Page 27 of Encircled in Darkness
Placing the food at the wobbly table, he turned and whisked me off my feet before sitting down with me, once again, in his lap. He fed me small bites of the fluffy eggs, the sharp cheese and tangy peppers bursting on my tongue. He took a bite and fed me one, and I could see he was hesitant to speak to me about whatever was in his past that was bothering him.
He gave me the last bite and I shook my head. Smiling, he finished it and sat the fork down. I turned to him, kissing him softly, and he gripped the back of my neck, returning the kiss with force. I undulated on his lap, and when he pulled back, we were both panting for air.
His eyes reflected sadness and he glanced to the side. I wanted to take it away from him if he would let me.
“If I said I had a horrible childhood, it would be an understatement. I grew up in the Flats of Portstill, just like you. I didn’t have anyone to look out for me, and I got tied up with some shady people. Along the way, I met my brother, Devlin, and we watched each other’s back. Somehow, we survived.”
My heart broke knowing he struggled in the Flats. It was a rundown place where pimps, prostitutes, drug dealers, and all sorts of people looking to take advantage of you thrived. You had to be strong or you got eaten alive.
“When we were old enough, we used the skills we had learned and started our business. Along the way from there to here, I’ve made enemies. People who want to see me destroyed.”
“Why would anyone want to hurt you?”
He licked his lips as his gaze moved to the glass door and locked on something in the backyard. Exhaling deeply, he continued.
“The details aren’t important, but you need to know thatI’ve killed enough men to reserve my seat at the devil’s table. I’ve spent years turning myself into an honest businessman, and I’m sure there are people who want to see me destroyed. I never thought my past would come back and threaten someone I cared about.”
“Who? I don’t understand.” He was being vague, and the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach was growing.
“This morning I went to my office and my team figured out who the man in your yard last night was. We determined that he’s someone from my past who I thought was dead. I was wrong and I think he has turned his focus on you.”
“Me? That doesn’t make any sense. Why would he be watching me?”
“Because he knows you’re important to me.” James caressed my cheek and I saw a fire in his eyes, calling to the darkness, offering to light the bleak pieces of my soul. “Until I find him, it’s all speculation, but I think he’s using you to get to me.”
I trembled in his arms, and he stood from the table, carrying me to the couch. He kissed me on my temple and squeezed his strong arms around me. I was important to James, a killer, but I had never felt safer.
“I promise I won’t let him lay a finger on you. I will find him, and I will kill him.”
“What do I do?” the fear bubbled as I waited for him to explain.
“You stay close to me and I’ll protect you. I swear I’ll make sure you’re safe and I’ll kill anyone who tries to stop me.”
Chapter 9
James
