Page 50 of Coerced Kiss
It’s fucked up, but I’ve fantasized about owning her from the moment I pressed her against a wall and discovered my body’s greedy, almost violent reaction to her just when I was starting to think that perhaps there was something wrong with the mechanics down there. Maybe I just want to revenge myself on womankind. Maybe she’s the substitute I’m punishing for Rachele’s betrayal, the representation of the fickle sins of all Eves. Whatever my motivation, I don’t examine it too deeply as I lock the door and take the stairs to Livy’s apartment.
The old lady opens her door wearing a silk Kimono and an intricate hair comb that keeps her gray curls up.
“Right on time.” She steps aside. “Come in.”
When she’s locked the door, I give her the flowers I brought.
“Oh.” She presses a hand over her heart as she accepts the pink carnations and roses. “You’re such a gentleman.”
It’s not the term I’d use to describe myself, but I let her carry on about my charming manners as she puts the flowers in a vase that she fills with water.
When the business of finding the perfect spot for the bouquet is settled, she shows me to a low table in the lounge. A tray with a Kyushu and cups is set in the center.
“Have a seat,” she says, motioning at the cushions scattered around the table.
Once I’m sat on the floor with one leg bent, she goes down onto her knees with surprising agility, considering her age.
She lifts the Kyushu. “Tea? It’s jasmine.”
She pours without waiting for my reply and hands me a minuscule porcelain cup that looks as if it will crack if I grip it too hard.
“Thanks.”
I bring the cup to my nose and inhale. Being a coffee drinker myself, I can’t say the fragrance is appetizing.
After serving herself a cup, she sits back on her heels. “How are things going between you and Anya?”
“Great,” I say, measuring her. “Why do you ask?”
She watches me with shrewd eyes, sizing me up in turn. “Are you serious about her, or is she just a fleeting amusement?”
Her boldness surprises me. “That’s a very personal question.”
“That young lady endured more hardships in her life than any person should have to bear. If your intentions aren’t pure, it’s best you walk away now.”
“That’s not going to happen,” I say honestly.
She nods, approval sparking in her perceptive gaze. “In that case, there are a few things you need to know about Anya that she’ll never tell you herself.”
My curiosity is piqued. The report my investigator sent still sits in an encrypted file on my phone. I didn’t get much shuteye in Boston. After arriving home last night, I crashed and slept for nine hours straight. I haven’t read the information yet, but if there’s anything to know about Anya, he would’ve noted it. However, Anya and Livy seem to be friends from a long time back. Perhaps the old lady can shed light on matters that go deeper than facts.
“Like what?” I ask.
She sighs. “Oh, where to begin.”
I remain silent, giving her time to gather her thoughts. A part of me is obsessively curious about Anya’s past.
“She had a difficult childhood,” Livy starts. “Anya was always the parent, taking care of her mother instead of the other way around, already at the age of five when I met her.”
“How did you meet?” I ask, lifting the cup to my lips.
A fond smile transforms her features. “I was her grade one teacher.”
I think I understand. “So you took it upon yourself to watch out for her.”
She waves a hand. “All that is unimportant. What matters is that Anya had a pretty bad time growing up. Her mother is unstable, you see.”
“Unstable?”