Preston rushes over to my side. “You alright?” He reaches a hand out, touching the back of my head.
I just shake my head and mumble, “All good.”
“How are your ribs?” He reaches for my shirt.
I smack his hand away. “Fine,” I hiss in pain.
“I think you need to see a doctor,” he says as he brings his knuckles to trail down the bruised side of my face.
“Naw, I’ve gotten through worse without one.”
“Christ, Detka.” He looks pained. “I can get one to come to the house. Do it for me,” he pleads.
“Stop calling me that. I don’t do doctors.”
“Damn, I’m sorry. I’m really trying to not call you that. But I really think you need one.”
“Try a lot harder. I don’t, end of story.”
He narrows his eyes in defeat and moves away from the bed, stopping once he gets to the doorway. “I’ll be in the kitchen, it’s straight down this hall.” He points in the direction I’ll need to go.
“Okay.” Just as he begins to say something else his mother pushes past him with a huge smile on her face.
“Liliya!” I can’t contain the pleasure in my voice at seeing her again.
“Mama, what’re you doing?
“I’ve come to see Skye,” she says all business like.
“How’d you know she was here?”
“You are about as quiet as a stampede of elephants.” She looks over smiling at me.
“Your room isn’t even in the main house, Mom.” Seeing she’s not listening, he gives up. “I’ll leave you ladies to it.” He shakes his head and walks out of the room. As he turns into the hall I catch a glimpse of the small smirk he has on his face.
I look back to Liliya and her kind, weathered face breaks out into a genuine smile. “Hello, Skye.” She’s aged since the last time I saw her, still fairly tan and her hair done in a French twist. Her hair is now mostly silver, her cornflower blue eyes still bright.
“It’s so good to see you.” I let the smile come naturally, trying not to wince when I feel the tightness of the bruises on my face and my lip crack open.
She laughs softly then tuts. “You look a little worse than the last time I saw you.” I search her face for pity, finding none.
“My father can get happy with his hands.” I’m honest, no use trying to hide it from her any longer.
“He should be skinned alive, the mudak,” she says with a rare show of anger in her voice.
I just stare at her with my mouth open. It’s very unlike her, but I kinda like it.
She looks at me then quickly at the door, then quickly back at me again. She walks across the room and opens a drawer. Liliya glances at the door again then pulls out a few clothing items. She turns back to me with a crooked smile. “Here’s a few things for you.”
“You just happen to have clothes for me?” I have to wonder how many women he’s brought home that he keeps spare clothes in his bedroom.
“These are your things.” She smiles. “He kept them all this time, close to him. Silly boy, thinks his mother doesn’t know these things,” she says with an upbeat tone, then sets the pile next to me. “I’ll just leave you alone to freshen up, we can chat over breakfast.” She turns on her heels and leaves me alone.
I push the blankets off and look at the pile of clothes, my old Guns N’ Roses T-shirt and a pair of leggings is on top. This used to be one of my favorite outfits.
The bedroom has a master bathroom attached to it, so I scoop up the bundle and move in there to get dressed. I get a first glimpse of my face and wince at the bruising. I’ve had worse, he just used to take care not to put the evidence on my face. I take a chance and open the drawer and find some ointment I can use on my split lip. I’m thankful Liliya didn’t look at me with pity. I look a sorry state that’s for sure.
I shake out the leggings and shirt and wish I had some panties. I think about wearing the ones I have on for a second day, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I stare at the shower and decide a quick one won’t hurt. Turning on the faucet, I step inside. The cool water feels good against my bruised body. Using Preston’s soap and shampoo, I wash away the essence of my assault. I hesitate leaving the shower so quick, but I know they are waiting for me. I turn off the water and dry myself gently, feeling slightly better despite my image in the mirror. I pull on the clothes and throw my hair up in a bun with a rubber band I find in the drawer.
