started. Amber was quite pretty and she seemed to hold a decent conversation, though Jasper found that he was not really interested in the story she was currently telling. But he kept his attention to her, at least he had some manners to make it seem like he was interested. And she was giving all the signs that she was definitely interested in him. Even asking the general 'how tall are you' questions and wowing him when he answered.
If Ezra could have a flirty date, why couldn't he?
”The riots. Yeah.” Charles boasted, chuckling as if that nightmare was something to be proud of. Already Ezra was absolutely tired of him, and it wasn’t only because Jasper had walked into Lux. She had never liked the men who thought they were god’s gift to womanhood. That they were somehow appealing because of their rough attitudes. It wasn’t something that Ezra found attractive, blatant stupidity. But then she saw something change in his gaze, and he seemed to sober up. ”Me and the guys got recruited by some shady guys. They wanted us to cause trouble in the hospital. Lost some good guys that day.”
Ezra felt her stomach tighten as he mentioned the hospital. Had Charles been one of the men trying to break into the cafeteria that day? How close had they come to having a completely different first meeting? And then she wondered - did he know the guy she’d killed? Suddenly, her entire body felt as if it were icing over. ”I’m - sorry to hear that.” She told him hollowly, knowing she probably looked pale and disturbed. Maybe it suited the conversation. Maybe she looked like a frightened dear. Either way, Charles didn’t seem stunned by her reaction. In fact, he smiled at her as if she’d done something to make him proud. Maybe she shouldn’t have offered condolences, as if it acted as some sort of validation for his actions. ”Did you know who the guys were? Who recruited you?” She couldn’t help but ask, turning back to the pool table, seeing as it was her turn to hit something again.
”Nah. But they paid us well.”
Again, he was bragging. Looking at her as if the violence and money might sway her decision on whether or not to let him sleep with her. Unfortunately for him, Ezra didn’t think even a woman without standards would find him attractive. But maybe she was biased. This entire interaction had left her stomach feeling as if it had been twisted over and over. She wanted out. She found her gaze searching for Jasper again, flicking in his direction without even thinking about it.
And that was when she finally noticed that Jasper’s male friend had been replaced with a curvy, pretty brunette. Suddenly, Ezra was thinking of that calendar she’d found. Of the way that Jasper had described her instead.
'I like my woman with an attitude. Blonde hair, lots of it. Tough as nails. Legs for days...'
Heat took over the ice on her skin, and suddenly she was jumping out of her skin. As she refocused on the cue ball, she put that sudden flare of annoyance into her strike. The crack was like a slap to the face. Was she really jealous? Angry that a woman was showing Jasper attention, when she was just over here, doing the same? But he seemed to be really enjoying it, and it made Ezra want to slap him. And then maybe kiss him right in front of that brunette, just so she knew that he wasn’t an option. Straightening up, not even noticing if she made a point or not, she felt her heart hammering in her chest. Are you really thinking of Jasper as if he’s yours? She asked herself, frowning down at the green felt.
Whatever the case, Charles didn’t have any good information for her - other than the fact that someone was paying for at least a portion of the riots. The rebels? Which group? There were so many different possibilities. And maybe it wasn’t rebels at all. Many people could benefit from chaos like that. Ezra hung her pool stick up, turning to Charles, who was looking at her as if he were confused. ”Sorry, Charlie. Thanks for the drink though.” She told him, her tone dismissive and curt. She grabbed her jacket, moving to walk past him.
Ezra didn’t make it far, though all of her attention was on Jasper. And maybe a little bit of a glare directed at the brunette. But as soon as she was two steps away from the table, away from Charles, she felt an iron grip clamp down on her wrist, and then he jerked her. Ezra turned back to Charles, trying to pull her wrist free. ”Let me go-”
”You can’t just leave. You owe me-”
”I don’t owe you shit! Let me go.” Ezra snarled, cutting him off just as Charles had done to her. Her heart was beating so hard in her chest, she couldn’t tell if she was getting a surge of adrenaline or if she was absolutely terrified. She jerked her arm again, her fist tightening on her jacket. As she did, his arm moved forward - the sleeve of his own jacket pulling up. Just enough for her to see the coils of a snake on his skin. The world seemed to freeze as he pulled her in, looming over her. The righteous fury she’d been feeling died a sudden death. Terror turned the blood in her veins to ice. It wasn’t just a similar tattoo. It was the same. And Charles had already confirmed that he and some of his friends had attacked the hospital. She should have left when he told her that.
