ooc message It has been quite a while since I wrote Lara, so please allow me to get back in the groove. Apologies for eventual grammar hiccups, foreigner and all that blah blah.
The Chambers Chronicles
By Lara Chambers
Obsession. We all felt it before. We all have been consumed and destroyed by it too. Unless you are a dead fish just following the flow. But not LARA CHAMBERS. She was impulsive. Yet on the outside always calm and collected. So used to follow her own rules, no matter the consequences. No matter the looks that people gave her.
You do not fit. You provoke too much. Your tattoos are too offensive.
It was hard to not laugh about such stereotypes. Looking back at her life now, it was colourful. Most people wouldn't have survived the first eighteen years of this ride. Most or maybe all would have given up. Throwing themselves in front of a bus. But even back then giving up was not an option. She had no clue where she was going, yet she was on her way. Pushing forward a story that was not yet written.
You can not learn the mentality of a fighter. You can teach yourself tactics and skills, but never what it feels to wake with this urge. The fire rushing through your veins that kept you from sleeping. You are a born a fighter. Or you will follow for the rest of your life.
She has been sitting out her time. Waiting and lurking in the dark. This was not DEATHCORE. This was not ENGAGE. The Lady of Chambers was going to be UNLEASHED. Cementing her legacy once and for all.
R U S T Y N A I L S
Liverpool, England
October 2007
You don't know anything. You have no idea about how this world works, right? That was something her father used to say. Maybe even his exact words before she left a year ago, it was hard to recall. There were no waves of missing her parents. What was there to miss to begin with? Two people so absorbed with their own lives. Their looks and how much money they could spend on the next shot. One day the last.
Clarice Marie Chambers had gotten pregnant way too early. Living the life of a high class model she should have known better. But there was this guy. He had caught her eye the first time she stepped into his atelier. His name was catching just like his appearance, Matheo. And his weapon was a camera that would catch her every moment. But what started with two young people falling for each other, would end with two junkies fucked up by whatever substances. Lara was a drug baby. Getting born with cold shivers and cramps.
Thanks mother.
She never lacked anything when it came to material stuff. They had been making good money and even though their hobby cost quite some, there always had been enough for Lara. Apart from love. The nanny's tried their best. Lara pretty much grew up to be a lost cause. One of the stranded souls that had no idea of their own worth.
self-esteem
/ˌsɛlfɛˈstiːm/
noun
confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect.
She grew up to be submissive to something or someone. To obey people that showed more dominance than her. Automatically pushing her into that role. And she didn't mind. To a certain a point she welcomed it. Giving up all control and just letting herself go.
Most of their days they spent in his apartment. It was nothing special, yet everything was better than being at home. Seeing them falling around in their high moments, verbally and physically fight when running out of shit. He was not like that.
Or so she thought.
"I seen you look at this dude at the shop."
Lara wouldn't dare to look up hearing the tone of his voice. It held a certain sharpness she was still not used to. His patience so thin that one wrong move would bring out the worst in him. Her hand ran over her still bruised arm, rubbing it softly. A reminder of the other week.
"I am sorry... I thought I knew him... ."
"Maybe one of the guys you used to fuck... you dirty little slut."
She held her breath for a long moment before getting up from the sofa. Moving rather slow when approaching him. Still living up to the idea that softness could calm him down. When looking up she met his eyes. There was nothing gentle in there. Anger. And some sort of madness.
"I never had another... you have been my only. You know that Daniel."
"That is what you tell me. Playing all innocent with me... ."
When she wanted to open her mouth another time she didn't see it coming. He had freed one of his hands, slapping her right across the mouth. Like a wounded animal she wanted to back away, only to be dragged down by him. Getting a handful of her hair, pushing her down to her knees. Feeling the stinging pain her eyes became watery, a scream ready to come out. But it never did.
Don't cry. He hates that.
"You are worth nothing Lara. Nobody gives a damn about you, apart from me. Do you think I have fun doing this to you? Lecturing you again and again. You have brought this upon yourself."
What came next was nothing she wanted to remember. She closed her eyes trying to become numb. While the first few times she tried to fight him, it was pointless. He was way stronger than she believed to be. He would have his way. Beating her. Taking her. And afterwards either apologise or fall asleep. So why stay with him? Love. Or what she believed was love. The naivety of youth.
Darkness.
Hours later she sat up in bed. Sweat was covering her already swollen face, most muscles in her body ached. When her eyes fell to the person laying next to her it was hard to not throw up. Out of disgust and probably because he damaged something on the inside. How easy it would have been to slit his throat in this very moment, but she wouldn't. That wasn't Lara Chambers. You are not ready. The girl sitting in this bed was someone that had no idea of who she one day would be. If she survived. And that was the key to everything. Making it to the next day.
"One day... ."