The clothes don’t fit me like they used to, I’m at least a size or two smaller. Living on the streets will do that I guess. I see the clothes Preston bought me yesterday laying on the floor and out of habit, I almost throw them in the shower to clean them, but I’m not in the gutter anymore so I don’t need to live that way. I make a mental note to ask Liliya if it would be possible to use the washing machine. Looking back in the mirror, I’m pleased with how I cleaned up with little toiletries. Now it’s time to see where I am, because this sure as shit isn’t the trailer park.
When I come out of the bathroom the blinds are open and the room is bathed in sunlight. The room is very clean and neat with very few personal touches. My eyes stop on the side of his bed. My feet move on their own to his nightstand and the picture frame that’s sitting there. In it is our prom picture. I feel a thickness in my throat as I look at how happy we were on that night. The picture looks a little worn, as if he has carried it with him. I shake myself, swallowing past the lump in my throat threatening to choke me. I don’t know if I have it in me to dream, those all came crashing down before.
The bed itself is impressive. It’s huge. Probably a California king. It’s made from a rich coffee colored wood, carved in a detailed flowing pattern. There’s no mistaking it’s an antique, I’d guess French, but I’m no expert. The whole room is decorated in shades of brown with a splash of red here and there. It’s very masculine and tasteful. I always knew Preston had great taste, now it seems he has the money to show it.
Curious to see what the rest of the house looks like, I make my way into the hallway. The floors are done in a classic terra-cotta tile. There are pieces of framed artwork but no personal photos on the walls. I know how hard his father’s death was on them both, so this doesn’t surprise me. When I reach the foyer area, I stop to take it in. It’s an impressive space. I note the custom features and wonder if they were his choices or if they came with the house. I can’t help but wonder again about where he got the money to live like this. The terra-cotta tile is done in a pattern and it leads to a koi pond with a fountain. There are a few fish and even some lily pads with flowers blooming on them. It’s very tranquil, and I know just who was contracted to do this work. One of my father’s companies. I really hope this came with the house.
I can hear Preston and his mom talking in hushed tones. Following the sound, I soon find myself in a huge open kitchen. One wall is lined with windows, and I see a pool out on the vast deck. There’s a huge long rustic table with chairs on one side and benches on the other. The end chairs look like something fit for a king and queen. He isn’t sitting at the table though, he is on a stool at the counter.
Liliya is watching me intently, and Preston has yet to turn around to take notice. She clears her throat and says, “Do you still drink coffee, Skye?”
I give her a polite smile. “Yes, please.” She sets the Keurig and brews me a perfect cup. Then she hands me a plate of toast with butter and jam on the side without even asking. I used to have this before school at their house every morning. I never was much of an early morning eater.
“Thank you.” Smiling as I walk over to the breakfast bar, I take a seat beside Preston.
Preston looks up from his paper. I give him a half smile in greeting and the look on his face is not one I understand. I feel some strain, but it might just be me. It’s kind of weird to be in his home.
His eyes glance right at Liliya, and she gives him a knowing smile, patting his back as she leaves the kitchen. When he turns back to me, the odd look ha
s left his face. “Sleep well?”
Before I answer him I mix some cream into the coffee and take a sip. Who can think without coffee? The hot coffee warms my soul for a brief moment. I tilt my head and look at him. “Yes, I slept really well. Thank you.” I have to remind myself of my manners and not shove this piece of toast whole into my mouth. The room is silent while we both drink and I eat my toast. I’d say it’s a comfortable silence, even though I have many questions, and I’m sure he does too.
I can’t believe I’m back in the desert, at Preston’s house; his new HUGE house! I grip my cup of coffee a little bit tighter as I stare into space. I should make other arrangements. I can’t just stay here indefinitely, with no money, and no belongings. I don’t even own two pairs of panties. I guess I could call my mother to see if my dad has cooled off yet, but I know he never will.
I don’t even notice he’s staring at me until he clears his throat. “Penny for your thoughts.” He sets his paper down and gives me his full attention.
