by KL Donn
“Ashley!” Rosa murmurs horrified as shocked gasps filter through the room, and I can practically feel the venom from the daggers Ashley is shooting my way.
Each one stabbing me in the heart as she spits out, “Oh please, Mother. You should have seen the pathetic way Landon was falling all over her. I mean look at her! She’s ugly! Those scars are hideous and right across her face? I can’t believe you guys don’t see this!”
The shock at her hatred for me oscillates around the room as lead fills my veins. I had no idea Ashley hated me quite so much. We’ve gone to school together for so many years, and while she has always been dismissive and mean, I’ve never seen this full-on loathing before.
Tears begin to gather in my eyes and flow at Landon’s next words. “Until Ashley can be respectful of my woman, a woman whom I plan on spending my life loving, we will never be in the same room again. I’m sorry, Mom.” I can see matching tears in her own eyes at her son’s words. “Dad, you’d do the same, and you know it.” He tells the man he grew up to respect.
Guilt assaults me. I know what it’s like not to have a family, and I refuse to do this to theirs. With tears rolling steadily down my face, I gaze up at this amazing man and tell him, “No, Landon. I’ll leave. I won’t do this to your family.”
Fighting my way free from his arms, I scoot past him hurriedly, intent on leaving when Rosa shouts, “Wait just a damn minute, young lady!” I stop in my tracks—that mother voice would freeze the devil himself.
“Ashley Jane Powers, what the hell has gotten into you?” she demands of her youngest child. “What do you have against this sweet girl?”
“I’ve gone to school with her my entire life, Mother. She’s like a dog you can’t put down out of pity.” Ouch.
I turn slowly at her words, barely able to breathe and whisper, “What?”
Do people really think that about me? At this point in my life, I shouldn’t be shocked.
“Oh, please. Don’t act so surprised.” she hisses.
“Why?”
Ashley appears taken aback by my question. I’ve barely spoken more than a dozen words to the other woman before. I’ve always refused to acknowledge the insults she’s spewed at me.
“You honestly don’t know, do you?” Landon asks Ashley with a disgusted look.
Shooting another glare my way, Ashley whips around and storms from the room so fast that no one has time to stop her as she slams the door behind her and lets a loud scream of frustration out into the night.
A hand on my shoulder startles me into jumping away and nearly a foot in the air from the unwanted contact. Glancing back, I see Matthew standing there with a desolate look in his eyes, and I can relate. I know that feeling well. “I’m so sorry, Cecilia,” he replies softly. His gaze moves to the door his daughter just stormed out of. “We had no idea.”
Years of anger, hurt, and frustration well up inside of me, and I can’t stop the rush of emotions as they lash out. How could they not know? I’ve been dealing with Ashley’s crap for so long, it’s impossible they can’t. My parents would call the school every time I came home crying because of her.
“How, though? How did you not know?” My face heats with my anger. “She’s been bullying me since we were ten years old. Do you know the name she calls me? Mark me crazy… know why? The scars. This one”—I point to the one on my cheek—“was so much worse ten years ago. It used to pull my eye down and my lip up at a crazy angle. At first, she only called me crazy Marks, but then when we were fourteen, a boy liked me. I refused to sleep with him and cried when he tried to force me. The two of them came up with the new name Mark me crazy. It was humiliating, still is.” I can barely breathe as I confess how torturous their daughter was to me.
Out of breath, I look over to Landon and see such a deep-seated rage reflected back at me that I take step back from him. His parents’ faces pale with shock, and I’m ready to get sick at reliving it all over again.
Landon
* * *
Listening as Cecilia lets go of all her agony infuriates me in ways I can’t explain. Not because she’s finally able to let it out, even though it’s aimed at my parents, but because I hadn’t fully understood how bad it was. How much it’s affected her. I knew her and Ash had a dreadful history, but this is more than I anticipated.
