Page 52 of The Thug And His Doll

I’m thrown by his sudden change of heart, but not fooled by it. I know men like him.

“Come on, Lia, Toby, let’s go,” Drix urges.

I follow him, Toby’s hand clenched tightly in mine. As we reach the door Carl clears his throat, and Drix stalls as we turn to face him.

“Drix is an important cog in a very smoothly running wheel. His position within our families’ businesses is exceedingly important,” he says to me before looking at Drix. “I expect you to adhere to our arrangement. Understood?”

A muscle in Drix’s jaw flickers as he gives him a sharp nod in response. Carl smiles and it sends shivers down my spine.

“Good. So long as we’re clear.”

Ten minutes later, Drix is pulling into the car park of the shopping centre that I parked in on the night we first arrived in Princetown. It seems like ages ago now when we were forced to sleep in my car, when in reality it’s only been about a week and a half.

“Are we going to the ballpark, Mama?” Toby asks, cheering up a little now that we’re far away from that awful man.

“I thought we could do some shopping,” Drix says, plastering on a smile for Toby. “But you can visit the ballpark first, then we can shop and have dinner after. How about that?”

“Yes please,” Toby exclaims, clapping his hands together with excitement.

“Drix, I haven’t been paid yet,” I say quietly as he climbs out of the car, fetching Toby from his seat.

He doesn’t reply, he simply waits for me to join them both. Reluctantly, I step into stride beside them as we enter the shopping centre and head towards the children’s play centre. Around us people are shopping for Christmas gifts. Couples walk hand in hand, chattering, happy, bags filled with their purchases swinging from their hands, but all I feel is a dark cloud over my head despite the Christmas lights decorating the place.

The discussion with Carl has made me feel out of sorts, and I don’t know what to think or how to behave. I certainly don’t want Drix thinking that I’m after him for his money like Carl insinuated.

When we reach the children’s play centre, Toby runs off to the ballpit, throwing his body into the huge pile of coloured plastic balls the second we enter. Within minutes he’s made a friend and they’re running around the netted climbing frame hooting and laughing.

“Lia, I’m sorry about how Carl treated you,” Drix says as we sit at one of the plastic tables watching Toby play.

I shake my head. “I guess he was just looking out for you,” I reply, not sure why I’m making excuses for the man’s appalling behaviour.

“He was being an intrusive bastard. There’s no excuse. I apologise,” he says firmly.

I nod, my gaze following Toby as he enjoys himself. “I want you to know, I’m not after you for your money. That isn’t who I am,” I add.

Drix swivels in his seat to face me. He reaches for my hands holding them gently. “I know that. Carl is suspicious of anyone new to town. He has more money than sense and it clouds his judgement.”

“Even so, I never want you to feel like I’m some gold digger. I’m only staying because I have no other choice.” Drix removes his hands from mine, and I feel bereft from the loss of his touch, my gut twisting at the hurt look on his face. “That’s not what I meant,” I mumble.

“So you’re still planning on leaving?” he asks me.

“I– I don’t know,” I admit. “My head is all over the place.”

“Don’t let what Carl said make you feel like you have to leave as soon as you’re able. I like having you both around. I mean it, Lia. I want you to stay. I don’t give a fuck about what Carl Gunn has to say. All I care about is you and Toby, and how you make me feel.”

I sigh. “I know you like having us around.”

“But?”

“But where can this really lead? I’m still married, Drix. My life is complicated.”

“I happen to like complicated things,” he replies, shooting me a small smile.

“And it seems like your life is complicated too,” I note, remembering Carl’s parting shot as we were leaving. “I don’t know what hold that man has over you, but I’m not stupid, Drix, I sense that there’s something going on.”

Drix swipes a hand over his face. “You don’t need to worry about that. It’s just… business,” he falters.

“Don’t do that. Don’t treat me like I’m stupid, Drix,” I say, looking away from him, feeling my slowly building trust for him beginning to crumble.

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