I check my watch 3.14am, shit I have a early morning meeting but I can't leave her there. God only knows whats happening to her, my stomach churns at the thought and my minds made up.
'Dem take me there as fast as you can.' I order rushing to the Bentley.
'Sir.' He responds looking confused but doesn't comment.
We have been driving for what feels like hours but in actual fact its been about 20 minutes and I am a mess by the time we stop. I can barely hold it together as I take in the house before me.
I am standing in front of a run down house with discoloured newspapers on the window and an overgrown garden with rubbish littered everywhere. She live here in this shit hole, I look at Dem who just grimaces thinking the same as me, no doubt.
I dart up the path, bang on the front door and notice Dem is stood behind me. I give him a grateful smile although the way I am feeling I won't need back up. I open my mouth to speak to him when the front door swings open and that prick stands before me. His eyes widen in shock when he sees me but he quickly recovers smirking and leaning against the doorframe for support, he is wasted. Its good to see he spent my money on important things.
'Where is she?' I say through gritted teeth, it's taking all my self control not to just kill him with my bare hands.
'She's busy right now, the gentleman from before needs his turn too, ya know.' He slurs looking pleased with himself.
Is he shitting me! I see red and smash my fist to his nose feeling satisfied, if only a little when it crunches under my fist. He stumbles backwards and falls on his arse.
'Keep your eye on him.' I say to Dem as I take off up the uncarpeted stairs.
I hear soft crying and kick the door open to find my sweet little Lexi crying, huddled in the corner of a dingy, disgusting room with that arsehole stood over her. When I notice the handcuffs in his hand, I can't hold myself back from launching myself at him knocking us both to the ground with me on top of him. I hit him in the face over and over again, there is blood all over his face and he is no longer struggling against me but I can't stop. I want to kill him.
Soft cries distract me from my blood lust and I stop, cuffing him to the bed and leaving him there. See how he fucking likes it. He is lucky Lexi needs me or else I wouldn't have stopped. I look at Lexi and bile rises in my throat at her shaking form, her dress all ripped and her body forming new bruises already. God if I was five minutes later....
'Lexi baby are you okay?'
'Lexi it's me, Liam I am going to get you out of here. I am going to take you away baby.'
She doesn't answer so I wrap her in the dirty bed sheet and carry her close to my chest down the stairs as she shakes uncontrollably. I whisper calming words into her ears as sobs rack her tiny body. My heart is breaking to see her this, this broken.
Her Step-Father looks worse now than when I left him, he's out for the count and Dem just shrugs unapologetically as I raise my eyebrow. He closes the door behind us following me down the path, glancing at the broken girl in my arms his face blank, as usual.
In the car I still don't put her down, I can't my arms don't want to let her go yet. Man I am in trouble with this girl, I frown internally.
She is in a deep sleep when we arrive back at my house, so I take her to the guest bedroom and place her gently on the bed. I wish more than anything i could put her in my bed with me but somehow after everything it feels wrong. I remove the dirty sheet and look down at her torn dress that covers nothing, not that it did much before. I decide she would be more comfortable in a t shirt so i go and fetch one from my bedroom not wanting her to wake up in that thing and see herself, its hard enough for me. I try not to look as I change her, but hell I am only a man, and at this moment in time I have never been more aware of that fact.
Cold shower for me I think taking one last lingering glance at the beautiful, broken angel sleeping in the bed.
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Chapter Six
Lexi
I am warm and comfy..... My eyes fly open, my bed isn't comfy and it's never warm. Where the hell am I? Last night comes flooding back to me, running from Liam, Creepy Dude dragging me to my room by my hair as Mike laughs, Liam......Oh my god! Liam... Liam came back for me!
I scan the cream and sky blue room in awe. Its the most stunning room I have ever seen. Blue silk curtains cover a floor to ceiling window letting the sun almost dance through them majestically. This bed could sleep five of me, dressed in creams and blues, soft cotton and silk, it's amazing. I sit up and notice I am in a black t shirt that is so big it hangs off one shoulder, it must be Liams...... he changed me? I exhale a big cleansing breath, flopping backwards on top the pillows again and a piece of paper flutters up into the air. Strangely I feel giddy at the thought of a note from Liam.
