Slum Boy's Princes (Boy X Boy)

Chapter 17

Lillian's P.O.V

4 Months Later
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oi, lil lady! I'd like another 'Bloody Mary' cocktail," the big man smiled at me.

"Ah, but sir...you seem to be a bit wobbly. Why not settle for a light drink to sober you up? Or maybe not get anoth-?"

The man slammed his fist on the table hard, stopping me from continuing. The bar's rowdy and bustling noise came to a quick silence. He grabbed his finished glass and pointed it at me. "Did ya not hear...what I fucking said?" He asked me slowly.

Keep cool Lillian... Keep yourself controlled.

I smiled widely at the man. "Of course I heard what you said sir. However, you wouldn't want to have any trouble getting home, do you? Also, you've ordered quite a lot of drinks that I am concerned you won't be able to-"

The man crashed the end of the glass on the table, and pointed the now broken end at me. "Listen here, and listen well bitch. I have no tolerance for women like you who act like my damn mother. I want a drink? Get it. If I don't have enough to pay? Oh well. Right now, you're just asking to get your face-"

"Now, now gentleman. I wouldn't say such a thing to this worker in particular," a husky voice said, coming up behind me.

I turned my head a bit, and noticed jet black hair. After that, the smell of a familiar cologne wafted in my nose. "Cameron..."

"A man comes up behind you like this and you remain unflinching?" He asked me, amused by my action.

"Only when that certain man has done it enough times for me to know when it's him," I retorted.

He laughed out loudly and came from behind me. His mystifying green eyes shined in delight. "And just what is it that you are doing?" He asked the man.

"Great timing that you're here. Discipline your employees well enough, or I would've gladly done it," he told my boss.

Cameron grabbed the man's wrist and tightly squeezed it. "I couldn't help but overhear this lovely conversation, and felt I had to step in. I believe my worker was giving you advice my good man."

"What?!" He bellowed out.

Cameron brought his hand to the end of the broken glass, tracing along the pointed ridges. "Not only did she give advice, but you took it upon yourself to disrupt everyone else." Cameron gripped the glass and pulled it away from the man's hand. "May I also add on that the sound of money and not being able to pay flow to my ears?"

The man stood up and towered over Cameron. His height was ridiculous...

"So what if I'm unable to pay? You're not much for a small man, nor are you threatening. To hell with your bar, your worker is in the wrong," he said through clenched teeth.

Cameron gave a dark smile. "What do you mean unable to pay?" In an instant, the big man was on the floor from an angry Cameron. Cameron was never known to fight inside of his bar unless it was serious, and money was the most serious thing reason to be fighting right now.

Surprised, the man tried to punch Cameron. Cameron moved his head to the side a bit, and grabbed the arm. He put one of his hands on the shoulder of the arm, and pulled. He's gonna pull his arm from the socket..

The man, knowing what was about to happen, struggled to fight Cameron off. "L-let go!" He cried out.

"How dare you..." Cameron began. Pull. "How dare you say to my face that you won't pay?" Pull. "How dare you threaten my cutest worker with my glass?!" Pull. "The most unforgivable....is that I won't get all of the fucking money from your damn drinks! Goddammit!"

I closed my eyes, knowing that at that moment, a loud pop resounded. The man screamed out in pain, but Cameron said 'be quiet' with a cracking sound after that. I ran into the back, just before I heard the man scream even louder. Even though he mentioned me...the money was more important, of course. And not only did that man have a dislocated shoulder, but also a broken nose.

After 10 minutes of cooling myself outside, I went back into the bar. It became loud again, and smiled that it came back to normalcy.

"Lillian," Cameron called out from behind the bar.

"That's not my name here sir.." I told him cautiously. "Is everything over with?"

He smiled at me. "Of course. However, I'm missing a quarter of the amount that guy owes me, as well as the bit of blood that I hope won't stain the floor."

"Ah, I see. Well, I'll get back to work."

"Wait." He placed his hand on my shoulder, and turned me back around to face him. "Are you okay?"

I blinked at him and gave a weak smile. "Why wouldn't I be? My own boss saved me from getting harmed."

"Haha, funny. But last I checked, I could have sworn you would've kicked that guy's ass if your job wasn't on the line," he smirked.

My smile twitched at that. "L-like I said...I'm going back to work! I would never do anything to jeopardize this job!" I retorted angrily.

"I understand even that much Lily. You're one of my hardest workers, maybe even the toughest." He leaned closer to me. "As well as my cutest."

I pushed Cameron's chest, but found him unmoving. "Cameron...please don't do this," I pleaded gently.