Feeling tears spring to her eyes, Ezra struggled to get words out of her throat, feeling it closing up. She couldn’t breathe. Suddenly she felt as if she could feel the rough exterior walls of the hospital digging into her shoulders. She was trapped. ”Please.” She said, her voice strangled and barely a whisper.
Jasper wasn’t exactly thrilled with the second option place beside him. And he would have felt bad for thinking that there was something wrong with the woman sitting next to him, if it weren’t for the fact that something felt wrong with her sitting there. She was attractive, anyone could see that. Legs for days, clearly took care of herself, long brunette hair, and a pretty face that gave him the idea she normally had her drinks paid for by men and got her way by flashing a smile. He should have been fine with this option, and even a glance towards his buddy confirmed it as he got the thumbs up from him.
She was happy to carry on the conversation almost by herself. Chatting away about herself and he was pretty sure she mentioned a small lap dog. He had half of his manners in check to ask the dogs name and catch it before he was zoning out again. Blue eyes glancing towards where Ezra and her new play mate over at the pool table. At the clearing of a throat, he shifted towards Amber, her eyes slightly annoyed but she put on a fake smile and leaned into him, touching his arm as she did so and continuing with her story. He hadn’t really heard half of it when movement caught the corner of his eye.
He shifted in time to see Charles hand pulling on Ezra way too roughly. Which meant two things happened very quickly. Jasper removed the woman’s hand from his arm as he got out of his seat and he was across the bar in a matter of seconds. His long gate had him behind Charles in a few seconds and as he heard the small plea from Ezra, his large hand clamped on the back of the man’s neck as he yoked him back. Putting some distance between his girl and this clearly piece of garbage human being. Charles hand released Ezra as his hands came back to grab Jasper’s wrist in surprise. And then Jasper was a human barrier between the two. His large body blocking Ezra from Charles view.
“You do NOT put your hands on her, do you understand me?” He snarled, deep voice low and deadly. Suddenly, there was a lot of movement happening around him. His friend was shoving himself between Charles and Jasper, trying to put space between them as some bar staff seemed to get it together and put more space between the two. They seemed to be doing it more for Charles than Jasper, judging by the way they were telling Charles that he had to leave. Jasper knew he had done nothing wrong. He came up and removed the problem quickly and even though he wanted to throw the man down on the floor and pummel him, he knew that wouldn’t go over well. “Easy Jas, lets take a breather.” His buddy warned him. Which earned a small rolling of his eyes before he was turning back to the small blonde.
“Are you okay?” He asked her, not reaching out just yet to touch her because he didn’t want to push boundaries with her. Instead he looked down at her, then glanced at the door that Charles had disappeared out of. “You want to get out of here?” He asked her. “The impala is outside.” And he’d gladly take her away from here.
Ezra had never felt so weak. She’d never had an issue with handsy guys in the past, and so she knew this wasn’t because Charles was intimidating per say. She wasn’t afraid of Charles. Some part of her mind was still living in that moment in the hospital, and her body was reacting to her fear. She wasn’t in the bar anymore. She was pinned against the hospital wall, with no help in sight, slowly losing her grip on her life. Helpless. Vulnerable. Dying. Ezra was pretty sure she was about to pass out or scream at the top of her lungs, but before her body could decide which response to go with, Charles was suddenly being jerked away from her.
“You do NOT put your hands on her, do you understand me?”