Lexi,
Good Morning I hope you slept well. I am sorry I couldn't be there when you woke but I have a really important breakfast meeting. Help yourself to a shower. I have left some more clothes for you on the chair in the corner. Please eat, the kitchen is well stocked. I will be back by 1.30 at the latest. Make yourself at home we will talk when I return.
Liam x
I check the time, it's already 11.45 I can't believe I slept so late. I rush to the bathroom my body protesting at my fast movements. The bathroom is just as incredible as the rest of this place. The marble free standing bath with gold claw feet catches my attention, I wonder if they are real gold? I wouldn't doubt it, the shower is behind the most intricate frosted glass enclosure and I press the button on the wall to start up all six jets. WOW!
As I strip off the t shirt and my underwear I take a look at my injuries in the full length mirror that covers one whole wall. My head looks awful, I have a gash about 2cm long with bruising down the left side of my face. My arms are marred with purple and black hand prints and my left elbow is grazed from the pavement the same as my left knee. I look a mess, I can't stand to see myself anymore so I turn away and get in the shower.
After the most amazing shower I feel so much better, I feel clean. I get dressed into the clothes Liam left for me. Liam... Even the thought of him makes me smile. I head into the massive kitchen and make myself a coffee and a piece of toast, I don't each much - if anything at all - so this is plenty.
I hear the door and a smile immediately takes over my face as I bounce into the living room a little nervous but still excited, my smile quickly fades when a tall, slim, stunning blonde in a immaculate light pink suit with matching heels stops in her place by the piano eyeing me with disgust. I soon remember myself and the fact I am stood before the gorgeous woman in clothes that are way too big to be mine, the sweatpants are rolled at both the waist and the ankles. My hair still damp and unbrushed in a messy bun careless dumped on top of my head.
'Who are you?' She snaps at me.
'Erm... I am Lexi and you are?' I stutter nervously, she really doesn't look like she cares for politeness though.
'Why are you here?' She ignores my question and places her hands on her perfectly sized hips.
I want to say I really don't know, but somehow that doesn't sound believable even to me.
'Did you fuck him?' Her crudeness takes me off guard, my jaw hits the floor and my eyes widen. I go to deny it but she speaks before I can string together a coherent sentence.
'Get out of my house, leave now. Preferably in your own clothes but I don't really care.' She sneers and I am too stunned to move, let alone speak. Her house?!
'Do you have any idea who I am?' She is seething from my lack of response to her question but words evade me, I can't get the fact she said 'her house' off my brain. I am pleased with myself that I manage to shake my head as a negative.
'I am Melissa Reddington Heiress to the entire Reddington Estate, but more importantly to you I am Liam Coltans fiancee' she says the last word slowly and clearly to make her point but she needn't have bothered my mind was already free falling faster than i c
ould comprehend. Liam has a fiance, he is engaged to be married, to her.
The sound of her clicking her fingers brings me back to earth with a crash. Wow the man that paid £500 to help me, the man that kissed me like I was the only girl in the world, the man that came after me and saved me from being raped in my own home is the same man that neglected to mention his super model fiancee. My Liam didn't tell me. Oh get a grip he was never your Liam, you barely know him. He's her Liam.
'I should leave......yeah I'm just going to erm yeah...' I mutter trying to collect my thoughts as I walk blindly to the front door, my mind too over loaded to concentrate on the simple task of one foot in front of the other. I can't believe it. How could he? I mean yes, we don't know each other but really should a married man or nearly married at least, be kissing unknown girls, lost in my thoughts I walked into a wall. Funny I don't remember a wall being there, I look up to meet the shining grey eyes of the man that saved me....... the engaged man I remind myself bitterly.
