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It’s not the pain of what they’ve done to me that hurts the most. It’s the pain of knowing Tarek is out there somewhere. The pain of leaving him and walking away.
I thought about it for a long time. I thought about coming back here to end it all for him. And when the day came, I did it. I marched my ass right back up to the door just to have my dad there and ready for me. My stomach churned as I looked into his eyes and saw what he thought of me. Looking at him made me sick to my stomach, but he forced me to. I looked the monster in the eyes because I knew it would keep Tarek safe.
“You’re such a fool, Pierson. Life could have been good for you,” Issac says as he paces in front of me. Fiancé. No, he’s a monster, just like my dad.
“Life has never been good for me,” I remind him as he zips his slacks and shoves his feet back into his shoes. I watch him as he dresses after taking what he wanted from me.
“I think it has. Your father has treated you fairly well, I think.”
“Then you don’t think much.”
“You’ll watch your tone, Pierson.” It’s a warning I take. I know what happens when I don’t. The black eye and soreness in my cheek are a reminder of that. “The wedding will be in three weeks,” he states as I cringe and try not to vomit.
“I’m not marrying you.”
“Yes, you are. This isn’t up for discussion. And then you’ll be mine to do with as I please,” he warns, making my skin crawl.
“As if you haven’t already.” The words leave my mouth without much thought. The sting from the impact of Issac’s hand colliding with my cheek brings me back to reality. I don’t let him see me react to it; I won’t give him that satisfaction.
“I’m tired of your mouth. Seems your time away has done a number on you. We’ll have to get you back in line.” I snort a small laugh when Issac wraps his hand around my throat and slams me against the wall closest to us. His breathing is rapid now as he looks down at me with evil eyes.
“I don’t need to remind you where your brother is, do I?” He knows where to hit me to make it hurt, and that’s it. A tear slides down my cheek as I shake my head.
“Good. I’d hate to ruin something so beautiful,” he says, lowering his head to kiss me. I don’t kiss him back. I let his lips move over mine until he’s satisfied with himself. Then he pulls away from me and releases his hold on my throat. I suck in a breath and raise my hand to rub over the spot he held so tightly.
“See to it that you cover those marks before dinner,” he declares as he turns on his heel and leaves my room. I hear the door click behind him before I walk to the bathroom and look at the marks he’s talking about. Angry bruises line my neck, ones he caused now and ones from earlier. I reach up and run my fingers over them as I cock my head to the side to study myself in the mirror.
“I did the right thing,” I whisper to myself. I know I did. Tarek didn’t need to get involved in this shit. He didn’t need to be a part of this. He doesn’t deserve it.
I lower my hands and turn on the faucet, splashing cold water on my face. Then I grab the towel and pat it dry before leaning against the counter.
“You’re stupid, Pierson. You knew this would happen.” I knew it. I knew there was no way to stop it either. My stomach trembles as I think about what might happen next.
I’m not marrying Issac. No matter how hard I try to force myself, I can't do that. My heart doesn’t belong to him. It belongs to Tarek. He made a hole in it and weaseled his way in, and now there is no turning back.
I walk out of the bathroom and head for the door. When I step out, I hear my father talking to someone but ignore the conversation as I head for the stairs. I begin to walk down and stop dead in my tracks when I’m almost to the bottom. No. No fucking way. This can’t be!
“You’re needed as security for now,” my dad tells him as I stare at the back of his head. I know that’s him. I can tell by the way he’s standing there.
“For now? I made an offer, and you want me as security?” he asks. It is him. What the hell is he doing? I came back so he wouldn’t have to do this! I want to open my mouth and say something, but it would blow his cover, and they would no doubt kill him if they knew I was with him. So I keep my mouth shut.
“You think you can come here and get what you want? Dodger did the same thing,” my dad chuckles as he looks Tarek in the eye. My dad’s gaze shifts as he sees me coming down the steps and smiling sickly.
“This is my daughter, Pierson. It will be her you’re security for,” he announces, and my heart nearly stutters. He hired security to watch me? And Tarek, of all people.
Tarek turns slowly, a mask in place. I can’t read his expression. It’s probably for the best.
“Nice to meet you,” he says as I continue down the stairs toward his outstretched hand. I reach out and take his hand, warmth flooding my body at feeling him near.
“You too.”
“Looks like I’m gonna be your security,” he says. I look at my dad as he nods his head.
“Seems so,” I tell him.
“You’ll see him around quite often, Pierson. I expect you to be on your best behavior as well. Tarek here has permission to use force if needed,” he informs me, and my stomach tumbles once more. Tarek wouldn’t do it. He wouldn’t hurt me.
“I understand,” I tell him, knowing there are already so many lingering bruises on my face and body. I don’t want anymore, and I know Tarek won’t be the one to put them there.