Jasper’s body was like a wall, preventing Charles from seeing her, but also preventing Ezra from seeing him. While his focus was on Charles, Ezra took a deep, gasping breath. Oxygen flooded her lungs again, and suddenly the fuzziness in her head was dissipating. She was okay. For a minute, she considered trying to stop Jasper, but it seemed that others had also noticed the altercation. Jasper’s friend, and the bar staff. She heard them telling Charles to leave, and as her panic subsided, the shame and embarrassment flooded in.
“Are you okay?”
Her eyes were stinging as she looked up at Jasper, knowing her gaze was probably a little bleary. It only made the embarrassment worse. Ezra gave a small nod, still clutching her jacket so tightly that her knuckles were white. Her gaze flicked past Jasper, to follow Charles out the door. To his tattoo, still visible. A shudder ran through her, and she could still feel the man’s hand around her wrist. She realized she had said wrist pressed up to her chest as if it had been burned. Cradling it as if it were wounded. Jasper’s voice dragged her back to him, just in time to hear him asking if she wanted to leave. Mentioning the impala. Another small nod. She hated how she felt right now. Equal parts numb and exposed. Like an overstimulated, raw nerve.
Shoving everything to the back of her mind, Ezra tried to pull herself back together. ”Yes. I want to go.” She told him, her tone strengthening with each word. She was okay. As soon as she pulled herself together, there was a new feeling there as she looked up at Jasper. Without really thinking about it, she stepped into him, reaching up to grab the collar of his shirt to use as leverage to pull him down to her. Tilting her head up, her lips found his in a firm kiss. She wasn’t sure if she kissed him to make herself feel better, or to thank him for saving her ass. Or maybe it was because she knew she wanted him, and she hadn’t liked seeing another woman try to stake a claim. Ezra didn’t try to process her decision in the moment, enjoying the feel of his lips instead. She’d figure out the rest later.
Breaking the kiss, Ezra didn’t release him, only pulling back enough to meet his gaze. ”Thank you.” She murmured, a small curve at the edges of her mouth. Then she finally let him go, immediately stepping away to head off to the door, only pausing long enough to give a quick nod to his friend. Another thanks, for helping. And maybe a bit of an apology for stealing his friend. And then she was out the door. Her footsteps halted, her gaze automatically searching the small parking lot for any sign of Charles. But she didn’t see him, though she wasn’t surprised. If a man as large as Jasper had nearly beaten her up, she wouldn’t have stuck around either. Ezra took in a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air. Her gaze moved to her bike, sitting off to the edge of the parking lot. She'd have to come back for that later. Turning her gaze from the bike, she only had to look for a moment for the impala - the beauty was pretty obvious.
When Jasper joined her outside, she turned to him, feeling the need to fill the air in case he asked her what all these kisses meant, because she still didn't know. "I'm sorry. For that." She started, immediately, gesturing generally towards the club. "I was fishing for information. For work." Ezra explained, not really understanding why she felt the need to explain herself to him. To assure him that she hadn't been out, on the hunt for a man.
Jasper could still feel his heart hammering away in his chest. His blue eyes locked onto Charles as he was removed from the building. If it wasn't for everyone stepping in, he was pretty sure that there would have been a nasty beat down in the middle of the bar room floor. The pool table or the floor or the wall, it didn't matter to him. He let out a slow breath as he looked Ezra over, trying to let that anger go away. Though as he saw how she was cradling her hand, it only made it worse. His blue eyes looking down at her hand then to her face. If he had hurt her, Jasper was going to be quick out that door.
The bar could stop them from fighting inside, but outside? Charles was going to be free game if he hadn't already left. Her small nod wasn't really reassuring that she was okay. Not with the way she was holding her hand. His expression was grim and full of worry, even as she only gave him a small nod to letting him take her away from the place. He watched her face start to pull herself together, and he knew that this was not the time to tell her how she should not be in a place like this. That men who came here typically were not going there because they wanted to learn her life story and marry her one day. Though, Jasper was there, and he was at least somewhat a gentleman. He definitely wasn't going to pull the crap Charles would, even if he was there to only pick up a girl.
"Yes. I want to go."