I take a deep breath. “I have been thinking…I think it might be best if I go back home.” I set down my cup and look at him. “I don’t know that this is a good idea.” I wave my hand across the room to clarify that I mean being here.
His piercing gaze is unwavering. He goes to open his mouth once then snaps it shut. Then finally, he lets one word out. “No.”
“No?” One of my eyebrows raises, curious as to how he thinks he has the right to tell me no. I can feel my defenses rise from just that one word. When I’m told what to do my first tendency is to do the opposite, something he very well knows.
He swings his chair around to get closer to me. His face is pretty scary, no emotion showing on it at all. “No.”
I turn back to face my coffee cup, giving a mirthless laugh before I take a sip. I carefully swallow and simply state, “No one tells me what to do.”
He stands. My chair is suddenly flipped around, his arms cage me in. He isn’t touching me, but his face is very close to mine and his expression is one of fury. “You could barely move last night, and have you seen your face?” His tone is firm, but I can hear the barely contained rage. “The past two nights I’ve held you while you slept, you tossed and turned, even cried out a few times. Don’t forget how many other times I’ve held you through the night terrors. What else did that bastard do to you?”
At this point his nose is flaring, and I can see his muscles tighten, controlling his temper when I’m sure he more than likely wants to shake me. I just press my lips together in a tight line. I will not answer that question.
He leans a touch closer, his nearness does funny things to my insides and drives his point home. “I see. My ‘no’ stands.”
He pulls back and reaches across for his mug. It’s so quick that I don’t have time to control the flinch.
When his blue eyes connect with mine, there’s hurt in them. “I would never hurt you, Skye.” He finishes off his beverage and carefully sets his cup down.
The irritation boils up inside me and I can’t stop it spilling out. “I can’t just stay here! For fuck’s sake, I don’t even have a job!” I don’t even have fresh panties! I think to myself. I close my mouth before that thought spills out.
He raises a brow and leans in. “You will stay here. I won’t hear any more about it.”
I can’t contain my anger anymore. “You asshole! You left. You don’t get to tell me what to do.” I kick myself for my outburst. I don’t want him to see how leaving hurt me even if I do know it’s obvious.
He sits back down. “Ahhh… now we’re getting to the heart of things. Do you want to talk about it? Because I’m ready whenever you are.” He runs his fingers through his hair then casually rests his hand on the counter, leaving his hair a perfect mess that I would love to run my own fingers through.
“No.”
He nods, not pushing the subject for now. “Mom’s getting older,” he says abruptly, changing the subject. “If you need work, you could help her with whatever needs to be done around here. You really would be doing me a favor. Mom needs the help. She insists on maintaining the place herself, but it’s a struggle for her. I help out where I can, but she is old fashioned and likes to look after her family. You know as well as I do, a place this size should have a housekeeper, but she won’t hear of me hiring anyone. I’m worried about her. If she thinks she’s helping you, then she’ll tolerate the assistance. This is a win/win situation for us both, plus she adores you, Skye.”
Damn him, I want to say no, but what he is saying makes perfect sense. I’m very fond of her and this house is too much for her to deal with alone. I don’t want to seem too eager, but I can’t pass this up. “Ok, I’ll help Liliya until I find somewhere else to go.”
“Great, shall we discuss pay?” he asks.
I twirl and pull a curl, a nervous habit of mine. “No money, you’re doing enough.”
“You need to buy some clothes, don't you?”
Shit! He’s got a point there. “I’ll call my mother, maybe she kept my things in storage.” I nod firmly, thinking I have won this round.
He stands quickly and puts his arms on the back of the chair, swinging me to face him again. He brings his face so close that I can feel his breath on my skin. Lifting his hand, he gently traces the outline of my bruise. “You. Will. Not. Go. Back. To. That. House,” he says slowly, making sure to define each word. Nothing needs to be said about the marks on my face, he has made himself perfectly clear. Plus, my mother most likely tossed my stuff in the trash.
