Owned

by Holly Grace

  And she will be mine.

  Soon.

  Chapter 19 Kat

  Mom texted me that Jane woke up today.

  So far that has been the best news that I received, I saw Sin saunter towards me and I wonder if he would be willing to take me to the hospital again. Somehow I knew that I need not ask anything from him. There was a certainty that he would do whatever I want without being asked.

  I find it both exhilarating and frightening.

  I did never understand why anyone would stake their happiness in one person. What if that person would not give in return the feelings that you have expected from them? On that thought alone, what if I won’t feel the same? Will Sin hate me?

  “P.E. sucks huh? So, where to now?” my contemplation stopped when he asked as he came near.

  “I have to go to the hospital, mom just texted that Jane woke up.”

  “Alright, let’s go?”

  “Good thing I’m wearing jeans huh? That way, you wouldn’t have to drive awkwardly.” I teased.

  “I don’t care what you wear, I want to take you in every which way, just get on the back of my bike.” Sensing that his retort could be misinterpreted if someone should hear, he discreetly steer me towards where he parked his motorcycle.

  And that’s why his level of intensity scares me.

  We’ve reached the hospital in record time. No scenic routes taken and no delaying tactics, I specifically told him that. I want to see Jane, to gauge if she really was on the mend.

  The minutes waiting for the elevator to arrive and walk through the corridors seemed like hours, I couldn’t get to her room fast enough. With Sin on my heels, he tolerantly dodged busy orderlies, harried visitors of in patients’ and occasional misplaced hospital wheelchairs and gurneys.

  It was a beautiful sight that greeted me when I got to Jane’s room, she was sitting, dressed in normal clothes, sallow complexion gone and traces of being nearly on deaths’ door disappeared.

  I smilingly went in to greet her. Her reaction was not what I had expected though.

  “GET OUT!” getting the ceramic vase nearest to her and throwing it in my direction.

  I would’ve been directly hit on my head if not for Sin blocking it. He took the brunt of the projectile unleashed by Jane. I never knew she could throw an object that strong.

  She is now spitting and snarling, with occasional threats, her mom looked apologetically on us which I understood. She had to be restrained by three orderlies so we decided to leave so as not to agitate her more.

  We hurriedly left the hospital, with me being shaken to the core as Sin drove us home.

  I was still in disbelief when we arrived at my house; I took a glance at an uncommunicative but clearly seething Sin. When I noticed a trickle of rich red blood on his jaw line, I knew I had to act fast, seeing him getting hurt because of me is distressing. Even though we’ve only known each other just yesterday I had an insight that he is like a rock; strong and determined but now I also saw a humanizing vulnerability. He bleeds. Just for me.

  “You are never going back there or even try to see her again. She’s violent Kat, maybe even worse than Veronica. No, I won’t allow her to hurt you, alright?” his eyes intensely boring on mine, hands clutching my shoulders, wanting me to swear to everything that he wants to protect me from, at my nod he visibly relaxed.

  “Sin, you’re bleeding. Come inside let’s take a look at that.” I distracted.

  I ushered him towards the kitchen where a ready stock of first-aid paraphernalia’s are available, especially for when mom decides to cook and took out some gauze, cotton and antiseptic to clean out his wound.

  Sin did not even squirm or fidget when I applied the stinging ointment; he just stared at me intensely. I could not deny he has beautiful eyes, with the color of cinnamon blanketed by thick ebony lashes any girl would envy. Any girl who would capture his heart would be really lucky; the way he defended me and shielded me against Jane’s attack was a very noble act. I don’t care that every girl in school says they want their bad boys, for me a gentle good guy is way better.

  “You are good, never even flinched, I tended bigger men than you with the simplest cuts and they bawl like babies when I apply Iodine on their-“

  I haven’t got time to finish my statement when his lips descended upon mine. It was a gentle sweet kiss, not overpowering and neither nauseating, a kiss any girl would be fortunate to have as their first. Although I don’t have anything to compare it with, it was the best first kiss a girl could be given.