He gave her a small nod, liking that her voice got stronger on each word. That was his girl, that was the one that he knew. Not going to let anything stop her from doing what she wants or needs. He opened his mouth to say something to her, but he was cut off by her stepping up, and yanking him by his shirt down to her. He had a foot on her, but he easily swooped down to allow her to kiss him. His hand instinctively buried itself into her wild mane and held her to him while they kissed. Something that should have knocked him on his ass, but thankfully she gave him a small break by leaning away. He stared down at her with curious eyes, only to smile briefly as she thanked him.
It was over too quick, and had he thought more on it, he would have pulled her back in. But she moved quickly and was out of his grasp sooner than the gears in his head started working once more. So he followed her, giving his buddy a wave over the shoulder with a backwards glance. The buddy gave an understanding nod and shouted a quick 'text me later'. Which was not fallen on deaf ears. He was sure that he'd have to explain all of this later. And before he knew it, he was out the door, hot on her heels in case Charles laid in wait. But as he scanned the area, his previous military self suddenly very noticeable, he didn't see him.
"I'm sorry. For that. I was fishing for information. For work."
Part of him was relieved to her hear say that. That she really wasn't here to pick up a man, a man like Charles. But the other part of him was unsure. She could be just lying to make him feel better about it, especially since he had to go in and play hero. He looked her over once more. His head still reeling from her kissing him in there and the rush he had of anger. "You don't have to explain yourself to me Ezra." He wanted to point out that they were not together. But he couldn't find those words in him. "Though I could have told you that it was a bad idea." Her coming in, trying to play up the innocent blonde who seemed interested in what some scumbag had to say? Yeah, not the brightest idea.
He dug the keys out of his pocket as he stared at her bike for a moment. She'd have to come back to get it. Or they could take it now. Which meant driving separately. That didn't feel like the option he wanted to go with. He glanced between the keys in his hand and Ezra in that moment, before he tossed the keys to her. "You up for driving? I think I'm still a little shaky." It was a lie. She could look at him and tell he was not shaken. He was solid, the unmoving mountain. But he had a feeling that she'd want that power right now. And he had a feeling that the smile that would be on her face would be worth him handing it over to her.
As soon as the fresh air got into her lungs, she started mentally beating herself up for the kiss. Ezra knew she was giving him ideas that she was into him, and she also knew that she couldn’t give him what he’d expect. She wasn’t the kind of girl to date, and settle down, and get married. Ezra had never given a serious relationship a go - but if it felt like how she did, as if she’d somehow done something wrong by going out to a bar like Lux, then was it even what she wanted? But in the moment, she hadn’t even thought about kissing him. It had just happened as natural as breathing. Maybe she just didn’t know how else to show gratitude. The thought made her mood droop, though she tried to keep the darker thoughts off her face. Jasper always seemed to look through her so easily.
"You don't have to explain yourself to me Ezra."
Yeah, it didn’t sound like he really believed her - which only made her stomach twist uncomfortably. He was right. She didn’t owe him an explanation because she’d somehow betrayed him - there was nothing to betray. So why did she feel bad? His follow up didn’t make her feel any better - but only because she was a little annoyed that her plan had gone to hell tonight of all nights, making her look like a total fool. She’d never had an issue with anyone before when doing this - she’d successfully gotten the scoop on many stories doing this exact thing. What was wrong with her? ”You’d be surprised how well it works, usually. Everyone buys the ‘dumb blonde’ routine.” She said, unable to stop herself from defending her tactics. Were they absolutely risky and dramatic? A little, yes, but she was only working with her skill set. Men weren’t usually so complicated to deal with.
Hesitating, Ezra pressed her lips together, feeling something coil up inside of her. She was uncomfortable, feeling so off-balance. Did she want to tell him that Charles had outright admitted to being at the hospital that day? That it could have easily been Charles who she’d killed? That she somehow both felt guilty for surviving the attack, and angry that there were still people like him out and about? That she couldn’t sleep at night, and Charles was already out here, causing more chaos? ”He told me he was involved in the riots at the hospital.” Ezra said, quickly, trying to sound casual. She even added a small shrug, as if the topic didn’t make her skin feel too tight. She didn’t mention that he had made it very clear he knew the man who had attacked her. Jasper already hated the man enough, and she didn’t want to fan the flames. ”I got spooked.” Spooked, somehow, sounded better than what she’d actually gone through.