'Going somewhere?' He asks amused. How he has the nerve is beyond me.
'Your fiancee asked me to leave.' I shoot back at him not even caring to be nice, I am hurt. He lied to me and now he has the audacity to look shocked and confused. Probably at being caught out well screw him, he is her problem not mine.
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Chapter Seven
Liam
'Okay, email me the details when it's complete and email a copy to Mr Yumi please Abi.' I instruct my PA as I drive through my black cast iron gates. I feel like a love sick teenager girl, all love struck and mushy over Lexi. I can hardly contain my excitement over seeing her. She looked so cute this morning when I checked on her before I left. God, how I wished I could of crawled in beside her and wrapped her in my arms and shut out the world. Oh Dear God, I'm turning into a chick.
As I walk through the door butterflies - fucking butterflies - erupt in my belly as I take her in, she looks even more beautiful in the sunlight. In my clothes she looks so fragile, so tiny. I am overcome with a strong urge to protect this girl, from the world, from life, hell even from myself. Whoa were did that come from?!
'Going somewhere?' I tease, amused at her shocked face.
'Your Fiancee asked me to leave.' My what? It's my turn to be confused and shocked. I mean, I am pretty sure, scrap that I am positive I would remember proposing to someone.
'What? Who? Excuse me, what did you say?' I can't even string together a sentence.
'Liam honey, your little 'friend' was just leaving...... you and I need to talk, don't you agree?' A squeaky, high pitch voice pierces through the air answering my question. I look at Lexi, my eyes pleading for her to let me explain but she just shakes her head. The hurt in her eyes hits me hard, shit! Please don't let her leave me I offer as a silent prayer.
'Wait here.....Please.' I beg and she looks reluctant but nods. I go in search of my 'Fiancee' it's a good job I don't hit women or this bitch would be top of my list.
'What or should I say how are you here?' I demand, anger laced in my words but she doesn't seem fazed. She sits there on my sofa legs crossed looking very much at home and my mind boggles.
'I came to surprise you but it appears I was the one who got the surprise. Has your little 'friend' gone now? Really Liam I will not tolerate this behaviour when we are married.' The disgust in words mirrors her expression.
'Have you lost your damn mind? When did I ever say I wanted to marry you?' I try to keep calm, honestly I do. 'When I have I ever gave you the impression I wanted you, period?'
'Your Mother and I were talking after we had lunch yesterday and she said it would be any day now.' My fucking Mother, I should of known.
'My Mother also swears she has never had Botox, I mean honestly.' I scoff.
'Rose is an amazing woman, you should be ashamed of yourself talking about your own Mother that way.'
'The woman is all kinds of crazy if she thinks I want to marry you.'
She looks insulted as she stands up and brushes the creases out of her hideous pink suit.
'Be careful Mellissa it seems catching.' I sneer maliciously.
'I am going to leave now and we can discuss this like adults when you have calmed down.' She states calmly 'For heaven's sake Liam get yourself tested, I don't want to catch anything on our wedding night.' I am lost for words as she storms out, I have more chance of catching god only knows what off her and there will never be a wedding night.
I am pacing the room dragging my hands through my hair. My own Mother, how the hell could she? I am 24 years old for crying out loud. I was snapped out of my thoughts and the plotting of my Mother's demise when I notice the presence by the doorway.
'Jesus Lexi, I am so so sorry you had to endure that.'
'So she is not you Fiancee?' she asks timidly and if I am not mistaken hopefully.
'Hell no, she's my Mother's pet..' I laugh. 'I would of told you if I was involved with anybody and I certainly wouldn't of kissed you.'
'I was just coming to say goodbye and thank you for everything you have done, saving me and all that.' She mumbles, eyes staring down at the floor.
'And where the hell are you going to go?' My tone was a lot harsher than I intend but I don't want her to leave me. Thought scares me.
'Look Liam, it seems like you have enough problems to deal with of your own, if you don't mind me saying. I don't want to burden you with all mine as well.' She still won't meet my eyes.
