Teaching Aleck (The Last Hangman MC #2)(5)
It took me a couple of weeks before I finally got the guts to say hi to him without blushing and stuttering. I slowly got better; I was still a nervous mess whenever I was around him. I’d say inappropriate or na?ve things, or not understand what they were talking about, especially when it was related to sex.
Things changed when I was invited for Ayden's 18th BBQ at the compound.
******
September 15, 2008
I was surprised to be invited to the compound. I mean, I know Ayden and I are best friends, but still the MC is her family. I thought the event was a ‘family only’ tradition, but luckily enough for me, she wanted me there. As happy as I was to celebrate her birthday with her, I was secretly thrilled that I would also be able to spend the day around Aleck. I wanted to try and seduce him, we’ve been creeping around each other for ages now, and I want to know where I stand. I'm not sure if I have a chance, but I’ll never know unless I give it a try.
I decide to wear skinny jeans, converse and a band top Ayden let me borrow because let's face it, I don't own anything like this. I try to create a heavy smokey eye effect to accentuate my eyes. I pull my long blonde hair up in a messy bun, and head out of the door grabbing my bag as I leave.
The drive to the compound is short, thankfully, I'm still not confident driving on my own for long distances, and maybe the excitement of being at such a party isn't helping.
The BBQ has already started by the time I get there. To be honest, it looks like it’s never going to stop. I park in the street and head inside. I look for Ayden for a good ten minutes, but still can’t find her, the house isn't huge, but it's jam packed with people.
“She's outside with Anthony.” I hear a deep voice say behind me, very close to my ear, too close.
I slowly turn around and come face to face, well, more like face to an incredibly muscled chest. I look up into the deepest green eyes I've ever seen. “Hey, Aleck.”
“Hey, Gorgeous.” He smirks at me and leads me to the front of the house. “How have you been? You haven't been here in a while.”
“I've been good, you know school and all taking up my time, which sucks. You?” I shrug sitting on the swing that's on the porch.
“Good old days.” He chuckles. “I've been good. You know, busy with the club.”
“Keeping out of trouble?” I grin softly.
“You know me.” He smirks.
“You’re always getting into some kind of trouble.” I shake my head.
“Can't tell you anything. Sorry, Gorgeous.” He really has to stop with the sweet names or he's going to be the death of me.
“Yeah, yeah, I know the rules.” I frown then grin.
“Then don't ask what you know I won't answer, smartass.” He chuckles.
“Just trying to make conversation.” I blush, my confidence vanishing with each second. I do want to try to make a move on him, but I'm not sure that would even work. I'm nothing like the girls hanging around the compound. I'm short, quite thin, plain blue eyes, chubby lips and white blonde hair. My nickname in school is Alien Head. I got used to it, but it still sucks. I do think I'm cute, but I'm severely lacking in the confidence department. All those girls are super confident and flaunting their bodies, while I'm covered up like the black sheep.
“Where did you go just now?” Aleck says bringing me back to reality.
“Huh? Oh, nowhere, just lost in my thoughts,” I say shyly.
“And what might those be?” He smirks at me.
“Ah, nothing interesting.” I grin sheepishly.
“I'm sure they are really interesting. Come on spill it, Line.”
It's now or never. I could tell him now that I fancy him or make up something random crap. I'm shit at lying so he would probably figure it out that I'm telling him bullshit in two seconds. I take in a deep breath, “I like you Aleck, I have since I met you,” I say so softly that I'm not even sure he heard me. He stays quiet for a while and I’m sure he hasn't heard me until I look up at him. He looks confused and hurt?
“I like you too, Line, always have, but it wouldn't work, Gorgeous.” He strokes my cheek with a sad expression.
“Why not?” I say softly, not trusting my voice to hide my hurt. I wasn't expecting much, but I was still hoping I would have a tiny chance.
“A couple of reasons. I'm too old for you, this lifestyle isn't for you, and I would do nothing but hurt you,” he says dejectedly, but with finality.
I nod softly. “Fair enough.” I get up to walk away, but turn to face him. “This is probably harsh, but I really like you Aleck, you are my first crush and also my first heartbreak. I hope this lifestyle will make you happy, and that you meet someone who can make you happy.” My voice is even and empty of any emotion. I walk to my car and drive home. I don't cry until I'm in my room, on my own. I'm glad my parents aren't home this weekend.
I regret what I said to Aleck, especially after seeing the expression on his face. It was a low blow, I don't know his past, but the look of pure pain on his face made me feel like a total bitch.
Needless to say, I didn't see much of Aleck after that day. We only crossed paths a couple of times, but we never spoke again, he barely acknowledged me. I know he saw me every single time, but chose not to talk to me, and damn if it didn't hurt. I thought I was over him, I mean it was just a high school crush, but it looks like it was much more than that.