Page 24 of Decoded
“Has Daniel done something, honey?” Her tone is hushed, and she glances into the living room as the man in question sits with his best friend.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s just that you looked so uncomfortable at dinner. I saw you tense up multiple times and I noticed he was eating with his left hand. Daniel’s right-handed, Anna.”
I stay quiet, drying the dinner plate in my hand with more focus than if I were facing off in an Olympic sport.
“Anna, was his hand on you during dinner?” I nod.
“Did you want it there?” I shake my head.
“Honey, please tell me what’s going on.”
I desperately want to tell her the truth. I want to confide in her about the messages and videos he’s sent me over the past year. I want to have no doubts that she will stand up for me when I tell her how he touched me against my will this afternoon in his office. I want to tell her everything, but I don’t, because the man she’s asking about walks into the kitchen with us.
“Every time I watch it hoping somehow the ending will change. And every time we fucking lose.” My mom lets out a nervous giggle, and Daniel takes another step in my direction. “I guess I’m headed home for the night. Thanks for dinner, Kara. Anna, you probably need to head home yourself. Let me walk you out.”
“Oh, no, that’s okay. I think I’m going to stick around here just a bit longer.”
“The hell you are,” my dad says coming into the kitchen. “I’m ready for bed and after making the dinner you requested, I’m sure your mother is tired, too. Stop making things difficult for everyone and let Daniel walk you out.”
“Now Craig, we don’t know how long it will be before we can see our only child again. She’s going to be busy with her new job and all, so I think it’s okay for her to stay a little longer.” Mymom gives me a weak smile, as she tries to save me from being alone with the man she now knows has been taunting me.
“That’s her decision, Kara. Now I’m tired and it’s time we all call it a night.”
Tired of fighting with him and not wanting to make things worse for my mom, I give in to my dad and say my goodbyes. Daniel places his hand at the small of my back as he guides me through the house and out the front door. Once we’re in the driveway, he grabs my wrist and spins me so that I fall into his chest. A hand wraps around my neck, and he tugs me to him, placing his lips over mine, refusing to stop even as I try like hell to pull away.
“You really are so fucking difficult,” Daniel says, moving his hand from my neck to the back of my head and forcing me against his lips again. This time his tongue tries to find entrance and when it pushes past my lips, I bite down until I taste his blood in my mouth.
Daniel pulls back, but an evil chuckle rises out of him. “Oh, sweet girl, if you like it rough, you just had to say so.” I manage to pull away from his hold and rush over to my car, slamming the door and locking it so he can’t get to me. Daniel just stands outside my door and laughs. “Oh, Anna,” his muffled voice comes through my window, “always playing hard to get. I left you a little care package so you can remember me.” He jerks his head in the direction of my passenger seat where a neatly wrapped gift has been placed. “I’ll see you soon, sweet girl.”
My breath comes out in pants as I sit in my car and watch Daniel climb into his Jeep, then drive away. Once he’s out of sight, I finally allow my body to relax, and I head for home. On the drive to my apartment, I can’t help but think back to the man who kissed me so differently mere weeks ago. I may still be mad at him, but I can admit that I miss Keaton, and the comfort his arms gave me is exactly what I could use right now.
I park in the apartment garage for the last time and get ready to head inside, but my eye catches on the box in my passenger seat. I swear if there’s a fucking head in there I’m going to be so pissed.
I hate to compliment anything about Daniel, but the box really is beautiful, trimmed in black with a gold bow around it. I lift off the lid to find a thick, veiny dildo inside, along with a note and a picture of me with Daniel Brenner from last year’s holiday party. I open the note and read the scratched writing I recognize as belonging to my former boss.
I will never let you go.
Anna
I just made it here! Love you both!
My phone rings through my car’s speakers and I roll my eyes knowing exactly who is on the other line.
“Anna, it’s your mother.”
“I know, Mom.”
“We just got your message. I’m on speaker with your father here beside me.” It should be annoying, but I can’t help but smile at her full report.
“I just wanted to let you know I made it. I’m about to go into my new place.”
I look out at the guesthouse at the end of the stone path. The white siding pops against the black roof and shutters and it looks so sparkly clean. The place is so cute, and more than enough space for me, but compared to the mansion beside it, it may as well be a shack.
“We love you so much, honey. Have a great first day of work and know that we are so proud of you. Tell her, Craig. Tell her how proud you are of her.”
I don’t expect my dad to say the words my mom is trying to force out of him, but I wait for him to come on the line anyway.
