Chapter 40 - Audacity

The following day, Wren Austin woke up at ten a.m. but didn’t leave her apartment until two in the afternoon. Then, she made a pit stop by a flower shop to get some flowers p her mom and was now making her way over to Hunter’s like he had requested when he called earlier that morning.
The time currently read four-thirty as per the blonde’s watch.
Looking at the faces of the people of Craigsburg as they retreated to their homes, and other to the few drinking spots, the blonde saw nothing but a void that they were struggling to fill.
As was the blonde. But one look at the sunset that spread before her eyes instantly had the void filled. The bold and brilliant sunset was rich in colour. Its silky, smooth collusion of sky burst red, yellow and the purple that hid behind it calmed the heart of Wren Austin. A symphony of colours that shone ever so brightly and confidently as if it wouldn’t go away. Although the blonde couldn’t feel its warmth, she felt it was painted just for her.
It gave her hope for a brighter and bigger future.
“Why are you here?” Reik’s voice took Wren Austin off her daydream. The hunky man stood as he spoke and allowed his entire body weight hovered over her.
The blonde rolled her eyes.
“Definitely not to see that ugly face of yours” Wren Austin retorted with annoyance in her voice. She had not forgotten what he did to her and the blonde swore to make him pay.
“You know the drill. You can’t see him without an appointment” Reik commented with a sly smile on his face which quickly faded when he heard Wren's reply.
"Oh, he didn’t tell you" Wren mocked. "You know what that translates to? He's getting fed up with you and is already making provisions for your replacement" Wren Austin mocked, earning a disapproving groan from Reik.
Wren Austin knew she had touched a spot from Reik's reaction. The young man loved carrying himself like he was Hunter's right hand man and successor, and seeing that she was able to stir such insecurity out of him made her heart swell with joy.
Reik was about to lean his body weight and harm Wren when the door flew open and another one of Hunter's right hand man appeared.
"That's enough, Reik. Let her in. The boss is waiting for her" the man said in a tired tone.
Wren Austin flashes a mocking smile in Reik’s direction, making his blood boil with anger.
"Nice talk, bell boy" Wren Austin added and closed the door in Reik's face before he could react.
It was fun and games getting on Reik's nerves, but now that Wren Austin walked through the dark and smelling hallway, she realised there was nothing to be ecstatic about.
It didn't that that she had walked down this aisle for almost the seventh time now, she was still afraid like it was here first.
Her conversation with Hunter didn't last long. It wasn't long before she was making her way back to the pub. To Wren, the conversation wasn't necessary as it was a repeat of what she had heard for the nth time.
Oh, and she began work fully on Monday.
By the time she made it to the pub, the beautiful sunset that shone magnificently over the horizon had given way to full dark clouds and the stars.
Few people stood outside. Some are alone, basically just wanting some time alone and others are in groups.
The pub was saturated. More than it usually is on any other day. The dance floor was usually stacked.
People on the dance floor swayed their hips in ways that didn't match the sound that currently played in the background as they tried to rid themselves of the day's events.
Wren smiled to herself as that meant they were too engulfed in themselves that they didn't stop and stare like they usually do.
"Hey, there my little ray of sunshine" Wren Austin said whilst flashing a beaming smile to her friend.
Gwendolyn Jefferson knew the reason why Wren gave her that smile. She was trying to fish out details of her date yesterday.
"I know that smile, and let me just tell you. You will wait" she said firmly, slamming to the table a bottle of beer whose cap was already gone.
Wren pouted. "That's not fair. You're really going to make me beg for details?" the blonde insisted.
Gwendolyn didn't give Wren a reply until she had attended to the three new clients that sat on the bar stool. Then, she poured herself a drink and took a sip before replying.
"Even if I wanted to" Gwen started, but paused hallway when she got a glimpse of someone standing behind Wren.
"I can't" she finalised, taking her glass with her as she walked away.
Wren Austin frowned at this, wondering what she meant by that. But when she caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance, Wren understood why she left.
She knew he was standing behind her, but she couldn't bring herself to turn.
She felt his intense gaze on her, which was becoming too much for her to handle.
Right now, the only reasonable thing to do was go back to her apartment. But Wren didn't want the young to feel like his presence bothered her.
"Hey, Wren" he finally spoke up and he took the seat closer to hers, his presence closer to her making it difficult for her to think.
Against her will, she caught a glimpse of him from the corner of her eyes and was about to fully turn in his direction when a voice to her left made her frown in confusion.
"Hey, Wren" she heard Sierra's cheerful voice utter.
The blonde thought her ears were playing tricks on her, but when she turned and came face to face with Sierra's smile, anger ran to her body.
Then, Wren Austin turned to the young man with a look that screamed; "How could you?"
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