Staring at the top of her head, Pete could tell something bothered her. “You know you can talk to me,” he replied softly, taking his seat at the table. “If you need us to stay here, say the word. There’s gonna be lots of weekends to go. Hey, why don’t you tell your boss that you have to leave town, an’ you can come with us,” his tone shifted to hopeful.
She looked up to stare at him, curious how he could be so tender at that moment, as if she could feel his reaching out to her. “I’m fine,” she lied calmly. “You guys go on and have your fun.” Her younger siblings had told her all about the horses and the three-wheelers. They had even mentioned a small, single engine plane that he had taken them for a ride in.
It sounded like a boy’s paradise, but it held little attraction for her. “My brothers adore you. And your life. Take them to your ranch, and don’t worry about me,” she said quietly, returning her gaze to her unfinished meal.
Leaning on his elbows, Pete felt torn, knowing the boys had been talking to her since they got back. I guess it hadn’t been enough. “It doesn’t sound like I should leave you alone.” He blinked at her, waiting for her response.
When the pause grew long, he tried again. “You know you’ll never have your old life again. It’s gone, and there’s nothin’ either of us can do about it.” He shook his head slowly. “All you can do is make a new one, and that’s how it is. The truth within you, who you really are, will never change and can never be lost so long as you hold on to it.”
Reaching over, her uncle grasped her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Do things you’re proud of, Bailey. Don’t let the sadness you’re feeling drag you down or make you do things you’ll regret.”
Her face shot up at his words, her green eyes staring into his soft grey orbs. “I won’t,” she promised quietly, afraid that he had seen her with Ked, waiting for the bus one of the mornings that week. But that’s what you wanted, isn’t it? To get caught with him so they would send you home, where you were safe?
Suddenly, her plan seemed quite foolish, as if she had been playing with fire and was about to get burned. She sat studying her guardian while her mind raced, trying to figure out what she should do next.
Pulling her hand free, she found her feet. “I had better go. I don’t want to miss the bus.” Grabbing her bags, she needed to get out of there before he said anything else she didn’t care to hear.
Fumbling through a long and boring day at school, Bailey’s mind often returned to the conversation she had shared with her uncle. Not paying attention during most of her classes, she allowed herself to run through scenarios of what could, or probably would, happen between the boy and herself.
Each time she reached the scene where the two of them would be completely alone, she became a little more confident she would not allow it to happen. But how do I stop it? she asked herself over and over, realizing if she did, all her work to get him would have been for nothing.
Riding the bus home, she pretended like everything was fine and kissed the young man quickly before she made her dash to prepare for work. She had excelled in her register training, and Mark put her on the front again that night, much to her relief. He had praised her ability to count, which made her laugh, as she had assumed that everyone could, but apparently not.
To her surprise, Ked showed up at her counter shortly before closing and ordered a coke, then made himself at home in the lobby to wait for her. As time ticked down, she slipped her way out and took a seat across from him, whispering loudly, “What the hell are you doing here? Are you trying to get me fired?”
“Get you fired?” He held up both hands innocently. “No, baby, I just needed to see you. Your old man’s gone, right? I told my mom I was staying over at a friend’s house…” He let the sentence drop, giving her a smile, and she quickly deduced that she was the friend.
Panic washed over her, and her eyes darted around the deserted dining area, catching sight of their usual late-night patron. “Get out!” she managed through gritted teeth. “Go outside, and we’ll talk about this when I get off. I should be out in about fifteen minutes, thirty at the most.” Standing, she stomped to the back, hoping he would obey her.
Turning around, she could see that he had in fact followed directions, and the blond busily packed his things as well. Licking her lips nervously, she went through the steps of preparing her register and restocking the front. Finally having everything in order, she retrieved her purse out of the back and asked Mark to let her out.
She found Ked waiting for her at the stop light, hands in his pockets and staring at the moon. “I’m sorry that I screamed at you,” she said quietly as she approached.
