The Mechanic

FORTY FOUR

Hunter's place was packed. The whole house was booming with noise and bleeding with this wild energy that could only be blamed on two things: drugs and alcohol.

I stopped at the doorway and scanned the crowded place, wondering how on earth I could find Harry in here. Where the hell would I start?

Taking a very deep breath, I wrapped my arms around myself and braved the crowd. My nose twitched and my guts coiled when the disgusting smell of various alcohol and blunt smoke reached my nostrils. I held my breath and took the stairs, wincing as I squeezed myself through the sweaty bodies. I kept my eyes straight and ignored the things that were happening around me. Staring was not a good idea when you're inside Hunter's place. Keep your eyes blinded if you didn't want the reality to shock you or make you sick.

I shuffled into the library, thinking I would find him there just like the first time I stepped foot in his place. And I wasn't wrong. He was inside the library, sitting in the same spot, and beside him was Niall and a couple of other girls I hadn't seen before.

Chills edged up my spine. This was like a fucking dejavu.

Hunter's icy blue eyes found me. A wicked grin pulled the corners of his mouth, and I suddenly wanted to run away, but my feet stayed glued to the ground.

Hunter whispered to Niall. Niall looked at me, then nodded to Hunter and got up from the couch. He approached me, sporting a smile and trying to be friendly, obviously.

As if it would work.

"Jade," Niall beamed, his bloodshot eyes growing smaller as his smile went bigger. "Didn't know you'll be here for Hunter's birthday."

One of my brows arched. So the devil had a birthday, huh? Thought he just sprung out of nowhere and decided to spread his evil wings.

"Where's Harry?" I asked Niall, pulling a calm and unbothered face.

He let out a short laugh. "You always look for him. He's an adult, he doesn't need a babysitter."

"I'm not babysitting him," I snapped. "I'm worried about him. He's not answering his phone."

Niall shrugged. "You're such a paranoid girlfriend. Harry is fine. He's made of steel. I don't understand why you're always worrying."

"Because he's with people like you. And him," I said sternly, throwing a glance to Hunter, who was staring at me intently like he was peeling my clothes off with his eyes. I returned my gaze to Niall, swallowing the cold ball of fright in my throat. "Just tell me where Harry is so I can leave."

Niall rubbed the back of his head, thinking. "He was here half an hour ago. He said he'll go home."

"So he left?"

"Maybe? I didn't see him really leave the house. He just...got up and went to the door."

A throat cleared behind Niall. Hunter was there, standing coolly, his other hand holding a cigarette. He patted Niall's back. "You always leave the important details when you tell a story, Niall," he chuckled, then gazed at me. "Are you my special gift for tonight? Came here to give me the best birthday ever?"

"Go to hell," I bit out, tempted to leave, but I asked him the same question. "Did Harry leave already?"

He took a long drag on his cigarette, then blew out the thick and choking smoke near my face. What an ass.

"I think he's still around," Hunter said, placing an elbow on Niall's shoulder. Smoke was still coming out of his nasty mouth as he spoke. "Harry was with us earlier, drinking his ass off and bawling his eyes out. But don't worry, he always does that on my birthday. This day is like...cursed for him or somethin'."