Cameron sighed and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a cigarette, contemplating. "Take a break today Lily. It won't affect your pay in any way. I'm sure you're tired and have had enough for today... 'Kay?"

I nodded my head, and saw Cameron smile. He ruffled my hair with a big grin. "Get home safe for me all right? Also, call me if something's the matter. Anything really... I'll always answer," he said sweetly.

I blushed at his big hands tousling my hair, and the way his sweet words made me feel warm. "Okay," I weakly replied.

He removed his hand from my head, and greeted his new customer. I left to change out of my clothes. In the bar, we were allowed to wear whatever, but even showing a bit of skin got us an extra pay. I took off my white crop top, and black skirt. I stood in front of the mirror in my underwear, white knee high socks, and black Mary Jane shoes. I sighed loudly, despite myself. I wish Angela would stop buying me clothes and outfits like these..

I took off the socks and shoes, replacing myself with clothes I could feel comfortable in. I wore a baggy hoodie with black yoga pants, as well as beat-up sneakers. Putting my hair in a ponytail, I removed all of the makeup and lipstick from my face. I glossed my lips with a clear sheen, completing my transformation.

Ooh how better I feel now!

I left through the front of the bar. On my way out, Cameron gave me a wink and a smile. I gave a little wave to him, leaving to my home.

30 Minutes Later
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I entered my studio apartment and plopped down on the sofa. Before I could even get comfortable, my doorbell rang. Groaning loudly, I laid on the sofa, debating whether or not the person behind my door was important. After a few pounding knocks, I got up and went to my door. Once I unlocked it, the person behind my door opened it and jumped on me.

"Oh my sweet, sweet baby!" The woman said atop of me.

"Angela, couldn't you have closed the door on your way in as well?" I said, struggling to breathe.

"Oh! Sorry hun, didn't mean to suffocate you," she apologized. She got off of me and closed my door. "I heard the sound of your door opening next to me. So, I couldn't not check on my daughter!"

Sometimes I forget my apartment is right next to Angela's...oh who am I kidding! Angela would never allow me to forget about her.

"How was it today? You look a bit tired," Angela told me worriedly.

I rubbed small cicles on the side of my head to diminish an incoming headache. "It was a bit messy today, but it was nothing Cameron couldn't handle," I replied.

"Hehe, there you go talking about Cameron again."

"Angela! It's only because he was involved with me today!" I protested.

"Well, it seems to me that Cameron is involved with you everyday." She walked to the sofa and sat down with a smirk.

I sat beside her, just as she threw her arm around me. "Of course he's involved with me everyday, he's my boss for goodness sake! Are you drawing conclusions here Angela?"

"Nonsense! I am only inferring. Do you have a crush on Cameron?"

"Last time I checked, inferring was concluding information from evidence and reasoning," I said with a smile.

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please! You definitely have a crush on Cameron! You never used to allow men to be protective of you. Let alone let them touch you in a friendly, or comforting way."

I blushed in embarassment at this. I turned my face away from Angela, thinking. Oh my god...she's right. She is so damn right. Cameron must be the only man that I allow to touch me like that.. Wait! But..this could all be in admiration, right? "I...I don't think of Cameron in that way."

"If you're going to lie sweetie, at least lie to my face," Angela said with a laugh.

"I'm afraid..." I slowly muttered.

Soon, all laughter ceased from Angela. "Afraid? Afraid of what?" She asked curiously.

"I'm afraid of Cameron... I'm afraid of what he'll think of me once he knows about all of the things I've done. Cameron makes me feel in a way...that no other man has made me feel."

Angela turned me to her and smiled. "Are you afraid...of being loved?"

"I don't know... Maybe I'm afraid to love," I said shakily.

Angela gripped me in a vice-like hug. "I never thought...I'd see my baby grow up to know the meaning of love. Out of everything you've been through, I didn't think it'd happen," she said happily.

"Angela..."

We stayed in this hug for a few minutes until she pulled away. "To add more good news to your happiness, we still haven't been found out by Rick."

I smiled wide. "Not only that, but we're making quite a lot of money now! If we keep it up like this, we'll be able to leave the city and start our own new life. It was a great idea to quit with the other girls who did after I left. Otherwise, he would've grown suspicious if only you left on your own."

"Haha, that may as well be true! My job at the other bar is doing quite well. Are you wearing the clothes I got you?"

"About that..." I began.

"Don't tell me you're not wearing them!" She pouted.

"I-I'm wearing them but...I get a lot of attention on me for it," I mumbled.

"Nonsense! If you're getting more pay for it, wear it! It's only a few hours of the looks...be strong, okay?"

"All right."

Angela kissed my forehead with a squeeze. "Goodnight sweetie."