'Is that not my choice?'
'Well....Yes i suppose it is but....'
'No buts... I want you to stay here. You have no where to go and I enjoy the company, problem solved. Have you eaten?' I ask trying to change the topic, her leaving me isn't an option so why drag it out.
'I had a piece of toast earlier.' She answers, a smile on her beautiful face. I notice the bruising but don't comment.
'We can do better than that.' I grin back, bad mood lifted the instant she smiled. Wow the way this girl makes me feel.
'Do you like Thai food?' I enquire to which she just shrugs and blushes. She really doesn't realize how beautiful she is.
'Is that a yes or no?' I tease just to see her smile shyly.
'I don't know, I have never tried it.' She mumbles embarrassed again and I don't have the heart to tease her.
'Well would you like to try it?' I am filled with delight at how pleased and excited she looks, bobbing her head up and down. Her eyes are lit up like a child at Christmas, she truly is perfect.
We chat the rest of the day away into the late evening, nothing to deep but I am amazed how much I enjoy her company. I could to talk to her and hear her opinions forever, her laugh sounds like a beautiful melody to my ears and I find myself trying my best to make her laugh, I can never get enough. By the time I check the clock it is 10.12pm and she looks beat. Her yawns remind me of a little kitten, I just want to take her in my arms and feel her body against mine. Maybe fall asleep in each others arms. Jeez chick thoughts again, careful Liam you will need a tampon soon, I scold myself.
'Should we call it a night soon?' I don't want to but after everything that has happened in the last 24 hours, I for one could use some rest.
'Thank you, I swear I will be out of your hair by tomorrow.' She promises and it crushes me. Is she not feeling what I am? Am I in this alone? I have to stop my train of thought, it was to much to stand and confused the hell out of me.
'Do you not like it here?' I am angry now, why is she determined to run from me?
'Yes its amazing here, thank you again and I apologize if I gave you any other impression. I have not felt this safe or slept so well in so long.' She has tears in her eyes, well done you idiot you made her cry.
'Why do you want to run from me then?' I can't hide the hurt in my voice.
'I don't understand.'
'Don't you feel this?' I gesture between us with both hands. 'Can you not feel whatever this is between us?' I rush out, my heart beati
ng so loudly I swear she can hear it.
'What about now?' I say as I grab her by the waist, pushing our bodies flush against each other as I lean down and mould my lips to hers. I sigh in contentment, letting out a big breath I didn't know I was holding in when she returns my kiss. It is the best kiss I have ever had as we pour all of our feelings into it. I pull away not because I want to, but for fear of running out of air. At this very moment I know. I know that I never want her to leave.
I look down into beautiful blue eyes and realize it's make or break time. I have to say this, I have to get this out in the open.
'Please stay.......with me. Please Lexi.' I have never begged for anything in all my life but right now, for this girl I barely know, I would drop to my knees and beg like it was for my last breath.
When she doesn't reply and my heart sinks. I am so stupid, this is so stupid we are practically strangers and I am asking her to move in with me. I bet she thinks I am a right creep, Lord knows I am acting like one.
I am stunned when she throws herself into my arms, kissing me with so much passion words are not needed. This kiss says it all, she feels the same as I do. Thank God. I wrap my arms around her thighs and lift her up, she wraps her legs around my waist without hesitation and I carry her to my bed. My bed, I grin internally, never breaking our kiss. I am lost, lost in the kiss and the feeling this girl brings out in me that are crazy, exciting and so out of control.
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Chapter Eight
Liam
I lay her down on my bed and start kissing her neck when she freezes. How stupid can I be? This is all new to her and I am rushing her, not to mention she was attacked last night. I shudder at the thoughts as to how I found her flash through my mind.
'Sorry too fast, I didn't think. I got carried away, lost in the moment. Shit! I keep messing this up, I am so fucking stupid.' She puts her tiny, soft finger over my lips effectively cutting of my rambling.
Until There Was You Page 3