And then he was digging his keys from his pocket, and Ezra was ready to head for the vehicle’s passenger side, when he seemed to consider something before tossing the keys her way. Ezra caught them, though her expression was twisted in confusion for a moment.
"You up for driving? I think I'm still a little shaky."
The confusion turned to surprise, which then quickly melted into a broad, mischievous grin. ”And you think me driving your baby will make the shakes go away?” She teased, raising a brow as if she were questioning his decision. She could see he wasn’t shaky - she’d actually never seen him get shaky - but she chose to ignore that fact. Pointing it out didn’t seem fair. If he was trying to cheer her up, he was doing a fantastic job. A tremble of excitement ran down her spine as her gaze left him and swept over to the vehicle in question. Oh, yes.”And did you even really have to ask?” She drawled, returning her gaze to him, that sparkle of amusement lighting her face up.
With that, she took off towards the vehicle, stopping at the driver’s side door to look at him. ”But if I’m driving, I’m also picking our destination. And I’m not telling you where that is until we get there.” She warned him, opening the door and smirking before she slid inside, closing herself into the vehicle and pausing to once again take in the interior. Cars always felt different when you sat in the driver’s seat for the first time, and Ezra took her time appreciating it while she waited for Jasper to join her. She did her best to ignore the way the shape of the seat made her dress rise up, showing off more thigh than a modest woman should, probably. It wasn’t like she minded the way Jasper looked at her sometimes.
”So,” She said, as soon as he’d joined her. ”What are the rules?” Ezra asked, giving him a curious, innocent smile. She needed to know what she could and couldn’t do behind the wheel of his vehicle - or at least how fast he was willing to let her go, anyways.
"You’d be surprised how well it works, usually. Everyone buys the ‘dumb blonde’ routine."
Oh he was sure she was right. He knew the moment he saw her that he would have been one of those suckers that was sucked into her gravitational pull. Though he would have found himself wanting to protect her, keep her safe from outsiders who wanted to do her harm... That's what he did anyway. Even though he knew her well enough to know that she could take care of herself. Though part of him pictured the girl that showed up on his door step a few weeks ago. The way that she tried to walk away and when he didn't let her, she opened up to him and showed him what happened to her during the raids. He still could remember the bruises around her throat and the cut on her palm.
"I'm not surprised. But that's a shame on them if they think you are some dumb blonde. At least I know the truth." he tried to give her the compliment. Hopefully she understood what he was getting at without him spelling it out for her. Or maybe she would just ask him to anyway, just to torture him a little while she was able to.
"He told me he was involved in the riots at the hospital. I got spooked."
Blue eyes instantly flashed down to her hand and then around the parking lot. He knew that the guy who did those awful things to her was dead. But to know that the man who was trying to play tough guy to him and trying to get handsy with her was one of those who did what they did to the hospital made him want to finish what he started inside the bar. This guy could have easily been the one who hurt her before. "Just helping prove my point on why that was a bad idea here, little one." The anger was clear in his voice. His mind flashed the image of the way Charles had grabbed her and was almost holding her captive. He had to shake his head to clear the thoughts. Glad when she spoke up and gave him the distraction he needed.
"And you think me driving your baby will make the shakes go away? And did you really have to ask?"
He really was a little shaky now. After learning about where Charles had been. Though he found himself chuckling at her reaction. Watching the way her eyes ran between the keys in her hand to the beauty of the impala. "Better you than me right now. I have the urge to go track down Charles and give him a beat down." He freely offered that information. He wanted to protect her. Call it stupidity or just male instinct, but he wanted to do something about what had just happened. And her driving would at least keep him from circling the place and looking for Charles return. If he dared one.