"Night Angela."

I closed the door of my apartment, and fell back on my couch. I'll take a shower later.. Just as my eyes began to droop, my phone vibrated. Why....WHY WON'T I BE GIVEN SLEEP!?! I angrily went to my phone to look at a new message.

Cameron: Hey, hope I didn't keep you up ;]

I looked at the time. 1:30...

I replied back. Me: No, it's totally fine. I was just about to go for a marathon since I have so much energy :D *Get my sarcasm -_-?* Immediately after sending it, I got a reply.

Cameron: :o! That makes this even easier! Let's talk the night away then. It's better than a marathon at least ):P.

Me: You idiot...let me sleep. You're sooooo not catching on to my sarcasm.

Cameron: Oh..I got it all right. The fact that I sent you home at 12:30, to find you still awake at 1:35, means only one thing... You waited for me <3?

Angela and I talked for that long?

Me: I love how you ended that statement with a question :P. But the answer is no to that -_-. I was talking with a close friend.

Cameron: Am I not a close friend?

Me: ...You're my boss.

Cameron: Now we both know that that's true. However, think about outside of work. What do you think of me as?

Fuck...where is this conversation going!?

Me: Well...I guess you could be considered as my friend.

Cameron: *laughing hysterically* Why do you choose to be difficult with me?

Me: I'm not being difficult with you >:(!!

Cameron: Indeed you are Lillian. Why are you making this difficult than it has to be?

I sighed loudly, and tapped the keys on my phone hard.

Me: Stop playing games Cameron. Just tell me what it is I'm being difficult with before I literally stop texting you at all -_-.

Cameron: You like me, don't you?

At that moment, my heart stopped. I reread the message to make sure I hadn't misunderstood incorrectly. How does he..?

Me: Hahaha, you're so funny. Don't kid yourself Romeo.

Cameron: Are you sure that you're not kidding yourself?

Me: I'm going to bed Cameron. GOOD NIGHT.

Cameron: Are you enticing me Lillian? Because I do like a good chase if you're going to run from me <3.

After reading that message, I turned my phone off and threw it on my bed. I covered my eyes with my right arm and sighed. The bed's so far away... As I began to feel my eyes getting heavy, my last thought before I dreamt into darkness was of Cameron holding me in his arms.

The Next Night
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Cameron, how long are you intending to corner me like this?" I asked him in agitation. We were in the alleyway behind the bar, and Cameron had both of his arms pinned beside my head.

"Until I feel that you're more honest with yourself," he retorted with a smile.

"What about your customers? The money?"

"They can wait for a few minutes. Besides, I make quite enough money with my side job as well."

"Cameron!"

Cameron leaned towards my ear and whispered, "You didn't answer my question last night."

I pushed against Cameron's chest at that moment when I felt a warm chill spread down my spine. "S-Stop...what question are you talking about?"

"Are you playing games with me, or are you actually serious?" He asked with a smirk.

I glared angrily at Cameron while he chuckled. He tilted my chin towards him, and smiled sweetly at me. "You don't seem to be joking, yet, that still doesn't excuse the fact that you're running away from me. Why?"

I blushed in embarassment, but soon changed to sadness. "If you knew anything...maybe even everything about my past...you wouldn't find me attractive in any way. I..I can guarantee it."

That must be why I'm running away... I don't want Cameron to think less of me. The one who guarded and protected me since I first started working here. The guy who showed me all the crooks and nannies of working at his bar, as well as making a few cocktails in case of emergency.

"Is that why you're running away from me Lillian? I told you didn't I? I will always be here for you," he told me slowly. He whispered against my lips, "Always for you Lillian." In that next moment, Cameron fully pressed his lips against mine.

And it felt fucking amazing.

I closed my eyes during the kiss, and just let everything go. My mind went blank when his tongue delved into my mouth, dancing with my own. Cameron entangled his hands in my blue hair, and my body hesitated in touching Cameron. I was about to wrap my arms around his neck, until I heard a loud thud a few feet away from us.

I broke apart from Cameron, panting. His green eyes were dark and hooded as he stared at me. He was prepared to ignore the noise and keep his attention on me, until we heard a small voice saying 'help'. Cameron sighed loudly and opened the door into the bar.

"C-Cameron! Just what do you think you're doing?" I whispered harshly, out of breath.

"It's just a drunkard. Like hell he needs help. Just come back in before he sees you," he whispered back with a jerk of his head inside.

I glared at him angrily, holding my ground. He scratched his head, defeated. "Look, just hurry up and get in!" He said, just as he closed the door.

Soon, a drop of rain fell on my nose. After that, a few drops fell on my head. Oh no...

