AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Dez.” she gasps, surprised to see me as her bright eyes roam around the room. Cocking my head to the side, I watch her curiously. I believe she’s forgotten where she is.
“I’m here.” Curling my fingers into a fist, I resist the urge to reach out and touch her soft hair, her porcelain skin.
“So, it was real then.” My brows draw together in confusion.
“What was?” Our eyes meet.
“You, me, being here. Being…bought.” I watch as she twists the pink pillow with her fingers.
“Yes, it was real. What else would it have been?” She gives a shrug, but I don’t push it. “Are you hungry?” Those eyes flick up to mine again before she shakes her head. I have a feeling she communicates like this often. “Would you like a shower?” I point towards the open bathroom door only a few feet away.
“Yes, please.” Her words are tiny.Can words be small?Barely above a whisper. Standing up, I offer her a hand. She’s reluctant at first as she stares at my palm. I’m not holding my blade, so I’m unsure why she hesitates. “Thank you.” She finally clasps my hand, and the pleasure I feel is intense. Touching Liliya is a gift I surely don’t deserve.
Leading her into the stately room, I point towards the sink, where I’ve got new personal items for her. She lets go to inspect them before opening the toothbrush package. Starting the shower for her, I make sure there’s a towel on the rod outside the stall before taking a seat on one of the benches in the room.
Watching her gives me a sense of satisfaction, providing for her fills me with pride. I’m not good enough for Liliya, I never will be, but I can give her the many things that being in my life provides.
Shelter, safety, family.
“You’re watching me,” she comments as she rinses her mouth and places the brush in the holder before picking up the hairbrush, staring down at the black bristles.
“I enjoy looking at you.” Her startled gaze meets mine in the mirror. I watch her eyes scrunch in confusion as she chews on her lip.
She runs the brush through her golden locks a few times before replying, “I’m nothing special.” That annoys me.
Getting to my feet, I stride towards her, pushing my front into her back and taking the instrument from her fingers to do the work myself. “Says who?”
A snort leaves her mouth, and she looks down. “Everyone.”
“Then they are blind.” My tone is maniacal and slightly homicidal. “Give me names, and I’ll make sure they never say another cross thing to you again.”
It’s her turn to inspect me in the mirror as I run my fingers through the soft tufts of her hair. “You really mean that, don’t you? You don’t just say it as a threat to make me laugh or feel better.” Her forehead wrinkles, and I can’t read her expression.
“I never say things I don’t mean. There’s no point in it. Say what you mean, what you feel, and there can be no confusion.” My jaw tenses because I know the next questions to come aren’t ones I wish to answer.
“So, when you said a priest would be here this weekend, you meant that?” I nod. “You meant we are getting married.” I nod again, and she turns to face me, so I place the brush on the sink. “I’m not ready for marriage.”
“Okay.”
“Why would you want to marry someone so young… who is still in high school?” It’s her turn to cock her head and watch me as intensely as I do her.
“You need protection.” Immediately, I sense that’s the wrong answer, but I don’t know what she wants from me.
“Excuse me, I’d like to shower now.” Her head lowers, and she moves away from me. I don’t like the distance between us, but I remain where I am and lean against the counter.
I study Liliya as she moves, kind of like a gazelle about to be pounced on by a hungry lion. She knows the danger is here but is helpless to stop it.I’mhelpless to stop it.
“Aren’t you going to leave?” her soft voice asks, glancing over her shoulder.
“No.” I have no intention of leaving. Not ever. She’ll never be alone again.
“I can’t shower with you in here, Dez.” That comes out breathless.
“Why?”I’m not stopping her.
She makes a frustrated sound before spinning to face me. “Are you serious right now? Because I’d like some privacy. I don’t want to be naked in front of you, don’t you get that?” It’s my turn to be startled.
“You don’t want me to see you,” I say, but it comes out like a question.