As she got to the drivers side, he made sure he was right on her heels but to the passenger side door. So she was going to be picking their destination? A brow lifted as she smirked and slid into the car. He paused only a moment before he joined her. His hands securing the seat belt around him because lets be honest, he hasn't seen her drive yet and she had already forgotten to buckle herself in the last time they were in a car together. This car to be exact. Except he had sat in the drivers seat. "Are you going to take me to your secret lair and hide me there forever?" He jokingly threw out. Though it didn't sound like a bad deal if that was what was happening. "If you are, just make sure to feed and water me regularly. This big body needs a lot of fuel." He said, patting his stomach as he did so.
"So. What are the rules?"
"Dear lord, I am already worried if that's what you are asking me," He said, turning to stare at her in the drivers seat. She was picture perfect in his mind. Blonde hair down and curled, a dress that flashed just enough thigh to stir his mind, all while smiling at him from the drivers seat of his favorite car. He ran a hand over his bearded face, scratching lightly at his chin as he gave it a good thought on what he was about to let her do. "Don't break her. don't flip her, and please don't wrap us around a tree. Don't break 100." He felt like the first three were no brainers, but she did ask what the rules were. Those were his rules... "And put your seat belt on." A grin tossed her way.
"I'm not surprised. But that's a shame on them if they think you are some dumb blonde. At least I know the truth."
Ezra could have asked him to extrapolate, but she still couldn’t get the memory of that moment with the calendar in his bedroom out of her head, and she knew that while she might have been amused for a moment, he was too charming to open the floor to further compliments. Ezra was already in danger as it was - toeing waters she’d never even looked at before. ”I don’t mind being underestimated.” She told him, with a small smile. ”Makes the job easier for me.” Thinking about his words - how he knew the truth - made a flutter stir in her stomach. They were still basically strangers, but the level of comfort she felt around him was like she’d known him her whole life. There was just something about the man that made her want to share - want to talk about her feelings. This was simultaneously the most terrifying and exhilarating thing she’d ever felt.
"Just helping prove my point on why that was a bad idea here, little one."
So he was right, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. It was an unorthodox, risky way to go about collecting information, but it worked. Things were changing now though - people were more dangerous than they used to be. Fear did that. Ezra couldn’t promise to never do it again, and she couldn’t admit that he was only being truthful. She should have known that just knowing that Charles had been at the hospital during the riots would make him angry enough, she could hear the emotion plainly in his voice. Ezra had never worried about how her actions affected other people - because no one had ever stopped to really care about her well being. Ezra didn’t really understand what it felt like to let someone else take care of you. ”I’ll be more careful.” She told him, meaning it. It was the best she could give him, but the look on her face made it clear that she understood how big of a risk she’d taken.
His next words made a chill run down her spine, and her gaze flicked to him, distracted from her drooling over his vehicle. For some reason, she had the strongest urge to kiss him again. Ezra was a tough girl - she’d taken care of herself this long, and she knew she was capable. Normally she might have laughed, scoffed, made a joke. Any other guy would have been left in the dust if he’d spoken like that. She wasn’t some damsel who needed rescuing - despite recent events - but when Jasper said it, she somehow knew it wasn’t bravado. He really was chomping at the bit to defend her. It made a little thrill run through her, making her want to do things that would definitely not send the right messages, if she was trying to keep him at a distance. Though, in that moment, she was at a loss for why she was trying to keep him at arms’ length.
Again, he’d caught her off guard - again, she was at a loss for words to respond to him. She was a confusing muddle of attraction and being flattered, neither of which were emotions she usually lost her control of. ”The whole ‘knight in shining armor’ trope makes a lot more sense now.” She told him as she headed for his car, the broad grin on her face switching out for the smirk she threw his way before they got in.
"Are you going to take me to your secret lair and hide me there forever?"
