Twist Me
Page 4
I rolled my eyes. “He isn't going to kill me, daddy.”
My mother looked between the two of us and sighed. “Why are you wearing a scarf, Catherine? You never wear scarves.”
I felt defensive suddenly and squared my shoulders. “Maybe I want to branch out with my wardrobe.”
She nodded. “Mhm, then you'll have no problem taking it off, then.”
I feigned being cold, rubbing my hands over my arms. “It's a little chilly in here, I think I'll keep it on.”
“It's not cold in here, Catherine. You're hiding bruises, aren't you?” She questioned, staring me in the eye.
Clarke intersected before I could answer. “Catherine gets cold all the time, Mrs. Alderidge. Leave it alone.”
She kept her eyes on me, ignoring him completely. “Take it off, Catherine.”
“I'm not a teenager and I will not make excuses for how I choose to engage in sexual activity with whomever I choose, mother.” I snapped.
I heard Clarke inhale, impressed.
Her skin paled and she exhaled angrily.
“You defiled my daughter?”
I snorted and covered my mouth.
“This isn't funny, Catherine.” She scolded.
Clarke's hand moved to rub soothing circles on the top of my thigh and he sighed softly. “If you must think of it that way, yes. But, Catherine is an adult, who made her choice. I didn't force her into it.”
My father's anger bubbled over and he growled under his breath. “How long did you wait before digging your claws into her, you fucking pervert?”
I turned to look at Clarke's bodyguards, who were slowly standing from their nearby table. Things were going to get nasty very quickly if the situation didn't defuse itself. Even the poor waiter was looking at our table with fear.
“Sit down,” Clarke ordered without looking their direction.
They obeyed, begrudgingly.
“As for you, Mr. Alderidge, I don't appreciate your snide comments concerning Catherine's involvement with me. She's your daughter, have some respect when you refer to her. I won't ask twice.”
My father's face turned red with anger and I watched his hands turn to fists and relax several times on the tabletop. He was trying to control his emotions with everything in his being. But, something about Clarke burrowed deep within his nerves and twisted each and every one of them.
Our food arrived after that, silencing the heated debate between my parents and Clarke. We ate in a very tense, awkward silence, and it wasn't until after we'd finished that anything else was said.
“I don't care how long it takes, I will find a way to get you back for this,” My father threatened.
Clarke's cool demeanor remained as he stood up and helped me do the same. “I don't doubt you will, Mr. Alderidge, and I welcome the challenge. But, anything you do to me, will affect Catherine's life.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” My father demanded.
Clarke smirked, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “You'll find out very soon. As always, it's been a pleasure.”
I smiled warmly at my parents, told them I wanted to see them again soon and let Clarke guide me out of the restaurant. For once, I was glad to have his bodyguards following us.
******
Two weeks later, while out on a date, Clarke asked me to marry him. He had made this whole speech about his undying love and devotion to me, it made me cry as I listened to him. I couldn't help but continue to give him my heart, the level of adoration and love that I felt for him was unending. No matter how dark our story began, over the last two weeks, he has been working on his anger. Keeping it to the bedroom, where it was consensual, encouraged even.
I wholeheartedly accepted his proposal, crying as the restaurant clapped for us and Clarke lifted me into his arms. His lips capturing mine in a passionate kiss. Everything felt right in the world at that moment. I felt whole and happy as he stared lovingly into my eyes on the ride home, sitting in the backseat of the chauffeur's car together.
It took me longer than I cared to admit to realize that Clarke's threat at the restaurant had been about this very thing. He meant it when he said that my father's actions could affect my life – because he planned to spend the rest of his with me. Once our marriage was final, I would be tied to him legally. I was angry at first and asked him about it, but when he explained there was no malice in his proposal, I let it go.
I fell in love with Clarke Mariucci quickly and it wasn't without a few bumps and bruises, but he made me strive to be a better woman. He showed dedication to me each day that he spent working on his anger issues to keep me. And I'll be damned if I ever show him anything but respect, love, and undying devotion.
We may have to jump through some hoops, fight a few fights, and prove to the world that we deserve to love each other in peace. But, it's a fight we'll win and one I won't back down from. If I've learned anything from Clarke Mariucci, it's that you fight for what you believe in, no matter the consequences.
THE END