I remember the arguments my parents used to have while I was in college about Ashley. They even discussed sending her to boarding school at one point. If I’d known that it was my goddess that was being tormented—fuck. As much as I’d like to believe I would have stepped up, I’d probably just given Ash shit about being a jerk and continued on with my life.
But fuck, now. Cecilia has suffered so fucking much in her short life on this earth. First, the accident that has forever marked her, then the relentless bullying, her parents’ deaths, and now, she’s faced with her biggest tormentor for the rest of her life because I became so damn infatuated with her and have no plans on giving her up.
Stopping to take a breath, Cec gazes up to me, and I’m positive she misunderstands my anger because she takes a step away from me. She’s not wrong. I am mad, so fucking mad that I don’t know how to deal with it, but none of it is aimed at her. My rage is fueled and ready for my sister.
Sadness enters her gaze as she watches me, and I’m almost helpless on how to explain to her why I’m so angry. That I’m pissed the school system failed her. My parents failed her. I’m mad because she had to suffer, and it’s turned her into this timid creature before me.
“Sweets,” I say as softly as I can.
Striding towards her, I wrap her in my arms. Hugging her to my chest, a place where she’s told me many times that she feels safest. As long as I can hold her, she’ll never have anything to fear.
Turning her into my direction, I cup her face in my hands, tilting her head back to meet my gaze. “I am so fucking sorry, Cec. I’m sorry we didn’t realize it was you Ash was bullying. I’m sorry that it was you. But mostly, I’m fucking sorry as hell I didn’t find you sooner.”
Lowering my head, I lay a light kiss on her lips, solidifying my words. Pouring everything I feel into the light touch meant to soothe her, in the hopes she understands how important she’s become to me in such a short time. I’ve said the words to her, told her I love her, but actions mean so much more.
Anyone who thinks love at first sight doesn’t exist is full of shit and can take a flying fucking leap. I’m living it, existing in this frenetic world where Cecilia is my everything, and I couldn’t be happier.
“I don’t blame you, Landon. I just can’t believe she thinks so little about me. That my life can mean nothing to someone when they don’t even know what I’ve been through is startling. In all the years she’s been attacking me, not once did I wish her to be put down like a dog.” My breath catches upon hearing her misery as she repeats my sister’s words back to me. Tears crowd my eyes as her pain reverberates through me. I feel it, live it, breathe it as if it were my own.
Kissing her on the head, I breathe in the cinnamony scent that is all Cecilia as I feel my parents move in on either side of us.
“Cecilia, please. I am so sorry. A parent only ever wants to protect their child, and in protecting ours, we’ve let you down. Please don’t leave, dear, we want you here. Things with our daughter will figure themselves out,” Mom tells Cec with a gentle hand on her shoulder.
As Cecilia nods her head with a watery smile on her face, my father speaks up to say, “You will always be welcome in our home, sweetheart, don’t ever doubt that. You make this hard-headed fool boy of mine smile, and that’s the only thing we could ever want.”
Choked up, Cec takes a moment to gather herself before saying, “Thank you both. That truly means a lot to me. One day, I hope Ashley and I can find some sort of peace.”
Pulling Cec from my arms, I shoot Mom a dirty look as she hugs her. “Let’s go eat now. All this emotion has me craving cupcakes!”
And just like that, they�
�re bonding again. “Cupcakes sound delicious,” Cec comments as Mom drags her into the kitchen, both wiping tears from their eyes.
Things may not be perfect, but I couldn’t ask for more from my parents in accepting the woman I plan to marry.
Chapter 10
Cecilia
After an incredible dream week, Landon did as promised and set me up with online courses so I don’t have to go back to that college. At first, I was worried I would lose myself by allowing him to take over like that, but I find I’m more at peace than when I was going into classes.
The first few days after our last confrontation with his sister at his parents’ house, I could feel myself falling into a depression. Being the reason for a family splitting wasn’t easy on me. Because of the assault, I began to have nightmares, and my mind played tricks on me. I was lost in a deep, dark hole I had trouble finding my way out of.
