Page 60 of Kyle
"I always knew there was something off between us. She never had time for me." The recollection had her tensing up, but he rubbed it away with his clever fingers. "She had a lot of perfumes and creams on her vanity and when I was old enough, six or seven, I used to go in and watch her. She would always shoo me out. She caught me one day, spritzing on her scent and was so mad, she slapped me. It was the first time I had ever been hit and it stunned me. Dad came in just then and they started a big nasty argument where she accused him of playing favorites." She shook her head. "I was too young to understand any of it and ended up going to my room to cry. He came in a few minutes later to try and comfort me. I never understood and for years, I tried to get her to love me." She paused as memories flooded. "Anyway, it never happened and I stopped trying. Dad was always there for me, and I convinced myself it was enough. But there was this hole inside me that could not be filled."
"She's your mother and you wanted her love as well."
He spoke softly, "You deserved so much more than what she gave you." His arms tightened around her, grounding her in the here and now. "It's not your fault she couldn't show you love theway you needed." The words were gentle, meant to soothe the ache that years of rejection had carved deep within her. "But I see you, every part of you, and I love you for all of it, especially for how strong you are."
She sniffed and wondered how he always knew the right words to say.
"Were you always like this?" She mused.
"Like what?"
"Supportive, compassionate, protective."
He considered that for a second and shook his head. "No." His smile was rueful. "I was selfish and self-absorbed. This is a first for me." He stared at her in wonder. "For the first time in my life, I have this burning desire to shield someone." His expression softened considerably. "You bring that out in me. When I heard her saying those things to you, I wanted to do her harm, bodily harm. Christ Jesus," he lowered his forehead on hers. "Even remembering what she said, how she tried to belittle you in front of everyone makes me so angry, I cannot catch my breath."
Her arms came around him and suddenly, her unhappiness dissipated like a puff of smoke caught in the wind.
"My hero." She whispered. "I love you like crazy."
"The feeling is mutual."
"Make love to me."
"Want to use me to forget?" He asked shakily.
"Oh, absolutely."
"I live to serve."
*****
They had promised themselves that the eve of Christmas and the day would be dedicated to family. The days after, would be theirs and they planned on traveling. The manor was not as brightly lit or as decorated as their place, but someone had attempted to inject some Christmas cheer.
Lights intertwined in the bushes leading from the long circular driveway to the house. The willow trees bending in the stiff breeze had red and white pepper lights twined through the branches.
"Your sister?"
"It might be."
She had worn green, a deep forest green that looked wonderful with her skin tone. And he had gifted her with emeralds to go with it. The man was determined to drape her in stones. Not that she was complaining. The dress was snug and long, with a split going up her left thigh. The fleece lined jacket kept the cold at bay.
"Have you spoken to her?"
"I tried to reach out, but she is not amenable." He glanced at her as they made their way up the steps of the front porch. "And don't even think about interfering."
"Who me?" She stared straight ahead.
"I've learned my lesson."
He gave her a hard stare. "I mean it Ingrid."
"It's your sister."
"Yes, please bear that in mind." He said firmly. She was saved from responding when the stick of a housekeeper stepped forward to take their coats. The woman still looked like a drill sergeant and just as pleasant.
"Where did your grandfather find her?"
Kyle grinned as they entered the lofty high-ceilinged foyer. "They served together in the army. She was a nurse."
