Shielding Lily(30)
He takes me twice in the morning before I sneak out of his room and back into mine. I don’t want to be disrespectful of Ren’s parents and their generosity, so hopefully if we can be discreet, we can have the best of both worlds. Because now that I’ve had him, I don’t think I can go a single night without being in his arms.
25
lily
“What are you doing?” I giggle, smacking at Ren’s hand. He’s been eyeing my outfit all day. Sometimes he looks hungry, and other times he glares like he doesn't like it.
“I’m just buttoning it up.” Ren continues to do one button at a time, his big hands having a hard time with the little buttons on my new pink cardigan.
It’s one I got when I went shopping with Janet last night. She’d gotten off work early and stole me from the hardware store. We stayed at the mall until they practically kicked us out of the place. When we finally got home, both Rick and Ren were sitting out on the cold porch waiting for us. Now we had plans to go get me a cell phone after school because Ren didn’t “like that shit” of not being able to get a hold of me. Janet laughed and said, “Welcome to being with a Hendricks man!”
“I think it’s more for looks. You don’t really button it,” I try to tell him, but he’s clearly not having it. Ren’s hands linger when he gets to one of the buttons that cover the very small amount of cleavage showing. He runs his finger along it before he buttons it, seemingly satisfied now that I’m covered. I really like the new clothes I got, and it’s nice not having to worry so much about spending a little bit of money on them. It’s nice not to have to worry about saving every single penny trying to get out of my father's house. I know now that as long as I have Ren, I’m safe. I know that every night when I go to bed, I’ll be wrapped around him.
He mumbles something I can’t hear, and I have to fight a laugh.
“Ren, Coach needs you,” someone yells from down the hall. We turn to see Zach from one of our classes standing there. I know he’s on the football team with Ren and they share random head nods at each other when they pass. Neither really says much to the other. A lot of people don’t talk to Ren. I think some try, but his one-word responses don’t leave room for conversation. I think people might fall over and die if they saw how much he talks to me.
“I’m—”
“Go,” I tell him, cutting him off. “I’m going to go to the bathroom and I’ll meet you at our locker.” He glances back over at Zach and I can tell he’s debating it. He’s been in super protective mode since everything went down with my father last weekend. I love that he worries about me, because it’s something I haven’t had in so long. But I also know we can’t always be together. I’m sure when we go off to college next year there will be a lot of times he can’t be directly by my side. It’s something he’s going to have to let go of sooner or later. No matter how much I enjoy it.
He leans down, kissing me on my cheek, the same spot where the bruise from my father had lingered. It’s pretty much gone now. The softness of his kiss melts my insides, like his kisses always do.
“I’ll hurry,” he tells me.
“It’s fine. Take your time.” His mouth covers mine in a quick kiss before he turns to leave. Everyone moves out of his way as he walks down the hallway. I watch him go, and he glances back a few times before he has to turn the corner. I want to laugh. I shake my head and move into the bathroom. When I’m in the stall, I lock the door and take care of business. But before I can step out, I hear some girls come in and start talking trash.
“Did you see what she was wearing today? I don’t see what Ren sees in her. She dresses like a freaking nun.” I recognize Kristen’s voice immediately. I look down at my outfit, wondering what’s wrong with it. I’m wearing gray boots with black leggings, a black shirt, and my cardigan over the top. I thought it was cute and warm. Janet loved it, and the way Ren kept looking at me made me think it was actually more than cute. It’s me and makes me feel comfortable and stylish. I roll my eyes. Whatever. I don’t care what they think of me or what I wear. Whatever makes them feel better about themselves.
“Guess that’s what he’s into. Maybe that’s what you’ve been doing wrong. Got to downplay it a little. Makes sense with how quiet he is. You should try it and see how he reacts to you.” I don’t recognize the other girl’s voice. I shake my head. I can’t deal with these girls. Not that I blame them for wanting Ren’s attention. It’s consuming and intoxicating and I’m addicted to it myself.