Page 42 of King of Wrath

“No Daddy?”

I shake my head. “That’s the name for a man who is actually caring for me, isn’t it?” Foolishly, a few more tears prick my eyes. Why does my stupid heart want me to be wrong? I know I need to be on my own, not trust a man. I’ve known for a very long time.

“I told you that I would take care of you.”

“You did. But I’m not sure why I should listen.” I feel him draw up. His shoulders straighten.

“I’m salty. I drink too much, and until recently, I smoked too much. I never tell people I care about them, and my favorite form of communication is sarcasm.”

I step off the belt of the treadmill, resting my feet on the side rails to turn and look at him. “Okay.”

“I’ve hurt people, and I’ve done a few shady deals. Including taking you the other night.”

My heart is thudding in my chest as I finally look at him, his gaze holding me captive.

“But one thing I am not is a liar. So when I tell you I’m going to protect you no matter what, I will.”

And then he turns and walks away, leaving me in the gym. The belt runs as my feet rest on the sides, and I stare after him.

I know I shouldn’t let him sway me. He’s been in command this whole time, and this is likely just his next play to keep me where he wants me.

But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that part of me wants to chase after him, tuck myself against him, and let him be the wall that breaks the danger that surrounds me. Or maybe he just breaks me.

I shake my head, and step back on the belt.

I need time to think and time to plan and I can’t let my insecurities, my past pain, push me into a place of weakness.

So instead of chasing him, I turn up the treadmill.

I have no idea how long I run but when I get off my legs are jelly.

Leaving the gym, I find a plate in the kitchen with a large southwest salad already made.

I stare at the food, wondering if I should eat it. I’m so hungry, and I’m not worried that he’s tampered with it. But him making me every meal is one more way in which I am under his protection, his care.

Then again, who wants to waste food? Opening the fridge, I pull out a large bottle of water and take a few swigs.

Sitting down, I slowly begin to eat. I know what I need to do. I need to slow down the explosion of chemistry that happened this morning.

As much as I think I’ve gained, he definitely came out the winner. He’s been in control the entire time, and he still is.

With that in mind, I finish my salad then enter the bathroom, checking for snakes myself before I take a shower, rewashing everything, even my hair.

Wrapped in a towel, I blow it out, putting on more makeup than I usually would.

It’s not Jess-level, but it is more than just lip gloss and mascara. I wish my sister was here.

I’d like to tell her that I love her. I haven’t said the words to her in so long.

With a sigh, I make my way into our room, picking out a dress for the day. I hear the treadmill start.

Was Jake waiting for me to do his workout? Are we avoiding each other? Works for me.

We stay in our separate corners all day and then the next.

We barely talk. We don’t even eat together.

And yet, I’ve never been more aware of a person in my life. I’ve got to come up with a plan and get out of here.

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