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He stared, blinking. A laugh bubbled out of me, and it felt nice to let out some of the absurdity I was feeling escape. Clutching my belly, I found that once I started to laugh, I couldn’t stop. Rolling over to the side, I laughed into the bed, hysterical, trying to quell it.
“No, don’t.”
His words had me sitting up, wiping my eyes. “Sorry.”
“No.” He shook his head, his hand rubbing the back of his neck as he peered at me. “I just meant,” he swallowed, “your laugh was beautiful. It shouldn’t be muted.”
“Oh.” This time I stared at him, blinking. “Thank you.”
He nodded, and I felt sad he wasn’t talking again. Looking at the tray, I cleared my throat, picking up something. Usually, I was so hungry the meager portions I was given were devoured in seconds. It made me wonder if Darren had wanted me smaller to begin with, or if it was just to keep me weaker. Either way, I typically scarfed down the food given to me, not even tasting it.
Not that it had much taste. The food was similar to the room, bland and flavorless.
Taking a bite absentmindedly, I tried to gather my thoughts. Every day, I hoped to see him so I could talk to him, and yet here he was, and I had no clue what to say. This thought was sidelined when flavor exploded in my mouth, and I looked down at the apple I’d just taken a bite out of. I stared at the red fruit in disbelief, wondering if Darren had finally decided to Snow White me.
“Do you not like apples? I just thought you might like some fruit.”
“You?” It was a stupid thing to ask since he'd just admitted to it, but it was the only thing I could. Once the fear of being poisoned vanished, I took another big bite, moaning at the flavor. Juice sprayed over my lips, but I didn’t care. It was the best damn apple I’d ever had.
“This is amazing. I just wasn’t expecting it and feared Darren was going to poison me finally.”
“Oh, no. I thought I’d try to bring you something a little better.” He sat on the edge of the bed, watching me eat, a slight blush rising to his cheeks.
“Why are you so nice to me?” I asked, my voice almost a whisper as I ate the plump sandwich with all the fixings. Looking up, I held his gaze. “It’s just… I’m not used to it here. You don’t seem like you really belong with the Delgados.”
His face tightened, and he stood. “I need to get back to work.”
Sighing, I watched as he walked toward the door. “Thank you. This is the best meal I’ve had in a while. Your kindness has saved me a few times in here, and I just wanted you to know. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
He stopped, his hand resting on the doorknob. “I’m not the saving type, Ojos de ángel. Don’t confuse me for the good guy.”
“Maybe you just need to redefine what’s good. In my book, it’s you.”
He looked over his shoulder, searing me with his green eyes. “Maybe you’re the one who needs to read new books.” I couldn’t tell for sure, but it seemed like he smiled at that. He pulled the door open, stepping through, and I halted him once again.
“Wait!” He stopped but didn’t turn. “What’s your name? I alternate between Mr. Green Eyes and the guardian angel guard in my head. It’d be nice to call you by your name.” He turned a little, and if I wasn’t mistaken, he was blushing again. I might have to call him Bashful.
“Stocke.” He paused, thinking something over. “Be good, Ojos de ángel.”
Smiling, I didn’t mind it this time when the door shut and I was closed back up in my tan hell. Eating every last bite on the plate, I laid back, staring at the ceiling, a smile on my face.
The wonders a full stomach could bring.
* * *
A few days later,Darren visited, bringing me a new outfit. “Get dressed, pet.” He started to walk out of the room, stopping, his nose turned up. “On second thought, take a shower first. You reek.”
The urge to flip him off was strong, and I shoved it down. “Yes, sir.” Scooping up the items, I headed into the bathroom, just excited to get out of this room for once, even if it was with Darren.
Showering, I didn’t loiter, knowing he’d be waiting. Fixing my hair and makeup with the items he provided, I slipped on the dress and heels. When my hands touched an item at the bottom of the bag, dread filled me. No, he wouldn’t. Grasping it in my hand, I walked out into the room.
Darren waited for me, sitting on my bed, his legs spread. He was dressed in an all black suit, the top button opened. And on his face sat the last thing I ever wanted to see. Gulping, I lifted the matching one in my hand.
“I can’t.” My voice shook, and I hated how weak I sounded. But this… this was too far.
He jumped up like a tiger, prowling toward me, grasping my arm, and yanking me toward him. “I think you should try that again, pet.” His words were gritted out through his teeth; fire and rage in his eyes. “I have an important meeting, and you’re needed. Maybe I’ve been too kind to you.” In his other hand, a knife I hadn’t noticed skated up my arm, leaving a shallow cut. “I can make it so much deeper. You know, red is my favorite color.”
He trailed his finger through the blood, licking it off his finger before he twirled a red strand of my hair around it. Clasping my jaw, he pulled me toward him. My lip quivered as I tried to suck down the pain. The days of isolation had made me weak, forgetting to build up my walls and be Enigma. I needed them now more than ever.
