Savage's

CHAPTER 22

*Gray*

The conversation between Daisy and I had died, and I left it that way. I could tell, she wasn't ready to talk about it yet with me, and I wanted to respect that. I had fallen asleep to the thought of Daisy only knowing abuse, and woke up with a migraine. I grumbled, as I walked into the bathroom for a cold shower.

When I walked out, I noticed Daisy was awake, waiting for me to get out. She went running in, and minutes later I heard the toilet flush. I chuckled, as I entered the closet to find a suit. Poor thing really had to go!

Without realizing it, I chose the suit Daisy had been admiring the other night. I got dressed, popped some Tylenol, and grabbed a cup of coffee before I was out the door. I knew today was going to be a rough day, simply because of how I felt, so I wanted to get it done and over with.

Once I got to work, I decided to call Alexa before walking inside. There was something I wanted to ask her, but I couldn't do it with Daisy around.

"Hello?" Alexa groggily answered her phone.

"Sorry to wake you, Lex, but I need a favor." I said, hoping she'd agree to it.

"What?" She asked, still half asleep.

"I need you to get some information about Daisy," I responded, knowing that would wake her up, "I think she'll tell you more than she'll tell me."

"Yeah... that's for a reason, dumbass." Alexa scoffed.

"I understand... but I need to know..." I desperately admitted.

"Why?" Alexa asked, attitude coating her tongue.

"Because," I sighed, "I need to know what I'm dealing with... just how fragile is she? I don't want to say or do something that will trigger her."

"Alright... I understand. I'll do my best, now let me sleep." Alexa grunted, hanging up the phone.

With that, I headed straight for my office. I wasn't so lucky this time, as I exited the elevator I ran into my mother. She smiled brightly at me, her wicked green eyes searching mine for weakness. I nodded at her, and kept walking towards my office. I knew she had stopped, and I knew she was following me... I must not have reacted the way she wanted me to.

As I entered my office, I went to shut the door, but I never heard the latch. I turned around, facing my mother, who was staring at me like I just commited a felony. If I had, she would probably be more proud of me.

"You're avoiding me," She noted, studying me intensely, "Why?"

"I'm not avoiding you, mother, I'm avoiding conversation. I have a splitting headache." I grumbled, rubbing my forehead.

"How is Daisy?" She asked, with a sinister grin.

"Uh, not well." I shrugged, "She needed medical treatment after your little visit."

"And I'm guessing you offered that to your little princess?" Mom snarled, her upper lip twitching.

"Well yeah, mom," I groaned, "She would have died from blood loss, and I never would have had the chance to have my fun. Don't get pissed off because I wanted a clean f*****g canvas to work with, but you had to f**k that up."

I was lying through my teeth, but having a migraine was actually helping me. It made it to where I wasn't thinking so much about myself lying, as I was my head hurting. I glared at her, as she inspected me closer. I continued doing my work, begrudgingly, doing my best to ignore her. My mother could read body language better than anyone else I knew, and that's what she was watching me for. I could always lie with my words, but not with my body, that's what she used to tell me when I was young. I thought I'd gotten better since then.

"I see," She took a step back, "You know, Gray... You were always the black sheep of the family, but I think this gift is starting to prove to you, that your still very much a Savage man, with Savage blood running through your veins."

"I have never denied that." I sternly remarked, as she clicked her tongue.

"No, my dear sweet boy, you have always announced through your body, that you are not one of us." She snickered, shaking her head in disbelief, "But whether you like it or not, you are and always will be... one of us."

"Anything else you'd like to say?" I asked, irate, about to explode.

"We'd like to invite you, and your new gift, to a family dinner this coming Sunday." She grinned broadly, "The normal time."

"Alright." I said through clenched teeth, knowing I couldn't reject her, not without a fight.

"Great," She flashed a sinister grin, "See you for some fun activities."

She sauntered out of my office, and I felt like the invisible vice was removed from around my throat. There was only one word to describe my mother, evil. For as long as I can remember, that's all I've ever felt about her. My father wasn't any better, but he had a few redeeming qualities.

I could barely focus on work, because all I could think about was the upcoming family dinner. I know my mom is looking to get Daisy alone again, and I won't allow that to happen. I don't care if I have to handcuff her to me, I won't let her out of my sight. Still, the thought makes me want to get sick, I know this isn't going to end well. It never does when my mother is involved.

It was all I could do to finish a couple of simple tasks, and I finally broke away for lunch. I decided to stay near the office today, because I knew mom would have eyes on me. I have to be careful not to show my true intentions for Daisy, especially this Sunday. I'll need Alexa to create a work of art, one that no one would question, and I need Daisy to act the part. Just thinking about it has my stomach in knots, but I need to determine a plan, otherwise s**t will hit the fan.

I returned to work, feeling more confident than when I left, and finally got some work accomplished. Once four o'clock rolled around, I quickly fleed from the office, and drove back home. I couldn't wait to see Daisy, just looking at her helps me feel calm-- ah f**k, here I go again. I feel like she worked her way into my brain, and now I can't get her out. She is all I can ever think about anymore... and then it hits me; I like this woman, I'm starting to build a bond with her, and it's one that I don't want to lose.

I knew this whole time, I was starting to get feelings for Daisy, but I thought it was something I could ignore. Clearly, that's not the case, and now I have to determine what to do, how to handle it. Obviously, I'm unable to keep away from her, because the more I try, the more I find myself desiring to be with her. I just don't know what will happen if I allow myself full reign, which is exactly why I won't. Though I know how I feel for Daisy now, I still have to keep myself at bay, for her safety.

Not only am I protecting Daisy from my family, but also from myself. My mother was right, I am a Savage man, and I do have their blood running through my veins. I may not set out to hurt Daisy, but that doesn't mean it isn't built into my DNA to make it happen. She is better off not getting too close... right?