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They wanted to keep me broken, to hurt me, and me doing the opposite is exactly what I need to start pushing forward through the pain. My thoughts shift to Roman and how what he said made me feel. He talked about taking my virginity…how he’s not a good man…but he is, and I wish he knew that.
I’ve been pretty sheltered by my parents all my life. I don’t know a lot of men, but the ones I have met have all turned out to be bad. Roman is not like them. I don’t know how I know this, but I do, and knowing this makes me wish he didn’t think so horribly about himself.
A knock sounds against the bathroom door.
How long have I been in here?
The door opens an inch, then Violet’s soft voice filters into the room. “Sophie? Are you okay in here?”
“Oh, yeah, sorry. I was…” I stumble over my words. Walking over to the door, I pull it open, revealing a concerned Violet.
“It’s okay. You can take as much time as you need. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” Her eyes roam over the clothes she gave me. “All the stuff looks like it fits you.” Excitement zings through her. It’s a contagious kind of excitement.
“It does.” I smile, shoving a strand of brown hair behind my ear. “Thank you so much for bringing something over for me to wear and volunteering to take me to get some clothing.”
“Oh, it’s nothing, really. If anything, you’re helping me out. All I do is sit at home and watch TV. It’s a nice change of pace.”
It’s good to hear I’m not being a burden to her, but being forced to buy myself things with Roman’s money doesn’t sit well with me. He’s already done so much for me, taking me into his home, keeping me fed, and now he insists on doing even more. The last thing I want is for him to hold it over my head later.
“You ready to go?” Violet asks with a most genuine smile.
“Yes,” I lie. I don’t want to go anywhere…at least, not without Roman, but I don’t want to displease him.
Two large men appear at the front door. They’re dressed like normal men, but with a dangerous edge. A shiver of fear climbs up my spine. My feet root to the floor, and when Violet’s eyes collide with mine, I know she can see the fear.
“It’s okay, these are my husband’s men. They mean us no harm and are here to protect us.” Violet’s voice carries a soothing tone to it, and my tense body loosens a bit at her confession.
Eyeing the men curiously, I decide to believe Violet, because honestly, I doubt she would put me in harm’s way. Forcing myself to relax I start for the car. We climb into an expensive looking SUV, and the men get into the front seats once Violet and I are buckled up in the back. The drive to the mall is short, and I enjoy taking in the sights. It wasn’t often my parents let us go anywhere with them, and even though I’ve heard of a mall, I’ve never actually been to one before.
When we pull into the huge parking lot, its packed. The man driving the car mumbles under his breath in a language I don’t understand.
They trail behind us closely, but not so close it’s noticeable. When Violet sees me looking back at the two guys, she assures me again that they are here to protect us and that we are safe, but I don’t feel safe. There is only one person who could make me feel safe right now.
I take in the huge building with various signs in bright neon lettering.
Ulta. Ann Taylor. Coach. Adidas.
I furrow my brow at the names. We enter through the doors, and I’m assaulted by several sights, sounds, and smells. I force air into my lungs and try to stop the nervous knot from forming in my belly. I have no reason to be scared. I’m free. Free of their ties, of their callous ways.
“You okay?” Violet asks, and I nod, lifting my chin.
“Yeah, I’m good. I’ve just never been to a mall before…it’s a little overwhelming.”
Violet looks at me like I’ve grown a second head. “You can’t be serious. You’ve never been to a mall?”
I confirm with a nod, and she blinks away the shocked expression from her face. Instead of her insulting me or making fun of me, she interlocks our arms and starts jogging toward the stores. For such a tiny person, she moves ridiculously fast.
With Violet by my side, we make our way from store to store. I pick up all the essentials, jeans, t-shirts, panties, and bras. I try to buy things that are cheap or on sale, but it’s so hard since everything seems to be overpriced. Guilt swarms me every time I swipe the card. I keep all the receipts so I know what I’ll owe him.