  I gently push him away to end the kiss, hoping he did not get offended. I shyly looked down on my feet when I saw how keen his gaze was. I have to remedy this awkward situation so…

  “Didn’t,”

  “That was..”

  “You first.”

  “What?”

  We said at the same time, which in turn made me burst out in giggles.

  He just smiled and shook his head enigmatically. I asked him if he was alright, if his wound hurt.

  “The cut was tolerable; it’s nothing I can’t handle. Besides if me getting hurt prevent you from getting an injury it was all worth it. There’s practically nothing I would not do for you Kat. I’ve already fallen for you. You are my reason.”

  I do not know how to respond to that. Being someone’s reason for everything is very overwhelming. I was moved speechless by his declaration; I never put much thought of what developing feelings he was showing towards me, for we only knew each other so short a time. No sane boy would fling himself in harm’s way just for a girl he just met.

  Maybe love at first sight is real.

  I am now starting to believe.

  With me silenced in the corner I felt him come nearer towards me.

  He put an arm around my waist and pulled me close, raised my chin to make me look up to him. I saw how earnest and sincere his expression was. I couldn’t deny that my inner resolve about not having a relationship with someone while in high school was crumbling. He looked so smolderingly attractive right then that when he decided to kiss me I would not resist.

  “Sin…” I whispered his name like a prayer.

  “I know you said “only friends” but Princess just tell me if I have a tiny bit of a chance. I would never stop pursuing you, you will be mine as I am assuredly yours.”

  “Sin, I don’t want to make you wait for me forever. What if your feelings would change? No, hear me out.” I interrupted when he started to heatedly contradict me. “You’ve heard that we’ve just met excuse, if you’re not willing to believe that, look at it this way, we’re still too young and feelings always don’t stay the same. I don’t want you to feel too obligated just because we’ve been together for so long; being friends at this time is the safest way for us not to get hurt later on.”

  He looked offended and made a move to put a distance between us but changed his mind midwalk and clasped me more securely to him. I can feel all the hardness of his body melding in with the soft curves of mine. His grip was like an iron vice that I could never let myself free on my own volition.

  “The problem with you Kat is that you won’t take a chance on me. What more could you want as proof? I took a fucking vase to the head for you! I would do everything and anything you ask of me. Don’t push me away Kat. I swear I am the only for you.”

  He pulled me to him again, a second was all it took and his lips were on mine again. He was more forceful this time, alternately sucking and nipping my lips. It would have been amazing if he kissed me gently again, had I not felt his wandering hands on my body. I was shocked when he touched my breasts, feeling it through the dainty lace. His other hand was slowly moving from my nape to my lower back and under my shirt.

  I moaned, protesting that I am not yet ready for these things. These feelings that he incites upon me were so perplexing. I liked it when he was being gentle, the kiss was amazing but when he got too intense it made me cringe. He must have noticed that I was objecting to his affections, I
was being alarmed by how forceful he was, seeing my distress he relaxed his hold on me a bit but never let me go, he finally stopped nibbling my lips but kept his eyes trained on me.

  We were still locked in embrace as I heard my parents walked in. Sin finally released me albeit he was still near me; his heat warmed my back and was an intimidating presence that won’t leave me alone.

  Mom and Dad saw me on the kitchen counter with our first aid strewn all over, the used cotton swabs red with blood and sticky band-aid wraps scattered on the usually spotless nook.

  “What happened? Whose hurt Katherine?” asked my mom.

  “Mom, Dad, this is Sin, a friend.” I turned to Sin, uh-oh it’s not a good thing when mom whips out my full name. I think I’m in trouble; she always panics and worries a lot. Typical mom, seeing this dad went for my rescue; he was always the one to calm her first.

  “Dear I might know the answer to that question. Remember Jane, Katherine’s friend who was admitted in the hospital? We’ll after she woke up from her coma, Kat here visited her but she went on a rampage, throwing things and screaming the building down. Apparently the young man here saved our daughter when he shielded her from the flying projectile that our daughter’s friend threw and he is now being treated by the capable hands of our daughter.” Dad told mom jovially, stressing the word daughter made me cringe, it was as if he was reminding my mother how dire the situation I was involved in.

