Savage's

CHAPTER 31

*Gray*

There was an unspoken bond between Daisy and I now, and I planned to cherish it. I carried her to the king mattress and tucked her under the blankets. She silently watched as I dimmed the lights, and got comfortable on the mattress set up on the floor. She broke down, revealing some truths. I knew she was damaged, and now I realize just how bad. Alexa was right, Daisy could be damaged beyond repair. That thought had me worrying, because I wanted so much more for her.

The next morning came around quick, as I hardly remember falling asleep. I woke up, stretched, and turned around to find Daisy still sound asleep. I quietly got out of bed, and left the bedroom. I used the restroom near the kitchen, because I didn't want to wake her. It was early, just turning seven o'clock.

I went into the kitchen, rummaging through boxes, until I found the coffee machine. Luckily the coffee was packed beside it, along with the filters. I brewed a fresh pot of coffee, while I gathered enough coffee mugs for everyone. The smell of coffee was strong, but soothing.

Looking out the back door, I stared at the large yard, smiling. Plenty of space. I turned around to find Caz, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He smiled, walking up beside me, looking out at the view.

"Nice view." Caz muttered, sipping his coffee.

"Yeah." I nodded.

"What's on the docket for today?" Caz asked, getting straight to business.

"I wanted to role play some situations, I think it would be best for everyone, but especially Daisy." I responded, fighting the gut knawing sensation that's building.

"Wouldn't hurt," Caz agreed, "Your only obstacle with that will be Alexa."

"Easy enough," I lightly chuckled, "She's the least of my concerns."

"But a feisty one, nonetheless." He smiled, shaking his head.

"Absolutely," I nodded, "But the most loyal person you'll ever meet."

"I can see that," Caz smirked, "She mentioned you two dated..."

"She is like a sister to me," I said, looking him in the eyes, "Nothing but a good friend."

"I'm not concerned, just noticed you two are close." He snickered, "Your heart belongs to someone else."

I stared at Caz, his knowing look told me my feelings for Daisy haven't gone unnoticed. I winced, knowing damn good and well this could f**k up our plan, I could f**k up our plan. I have to detatch myself for this dinner, otherwise Audra will catch on. That means, I have to show a side to Daisy that I never wanted her to see... A side I'm not sure she'll forget, or forgive.

"I'm going to go wake her up, I'll see you soon." I quietly mentioned, walking back towards the bedroom where Daisy was sound asleep.

When I walked in, I took the liberty of studying her face while it was still calm and peaceful. Before I disrupted her deep slumber, and potentially ruining the bond I worked so hard to build, I gently kissed her forehead. She lightly stirred, turning over and gently opening her heavy eyes.

"I'm sorry to wake you so early," I said, pushing her hair out of her face, "But we have to prepare for Sunday."

"Okay..." She whispered, blinking slowly, before throwing the blankets off.

Without another word, she crawled out of bed, walking into the bathroom. She started getting ready, just like that... She's obeying my command... I sighed, knowing this training for the dinner is only going to set her back. She hasn't even learned to think for herself, and here I am about to treat her the way she feared I would. I have to make sure she knows this is only for show, I would never actually treat her poorly.

I heard Alexa talking to Caz in the kitchen, and I wanted to apologize to her. I didn't mean to get so upset about the swimsuit last night, it just... kind of took over. She was sipping coffee, and glared at me before looking away. She was definitely still pissed off, but I needed her help.

"Alexa, can I talk to you for a moment, please?" I asked, approaching her and Caz.

"Only if you're going to apologize," She snapped, "Because otherwise it's a waste of time."

"That was part of the plan, yes." I nodded, witholding my laughter.

"Feisty..." Caz snickered under his breath.

Alexa followed me into the living room, where there was more privacy. I knew she wouldn't like the idea I was about to present her with, and it would piss her off even further, but I also knew she would eventually agree to it. For Daisy's sake.

"I am truly sorry for getting so angry with you last night," I started, "I don't know what came over me... but I took it out on you, and that wasn't right."

"Thank you," Alexa nodded, "I accept your apology."

"Thanks," I smiled at her, and took a deep breath for the next part, "There's more I need to talk to you about though... It's about the plan for the dinner."

"Great, what?" She sighed, expecting the worst.

"We need to role play with Daisy, so she knows how we have to act..." I was downplaying it, which was stupid.

"Role play... how, exactly?" Alexa asked, arching an eyebrow.

"To put it bluntly," I sighed, knowing she was going to ignite, "We have to rough her up, treat her like s**t, like we own her..."

"You've got to be f*****g kidding me, right now." She scoffed in disbelief, "You're going to ruin all of the hard work she's accomplished, you know that right?"

"I know it could set her back, yes-" I nodded, but she interrupted quickly.

"Set her back? You think that's all?" She scoffed again, throwing her hands in the air, "How dense are you?!"

"I'm trying to figure out a way to keep her alive, Alexa!" I shouted back, raising my voice louder than I intended.

"This idea is going to fail you, Gray." Alexa scowled, before entering the kitchen again.

It wasn't long before Caz joined me in the living room, a light smirk playing on his face. They probably heard my little outburst, and he knows Alexa got the best of me. If there were a bet riding on that conversation earlier, he would have won.

"She is just concerned about her friend, naturally." Caz remarked, patting my shoulder.

"I know, and I'm glad for that, but she's right. I know she's right, but there's nothing I can do about it. If I don't hurt Daisy a tiny bit, than my mother will hurt her beyond repair. I don't think Alexa understands the gravity of the sitatuion."

"She met your parents, though, right?" Caz asked, confused.

"She met the painted picture they present to everyone, yes, but did she meet my true family? No, not many people do... but Daisy did." I grimly replied.

"You know, I kind of understand how you feel, kind of..." Caz lowered his voice, "I came from an abusive family, myself, and I know just how ugly life can get. People who haven't experienced it, can't imagine... it's a blessing in disguise."

I nodded, knowing Caz isn't lying about his past, because the emotion behind his words felt deep. Caz himself has experienced some life altering moments, and not for the better. It takes that kind of person to be interested in his line of work, I suppose. Someone who wants to make things right, protect people that can't protect themselves.

I know this isn't the best idea, but it's the only one we've got. It will do less damage than if we don't do it, and sometimes that's all you can ask for. Life is all about choosing between evils, one will always outweigh the other, but both decisions are going to come at a cost... it just depends on how much you want to lose.