AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Derek looks at me and opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. He looks back down at my stomach and runs his hands across the scars that Caleb left me. He leaves his hand there for a moment and closes his eyes. I have no idea what he is thinking, but all can do is pray that he doesn't ask any questions. The one thing that no one knows about me is that I can’t have children. That was left out of my medical information during the trial, because it wasn’t a need to know thing.
Finally, he removes his hand and pulls my shirt back down. He reaches down, unlaces my skates, removes them and then proceeds to remove his. After he’s finished, he grabs my hand and helps me to my feet.
“Come on. Let’s get you home and get some ice on that side.”
~***~
Derek
As soon as we get back to Rylie’s, she goes upstairs to change, and I make my way into the kitchen to make her an ice pack. I look through the drawers, hoping to find something to crush the ice with, when the second drawer I open, is full of knifes. I start to close it, but I catch sight of a carving knife. I look at the way it is made, and I instantly know what caused Rylie’s scars. I slam the door as a wave of nausea passes through me.
I want to talk to Rylie about what happened with Caleb, but I don’t think she is ready to talk about it yet. Everyone knows what happened. The trial was all over the television. I only know what the news reported, but I want to hear the whole story from Rylie. Seeing the scars on her stomach has me livid, and I’m glad the bastard is locked up; otherwise, I would kill him.
I am still thinking about Rylie’s scars, when I hear her come down the stairs.
She looks incredible in her dark blue dress that’s sleeveless and shows off her hot ass tattoos. The dress hits her right at her knees and she’s wearing fuck me shoes to go along with it. She looks beautiful. “We better hurry. I want to be there a little early to help your Mum.”
I shake my head and motion for her to come to me. “We are not going anywhere, until we take care of you.”
When she reaches me, I pick her up and set her on the counter. I pound the ice cubes with a pan, then stick the crushed ice into a baggy and wrap it up in a dish towel. I lift up her dress, and she freezes. “Just putting ice on it, babe.” I say, comforting her. Once it’s up to her side, I gently place it on her side and hold it there.
“How much time did he get?” I ask her, hoping she’ll fill me in on more about this shit with Caleb.
“A lot, but it doesn’t matter now.” She says quietly.
“What do you mean doesn’t matter now?” I say sharply.
“He’s dead. I got a call about it a while back. Someone shanked him.”
I’m both relieved and pissed. Relieved thatbastard will never get to hurt Rylie again, but pissed that I won’t get my shot at him.
I move the ice to the side, to see if any of the redness has faded. As I lean in closer, I hear Rylie take a deep breath. I am pretty sure she was smelling my hair. I jerk my head towards her face, and she is deep red from embarrassment.
“You can smell me any time you want, babe.” We hold our stare for what feels like a few minutes. Everything in the world keeps going, but we’re still stuck in this moment. I have the urge to kiss her and take her back to her room. I want to show her how good it could be between us. I want to hear her scream my name and make her come alive.
She ignores me and jumps off of the counter. I look at the clock and realize that we are running late. Mum decided it would be better for Rylie to keep me company while she set up theparty, but I know she’s really just trying to give me some time alone with Rylie. “I guess if we don’t leave now, then we’re going to be late.”
“Let’s go!” she says, as she stomps towards the door. I can’t help but laugh as I walk behind her.
Chapter 16
Rylie
I gasp as soon as we drive up to Derek’s parents’ home. It is three stories tall, and is at least half the size of a football field. There must be fifty windows on the front alone, and the double front door is about twelve feet tall and made of an intricately carved mahogany wood. It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful home that I have ever seen.
I lookdown at my plain clothes and wonder if I will stand out. The only thing redeeming about my ordinary attire is that I paired it with a new pair of heels--I hate heels. I wanted to wear my pink flats, but I promised Elizabeth I’d where the shoes she bought me. Stupid, uncomfortable shoes. I play with my dreads while looking at my tattoos. I should have donned a cardigan or something. I don’t want people to stare at me or anything. Just this morning, I looked at my reflection in the mirror and thought that I looked nice today, but I bet everyone here will be wearing designer dresses and Jimmy Choos.
“You grew up in a mansion?” Ihesitantly ask Derek, as we walk towards the door.
He laughs and replies. “Mansion? I just think of it as a really big house.”
We walk through the huge front door. Elizabeth comes out to greet us right away and then pulls me into a quick hug. “Oh Rylie dear, it’s so good to see you! Come on inside, so I can introduce you to my husband.” She turns her head and yells. “William!”
“I’m right here woman, no need to yell,” says a deep voice from the next room.
I smile at the man that walks into theentryway, and instantly feel more comfortable, because he doesn’t look like he belongs here anymore than I do. He’s tall, fit, with sandy blonde hair and is wearing just a simple t-shirt and jeans.
“Well, hello there. You must be Rylie. I’m Derek’s Dad, William.” He says, before walking over to me to give me a hug.