Shaaaaaaa!

It soon became a downpour of rain, and I sighed loudly. "Thanks a lot mother nature!" I screamed out in frustration. I turned my head to the man leaning on the wall. Instead of saying 'help', he was now saying 'it hurts'.

Is he injured?

I went over to the lying figure, and said, "Are you okay? You seem to be-"

I stopped talking at that point. My eyes traveled to the man's chest, seeing a big bloodied stain on his jacket. His hand was trying to stop the bleeding from the wound by keeping his hand there. Not only that...but the man's hand was manicured a bright red. Not a man...but a woman..

A hood was covering her face, but I couldn't make it out from the dark alley. From what I could see, her lips were bloodied and cut. "We...we have to get help! You're obviously not okay! Someone must've done this to you right?! Oh god..stay with me okay! Stay with me!" I yelled out after hearing the woman stop saying 'help' and 'it hurts' continuously.

At that moment, a strike of lightning occurred. In that brief moment, I made out the woman's face. My eyes opened wide at this discovery, and wish I hadn't. Despite the change of her facial features, I'd know that dirty blonde hair and blue eyes anywhere.

"An...gela," I slowly worded out.

At the sound of her name, she lifted her head at me. Her swollen eyes took focus on me as she tried to smile. She wet her lips and said, "He...lp me Lil..y."

My eyes welled up in tears, I told her quickly, "I will! I will! Stay with me okay? You'll be fine. Just...just let me try to stop the bleeding and get you quick help!" I left Angela, and ran inside the bar. I took a couple rags and wet them quickly. My body was in total fear and anxiety. Quick...quick, quick, quick!

As I hurried to go back, I bumped into Cameron.

"Hey, what's the rush? Are you helping that bum?" He asked me.

I gripped Cameron's shirt tightly. "Call the ambulance! I mean it, and do it quick. That bum is my close friend, Angela. And I will not lose her! She's hurt pretty badly...I think it's a bullet wound," I told him. "Please," I pleaded, just as I clenched his shirt even tighter.

Cameron took my hand and gave it a squeeze. "First, let's stop the bleeding. Once she's stable, I'll call the ambulance."

Cameron and I hurried back into the alleyway. What I saw tore my heart. I looked at Angela's slumped body, with a tremendous amount of blood on the wall behind her. Her face was unrecognizable with the amount of bullet holes she had in her face. I slowly started to walk to Angela, dropping the wet rags.

"Angela?" I called out. "This...this isn't...funny anymore."

Stop it.

"Didn't we promise each other that we'd start a new life together? Promise that we'd make enough money to forget our past and become...a family..?" I dropped to my knees in front of the bloodied body.

If I had stayed here, Angela would have had a chance to live. But because I left...someone finished what they started.

"Now...now you're just going to leave me here? Huh!? Angela!" I screamed out, tears falling steadily down my face. Not even the rain can drown my tears...but only describe my immense loss and sadness.

I reached out to touch Angela's body, but Cameron pulled me away. I struggled roughly against him, but to no avail. "Let me go! I said let me go! I...I have to say goodbye! Angela didn't deserve to go like this! Not like this!" I bellowed out.

"I...I can't watch you do this to yourself. I can't bear seeing you so pained." He dragged me back into the bar. But before I lost sight of Angela's body, a figure stepped out of the shadows. My eyes widened at the lighter he held in his hand, as well as the evil smile he wore on his face.

At that moment, I lost it. I stopped struggling, and let Cameron lead me inside his office. He sat me down on his couch, watching me. I said and did nothing. The only response coming from me was my nonstop tears. Cameron sat beside me and placed me in his lap. He laid my head in the crook of his neck and cradled me.

"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry that you went through that Lillian," Cameron sadly told me.

It's too late for sorrys Cameron. I don't want to be loved... I don't want to be cared for... Angela, was a person that was engraved in a special place inside of my heart. Now that she's gone...I don't know. This warmth...I don't feel it. Only the darkness of today is what consumes me.

A/N
MEH ISH DONE!!! Merry Late Christmas :D! I would've posted earlier, but my family o_o..why they wouldn't leave me alone to write >_<? Grr..they gaves meh a headache. Still luv em tho :P

I hopes chu enjoy my happy!! Shiz went down oAo. Its not as happy as Christmas towards the end but...o3o..it is entertaining :D. And its long for the holidays ^FT^...like the d :o..*hip thrust* lmao.

Forgives meh mistakes D:. I really hate when I make em too...chu no has to worry :P. Only on author's notes I won't change my mistakes XD. I purposely did it... Pfft, like it was an error ;D.

As always...till meh next booky update :3...I shall see chu later *o*)/.