  “Oh my God! Are you hurt son? Is he hurt dear?” mom turned to me, I observed mom slightly losing her intelligence for a little while, and she’ll recover in three, two and one. “What was I thinking of course he’s hurt, he’s bleeding? Have you given him any medicine for pain relief, anti-biotic or an ointment for his wound?” I shook my head at the first and second and nodded at the third. My mom who was a such worrywart when she sees anybody get sick or bleeding no matter if it was just a mild case of flu or a tiny little gash it will be blown out of proportion, it must be the healer in her.

  “Okay, now that’s done and everything will descend to an uncomfortable silence let’s get it out of the way so we’ll be able to skip that and go straight on to dinner, I’m starving.” Quipped my dad, the intrepid icebreaker, he then proceeded to motion a handshake to Sin. “Well, thank you young man for saving our daughter and if you experience any aches and pains just go quickly to the hospital alright? Look for Drs. Johnson, I and my lovely wife here will sort you out properly, Okay?” motioning for mom, who was in awe of Sin.

  “Now dear, you have to stay for dinner alright? I know we are not the best of cooks but we can order pizza, don’t you young ones like pizza?” Sin shook his head no as my five-foot tall mother craned her neck enthusiastically.

  “Mom, Sin doesn’t eat junk.”

  “Hey, you remembered!” Sin excitedly retorted.

  “Of course it was in between the speech for, you loving pets and blackmailing me to go out with you.” Oh crap, I shouldn’t have said that! Here we go in three, two one…

  “He asked you out on a date Sweetie?” My mom, ever the romantic matchmaker who wanted her daughter to have a social life – newsflash mom! I already have one! And dad just stood there, seemingly comfortable and endorsing mom’s craziness. “Oh Sweetie, I approve! Of course she’ll go out with you Sin, especially when you saved our daughter, when will you be going out dear?” Mom asked giddily. I would have contradicted it if Sin did not beat me to the punch.

  “Well that’s the problem ma’am, she had not even said yes.” Sin said on a pout, I would have razzed him if he looked ridiculous but it was not to be, he only looked more attractive, coupled with those puppy dog begging brown eyes. My mom was sunk!

  I narrowed my eyes at him, silently threatening him to not go too far unless he wants to still be standing on his two boot-shod big feet. I may be small but I can pack a good wallop.

  “When will this “date” be dear?” My mom asked Sin, I turned my glare to her, never even consulting me.

  “This Friday ma’am, after school. If she’s still willing to go out with me.”

  “Oh, I’ll make sure she does.” assured my mom.

  Sin turned to me slyly as if to say “Hear that, we’re on!”

  Suddenly mom and dad’s beeper went on, signaling an emergency in the hospital. Since they’re the resident Neurosurgeon and Trauma Doctor and the one living closest to the hospital; both are always on call, thriving on the adrenalin of fixing someone near death.

  They had me when they were both already established in their career paths and both well into their Forties, they were not truly indifferent with me but both were a little carefree when it comes to handling a teenage daughter, sometimes I like that they let me make my own way through life but at times like these, when I need their advice on boys, especially mom’s they were always busy at work. I know mom would love it if I do get out more and not with just my girlfriends but go on dates with boys too. She felt that I may be restricting myself with being too close to my four girlfriends.

  My mom and dad apologetically glanced at me. Oh what’s new? Another family dinner for three and attended by one, ruined; they offered their excuses to Sin too saying that he should join us another time, to which he just gave an affirmation to. I heard their Lincoln drive away knowing that whoever needed my parents expertise would be so lucky. They can coax death to withdraw his scythe.

  “So we’re alone huh? How about I take you to dinner? It’s still too early.”

  “Aren’t we going out tomorrow? You might be sick of me then, on the other hand, yes let’s go, so I can point girls out who will be worth more of your time.” I said sarcastically.