“Yeah.” He smiled down at her. “I’m sorry that I surprised you. I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.” Pulling his left arm free, he hung it across her shoulders, and she leaned against him as they crossed the street and walked down the sidewalk towards the complex. “I should have asked you before I made plans for tonight.”
Bailey grew tense, aware that she was alone—very alone. “You can’t stay with me, Ked. I told you I wasn’t really alone.” She tried to sound convincing.
“So, is your mom still here? You know, you ain’t said much about your family… I’m beginning to wonder if you really have one.” He stopped moving, the shadow around them making him practically invisible in his dark clothing.
“Yes, I have one,” the irritation returned to her voice, “and I have to get home shortly before I’m missed.” Looking up, she stared into his angry eyes. “Just go home, Ked. Tell your mom that your friend is an asshole and you got into a fight. Tell her you decided to sleep in your own bed.”
“Ok,” he agreed reluctantly, his lips curling downward. “But you said a few minutes. Let’s say goodnight first.” He twisted them into a smile, sliding his hands up her arms and around her back. His mouth pressed to hers, her resolve softened, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Slowly, he inched between the shrubs along the edges of the walkway and worked her towards the building.
When her spine met the brick wall, she felt a brief surge of excitement, hiding in the shadows with him and his body pushing against hers. A moment later, panic gripped her; his fingers had found flesh and tickled her waist. “Ked, stop.” She managed to free herself enough to protest before he reclaimed her, holding her in place while he continued to pull at her clothing, trying to force her onto the ground behind the short bushes.
Falling, Bailey hit the earth beneath her, bruising her knees as she went down. Rolling onto her back, she flailed her limbs wildly, the weight of him making it hard to breathe. She emitted a loud shriek, and a hand clamped over her mouth, pressing her cheek painfully against her jaw and teeth.
Desperately sucking air through her nose, she fought to remove the digits blocking the passages. She could hear the material of her shirt as it tore away from her body, leaving her bare skin exposed. Suddenly, cold air rushed over her while another man’s voice cursed loudly, followed by the sound of blows landing in the darkness.
Fighting to sit up, she peered over the green leaves of the hedge and worked to cover herself with what remained of her top. Staring in stunned silence, she watched two forms wrestle about in the pale moonlight, one of them taking one hell of a beating, fearing that it was Ked. Frozen in place, her mind screamed that she should run, but her limbs shook, and she simply cringed, too frightened to stand, let alone flee.
Moments later, one of the shadows stood while the other lay motionless on the path. “You ever touch ‘er again, I’ll kill you!” her defender lay down his threat evenly, kicking the limp figure for good measure. Turning to the girl, he climbed over the brush, grabbing her roughly and dragging her to her feet. “Can you stand?”
Hot tears of recognition streamed down her flushed cheeks. “Oh my God!” She clung to him on weak knees. “I think so,” she told the blond patron from the restaurant. “Please, take me home.”
“Not sure which way’s home,” he replied crisply, “but I can sur
e ‘s hell get you outta here.” Lifting her into his arms, he carried her around the turn and along the walkway, stopping to rest her on a flight of steps.
Looking about, she gasped, “Thanks…but we’re on the wrong side of the complex.” Giving him her apartment number, she continued with a firm declaration, “I’m ok. I can walk. But my purse is back there…in the flowerbed.”
“Don’t move,” he commanded. Retracing their steps, he located the oversized bag and returned to her, huffing. “That guy’s gone.” Helping her to her feet, he chided, “You might consider carryin’ something a little smaller. Maybe somethin’ you can swing.” He laughed quietly at his own joke, bringing a faint smile to her lips while she rested against him.
Leaning on her rescuer, she hobbled along until they arrived at the correct building, and she climbed the stairs gingerly. At the top, she rummaged in her purse to locate her keys while stating more calmly, “Thanks for saving me.” Brushing away the tears and dirt from under her eyes, she glanced at the man behind her anxiously.
