A smile formed on my face and a lightness filled me. “Of course, Mommy. Just let me know when.”
She yawned and a soft expression formed on her face. “I can tell you’re sleepy. Go ahead and get some sleep. I’ll be by tomorrow to see you,” I assured her.
She nodded. “Okay. I love you, Azeira.”
“I love you too, Mommy.”
We hung up and I got lost in thought. Setting the phone down, I turned toward the mirror again and lifted my shirt. I imagined my dad seeing my tattoo and the disappointment he would feel knowing what was now embedded on my skin. It was a reminder of just how unstable and possessive Kairus truly was.
I spoke with Jatavia and she told me Koby was alive but fucked up. He was still in the hospital and had suffered a broken leg, collarbone, and cheekbone. He also had bruised ribs. Learning this sent dread through me because I was the cause of it all. I knew if Kairus learned of Koby being on me he wouldn’t react sanely. I was grateful he hadn’t killed the man, but I felt bad about his long recovery ahead. Even still, a small, sick part of me thought it was kind of sweet that he didn’t want another man around me, that he was selfish enough with me to destroy anyone he felt was a threat. It made me feel wanted, desired, and oddly, loved.
Learning more about Kairus’s past put a lot of his behavior into perspective for me too. My heart went out to young Kairus. While he was explaining his childhood I wanted to wrap my arms around young Kairus and hug him tightly. There were layers to my scarred captor and I wasn’t done unpeeling them. While things with me and Kairus were uncommon, I had to admit I enjoyed the space we were in. Every night he found his way inside me, fucking me ruthlessly and I seemed to cumharder each time. It was a wonder I could even still walk. That man was like a machine.
Licking my lips, I brushed my hand over the tattoo one last time. It wasn’t sore anymore, or red, by now it was starting to peel. I never was a fan of tattoos or I thought I wasn’t, but something deep in me couldn’t find hatred for what Kairus did to me.
Lowering my shirt. I grabbed my phone and stuck it in my pocket then headed out of the bathroom. I wanted to go enjoy some time in the garden since the sun had set. Kairus left after we ate breakfast and I did my cleaning, making his music room a part of the process today. By the time I was finished he returned and locked himself in his office. Part of me wanted to disturb him because I had grown to enjoy his demanding yet intimidating aura. The other part of me said to steer clear. If I kept my head low and didn’t push him to take any more drastic measures, then these next four months would fly by.
Lillian was in the kitchen finishing up dinner. Most of the time she ignored me and I learned to be okay with that.
I walked to the garden area and didn’t even bother to try and speak to Marvin. He avoided eye contact and conversation with me whenever we were out here together.
I went to walk to the stone bench toward the back, but paused, looking closer at the pond. I stepped forward and lowered. My mouth dropped and my heart stuttered.
“Who did this?” I questioned Marvin, brushing my hands over the peonies. They usually took at least two years to grow and they weren’t here when I first arrived.
“Marvin! Who planted these?”
He paused from cleaning his things to leave and glanced over. His eyes darted around before he cleared his throat. “Mr. Navarro had me plant some,” he stated before rushing out of thegarden. The news sent an unexpected warmth surging through me.
My heart pulsated uncomfortably. Butterflies danced through my stomach. I shifted my eyes back to the flowers.
I couldn’t believe Kairus had added my favorite flower to one of his safe spaces. They looked good near the orange, yellow, and red nasturtiums.
Feeling a need to lay eyes on the misunderstood beast, I shot up and rushed out of the garden into the house. It felt like déjà vu as I busted into his office without knocking.
“Kairus!” I rushed out.
I froze when his dark eyes landed on me and moans filled the room.
“Oh, I…” I stuttered, feeling my tongue grow heavy in my mouth. I quickly glanced at the back of the computer. Heat rushed my cheeks hearing the moans grow louder and skin slapping against each other.
Was he watching porn?
“You’re busy. Sorry.” I went to leave but his deep baritone stopped me, sending a rumble through my core.
“C’mere,” he commanded in a low, gravelly octave. A shiver shot through me.
As if they had a mind on my own, my legs started toward him, while I shut the door behind me.
“What are you—” I started as he yanked me on his lap once I was on his side of the desk.
Curiosity had me glancing at the computer screen as Kairus ran his hands down my back and under my shirt.
I inhaled a deep breath.
“Is that…” My words got caught as I watched him fuck me. My tongue became tied and heat flooded my stomach. My blood hummed and pounded in my temples.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he whispered in my ear. His lips brushed against my skin. I swallowed hard as my breathing picked up.
