Dark Boundaries(60)
The day passes in a blur. My family has lost it. Mom runs in one direction, giving orders of things still to be done. Justin is a nervous wreck. Dad is hiding in his study. Let’s be honest, Dad has the best idea. Andrea is all over the place, doing whatever Mom tells her to.
I’m never getting married.
I wake up the next morning with a heavy feeling in my chest. I put on my shorts and a t-shirt and head for the beach. A good run should clear my head.
On my way back I get to the deck just before our house and I almost stumble. She’s sitting on the edge, watching me. The last time I saw her she was covered in bruises, but now – fuck, she’s stunning. My legs grow a will of their own and they take me in her direction. I drag off my shirt and wipe my forehead and chest down. I’m still out of breath when I reach the spot she’s sitting. She doesn’t get up and for a moment I just stare down at her.
“I saw you running yesterday.” Her voice is still soft. “I wanted to talk to you before the ceremony.”
My body is still too worked up from the run to sit, so I keep looking down at her at a loss for words. It’s so damn good to see her again.
“Ah … I feel we left a lot unsaid between us. I just want to clear the air so the ceremony will be perfect for Riza and Justin. I know you tried to fix everything that happened, and that’s why you wanted me to stay those three months with you. I want you to know that I’m grateful for those few days I stayed with you. I don’t regret it.”
She gets up and dusts the sand from her shorts. She nervously tucks some hair behind her ear and turn away from me. She takes two steps and then turns her face half to me. “Those ten days … I could have fought so much harder, but deep down I knew you were good. I could see it in your eyes. I could feel you wouldn’t hurt me and that’s why I gave in to you so quickly. I’d do it all again if it means I get you in the end. I’d lose myself all over again so I could just once see myself through your eyes. No one has ever looked at me the way you did. You saw what was deep inside of me. You once said you loved me. You killed for me.” She walks away and I wait. That can’t be all!
And then I hear her whisper. “I’d be more than a slave for you. I love you unconditionally.”
Her words knock all common sense from me. My legs are rooted to the sand as she walks away for a second time. I so badly want to run after her and beg her to say it all again. But I don’t. I can’t make her come to me. I forced her twice. This time she has to return to me out of her own free will.
~*~
Chapter Forty Six
Kristine~
He just stood there in his shorts, all sweaty and looking ridiculously good. I laid my heart at his feet and he didn’t say one word. I had to take the chance, to see if he might feel the same way, but it’s obvious he does not. His eyes were so sad. The warmth I once saw in them now gone.
I want to crawl into my bed and spend the day crying. I force myself to lock up and walk the short distance to Liza’s house. We’re all getting ready there. The ceremony will be on the beach in front of the house.
When I step off the deck my heart starts to beat heavily with each step that takes me closer to the house. I’ve been here a couple of times since I’ve returned. Liza never asked about what happened between Garrett and me and I’m thankful for that.
I knock and then quickly shove my hands in my back pockets. I almost turn and run back to my little safe haven, but the door opens and for the second time today I look into his eyes.
“Hi…” I’m all out of words. I wish he’d say something back!
“Hon, you’re here!” Liza calls from inside. “Riza is a wreck. I’m so glad you’re here.”
I slip by Garrett and smile at Liza. “Show me the way.”
She takes my hand and I follow her. I dare a quick glance over my shoulder. Garrett catches me looking back at him and my cheeks flush with heat. Yeah, way to creep the man out.
I find Riza in tears. “Hey, Sis, it’s going to be a beautiful day. Don’t cry.”
She throws her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. “I’m so freaking emotional! The tears won’t stop coming.”
“Tell me she changed her mind,” Kelly suddenly says from behind me. She must’ve arrived just after me.
Riza pulls away from me and shoots Kelly a dark scowl. “Just for today can you pretend to be happy for me?”
I can see a fight coming and quickly step between them. “We’re all going to have a wonderful day.”
“If only she would have the same common sense as you, but no, she has to marry the man,” Kelly snaps. “For God’s sake, Riza! He kidnapped you. He raped you! How can you marry him?”