Page 31 of His Obsession
Mirror, mirror on the wall, show me the most sickening bruise you’ve ever seen—my God. I stood in shock, staring at my face. My mouth gaped as I took in the swelling that merged with my eye and cheek, forming one large knot. The deep purple drew me in like a galaxy without stars. I needed to put some ice on it. Tossing one of my suitcases on the bed, I found a black pair of leggings and a gray tee tied at the back. I threw my hair in a low messy bun and gave myself a once-over.
Muffled voices became louder as I opened the door. I made my way down the hall and paused at the charming artwork of a young woman. Her short brown hair hung loosely around her shoulders as she sat in a comfy chair, reading an old weathered book. It was pleasant and serene. The one sitting further down was another woman with wavy blonde hair dipping her feet in the ocean waves. Her silky dress was dripping with water and sticking to her legs. She looked at peace, free from strife and worry.
Can I join you?
“I like this one,” Alek said. I didn’t hear him approach me from behind.
I trembled with indecision, wanting to turn around but not able to. I continued to stare at the scene with the woman who enjoyed the feel of the world around her. “I do too,” I murmured.
“You need to eat. I made pancakes.”
Yum, pancakes,my mouth was watering already.
I turned and followed him down the stairs. We passed under the staircase, through the living and dining, and finally into the bright white kitchen. An island sat in the center, with white marble counter-tops and barstools butting up against it. Jake took up one stool, shoveling in pancakes and bacon.
“Morning, Liz.”Jake greeted with a mouth full of pancakes. Noting the lack of the word ‘good’ before ‘morning.’
“Hi, Jake.” I sat next to him, putting a pancake and a piece of bacon on my plate, smothering it in syrup. I picked up my fork and stopped, staring at the actions everyone was taking. Jake plowing through pancakes like it was his last meal, Alek was pouring me a glass of juice, and me… what were we doing? Acting as if this was normal, as if someone didn’t attack me last night. That it was okay for a girl to spend the night with her boss. For him to hold me in his strong arms and soothe me to sleep. I couldn’t deny it was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long while, all things considered.
“I have some things I need to get done today,” Alek spoke, drawing me out of my war-torn thoughts. “Jake will stay with you while I’m gone,” he said, then took a sip of his juice and thumbed through his phone.
“Well, as much as I like Jake, I don’t need a babysitter.” I darted my eyes to Jake as his fork clattered to the plate, his eyes on Alek, waiting for a reaction. I would be remiss if I didn’t say he almost looked worried.
Alek’s face twitched with an emotion I was now coming to realize was anger.
“Awe, you like me, Liz?” Jake said, trying to lighten the mood.
I pushed my plate away, one bite taken, and no longer hungry. “Only a little, Jake. Don’t let it go to your head.” I smirked.
Jake smiled, picked up his fork, and shoveled more pancakes into his mouth. Where was he putting all of that?
“He’s not babysitting. He’s keeping you company, so you don’t have to be alone.” Alek gave me a look that said to stop talking back and just accept it, but we all knew me.
The smile I held earlier slid from my lips. “That’s the same thing,” I said, shaking my head and rolling my eyes. I finished my orange juice and placed my cup in the dishwasher, my gaze catching Jake’s current shirt.
I pointed at him. “I see dead pixels? I don’t get it.”
He shook his head. “I’m thinking you are a lost cause to the technical world.”
“Maybe,” I said. “I need to go organize,” I walked away, excusing myself.
“Liz, I won’t be gone long,” Alek said, trying to make me feel better. Or maybe it was a threat. His hidden meaning, telling me not to leave. I didn’t respond as I trotted up the stairs to find my room again.
I turned up the music on my phone and swayed to the unique voice of the lead singer of In This Moment. I opened each of my bags and put away my clothes and toiletries, singing to her famous words. I finished up the last bag when a message interrupted my music.
Alek: I’m leaving. Jake is downstairs.
I put my phone back, turning off my music, choosing not to respond. I still couldn’t help but be mad at Alek for the secrecy and trying to take control of my life, even if he thought it was for my own good.
I opened the nightstand drawer and found the remote, turning on a random show of a man who negotiates ransoms for kidnapped victims. I became enthralled—the man was a master manipulator.
∞∞∞
Drool dripped down my cheek.
Charming.
I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep; the TV was off, and the sun was no longer shining through my windows. I must have slept hard and apparently most of the day. I heard a pair of voices coming towards the door. I wiped the drool with the back of my hand and tried to fix my hair.