by Melissa Jane
“Hector wasn’t going to stop searching for Ethan–”
“Stop!” she spat. Tears glistened in the candlelight. I could see the hurt in her eyes and I could do nothing to stop it, not yet anyway. “Don’t even mention his name. You don’t have that right.”
With a huff, she pushed me, two tiny hands shoving at my chest.
“I don’t want your explanations or your guilt. You had a choice, Aiden! Or should I still call you Master?” Her tone dripped with scathing sarcasm. Doing my best to be unaffected by her hostility, the guilt came knocking. “Don’t pretend you didn’t have the choice because it only twists the knife more!” she cried.
“Remember what I told you? That night we were together?” I tried to steer her in the right direction. I had told her to trust me. Two words! That was all she had to remember. Her refusal to acknowledge this was fucking infuriating. I knew I had to tell her everything that went down over the last few days, but I simply did not trust her enough to handle the information without getting us all killed.
“I, for one, do not want to remember that night,” Laila said in a small voice.
She was lying; I could see the flashbacks playing in her eyes. “I want to go home and forget everything about Hector, Juan and…” – she gestured around wildly – “and, fucking Mexico if that’s even where I am now. And most of all I want to forget about you and all that you have done to me and my family.”
I wanted to take her in my arms and let her cry for all the damage that had been done to her. She deserved to be given the chance to cry, and I wanted to be the one to comfort her, to hold her.
With an audible sigh, Laila attempted to pass me. Not yet done with the conversation, I hooked my arm round her waist and pulled her around until she was standing in front of me again. She flinched away from me, her arms wrapping protectively around her body as she winced in pain.
I know I had been a bit rough but had I actually hurt her?
“What’s wrong?” I asked gently, indicating to where she was holding.
“Nothing.”
“Are you hurt?”
She recoiled when I reached toward her protective arm.
“Don’t touch me, please,” she was trying hard not cry and I noted that her breaths were short and shallow.
“Take it off,” I said gesturing to the negligee.
She looked at me as if I had gone mad.
“Now, Laila.”
Squaring her shoulders, her jaw set firm, she seemed resigned to her fate. Grabbing the hem of the negligee she awkwardly pulled it all the way off until she stood naked in front of me.
“What the fuck?” The words were barely audible as shock set in. Did I do this to her? Could it have been when I tackled her to the ground in the desert?
Laila’s ribs and right breast were covered in sickening blackish blue bruises. It looked as if an artist had painted a raging storm over her pale body.
“Did I do this to you?”
To my surprise, she shook her head ever so slightly.
Without thinking I stepped closer, my hands gently touching the markings that covered her pale skin. I looked to her face to see her eyes closed, a single tear gliding down her cheek.
I cupped her chin and pulled her toward me.
“Look at me.” I waited until her eyes opened. “Who did this?”
“Carlos!”
“When?”
“The other night. You didn’t help me.”
“Help you? I… fuck! I didn’t even know…” I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. Why the fuck hadn’t I known? What could I have been doing that was so important?
“Carlos attacked me on the stairs after your father told me about Ethan.” Her tone was accusatory. “Juan saved me from them.”
Then it dawned on me. Like a fucking bulldozer it smacked me right in the face. On the road, Laila had seemed so eager to go back to Juan. Despite all that he had done to her, he had also been her rescuer at the same time I was the enemy.
“I’m sorry, muñequita,” I said. When she didn’t respond I continued. “I am sorry this happened to you. I am sorry for everything. Perhaps one day when you understand my reasons as to why, you will find it in your heart to forgive me.”
She gently shook her head out of hand.
“If you don’t mind, I need to shower.” She dismissed me as her gaze dropped to the floor.
“Okay.” I remained rooted to the spot.
“On my own,” she insisted gruffly.
The door slammed closed and, once I heard the shower turn on, I headed back down the stairs to find Danny waiting with the paperwork at the dinner table.
“Sounds like you fucked up, bro.” Danny mocked.
“I have. She’s angry and badly hurt,” I replied, still pissed off that I had once again let her down.
“Don’t beat yourself up. You had no choice but to sort Ethan out. That being said, you could have handled the whole thing better.”
“Doesn’t change things.”
“Give her time. I am sure she will come round soon enough.”
“I’m not holding my breath.” I walked to the fridge and cracked open a Corona, knowing full well Laila was nothing like any other woman. “Got some lime?” I asked, searching the shelves.
“Lime is for pussies. Where did you learn that filthy habit?” Danny asked, taking long swigs of his own beer.
“From you, across the border if I remember correctly. Apparently you’re a man of split personality when it comes to his booze.” Closing the fridge door sans the lime, I spied the yellow envelope on the dining table. “You got all we need?”
“Passports, new IDs, contact names and numbers, all here,” pinching the corner of the envelope Danny tipped the contents out, then reached into his back pocket and threw me a wad of cash. “Two K, don’t spend it all at once. You should be able to access the bank accounts soon, once everything is cleared.”
“Thanks. Did anyone ask any questions?” I couldn’t help it; I had to double check every move. It was important.