Landon has stuck by me, though, through the snarky words and cruel laughter that would startle me at any time, to calming my fears at night and chasing the lingering pain away. I feel safe when I’m with him. I feel whole instead of broken and defeated.
I’m not healed, but I’m on my way there, and with Landon’s constant love and support, I know I’ll continue to grow into a confident woman he can be proud of.
Every day since dinner with his parents, Landon has been trying to convince me to move in with him. To be honest, though, I haven’t spent a single night at my own apartment. Mostly because he pursuades me in the sweetest—and naughtiest—ways to stay with him, but also because of Brittany’s continuing harassment. I only go home for a couple days’ worth of clothes in one shot and try to avoid the times I know she’ll be there.
Those same remarks are the reason I’m now able to leave her in the wind. “I always knew you were stupid, Cecilia, but shacking up with the first guy to show you any attention is beyond dumb,” Brittany snarls at me as I pack my clothes into the small suitcase that I borrowed from Landon this afternoon. I had the need to close this chapter of my life alone, without Landon coming to my defense. I need to learn how to stand on my own two feet.
“Brittany, I’m not sure what it is I’ve ever done to you but back off.” I don’t raise my voice or insert the same venom she feels for me into it.
“Ma’am?” Jacob, one of Landon’s bodyguards who also doubles as a driver when he needs him, pops his head in my room after Brittany’s rant.
“It’s fine, Jacob. Please don’t call him,” I say pointedly as I see the cell phone in his hand. Landon knew I was coming today, but I didn’t anticipate my roommate being home in the middle of the afternoon.
“Are you even listening to me?” she snaps at me.
“No, Brittany, I’m not. When you have something constructive to offer, I’ll listen.” I turn my back on her to continue folding clothes and put the last of my few belongings into the single box I brought in.
As I close up my belongings, I grab them and walk past Brittany and hand the box to Jacob. We’re almost out the door when Brittany’s final parting shot shoots straight to my heart. “He’s going to leave you! You’re a scarred little plaything, not meant to last a lifetime.” Jacob slams the door behind us after tossing the key and an envelope to her.
He guides me down the hall and out front to the waiting car. “She’s wrong,” he comments kindly as he opens my door.
“I know. I know Landon’s heart, but it doesn’t stop the words from hurting.” I smile sadly at him.
As much as I wish I could ignore the looks and comments, I don’t think that’s a part of me that will ever be accepting of my looks. I love Landon, and I know he loves me, but the scars are a large part of who I am, and part of that is the broken girl I’ll never be able to shake off.
Landon
* * *
Meetings all fucking day. Back to back. One after the other. I’d like to skip them all, but they’ve already been rescheduled because of my time off, and I know I need to get this taken care of before I can go home to Cecilia.
Jacob texted a few updates about what Cec was doing. As much as I hate that she went to her apartment alone, I understand her reasoning. I only wish I’d made her wait for me after finding out Brittany was there and not so kind. Trying to fill my girls head full of lies.
I’m proud she stood up for herself, however. Not letting the other woman’s words play with her mind in the same way she would have a couple of weeks ago.
“Landon, are you even listening to us?” Kale laughs as John grumbles.
“Yeah, yeah, I hear you. Sounds like all you need from me is to sign some shit. Let’s do that.” Looks are shared, speculation is heavy in the room.
“Shit, man. I didn’t expect you to fall so damn hard.” Kale chuckles. I shrug. “Alright, man, get the hell out of here. I’ll leave these on your desk to sign first thing tomorrow morning.” He gives me a focused look, saying I better be here.
“Deal.” I nod, standing and making my way from the conference room, passing Mom as I go.
“Hey, Mom.” I still see the sadness in her gaze.
“Hi, sweetheart, how are you?” She gives a half-hearted grin as she hugs me.