Her voice was rough and not more than a whisper. Not that he would hear her in that certain state of mind. The brunette girl slipped out of bed walking towards the bathroom. Sometimes it felt worse than it really was. Or at least that was the hope she held till turning on the light. The person staring back at her from the mirror was by no means anyone she knew. Both her eyes swollen. A nasty bruise on her left cheek. And several bruises on her neck. Lifting the small, purple top that was covering her upper body. Over her ribs more bruises were building- making it hard to breath.
"Fucking clever Chambers. Picking yourself a real Prince Charming."
She mocked herself looking at that reflection of a broken person. And suddenly the tears came. Silently but unstoppable. Sliding down next to the door she would try to breath. Letting it all come out at once, even though it made her body hurt just harder. Wrapping her arms around her naked knees Lara sat there. For minutes or hours, she couldn't tell. Looking at what her life was.
What life? Okay. FUCK YOU TOO.
The tears would turn into some sort of a manic laughter. One she tried to swallow down as best as possible. Looking back at this moment- it probably was the turning point. At a young age she had learnt an important lesson. They can own your body. They can break your outside. But never will anyone own my soul.
Ever
Rusty Nails to the skin.
D R Y B L O O D
Las Vegas, Nevada
December 2012
She was running. At least that was the idea when she stepped on this plane. After almost ten years of back and forth he still would stalk after her. Appear at places he had never been seen before. Trying to get under her skin. Running her life like only he could.
Because he knows me.
She had not been leaving the country. Ever. She was fond of the english weather and the people. It was what she called home, till now. Things happen and then you can't turn back. Her birthday had been eventless this year till she found a dead cat on her doorstep. Her cat. Knowing fully well that this was a present from Daniel she was left without a choice. Waving goodbye to a place that had given her so much joy, yet the worst pain she could ever imagine.
It was almost in trance that she had left the plane getting her luggage. Not paying too much attention to the people surrounding her. It was then that a guy approached her, way too fast for her to notice him. His hand rather gently held onto her arm, causing her to stop. Whirling around ready to jump, she looked in a friendly face. He had passed his prime by now, but it was viewable that once upon a time he was a rather handsome fellah.
"Misses Chambers?"
"Miss Chambers." She couldn't help but to correct him. Freeing her arm with one quick move. "And I would be very grateful if you didn't touch me."
He nodded his head and immediately stepped back.
"I am your driver." The man reached forward to take her bag, but she wasn't quite ready to let go. A small sigh escaped him and he pulled his arm back. "Miss Martinez sends me on her behalf. She is expecting you. Said she is interested to meet someone with your reputation."
An uneasy chuckle came from her end while the expression on her face remained careless. Lara would let go off of her luggage as a sign of peace. He took it without further verbal response starting to walk down the long hallway of the airport. She would follow on the foot, putting on her huge sunglasses.
A little diva?! Exactly.
"What you mean with my reputation... I didn't know that I even had one." Okay. That was only half the truth, but she tried to play it cool.
"I am only the driver Miss. But Miss Martinez heard of your helping hand during the London job. Which lead to her approaching you."
The Fuck?! No one knew of this. No one was supposed to know of this either. They had reached the fancy car moments later. He would put her belongings in the trunk before opening the door. Hesitating a moment Lara would slide in, feeling the soft leather against her inked skin. The moment he entered the car himself all doors locked.
Trapped like a little rabbit.
"Where we going?"
"A place called the HOLE. Rather popular in this area." His tone remained neutral, yet she was able to notice a little bit of annoyance. She almost giggled when pushing his buttons.
"Let me guess it is no fancy restaurant where they offer expensive food."
He looked at her from the mirror. This time a smile would spread on his face, making him look at least ten years younger. He was checking his young companion out for a little longer than necessary before focusing on the road again.
"It is quite the exclusive club Miss. Fancy and expensive. And people eat there, in a different way I might add. It is probably the best running strip club in Las Vegas. Owned by a female called Rachel Gray." He made a small pause, chuckling. "I assume you been to such places before."
Why? Because I got huge tits and tattoos?
It was hard to resist the urge to slap him on the back of her head. As a matter of fact she had never been to any establishment like that. Or done illegal shit... well before London. There was no chance to give him a piece of mind as he already parked the car. From afar she could see the Neon lights, the HOLE. Quite the amount of people was located on the outside, trying to pass the bouncers. The driver had opened her door and offered his hand, which she didn't take. Instead she stepped out into the night, feeling the chill air. Without taking her bag he started to walk towards a side door, knocking.
"Why we arriving like thieves in the night?"
"If we were indeed something that small... we would take the backdoor. You may not speak till we meet the boss."
He was not exactly unfriendly but acted like a bossy cunt. Lara would shrug her shoulders when the door opened, a guy twice her size opening. He eyed her up before stepping aside to let them pass. Her eyes only brushed him briefly, hurrying to keep up with her company. What was his name? Has he even mentioned it in the first place? Should she have asked? An inner monologue had started. Something that kept her so occupied that she forgot to observe the hallway. Or the people that crossed their way. It almost was like her senses only returned when they arrived right inside the core of the club. The music loud. The people either high or drunk. And the girls indeed beautiful.
