Page 73 of Spark
“I didn’t know you were capable of administering mercy to innocent animals with no purpose,” I murmured cautiously.
His glare was absolute malice. “Believe it or not, I can be, and I did so to spare you the pain of knowing they were killed to keep you safe. It would have been a hell of a lot easier, but no, I let them live for you because I know it’s what you wanted. It was either you or them, Jaden, and I knew you wouldn’t have the heart to make that decision, so I made it for you so you can continue to safely enjoy the woods that you clearly love so much.”
I let my eyes slowly falter from his, too angry to hold them up anymore. I was so pissed, but I was even more pissed off because, in a way, he was right, and I didn’t want to admit that. I was thankful he had them relocated and not killed, and even more surprised he’d done it to keep me happy. And what made me even angrier was that I understood why he did what he did because if it had been my child out there, I would have probably done the same thing. The only difference was I wasn’t a fucking child, yet he kept protecting me like one.
Darren could see the turmoil rotating in my eyes and finally took back my attention.
“Now, I want an apology for your outburst, and then you’re going to thank me for not killing the foxes and providing you with a safe environment to make peace with your miserable life,” he growled.
I pursed my lips before blowing a piece of loose hair from my eyes. His hand was still wrapped around my throat, reminding me I wasn’t going anywhere until he got what he wanted, as per usual. Fucker.
“I’m sorry for my outburst,” I said, biting into the back of my tongue to feel the sting. “And thank you.”
“For what?” he pushed, the intensity in his gaze growing.
I tried to suspend the huff I knew was ready to reveal itself and likely piss him off even more. “For not killing the foxes and providing me with a safe environment to make peace with my miserable life,” I grumbled.
“You’re fucking welcome,” he snarled. “Now, get your ass upstairs and wash up for dinner. I want you in heels tonight.”
I grimaced but didn’t argue. I bit my tongue instead until I was all the way upstairs and safely in my room, slamming the door behind me while Clive and Owen stayed outside.
I couldn’t believe how hard I’d lost that argument. Normally, I had valid points and could easily spar with Darren until he got fed up with my disobedience and silenced me for the night. His word was law but only because his laws made sense in his own twisted mind, but this time, for once, he actually had a valid point. Any wild animal was dangerous; I knew this, but all those foxes were was just another taste of freedom I didn’t want to give back. I wanted interaction. I wanted the distraction, anything that could take my mind away from the hell I was living in. I was looking for ways to make my life tolerable… until I figured a way out of here. However the fuck long that would take.
After washing up for dinner, I changed into something nicer and pursed my lips when I tried to decide what stupid heels to wear. I didn’t typically wear them. They were uncomfortable and impractical. The only thing I liked about them was the fact that they gave me a few extra inches in height but big deal. I was still short as fuck. I decided on a nice compromise and selected a pair of lacey pink wedges to go with my light pink frilly strapless sundress. The floor-length mirror confirmed how ridiculous I looked. I wanted my black Converse, skinny jeans, and my black leather jacket. I missed looking like me. Not this fake frilly bullshit.
When it was time, Clive and Owen escorted me down to the dining room, where Darren was already waiting, typing away on his smartphone. The moment I entered the room, his eyes immediately went to my feet to make sure I’d obeyed him. His brows furrowed with what was probably anger. I quickly sat down before he could linger on them for too long.
He finally sighed. “Jaden, what are you wearing?”
“It’s called a compromise,” I replied positively.
“A compromise?”
“Yes; they’re heels, but they’re much more comfortable than stilettos.”
Darren’s eyes narrowed at me. “Why don’t you ever wear any of the heels I’ve provided you?”
I took a sip of my water before answering him. “Several reasons. One—because they’re impractical and uncomfortable. Two—I prefer to be as stable around you as possible, and three—it’s much safer for you.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “How’s that?”
I couldn’t help but smirk. “Because I might be too tempted to stab you in the throat with the heel. Best to keep me away from temptations like that,” I said plainly.
Darren regarded me for a moment before he tilted his head to the side and laughed. I loved how he found my violent side funny.
“You take the meaning of ‘killer heels’ literal, don’t you?” He chuckled.
I shrugged. “The right ones can be dangerous. I once kicked a frat boy in the stomach for getting too touchy with me while wearing heels. He had to go to the hospital that night for stitches.”
Darren positively grinned. “Impressive, but I think you know by now that killing me will only serve to make things much worse for you.”
I waved him off. I’d heard this speech before. “Yes, yes, Mexico and all that. I know.”
The idea should terrify me, but I didn’t plan to kill Darren until I’d eliminated all my other smaller threats first; until no one was left to avenge his death. Then I would strike.
“You need to stop thinking like that,” Darren said dismissively as our dinner was served.
I shot him a glance. I hadn’t thought that out loud, had I? “Thinking like what?”