“Good. Still nothing?” She shakes her head no. Ashley was formally charged with the assault of Cecilia and with so many witnesses, she’s going to do jail time. In many ways, it makes me sad that her life is potentially ruined, but I’m also glad she’s forced to face the consequences of her actions. I just wish my parents didn’t have to suffer because of it.
“I’m sorry, Mom.” For her pain, I am.
“No, dear, what Ashley did could have killed Cecilia. She needs to face this head on.” As she walks away, I wonder how many years the strong woman I’ve looked up to all my life will age during Ashley’s sentence.
With anticipation running through me, I send Cec a quick text to let her know I have to run a quick errand before coming home.
Chapter 11
Cecilia
Lighting candles around the room, I spread rose petals on every surface that I can after Jacob had stopped at the florist's, so I could gather as many as I could find. There are an array of colors that make the room appear as though a unicorn exploded. I giggle at the thought because I know Landon won’t even notice. Not for what I have planned.
Mentally preparing for this next step is exhilarating. I can’t wait to tell Landon that I’m ready.
I’m ready to share everything with him.
A home, a life, and God willing, a family.
I want it all. Everything he’s been promising and so much more.
I know I can finally start dreaming about that life he can already see for us.
Running to the elevator, I make a trail of petals leading to our room, so he knows where to follow, and I can hopefully surprise him.
Gazing around the room, satisfaction fills me as I experience the exact ambiance I’d been hoping to achieve. It’s romantic without being over the top. A warm glow is created by the candles, flickering lights from the mirror cast a lovely cascade of rays around the room, mirroring the sun.
Seeing the time, I realize I only have minutes before Landon arrives after his text from earlier. Slipping into a bright red teddy with lace cups to cover my breasts and a tight bodice that accentuates my figure, the hem falls to just below my ass cheeks, tickling the backs of my thighs. Normally, I’d never wear something like this, but I feel beautiful and know that Landon will appreciate it for the ten seconds he allows me to wear it.
Hearing the chime of the elevator, I place my new phone—some top of the line thing Landon insisted I get—on the night table, I hit play on a romantic playlist I found. Soft melodies filter around the room.
Carefully lying on the bed on my side, I sweep my curled hair to hang loosely behind me and prop my head up on my hand just as I hear the door unlock.
The wait for him to comprehend everything is torture.
“Cec!” he calls out, and I have to hide my laughter at the amount of
anticipation in his voice.
Mission accomplished. I sigh happily.
I wait with bated breath as his shadow approaches rapidly in the doorway. “What are you doing, Cecilia?” he calls out again. I still don’t answer as he stands in the doorframe, eyes wide, mouth open in surprise. “Holy fuck, sweets,” he grumbles as his gaze fixes on my body, caressing me with his stare as his eyes move along every curve. With hands clenched into tight fists, I can see his growing erection behind his trousers as he walks closer to me.
“Hi, baby,” I whisper huskily, and it’s his undoing.
Landon
* * *
I’ve died and gone to heaven. It’s the only reason I can think of for my brain malfunctioning and this stunning woman lying half-naked on my bed. Lord, she’s gorgeous.
Exquisite.
Perfect.
The red of her teddy makes her chocolate eyes and dark hair pop. The lust and eagerness in those same beautiful orbs warm my heart and brings a smile to my face.
“Landon?” she queries when I remain silent for so long as I stand over her. She’s just so fucking beautiful.
“You look…incredible, Cecilia.” My mouth is dry when it should be watering. “This”—I wave a hand around the room—“is shocking.”
Grinning at my words, she stands from the bed and closes the few steps between us, a seductive sway to her hips, looking more confident than I’ve ever seen her. It makes her ten times sexier to me. Reaching for my tie, she pulls me down to her and whispers against my lips, “I want it all, Landon Powers. Everything.”
Floored, I take a moment to make sure her words are registering in my sexually fogged brain before speaking. “Are you sure, sweets? I’m never letting you go, you know that, right?”