Ezra couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled up from her chest, shaking her head as he carried on, a hand reaching up to cover her mouth to hide the broad smile that broke out. She was definitely not prepared for the joke, and despite the fact that it was exceedingly dorky, the delivery was just...precious. ”Just food and water?” She questioned, giving him big, ‘I am an innocent girl’ eyes. The innocent look didn’t last for long, as he reacted to her asking about rules a smirk pulled her lips up. Of course he was scared, he probably should be. She hadn’t driven a car since getting her motorcycle, and she wasn’t going to be able to resist going for speed once they left the city. She nodded along as he listed his rules, pretending not to notice the way his eyes took her in. Maybe she liked the dress a little more now.
"And put your seat belt on."
Scoffing playfully, Ezra grabbed the belt and pulled it across her chest. ”Yes, sir.” She teased, tossing him a playful look as she clicked the buckle. ”I’ll treat her like she’s my own.” Ezra promised, a flash of a reassuring smile on her face before she started the car up. Once again, sitting in the driver’s seat was entirely different than just being a passenger. With her hands on the wheel, she felt like she could feel the car in her veins, the gentle vibration from that powerful engine making her heartbeat skitter. Ezra was careful as she pulled out of the parking lot and out onto the road, pointing the car in the direction of the forest and heading that way.
”Your turn to play music.” She instructed, glancing over at him before re-focusing on the road. Despite her chaotic attitude, Ezra was a very good driver. She’d grown up her entire life around cars and bikes, and while she’d drive reckless with her own vehicles, she was respectful of the amount of work Jasper must have put into the car she was currently operating.
"The whole ‘knight in shining armor’ trope makes a lot more sense now."
Jasper normally wasn't that guy. Well, that was a lie. He was. He was the big man who protected those around him. He was the intimidating one that the girls flocked to when they were together because most people would think twice when they saw him. He wasn't under the impression that he had to save everyone though. He just happened to be a good scapegoat, if one could look at it like that. So in a way, she was extremely right. He was the knight in shining armor. He just didn't know what to say except, "I don't think you could find armor to fit me." He grinned over at her. "So perhaps just the scary mountain."
"Just food and water?"
And that grin remained in place as she tried her best to look as innocent as possible. Oh she wasn't that innocent. And his mind immediately started listing off all the things he could ask in return for being kept in a secret lair. "I have a whole list, now that you mention it. A mixture of basic needs and some wants and desires as well." While she played the innocent card, he would flat out just tell her. He wanted more of her lips on his. The two times they had actually kissed made him crave more. But both times had been after some traumatic and exhausting events. Which made him hesitate. Did she really only kiss him because in those moments she was overwhelmed and had the urge to do something? Though he did remind himself that the first time, he was the one to kiss her first.
He felt a smug look come over him as she dropped the 'sir' and then actually listened to him. Well look at that. Things could change and in good ways. She seemed to at least get the car out of the spot and safely through the parking lot. Which gave him a little relief in the fact that his baby was about to be taken out on the open road. He shifted in his seat, and then let out a breath. It was just a car. It was replaceable. No matter how much time he spent working on it or money that he dumped into he car. Those were the thoughts running through his mind until he looked over at Ezra and quickly, all that mattered was that smile on her face.
"Your turn to play music."
Jasper wasn't interested in the music option at that point. And instead, found himself wanting to take a picture of her to save this memory for him. He fumbled for a moment, getting his mind into gear as he connected the cord to his phone and went through his playlists. Settling on some random playlist of 'top favorites' to start rolling through the stereo. And then he leaned back, trying to relax the best he could while reminding himself to keep his hand on his side of the car. Because he really wanted to reach over and capture her hand with his. "Do I at least get a hint as to where you are taking me? So I can make sure they find my body?" He joked.
"I have a whole list, now that you mention it. A mixture of basic needs and some wants and desires as well."
Ezra felt another thrill run through her, feeling goosebumps rising on her arms as she glanced over at him. It felt like his words were a physical touch, running along her skin. She knew she was probably in the wrong to continually flirt with him when she didn’t have intentions of settling down, but at the same time, it wasn’t like Jasper was asking what she was looking for. As far as any outsider was concerned, this was just two adults having a bit of fun. But it didn’t stop Ezra from feeling like she was stringing him along. He was a good guy - an actual good guy. He deserved a girl with better emotional health.