He takes a finger and raises my chin, so I can’t help but look him. I feel as if I’m drowning in the deep dark pools of his eyes. He inhales deep through his nose, and his eyes narrow slightly.
“Do you understand me, Skye?”
I lick my lips. “Ok…ok…ok… I won’t go back to the house.”
“Or call,” he demands.
“Or call.” I sigh. I totally ignore anything about money, I won’t agree to that.
He releases my face and stands up removing himself from my air space, finally allowing me to breathe. I don’t move but to take a sip of my coffee as I watch him walk out of the kitchen. I have so many questions about what has transpired in the last five years. He makes me curious to get to know the man he’s become.
Twelve
I leave Skye in the kitchen without a word; I have some things to take care of. I’m not even two feet out of the kitchen when my mother appears beside me, her hand on my elbow stops me.
“Yes, Mama?”
“Where’re you going? Did you tell Skye where you’re going? Do you think it’s wise to leave her alone in her condition?” she peppers off the questions frowning at me.
“No, I didn’t say anything. I’ve something I need to take care of.” I can’t make eye contact with her.
“I’ll go to her then, I’m sure you have a good reason to leave her alone.” She gives me a calculating look then rushes off to the kitchen.
I enter my office closing the door, leaning against it for a few seconds. This room has a calming effect on me, it’s my place. There is a chocolate brown leather sofa that faces the backyard, I can look at the beautiful desert mountains. This is my chill spot to be alone with my thoughts. I take a deep breath and go to my desk.
The years of searching have finally paid off. I’ll have to keep myself in check, go slow, win her back gradually, but Christ I need to know if she can forgive me.
I have to try and get some work done to keep my mind off of her for a little while and stop me going out there and begging her to take me back, but first I need to make a call.
Normally, I’d text Craig, but not today. He’d have my balls if he just got a text saying that I found her. I need to tell him, but I don’t want the others to know yet.
His phone rings a few times. Just when I think I’ll get his voicemail, he picks up. “Preston? Everything ok?”
“No, well yes…I found her.”
Out of all our friends only Craig rea
lly knows how hard it hit me to come home to find her gone. I was completely devastated, and he helped me pull my shit together. He’s the only one who understood why I left. We both came from the same trailer park and fought our way to the top. He knew what an offer of a better life meant for me, my mom, and Skye. So that I could be the man she deserved. In my shoes, he would have taken the job too.
“You there, Craig?” His silence is unnerving.
“Holy shit! Seriously, Preston?”
“Yes, she’s here.” I keep my voice soft. I don’t want to be overheard, and I need him to come here.
“Want me to call the gang up? Dude, Lea is going to freak.” He’s rushed and excited.
“No, she’s hurt. She needs to see a doctor but she’s refusing.”
“Shit, what’s wrong?”
“Christ, Craig, I just need your help.”
“Ok, man, let me call Shaina. Want me to see if she can meet us at the emergency room?”
“No, here’s fine. She won’t go to the E.R.”
“Give me five minutes and I’ll call you back.”
Sitting in my office, I anxiously pass the time debating whether to tell Skye or just spring it on her. I decide the less time she has to think about it the better.
My phone doesn’t even finish the first ring before I snatch it up. “Hello?”
“I spoke with Shaina, she’s already on her way to pick me up. We will be there soon, man.”
“You don’t both have to come over.”
“We all missed her, Preston.” Craig reminds me that I’m being selfish. He has searched almost as hard as I have over the years.
“Whatever,” I huff, knowing he’s entitled to come.
“See you in a few.”
I can’t think about work right now. I’m pacing back and forth across my office, even the view isn’t doing anything for my nerves.
The chime of the doorbell brings me running to the door. “I’ll get it!” I yell out. This is out of the ordinary for me, but I want to get Craig and Shaina inside before she freaks out. I hope she at least trusts that Craig and I will be here along with Shaina. Jesus, Preston, just freaking breathe. Great, now I’m talking to myself.
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