“Don’ mention it,” he replied with a toothy grin. “But I strongly recommend an escort from now on.”
“Yes,” she agreed with a small smile of her own. “You could be right about that.”
“You want me t’ stay an’ wait for the police with you?” he asked quietly, brushing her long locks out of her face.
“No.” She shook her head and took a step back. “No police.” She glared up at him, thoughts of trying to explain her relationship with Ked flashing through her mind. “I’m ok, and you took care of him. I think it’s over with.”
“You knew that guy, didn’ you?” His jaw grew tight, fresh anger taking its toll.
“Yes, I know him, but it’s ok. I’m sure it wasn’t entirely his fault.” She lifted her chin. “And it won’t happen again.”
Picking up on her fearful vibe, the stranger nodded. “Well, I’ll be off then as soon as you’re inside.” He held a hand up, fingers stiff to indicate the passage behind her.
“Ok, yes. Thanks!” She fumbled to insert the key in the lock. “I guess I’ll see you at the shop”—she swung the door open and stepped inside—“tomorrow night?”
“Sure.” He nodded, giving her a small salute. “Now, close the door, an’ don’t you dare open it for anyone.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t,” she replied, closing the portal with a light slam and sliding the deadbolt into place before sinking to the floor and sobbing into the darkness.
Ten
A Fine Mess
Bailey leaned closer to the mirror and inspected the bruises. Damn. She could almost see the fingerprints in her flesh where Ked’s hand had pressed against her jaw, covering her mouth. How could I be so stupid?
Of course, she had been right the night before when she said it wasn’t entirely his fault. She had been leading him on, pretending she intended to sleep with him. Deep down, she feared that she actually might have, or at least wanted to, despite knowing it would be wrong. I liked the way I felt when he held me…as if all her problems dissolved in his arms. Closing her eyes, she became lost for a moment, shuddering at the conflict the memory produced.
No wonder the preacher always warned us against having sex outside of marriage. Grabbing her bottle of liquid foundation, she squeezed it angrily. You’ve made a fine mess out of things, Bailey Ann Dewitt. At least her physical innocence had been preserved, if not her mental stability.
Covering the marks, she dusted her face with powder, frowning at the shadow still visible beneath the cover. Maybe no one’ll notice. Continuing with the rest, she was soon presentable. Putting on her second shirt, she realized she would either have to wash the one every night or ask for a replacement.
Holding up the remains of the garment, she frowned at the memory of having it forcibly removed the night before, while she formulated an excuse. I spilled bleach on it. That should convince Mark to give me another one.
Heaving a deep sigh, she dropped the remnant in the kitchen trash, then stared at it, realizing she would have to carry it out so that her uncle didn’t see it. Her face flushed at the thought of him knowing what she had done. Based on their last conversation, she suspected he already knew.
Tying up the bag, she unbolted the door and made her way to the dumpsters on the back side of the property. Her eyes roaming, she kept a lookout for Ked, or anyone else, and wished she knew which apartment belonged to him so that she could avoid the area.
A few minutes later, she locked her door, safely back inside. Preparing a meal for herself, her thoughts continued to churn until she finally forced them away. Enough wallowing. What’s done is done, and we can only move on from here.
Washing her dishes after she ate, Bailey couldn’t stand being in the apartment alone any longer. Throwing her purse over her shoulder, her mind flashed to her rescuer, recalling his advice about getting a smaller one, and she grinned at the thought of him. Lucky for me he was on his way home and saw the commotion.
Making her way down the stairs, she clutched the bag anxiously and followed the path to the front of the complex. With the street to her right, she refused to look over her shoulder at the small glass structure where the couple waited for the bus each day and instead remained focused on the streetlight ahead of her.
Crossing at the intersection, she entered the store and exhaled loudly in relief, instantly aware that she had been holding her breath the entire journey. Spying her knight in shining armor, she shifted her weight while trying to decide her next move. He had obviously not noticed her arrival and still stared at the book and pages before him.
