Chapter 14: Chapter 14

River

I looked over to see Daimen standing behind us. His eyes held a murderous gleam and I couldn't help noticing his still bloody hands. It looked like he'd tried to wipe them, but they still were stained that foul red. The man loosened his grip on me and I sighed. At this moment I've never been happier to see Daimen even though now wasn't under the best of circumstances.

"Let her go. Riv come here." Daimen growled through gritted teeth and the guy let me go with a huff. I hurried over to Daimen and as I came to his side he lunged at the man and gave him a bone crunching punch to the jaw. With a groan he fell and Daimen turned back to me. In seconds he was by my side and pulling me against him. I laid my head against his chest and his arms didn't hesitate in wrapping around me.

"You okay?" He asked softly and I nodded. My body shook softly and he held me a bit before letting go. Without saying anything he grabbed my arm and led me out of the crowd.

"There you are-who's this?" Rick said coming up to us as we came out of the horde of bodies. He looked over me and then at Daimen, "Is this River?" He asked. Daimen nodded. I looked between the two in confusion... So he'd had told his friend about me?

"Hey I'm Rick Fournier, Daimen's friend." Rick said holding out his hand and I hesitantly shook it. He gave me a soft smile. An English accent flowed with his words.

AN: (Rick's last name is pronounced like Forn-yay, just letting you know)

"River Sparrow." I said and dropped his hand. Daimen put his hands in his pockets and started to walk away telling us to follow. Before long we were walking down the dimly lit sidewalk.

"So River what are you doing out here?" Rick said as we walked along. I gulped and shrugged.

"Just bored." I lied and Daimen scoffed from where he was in front of us.

"Bored?" He said, "Don't ever do something so stupid again. This isn't a place you go to at night." Daimen grumbled ahead and I stared at the back of his head.

"If only you'd take that advice yourself. I swear Daimen all this shit is going to get you killed one day." Rick said roughly and Daimen paused before chuckling.

"I'd love to see someone try and take me out, they'd be dead before they can touch me." Daimen growled and marched ahead of us.

"So... River are you headed home?" Rick said and I shook my head.

"Not right now." I breathed and Rick nodded slowly.

"Aye Daimen can she tag along with us?" He asked and Daimen paused and turned to us. He had a dull look in his eyes. He studied me then nodded. He then turned back and marched on and we followed.

It wasn't long before we came across a ginormous house. I looked on in shock as Daimen stopped at the big gate entrance and opened it.

"Is this your house?" I asked partially thinking that they were breaking into some rich person's home.

"Yeah." Daimen said and walked up to the front door and I watched as he unlocked it and slipped inside. I hesitantly followed Rick after his friend.

Inside was well kept and I followed the two through the house until we ended up in what I assume was the living room. A big comfy couch sat in the middle and opposite of it mounted on the wall was a large flatscreen tv. The chairs and furniture were neatly placed around the room and I was somewhat caught off guard by its loveliness. The whole house wasn't what you'd think of when you thought of Daimen... I was shocked.

I noticed a black and white picture on the wall and I walked over to look at it better. It was of a man his back was turned to the camera and he was holding a gun. As I got closer a gasped when I realized it was not a photograph, it was a painting. It looked so real and so perfect.

"This is awesome." I sighed as I stared at it.

"Thanks." I almost jumped at Daimen's voice. I turned slightly to see him looking at me. He looked at the painting and smiled softly before turning and walking out of the room. It was odd seeing him smile.

Intrigued I turned back to the painting and scanned it. I gasped as I looked in the corner and saw the signature of the artist. Daimen S Princeston.

"Daimen did this?" I said in wonder. Well that was unexpected.

"That? Oh yeah. Worked on it for a solid week. I wish he'd go into some sort of work that hones in on his skills. But no, he wastes his time out there starting shit. It's a damn shame." Rick said from where he sat on the couch. Who would've thought?

"I didn't know he was good at art..." I said and Rick turned to look at me. He studied me for a while before saying anything. "Didn't know he was rich either."

"Nobody knows... You're the first person he's let over here besides me. So who are you to him? Y'all fuck or something?" Rick said with a sly smirk and my throat dried.

"Shut the hell up Rick. The fuck are you talking about?" Daimen's outburst made me jump and I turned to see him stalking back into the room. He sent a death glare at Rick who just raised his hands in surrender.

"C'mon Daimen you can't be mad at me for asking that, she's hot, thought you might be doing something. Hell, she's the only girl I've heard you talk about so I just thought-" Rick started.

"You thought wrong." Daimen cut him off and Rick stopped talking and nodded. He turned back to the tv and turned it on and started flipping through channels. My cheeks burned. That was beyond awkward.

"Pretend you didn't hear that." Daimen said and it was then I realized he'd changed. He'd put on a white tank top and gray sweatpants. He looked very appetizing to the eye. I tired not to stare as he walked toward me.

A bark sounded and in seconds Rocky was bounding into the room.

"A little late aren't we?" Rick said eyeing the dog as he lunged at me, his tail wagging furiously.

