Page 50 of Sinful Addiction
“It’s been a long time since we were in the same room together, princess.I’ve missed you,” he hums.
His taunting words are my last straw.I can’t be in this house as long as he’s here.I make a move to sidestep away from him, but he’s too perceptive and moves with me.
“I always liked it when you played hard to—Oomph!You little bitch.”
He made a mistake coming this close to a grown woman.Close enough to be kneed in the balls.
“Come near me again, and I will kill you.”I leave the kitchen and head for the upstairs bathroom.I thank god there’s a lock so I can hide; no one can get to me in here.
I sit on the closed toilet lid, not wanting to get my dress dirty by sitting on the tiled floor, drinking the wine to ease my staggered breaths.
I’ve managed to avoid almost every event since Kate and Charleston started dating.Most of the time I was away at school.Otherwise, I made an excuse not to be in the same building as that putrid man.
Tonight, I feel ambushed.
All the times he snuck into my room and called me princess makes my stomach cramp.I force the memories to stay buried, but him turning up and saying those things while in the very same house…
Quickly, I jump off the seat and lift the lid.Every drop of wine heaves from my stomach and makes its way into the porcelain bowl.The burning sensation, along with watering eyes is enough to make me crumble.Time passes with the acidic taste on my tongue.Years worth of abuse taunting me.I collapse onto the floor awaiting the next wave of nausea to show, but it never comes.
By now I expect everyone to be in the living room like nothing happened, excuses being made for my absence, and hopefully my departure from the bathroom will be perfectly timed to meet Antonio in the hall.Swiftly, I wash away the tears, brush my teeth and apply some fresh makeup to cover my red rimmed eyes.I’m thankful Mom leaves a fresh stock in here for me if ever I need it.
“Makeup is your best friend,” she always said.The one thing she ever cared for was keeping a radiant appearance.
I peer out the door, making sure the coast is clear then keep my head down as I walk down the hall.
“Are you alright?”Antonio steps out from behind the wall that branches off to another wing of the house, scaring the breath from me.
“You scared me.”I hold my hand over my heart, and plaster on a smile.“Have you two finished already?”
“We have.”There’s a long pause where he studies me.“Something has upset you.”The alarm in his tone is clear.He doesn’t like that I’m upset, and I know I’ve done a terrible job of schooling my emotions.I wish I could tell him he’s wrong, but I can’t.
“Can we leave?I’m not feeling well.”It’s not a complete lie.
“Pixie, listen to me and listen well.We’re going downstairs where everyone else is, I’m going to make our excuse to leave, then as soon as I’ve gotten you back to my place, you’re going to tell me what happened.”He takes his jacket off to drape over my shoulders.At the same time, he wraps me in his protective armor, pressing a lingering kiss on top of my head.
In his arms I feel safe.I nestle my head into his chest and breathe in his woodsy scent to calm my nerves.It’s the only way I’ll survive the bloodbath that is my family and co.
“Are you ready to put that mask back on?”His knowingness of my false bravado makes me want to face the room with him by my side.
“I’m ready.”
We emerge to everyone chatting about the upcoming wedding.The whole time I anchor myself against Antonio’s side.The momentheturns around, Antonio’s hold on me tightens to almost unbarring proportions.
“Reginald.”His tone is anything but pleasant.
“Antonio, what a surprise.Arthur never mentioned you were joining us.I assume you’ve already met my son, Charleston.”Behind that smile is a message for me.I know it.He’s caught Antonio by surprise, and no one has that advantage from my experience.That’s a strike for each of us.
“I have.I didn’t realize you had a son.”He looks to Charleston.“That will be how I recognized him.I see the resemblance.Let’s hope the apple falls from a different tree.”I dig my fingers into Antonio’s side.I warned him on the car ride over here to play nice.This is that time.
“How about another round of drinks?Lacey, would you care to get a bottle of wine for us ladies and perhaps your father will allow you to get some of his finest for the gentlemen?”Grace seeks us both out, hoping to not lift a finger as Arthur enters the room.
“I’d love another drink.How about I help you, Lacey,” Reginald eagerly offers.
“Actually, Mom, we’re going to head home.I’m not feeling well.”At this point I don’t care if it’s a lie or the truth.I need to get out of here.
“That’s a shame.”Kate doesn’t try to hide her cynicism.
“Kate,” Mom scolds.