  “Well I don’t like that at all, besides I’m looking at the only girl I’ll ever want.” Looking pointedly at me. “So eating out is not an option how about I cook something for you?”

  “You can cook?” I asked, amazed.

  “Yeah. I can also do the laundry, walk the dog, take you anywhere and I can sing you a lullaby. Am I a jack of all trades or what? What more could you ask for in a boyfriend?” he teased.

  “Let’s see your cooking skills then, if you pass then I might reconsider.” The black mood was blown away by his light ribbing.

  “Okay, what do you have here?” going through our pantry and opening the fridge. He took an inventory of our available stock all the while muttering incoherently of recipes and combination to what goes well with chicken or beef.

  He decided on a light Baked Coconut Chicken Fingers with Fresh Pesto Linguini and a quick Mixed Berry and Vanilla Ice Cream Parfait. Working deftly on the ingredients, chopping, stirring and working on various kitchen appliances; I was astonished that he could make cooking look like an intricate choreographed dance, never missing a beat even when he was telling some funny anecdote about his family. I was nonetheless intrigued to hear that his parents were never devoted to each other, his dad always had girls on the side and his mom could seduce the most faithful of men; but they remain friends and more oftentimes get back with each other. Both had offspring from other relationship but accept them as their own. Sin was their only child together.

  Nevertheless, it never scarred him, Sin said. It only strengthened his resolve to have only one girl to love and cherish for his entire life, because he saw what it did to his siblings who always fight for his parent’s attention. He never said it though but it was implied that he was the favourite of both his mom and dad.

  He finished cooking and the smells from the kitchen were heavenly, he served the food only to me without getting some for himself.

  “Why didn’t you get a plate for yourself?” I asked.

  “It’s okay; I was already full from the smells and from tasting the food, which usually happens when I cook. Now eat before you pass out, it was Eight hours since you’ve last fed.” He insisted while he started to clean and put everything into order.

  “Okay. Wow these are good!” I said after I took a bite of the tender chicken. “Where did you learn to cook like this?”


  “Mom and Dad were always away at work like yours, at first my siblings and I were always eating takeouts but we got tired of that so I had to learn how to be skilled with food.”

  “And that’s why don’t eat junk huh?” I asked between bites.

  “You can say that.” He smilingly agreed.

  Dinner was over and Sin said his goodbyes gentlemanly kissing my forehead as I went with him out the front porch.

  “Tonight was marvelous Princess, I hope I could get to take care of you and cook for you more often. Well, tomorrow I’ll be, and I can take you home.”

  “Thank you for saving me back at the hospital Sin, if not for you…”

  “Shush, Princess. It was an honor being able to defend you; I’ll always choose to be hurt instead of you. Remember, I will always, always be there. You can never be rid of me.”

  As I see him ride away, I can’t help to feel that his ominous promise held a hidden caution not to take whatever he said lightly.

  Chapter 20 Kat

  I was awoken by the insistent ringing of my phone, when I looked at my alarm clock it was barely four in the morning. Who in their right mind would call so early? Darn! Just as I was in deep sleep too, I was unable to rest because of the ominous incident with Jane and Sin’s persistence.

  I checked the number and it was my mom’s, a brief sense of foreboding entered my mind. I know there must be a reason for her to call on this ungodly hour.

  “Mom? Why are you calling so early?” I groaned on the phone while settling into a more comfortable position since my muscles were so tight from being in one position for hours.

  “Darling, I will get straight to the point okay? I hope you won’t be shocked and don’t breakdown, make yourself calm.” My mother’s seriously reassuring voice failed to comfort me, I know something frightening happened, statements like ‘be calm’ made me more panicked. “Remember the emergency call we’ve received last night? Your father and I were called to heal someone who had been brutally beaten and raped. It was touch and go for a while, the rapists never intended for her to live but due to her resilience and strength, she pulled through. Good news is, that three of the four suspects were apprehended, one OD’d, all were apparently high on drugs when they committed the crime”