“Not a peep,” he reassured me.
“Speaking of peeping,” I eyed him as if I saw right through his motives. “Keep your eyes to yourself. She’s had enough assholes in her life over the last month, she doesn’t need another one.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Laila
Sinking down to the blue tiled floor in the shower, I allowed the steady flow of water to mix in with my tears. The warmth felt sensational as it soothed my beaten body and allowed my mind to work through the mess of thoughts ravaging my sanity. Aiden had tried to reconcile with me, attempting to make amends for all he had done. I couldn’t help but find it insulting that, through this last month, he would think a simple explanation for his actions would be sufficient for me to even consider not just giving him understanding but also forgiveness.
It was better this way. To remain indifferent to him. He would only continue to bring me a world of hurt.
When the water began to run cold, I stood, steadying my weak body against the wall and scrubbed until my skin felt raw.
In front of the mirror, I studied myself in the reflection that looked pitifully back at me. I had lost a lot of weight, at least eleven pounds. My face looked gaunt and my shoulders bonier than I remembered. I wrapped the towel around my body and opened the door just a crack to peer out. Once I assessed the coast was clear, I headed to the second door on the left.
Searching through the drawers, I grew excited at the possibility of wearing proper clothes. I chose a sundress as that seemed to be my only choice. The weather here was too warm and dry for hoodies and sweatpants. Normally I would blatantly refuse to wear another person’s underwear, however, given the situation and still not feeling safe in my surroundings, I decided it was a necessity.
My stomach growled, hungry for something… anything. I couldn’t even remember when my last meal had been. Heading back down the stairs, I spotted Aiden and Danny rifling through some paperwork on the
dining table, exchanging friendly banter. Danny was the first to see me since he sat facing into the lounge. Aiden followed Danny’s gaze, turning to me, his face softening. Damn him!
“You must be hungry,” Danny said. “By the looks of you, Aiden hasn’t been showing off the outstanding cooking skills he supposedly has. Don’t worry, I’m yet to see them myself.”
Aiden shook his head slowly at his friend's joke.
Remaining silent, I wrapped my arms around my body. I wasn’t sure whether Danny talking was just to continue his friendly ribbing with Aiden or whether he really wanted to know if I was hungry.
He walked over to the fridge and pulled out a pizza box.
“I’ve got some slices left over if you want,” he offered, holding it out to me.
The thought of it made me weak at the knees and my stomach threatened if I didn’t accept the food it would never forgive me. I nodded at the suggestion and watched Danny smile. He seemed to study me as if I was a strange little zoo animal he found interesting, but I didn’t mind.
He pointed behind me to the sofa. “Take a seat, I'll bring it to you.” I did as I was told and sat down, the cushions engulfing me as he placed a plateful of delicious looking pizza in front of me along with a Corona.
“Sorry, no lime,” he said, indicating the beer.
“I’ve never tried it with lime,” I replied, confused by all the niceties.
“Hey Aiden, did you hear that? She drinks it straight,” Danny said teasingly. I didn't understand. Perhaps it was a private joke.
“Ha ha, very fucking funny,” a clearly unimpressed Aiden called from the kitchen.
Danny winked at me, pleased he'd got the reaction he wanted.
“Thank you,” I said, my voice small but full of gratitude, “for the food and the clothes.”
I liked Danny; he was non-threatening and seemed genuine.
“Not a problem," he smiled warmly. “Anyway, eat up.” He returned to the kitchen, leaving me to eat.
The pizza might have looked like cardboard but it tasted divine and I shamelessly wolfed down more than what I would normally consider lady-like, but at this stage I couldn’t care less. My stomach no longer growled, instead I felt satisfied and a little drowsy, probably from the beer. Aiden and Danny were chatting quietly at the table when I felt my eyelids begin to droop. I gave in to the sensations and stretched out on the sofa using the silk cushion as my pillow. I believe I fell asleep before my eyes even closed.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Aiden
In a matter of hours we would be back on the road but at that moment all I cared about was the sight in front of me. Laila looked so beautiful curled up on the couch. She was sound asleep, her chest rising and falling gently with each breath. Asleep, she looked innocent, naïve – like the world had not yet tarnished her. No doubt her dreams probably told another story. Dread filled me as I thought of the nightmares she had most likely experienced since this ordeal began for her.
The sun was about to rise and I could feel myself relaxing knowing we were safer during the day. Being able to see our surroundings miles in each direction eased the anxiety that had been building since we left the mansion.
Danny had gathered all we required for a safe transition and now we awaited nightfall before once again making our move. I needed sleep, desperately. Fatigue had struck me hours ago, but I had to discuss the finer details with Danny to ensure no mistakes were made. Jorge played sentry while I got some rest.
Reluctant to leave Laila alone, I lifted her off the couch. She groaned a little at the movement, but her eyes stayed closed and her breathing remained steady. Her head lolled against my shoulder and I couldn’t help but smile. If she could only see herself now, she would go berserk.