"You will not speak to her unless she approaches you. Understood?"
"What if I do?" Her tone was challenging. So much that he turned around, standing only a few inches away from her.
"For your well being... we rather do not find out."
He pushed open a black curtain and almost shoved her through. Entering this area of the club, the music was less heavy. Her eyes scanned over the people sitting on the black leather sofa's, not paying any attention to her arrival. None of them did, apart from this blonde female. Her serious features showing a perfect poker face. She was dressed in Italian feminine fashion, her legs stretched out under the table. Despite the clothes she wore there was nothing fragile about this woman.
"Lara Chambers."
Her voice had a strange accent. And even though she spoke not louder than anyone else, the rest of the group went silent. The driver, let's call him Gus, led her towards the table before stepping back. Probably happy to get the fuck out of here. The blonde rose from her seat, almost a head taller than Lara herself. With emotionless eyes she looked at the intruder.
"Do you know who I am Lara Chambers."
"Shawna Martinez. That's what Gus said."
SHAWNA MARTINEZ. The MOB princess
Formerly known as Karina Stincino. Godmother of the Italian MOB. Only kid to Giuseppe Stincino who died 2007. Handing over the family business. Controlling areas of Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles and 70% of Europe. Official job description, Wrestler and Martial Arts Fighter. Married. Mother of one son.
A smirk hushed over Shawna's face when running her fingers through Lara's dark hair. She smelled it for a moment, causing the uneasy feeling to grow. This was like another version of a James Bond movie. Although it was hard to tell on which side they were.
"A little birdy told me what you were doing in London. The little birdy of course can't talk anymore. They let you get away Lara. Or maybe you were just too quick to be caught. Either way someone had to pay. And since you are standing in front of me still breathing, something went wrong." Shawna once again looked at her. Directly in the eyes. "Or is it the opposite? Did everything go right and you are where you are supposed to be? Do you know the answer."
"I don't know what... ."
Shawna wrapped her hand around Lara's neck with a quickness that was unexpected. Reacting out of sheer instinct Lara grabbed the female's arm and twisted it. Causing her opposite to let go. Immediately thirty guns were directed at her, ready to paint the room in a pretty red. But Shawna gave a nonverbal sign, causing them to get back in position.
"So small. Yet, such a feisty grip." Shawna rubbed her arm and moved it several times. This time she really smiled. "They weren't lying. You are quick and fearless. While some people will tell you that you got yourself in a lot of trouble, I will tell you different. I think you are standing in front of the biggest possibility of your life. Sit with me. Listen to what I offer you Lara."
She looked at Shawna who had turned her back on her, walking back to her table. She filled her own glass and a second, pushing it towards Lara. Her heart was racing wildly when she sat down, trying to keep some space between them. She looked at the drink seeing the impatience in the girl's face. Quickly taking it in her hand emptying it. Hearing a dark laughter fill the room, coming from the female that moments ago wanted to squeeze the air out of her body.
Not cool. Not cool at all.
"You have caused me quite some trouble girl. After you seen the things you shouldn't have, they had one job. Erase you. They failed. Instead of becoming food for the worms- you walk right into my town. Looking mighty alive." Shawna emptied her own drink. "Which tells me that there is something more to Lara Chambers. More than the tattoos and the weird hairstyle. A fighter. A survivor. Which leads me to my proposal. One you might consider wiseley."
"What if I decline?"
"What if that is not an option? Before you hurt your pretty little head let me finish. I want you to work for me. I want you to be part of my family. We treat our own good, unless they betray us." Her eyes wandered over the group of men. Only men. "Here and there I will have jobs for you. The payment is extra ordinaire. You will never have to worry again. I will be your mother, father and sister."
Anyone call a doctor. Someone has a mental problem. Or mental problems?
Lara was remaining silent for some time looking at her own hands. They had been resting in her lap, cold sweat covering her palms. Besides her Shawna seemed as relaxed as before, filling their glasses again. When raising her voice, rather quietly, Lara hardly recognised her own voice.
"What kind of jobs are we talking about? Because I can't kill... ."
Another laughter. "I have enough predators of that kind. You my little pet fulfill another purpose. We sometimes correspondent with the elite of the world. And there are times they do not come to us at their own will. So here and there they will need some extra motivation."
The birdy of the MOB. And while her brain was doing a rerun of all the said her mouth had obviously decided to run its own game.
"I am in."
It was the start of a new life. The first page of a new book. No matter how many years would pass between then and now, she would never forget the look on Shawna Martinez face. The satisfaction. But also the wicked smile she would flash. The sharp white teeth that would paint a bizarre picture.
Lara Chambers the victim died that night. Only to be reborn in the palms of Shawna. Becoming a weapon she wasn't aware it existed. Using her body and brain to survive in a world that was drowning in darkness. Little did she know that before the Phoenix would rise she would break her wings. She would reach the bottom many more times. Struggling, Crying. Bleeding.
Cheers mates.
To be Continued...
Lady of Chambers