Making her choice, Bailey moved slowly towards his table, stopping next to him. Timidly reaching over, she tapped the laminate coating, and he looked up at her, a startled expression on his features before he broke into a small smile.
“Why, hello,” he breathed airily, mentally noting the dark smudges around her pretty mouth. “Glad t’ see you made it in t’ work today.”
“Yes, I made it. I’m early in fact.” Her lips curled slightly in return. “Would you mind if I sat down?” She indicated the leather-covered bench across from him.
“Not at all.” He shoved the papers into the book and closed it. “I’m Caleb by the way. Caleb Cross.”
“Bailey,” she replied shyly, offering him her hand as she sank down into the seat. “Bailey Dewitt.”
“Bailey,” he repeated. “I like that name. So, are you a student? Or are you here with your family?” He smiled warmly, inviting her to open up, but he could see her reluctance. “It’s ok if you don’ wanna talk. After last night, I get it if you don’t.”
“No, I’m fine.” She avoided looking at him by staring at the material he had been studying. “I’m just in a hard place right now in my life. What I could really use…” She drew a deep breath, pausing for a long moment. “What I could really use right now is a friend. A real one.”
Caleb nodded, looking out the glass to his right. “Ok, then I guess we’re off to a good start.” Shifting his gaze to meet hers, he teased her with a half-smile. “I’m Caleb, and I’m here because of work.”
He indicated the outside with an open palm. “This area’s boomin’, an’ I came here for th’ money. I also thought it would be a great idea t’ take some college classes online in my spare time.” He leaned back in his seat, running the hand through his short blond hair, exhaling through tightly drawn lips.
“You’re not enjoying it?” she asked, intrigued by his obvious frustration.
“Well, not really. Anyone who tells you that takin’ a class online is easy is lyin’ t’ you. They take twice the work an’ ten times the dedication.”
“I noticed.” She grinned with a small nod. “I mean, you’re here every night, working on that book.” She indicated his nemesis with a flick of her hand.
“Yeah, it’s kicking my ass, too.” He showed her his full set of perfect white teeth. “I go t’ work every day for ten or twelve hours, then I come in here t’ stu
dy for a few more before I head home, get some sleep, an’ do it all over again.”
Bailey could feel an odd tingle in her palms, her face growing tense at some dark realization in the back of her mind. “Why don’t you study at home?” She unconsciously darted her eyes towards the stop light, thinking about the apartment he surely held in her complex.
Caleb inhaled sharply, following her thoughts haphazardly. “Home isn’t very comfortable.” Twisting his tongue, he confessed, “I don’t live in those apartments.” He could see the shock on her face and knew he was on dangerous ground, so he opened his palms towards the ceiling as if to surrender to her. “I was only there last night…because I followed you.”
Bailey’s face scrunched in angry disbelief. “What the hell do you mean, you followed me?”
“I didn’t like the looks o’ that guy,” he replied, staring at her calmly. “The two o’ you had words, remember? And I couldn’ let it go. So I went out after him, an’ I waited.” He finally broke his eye contact, shifting back to the scenery outside with a shrug. “I figured I would follow an’ make sure you made it home ok.”
The silence between them grew thick, each of them mentally retracing the events that followed his choice. On the one hand, the girl was glad that he had been there, but on the other, the circumstances of it brought panic to her raw and wounded existence. “I have to clock in,” she said, standing.
“I’m sorry,” he muttered as she made it to her feet. “I didn’ mean to upset you. I’d rather not lie to you, though.” He looked at her again, her green eyes sharp, piercing him with their distrust. “Have a good night, Bailey.”
“Yes, you have one as well.” She remembered her manners, throwing her bag over her shoulder and making her way to the back. Moving in a dazed state, she paused in the office long enough to adjust her clothing and check her makeup and hair. Girl, you need to stay the hell away from guys, she admonished her reflection in the mirror, ’cause you definitely have a way of attracting the weirdoes.
Rendered (Irrevocable Series Book 1) Page 6