I took her to the spare room upstairs and lay her down on the bed. Her arm immediately hooked around a pillow, pulling it closer, her face nuzzling into the softness. I crawled gently onto the mattress behind her and resisted the urge to spoon, instead deciding on a somewhat safer distance. Knowing Laila was close to me was refuge enough.
Wrestling with my thoughts kept me awake longer than desired. What would I do if my plan failed? I needed a backup. But more urgently, how could I ever get this woman to forgive me?
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Laila
The brilliant sun shone through the curtains illuminating the room.
I had no idea what time it was but the sun sat high in the sky, which meant it had been some hours at least since I fell asleep. Light snoring and warm breath on my back brought me crashing back to the present. My body immediately tensed at the sound, my eyes widening in horror. How could I have allowed myself to be so vulnerable? For the last month I had learned to sleep with one eye open, always maintaining my own security as best I could. The last forty-eight hours had been quite taxing on me mentally and physically and I was evidently letting my guard down.
Slowly turning onto my back, ignoring the dull ache in my body, I saw Aiden on his side facing me. He looked so much at peace with both of his hands tucked under his cheek. In a strange way, he lying next me actually felt normal. What we shared had only been fleeting, but incredibly passionate. Since then, however, things had changed, and what we once shared had become nothing more than a lie, a deceitful, cunning lie where there had been a winner and a loser.
I refused to be the loser in this equation. I had been lying here feeling nothing but sorry for myself that I was allowing time to take away the opportunity staring me in the face. The thought struck me so fiercely I forced my body not to react with obvious joy. Slowly and surely, I made my way to the edge of the bed, being careful not to rock or dip the mattress. Aiden didn’t stir at my movement and my confidence only continued to mount as I walked past the bed and through the door. Although the floor was tiled and wouldn’t creak under my weight I still found myself tiptoeing in an attempt to quiet my movements. Descending the stairs, I saw my target in sight.
The door would soon be within my reach and beyond that my freedom awaited. I’d be damned if I allowed Aiden to simply palm me off to the next pervert in line. My hand reached the doorknob, my heart pounding with anticipation and sheer excitement at what lay beyond.
“Leaving without saying goodbye?”
Shit... seriously?
I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. My hand fell from the knob, shoulders slumping, my forehead resting against the wooden door. God truly did hate me. Why he didn’t just strike me down with lightning was beyond me!
“I know at least one other person would be upset without a farewell,” Danny said.
“Shh,” I hissed and turned urgently to quiet him. My eyes flicked to the landing up the stairs. I didn’t want Aiden to stir. “Don’t talk so loud,” I pleaded. Then I noticed Danny was stripped to the waist, his ripped muscles on full display.
Jesus Christ, he was well put together! A blush colored my cheeks, but I held his gaze, albeit a little shakily.
He eyed me suspiciously, ignoring my embarrassed reaction to his semi-nakedness. “Why are you trying to sneak out without Aiden knowing?”
“Why do you think?”
I thought it was obvious, yet he looked surprised by my question.
“It’s not totally fair on him.”
“I don’t owe him anything!” I replied bitterly.
“Oh, I think you do.”
“What would you know?”
“Enough,” he said matter-of-factly crossing his arms, causing his biceps to bulge.
I remained silent knowing it was expected Danny would have Aiden’s back so there was no point in arguing.
“It’s not for me to say–”
“Then don’t,” I interrupted.
He ignored me. “He's done things the way he has to make things better for you.”
I scoffed. “How so?”
“You've come this far with him; he should be the one to tell you. Besides, you are not quite out of Hector’s reach yet. You're very tru
sting, Laila, but of the wrong people.”
I didn’t know what to say to that so I said nothing.
“I can see what this has done to him," Danny continued. "He isn’t the same man. Whether that’s guilt, remorse, love, I don’t know, but he isn’t the same.”
“Love?”
“Even Aiden has a heart.”
“Monsters don’t have hearts.”
He considered me for a moment before continuing. “Look, all I can tell you is soon he will be in a position to explain everything. Right now though, his brother and father have put a bounty on Aiden's head and all because of you, so come into the kitchen where I've been slaving away all morning making breakfast and cut the man some slack, would you?”
I did as I was told, resigned to the fact my escape plan had been thwarted. Danny’s talk of Aiden and ‘love’ only incited more rage deep within. I couldn’t afford to get swept up with emotions like that.
Danny placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and led me in the direction of the delicious aromas.
“You will soon realize, Laila, that while Aiden is fighting your demons, he is also fighting his own.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Aiden
Night had fallen and we were back in the car travelling to our next destination. Before we left, Danny had packed me a few items of his sister's and hooked his arm around my neck in an endearing manly hug goodbye.
Aiden had left me alone for most of the day. I didn’t dare broach the topic of him sleeping next to me in the same bed and Danny kept quiet about my attempted escape. Everyone appeared to be more or less focused on the task and I kept my distance. I absently watched the three men spend a considerable amount of time cleaning their various handguns and knives. I didn’t know what they were expecting once we left the house, but it set my nerves on edge.
I hadn’t been privy to the information about the night’s operations and, in a way, I no longer cared.