"Rocky!" I chuckled and scratched behind his ears while he jumped at me and attempted to lick my face. After a bit he settled down and pranced away to sit beside the couch.

"I'll take you home okay?" Daimen said and I nodded.

We walked towards the front door and Rocky attempted to follow.

"No. Stay here with Rick." Daimen said and the dog grumbled and yipped.

"You arguing with me?" The man asked and Rocky gave a low growling whine.

"Go on in there with Rick then. Now." Daimen said and with a huff Rocky padded away.

I chuckled softly and Daimen looked at me with a slight scowl.

"What?" He asked and I shook my head.

"That was cute." I said honestly and the man paused.

"Oh... well come on." He said after a bit.

He led me back outside and started walking toward the gate, "My car's in the shop so... I'll walk you." Daimen said and I hesitantly joined him.

The walk home was quiet and before long we reached my house. I couldn't help feeling embarrassed as Daimen frowned at my little home. He didn't say anything though as I walked toward the front door. As I opened the door quietly Daimen spoke up.

"I'll see you later River...." He said and I shot him a fast look.

"Goodnight." I said back and I closed the door.

I walked through the house toward my room and froze when I heard my uncle's snores. I peeked in his room to see him passed out on his bed half of his body hanging off the mattress and empty beer bottles around his bed. I slowly closed his door and went to my room. I hopped in my bed and pulled the covers around me. In a few moments I was asleep.

The next day was boring and I went through school vaguely paying attention. Daimen had most likely skipped because I hadn't seen him all day and lately I've always seen him at least once a day. So now I was on my way home. I was strangely at peace with everything. I assume it was only temporary.

I was almost home when my phone started vibrating in my pocket. I jumped slightly and pulled it out. It was a text from Uncle Dan.

Where are you?

I stared blankly at the text then replied.

Going to a friend's. I sent it and got a reply quickly.

Now that's a lie, you don't have any friends. Rude much? I looked at the text and debated on replying. Hmm Daimen's house or home with Dan? Guess I'm going to Daimen's.

I just slipped my phone back in my pocket and began making the trek to the badass's house. It wasn't long before I made it there and I slipped in through the gate and to the front door. After a brief pause I reached out and knocked on the hard wood door.

The door swung open and Daimen looked out with wide eyes. He looked at me and his stance calmed.

"Oh it's just you... Come in." He said stepping aside and I went into the house. With a sigh he closed the door and I turned to him. He looked at me with a blank expression.

"What's up?" I said awkwardly and Daimen shrugged.

"I can't find Rick and he won't answer the damn phone." He grumbled and I frowned slightly.

"Is he okay?" I asked softly and Daimen just shrugged again.

"How should I know?" He said gruffly and ruffled his hair. His black t-shirt hugged his body and I saw the muscles flex under his shirt. I looked at his eyes and saw they looked angry and upset. I then noticed his breathing was kind of ragged.

"Hey... It's gonna be okay..." I breathed and jumped as a knocking at the door startled me. Suddenly it opened and in stumbled a beat up, horrible looking Rick. He held his side and was in obvious pain. Blood trickled down his face and he gave a broken smile when he saw me staring in shock.

"Hi River." He gasped and my stomach churned. He shut the door and sunk to the ground with his back pressed against the wood.

"Oh God what happened to you?" I said and crouched beside him. I gently moved his hand and lifted his shirt to see a big purple and green bruise running up his ribs and side. I looked at his head and saw a deep gash on his scalp. Blood flowed slowly from it and I gagged.

"Daimen can you-" I started, but stopped when I saw he was gone. Okay then... I turned back to Rick and looked into his glazed eyes. His head suddenly dropped and his eyes shut for a few seconds before they peeled open.

"Okay Rick I'm gonna get this shirt off you okay? You gotta help me." I said trying to keep him awake. He nodded slowly and I started to pull up his shirt. He winced and jerked a bit and I held him steady.

"Be still." I hissed. I wasn't trying to sound mean, but I was inwardly freaking out and I was trying to keep the situation somewhat in control. Rick relaxed and I managed to get the shirt off him. Whoever beat him they beat him good. Bruising was forming on his chest and abs and it was horrible on his ribs. Not to mention the gash in his head. I covered my mouth as I looked at him. Pity gripped my heart as he chuckled bitterly.

"They banged me up pretty bad eh?" He said groggily and I shrugged not knowing what to say.

"Here." I jumped at Daimen's voice for the seemingly hundredth time and looked over to see him holding some towels and a first aid kit and some needles and what looking like stitching thread. It looked like some grade A hospital supplies. Where'd he get this? I decided not to question it aloud and grabbed the stuff.

"Give him this." Daimen instructed and gave me a syringe. I took it and looked at the liquid inside. What was I supposed to do with this? I'd stitched a dog up a few times but I'd never given a person a shot.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Anesthetic." Daimen said gruffly and I nodded softly. I looked back at Rick and grabbed his arm. I stared at a vein then the syringe and back again.

I don't even like shots and here I am having to give one. I glanced back at Daimen, but he was once again gone.