And yet, here they were.
As she drove, that devilish smirk held firm on her face. ”A list of demands, huh?” She mused, casting him a mischievous glance. ”I don’t see how you’re in any position to demand anything from me, if I’m kidnapping you.” She said, slow and calm and confident. Her tone was daring him, testing to see if that polite exterior had any sort of oomph behind it. She couldn’t help it, not with the energy bouncing around in the cab of the vehicle. At this point, the tension was too thick to be cut. Ezra had never had to deal with this type of attraction - for her it had always been a physical matter. She didn’t go on dates, or spend the night. There was certainly not usually so much kissing and so little else, even if they’d only kissed twice. She was completely out of her depth with Jasper, and that was what she found so exciting and terrifying all at the same time.
She couldn’t help but laugh softly, though, stealing glances at him as she started to drive on the public road. ”Feeling less shaky yet, Casanova?” She challenged, poking fun in the hopes to make him relax. She wasn’t going to break the speed limit - at least not in the city. The music was a ploy to get something other than tension going on in the car. At least she could pretend to focus on the music, and not be so obviously hyper aware of him on the other end of the seat. Her imagination was doing her no favors, and she nearly missed a turn heading further out of town, catching herself at the last second and doing her best to gently take the turn. ’Alright, enough of that.’ She told herself.
"Do I at least get a hint as to where you are taking me? So I can make sure they find my body?"
Another broad grin spread across her face. ”That would make me a very short-lived kidnapper.” She started, her gaze locked ahead of her as she continued to steer the vehicle away from the city. The buildings were already beginning to grow more and more sparse as they flashed by. ”Bad guys who do monologues are overrated. Can’t do stuff like that if I want you all to myself.” Her tone was playful, joking. And then she realized the words she’d just said, and wanted to slap herself. ”Don’t tell me you don’t like surprises?” She asked, giving him a quick glance, gauging to see if he was reading into her words. ’Why not just admit you want to marry him and have his children already?’ She thought to herself sarcastically.
The stretch of highway that lead to the forest near Lethford and all the hiking trails was straight, and the sunset was behind them, the darkness of twilight slowly rising up ahead of them. ”We’re only a few minutes away.” She said, shifting her weight in the seat so that she had more control over the steering wheel. Slowly, she laid her foot down on the gas pedal, the car accelerating slowly, but gaining each second. ”I found it like a month after I moved here. I think you’ll like it.” Ezra offered him a smile, a genuine one, as she reached over to roll her window down. The wind picked up her curls immediately, and she let an arm rest out the open window.
It wasn’t a lie, but Ezra always drove this stretch at a good eighty to ninety range, letting the wind blast her in the face. She couldn’t help but give in to the urge to do the same, because it was a way of letting go for her. Self therapy, if you will. She didn’t want to take the fear and anger with her to this spot, and she wanted to enjoy the night with Jasper. The grin on her face grew as the car roared along the road, though she kept her eye on the speedometer the entire time. She didn’t even go over ninety, just to make him feel better. The little moment only lasted a few minutes before she eased off the gas, turning off onto a well-maintained gravel road. ”I have to admit this isn’t really doing the kidnapping theory many favors.” She joked, a soft chuckle in her words. She drove slowly over the gravel, not wanting to kick any rocks up to ding the underbelly of the vehicle.
The dirt road ended in a small circular parking area. It was entirely empty, as it usually was - and not only because fall was arriving. This area didn’t seem to be used often, because every time Ezra had come, she’d always been alone the entire time. Ezra parked the car, the view from the front windshield a clearing that led down to a lake’s edge, a singular dock stretching out into the water. ”I think it used to be a camping spot. But no one ever comes here.” She explained, suddenly feeling nervous with the twilight closing in around them. Reaching down, she unclipped her seatbelt, glancing over at Jasper. She’d never brought anyone here with her, but she didn’t want to examine what that meant. And she definitely wasn’t going to admit that aloud.
