Chapter 17 – ‘You aren’t weak’
1328 Words
His eyes ran over her, she could feel them everywhere and she looked at him again. She knew she looked a sight, but she also knew she couldn’t go to a hospital, at least not right now.
“Damian,” she whispered and he quickly had his arms around her. He lifted her up and took her straight to his bathroom, sitting her down on the counter.
“Angelina, what happened?”
“I had a fight…..with my dad….it was nasty.” She tried hard to fight the stuttering but she knew it wasn’t working.
“Okay, you had a bad fight with your dad but I don’t think he would have done this.” She shook her head, her hands resting on his arms that were still holding her.
“N…no…I left…angry…drove….car dead…and gang…” He wrinkled his brows as he tried to piece together what her jumbled words meant. Seeing her like this was outright confusing. This was not the powerhouse of a woman he knew and that was terrifying. She blinked at him once and twice before she shoved him out of the way and headed for the toilet.
Quietly, he walked over with a cup of water and held her hair back, just letting her go as she emptied her stomach. Finally, when she threw up everything she could, she sat back against the wall and offered him a very timid smile. He handed her the cup and then grabbed her arm as he started to bandage it up.
“Feel better?” She nodded as she finished the water and then watched as he wrapped up the arm. “So, how did this happen?”
“After I left my parents, I just drove. I was so furious and wasn’t paying attention and ended up a couple blocks down. My car was out of gas. Really, it was the stupidest move I have ever done.
“Anyway, about four guys from a local gang came upon me and I defended myself, but took a few hits as well.”
“Did you…” He left the question unspoken but she knew what he was asking and she nodded. He quickly pulled her in his arms and hugged her tight.
There was no question this woman was brave or strong, but taking someone’s life still took a toll on a person, male or female. And that was something he had seen a lot of in his adult life. He had no idea how she did it, but she was really amazing.
“I…usually throw up after, you know.”
“Angelina you know that doesn’t make you weak, right?” She nodded for she knew.
“My dad does too. Would have night mares afterward actually. My mom usually helped him through it.”
“Did anyone else have problems?”
“No. I have nightmares for a while too.” Angel looked down at her hands, her mind replaying the scene and she could feel herself start to shake.
“Hey, it’s okay,” he told her as he helped her down and held her in arms. “I’m here and it’s okay.” She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent.
“Thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank me. Do you need to call anyone?”
“Probably Ric. I’m sure the guys were getting my car would have called him.” Damian walked over to his bed and sat down, pulling her next to him as he handed her his phone.
“Call him. I don’t need them freaking out.” Angel dialed her brother’s number and he picked up after one ring.
“Damian, what the hell?”
“Ric, it’s me.”
“Angel?” he hissed. She heard as he quickly left a room and she knew he was still out the house. “Che diavolo sta succedendo (What the hell is going on)? I got a call…”
“I know you did,” she jumped in, cutting him off. “Look, I left in a bad huff and didn’t have enough gas. I stalled out, had some run ins with a few gang bangers and ended up at Damian’s house.” He let out a whoosh of air and she could picture his hand running through his hair.
"Stai bene (Are you okay)?”
“Yes, I’m fine and safe.”
“Do you need someone to take you home or will Damian bring you home?” Angel looked up at Damian and twisted her lip between her teeth.
“Don’t worry about me; I’ll ask him when I feel I’ll be okay?”
“You said…”
“Shut it. I was just calling to let you know I’m okay and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” With that, she hung up the call and gave Damian back the phone.
“You okay?” She nodded and he tilted his head. “What are you supposed to ask me?”
“If you wouldn’t mind taking me home?”
“Of course not. Do you want to leave now?” Angel looked at him, a glint in her eye as she shook her head.
“No, I don’t want to leave.”
“What…”
“May I stay? After all, you soothe me and I know that if I’m with you, I won’t have those horrible nightmares.”
“You don’t even have to ask, you know.” He jumped up and grabbed her a pair of shorts and a long shirt. “Feel free to change if you want.”
“Thank you.” She went into the bathroom and carefully changed into the clothes, her mind racing. She knew she had to ask about Rosa, but she also wanted just a few heated moments with the man who could take her problems away for a bit. She stared at herself in the mirror and then let out a breath and walked out of the bathroom, searching for Damian.
“Damian?” she asked and she found him sitting on the couch in the living room.
“Yeah?” he replied once he looked back at her.
“What’s the deal with you and Rosa?” Damian got up and walked over to her, his eyes looking the fill as they looked her over.
“Things with Rosa and I are not going to happen.”
“The contract…” He shook his head, effectively stopping what else she was going to say.
“You sister was fine with it and I talked to your dad about adjusting the contract as needed.” Angel ground her teeth together as it seemed everyone but she was in on this. And again, she was upset about the way she was being treated, but in this light, she was willing to let it go.
“I see,” she muttered and he stepped up to her, his eyes holding hers.
“I don’t think you do.” His hands landed on her hips and he drew her closer. “Now, kiss me.” His voice dropped and the command behind it sent a bolt of desire straight through her. She never thought that she would desire anyone telling her what to do, but she longed to listen to him. “Now, Angelina.” That voice, that tone, had her pushing up on her toes and pressing her lips against his.
- Writer