"Okay Rick... Please wake up when this is all over." I sighed and put the syringe in his arm and injected the anesthetic. In moments he was knocked out.

I laid him softly on the floor and wiped the blood away from the wound. Luckily it hadn't penetrated the skull. Then with a sigh I started stitching the gash on his head.

After a terrifying thirty minutes or so I was done and Rick's head laid in my lap. Bloody towels lay at my side and ointment was plastered to his newly stitched wound. He was snoring softly but I couldn't help but be worried because he hadn't woken up. Was he okay? What if he didn't wake up?

"Why are you breathing like that?" Rick groaned and I yelped. I looked down and saw him looking up at me with glossy eyes and I couldn't help smiling. I sighed in relief.

"Thank God you're awake. I thought you might go into a coma or something." I said truly and he smiled softly.

"I'll live. Where's Daimen?" He said in a hoarse voice and I shrugged. He nodded softly then winced.

"Do you need to go to the hospital?" I asked and Rick scoffed and shook his head.

"Can you help me to my room? I'm tired." He said and I nodded standing up and helping him to his feet. I led him to his room which was upstairs and he settled in his bed.

"Thanks River." He said as I walked out and I nodded before leaving.

As I walked down the stairs I heard a noise. I walked through the house and found a door near a bathroom. I opened it and realized it was to a basement and the noises got louder. I knew whatever it was going on was Daimen's doing so I crept down the stairs.

I reached the end and looked around the basement. I was astonished. Half was a weight room and the other half behind a glass wall was what I think to be an art room. It was full of canvases and paintings. I didn't really spend time looking at it because I was too busy staring at the scene in front of me.

The boy was wailing away at a punching bag and hadn't noticed me. He was quiet except for his pants and his bare fist coming in contact with the bag. Rocky sat a few feet away watching his owner with a slightly tilted head.

Daimen was going at it like his life depended on it and I could see his shirt was dampened with sweat. I heard him mutter something as he punched so I started listening.

"... Stupid son of a bitch... I'll kill them...they're gonna pay for this..." Okay let's say it was very unnerving as I stood there so I spoke up.

"Daimen?" As soon as I spoke he whirled around and looked at me panting. His eyes held tiredness and he suddenly relaxed and his shoulders slumped.

"Is he okay?" He said softly and I nodded. Daimen let out a sigh.

"Where is he?" He said starting to walk towards me. I gulped and fought the urge to look at his gorgeous frame.

"In his room." I breathed and Daimen nodded before darting past me and hurrying out of the basement. Rocky barked and came to stand beside me. I followed slowly and made my way to the living room. I sat on the couch awkwardly for a few moments, with Rocky beside me, staring at that painting on the wall, before I heard the clatter of feet hitting the ground and in a few seconds Daimen came hurling in the living room.

He stopped by the doorway for a few seconds before he made his way to stand in front of me where I sat. I watched him dumbly as he reached out his hand and pulled me to my feet like it was nothing. Rocky stood up on the couch cushion and grumbled lowly. I swallowed, did I do something wrong? Did something bad happen?

All my thoughts died as Daimen wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me against him. My heart hammered in my chest and I hesitantly hugged him back and my head laid on his chest. His arms squeezed me tight, but not too tight and he rubbed his hands down my back. He sighed and pulled away. He put his hands at his sides.

"Thank you Riv." He said softly and I looked up into his amber eyes. I nodded and he smiled softly. My heart fluttered.

"You're welcome I'm glad I could help." I sighed and he nodded. I started out of the living room. I guess I'd go home now.

"Wait, before you go, Rick wants to see you." Daimen said and when I gave him a questioning look he just shrugged.

I made my way to Rick's room and slipped inside. He laid in his bed and smiled softly as I walked in.

"Yeah?" I asked softly and he chuckled.

"Don't look so worried. I just wanted to thank you again. And ask you something..." He sat up a bit more and stared at me intensely.

"I'm going to go back home in a few days and I need to know if you'll watch out for Daimen for me. I'll be gone for a long time. Yeah I know you can't do much, but please try to at least keep him out of too much trouble. If you're really his friend you'll understand." Rick said and I looked at him in bewilderment.

"Okay I'll try." I sighed and Rick grinned.

"Keep this conversation between us okay? Can't have him thinking I think he needs a babysitter." He added softly with a chuckle. I nodded and smiled.

"Sure thing. See ya later Rick." I sighed and he nodded as I walked out.

I made it to the front door and before I opened it I felt a hand on my shoulder. I jumped and yelped. I turned to see Daimen looking guiltily with a soft smirk.

"Sorry I was just gonna say bye... And ask if I could walk you?" He said and I let out a deep breath then nodded. Rocky didn't bother trying to follow us this time.

Daimen smirked and walked out with me. The moon was a white cat scratch in the dark sky. The whole walk Daimen was close by my side and every once in a while his body would brush against mine.

When we reached my house Daimen watched as I walked up the walkway and onto my porch. I looked back at him and he waved before turning around. I grinned softly and went inside. I went to my room and collapsed on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.