Love Me in the Dark novel Chapter 9

RIVER

 “Yet you told me there was no evidence. When I asked you if he ever hurt you, your answer was no. Why the fuck did you have to lie to me?” His voice was harsh and thick with anger, but something flashed in his eyes that somehow surprised me—guilt. Why would he feel guilty about something I lied about?

Appalled, I wrapped my arms all over me with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. He’d already seen the bruises, but it felt like I was protecting myself from deep scrutiny. “No one would ever believe me.”

“I would if only you were straight and honest from the very beginning.” With eyes like razor blades, he glared at me.

“No one saw he did this to me.” I gulped as I broke my gaze. I knew he wanted to help, and that was the reason why I was here, yet I was the one who made this difficult for both of us. I felt ashamed, helpless, and weak that I had not felt like this in a long time.

He let out a deep sigh. “I will do anything in my power to put this to an end, River. You just have to trust me and help me to stop him. What he did to you is not something you should take for granted. He hurt you for fuck sake. What’s with you and that lunatic that you’re still protecting him? He might also need help. Don’t wait until it becomes his hobby; stalking and hurting women because you choose to keep your mouth shut.” Like always, he had a point. “How would I even going to help you if you, the victim would not cooperate with me?”

“You have no idea how much I wanted to end this. I am haunted in my sleep. I lost my job, Krew. I left my friends, my life back there because I was terrified for Journey and myself. I am here with you, barging into your life when the last thing you wanted was our paths to cross again after what I did to you. I just...” I sighed exasperatingly. “I don’t know why the first person—”

“It doesn’t matter now. I’m here to help, and you’re here with me. I mean, you’re safe here in my house, but you can’t hide from him for the rest of your life. You have to face him one way or another.”

“I know. I couldn't be any grateful for doing this.” I smiled timidly as I looked at him.

“I haven’t done anything yet.”

“Anyway, why are you looking for me?”

He blinked away the emotion in his eyes. “I’m going to see my brother.”

“And how I don’t know anything about this?”

“Now you know. Just get dressed before you get colds. Meet me in the office.” He dashed out of the room.

I felt a rush of warmth in my chest. I didn’t know why. If I had not known he disliked me, I would have thought he cared about me, but on the other hand, he didn’t want to add to his full plate if I got sick. It’s time to put my girl’s pants on.

I went to his office after I put on a shirt and shorts. I was about to say something when I noticed him in a white crisp shirt and dark pants. His hand was in his pocket as he talked to someone over the phone, and I got a chance to see his back, especially his pants-clad thighs and his round ass.

I shook that image away. “You could hang a painting or two on your wall, you know.” Then I noticed his duffel on the couch.

He was ready to leave. How about me?

“You’re here.”

“And you’re leaving?” I slumped my ass to the couch. Crap! Now I sounded like a clingy wife.

“I told you I have to see my brother.”

“Is he okay?”

“Yeah. He said he needs to see me.”

“Is it about me being here?”

He shook his head. “No. It’s personal.”

“I see.” I pursed my lips.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” His dark brow arched as he glanced at me.

“I mean, you hired me to be your assistant, yet I don’t know your schedule. I didn’t even arrange a flight for you. And when you leave, what should I do here at your house since my boss is too reticent to share his business meetings with me?”

“I said, it’s personal. I’ll be back as soon as I’m finished dealing with my brother.” That’s it? How long exactly?

I rose from my seat. “I know you would come back, but—”

“I will leave cash and my card with you. You can purchase anything online or order food. Use my name or fake name. Whatever.”

I closed my eyes for a moment. Was I overthinking this or what? “I don’t need to purchase anything or order food, Krew. I’m capable of feeding myself. I just feel like you don’t really need me.” Crap. “I mean, you don’t really need my assistance. I’ve never felt more useless than today.”

“Your job is to stay put. But on the other thought, you’re right. I don’t need you.”

Too stunned to think straight, I stared at him, perplexed, until everything clicked together.

“Call me if you need anything,” he added.

I ignored the ache in my chest. “Then why did you hire me?”

“Because you needed a job,” he answered without faltering.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Then I quit.”

“Okay.” What the hell? I was expecting a little dismay, but I was the one who was disappointed. Clearly, he didn’t need my service. “I have to go. Call me if you need anything,” he repeated as he took his bag. He was going to leave me alone in this freaking massive house.

My stomach did a nosedive. “You can’t leave me here. I’m coming with you.” As difficult as I already was, I stomped my feet and followed him towards the door. “Krew!”

“What?” He stopped, his eyes blazing with displeasure. “I would be late, River. There’s only one flight leaving for New York today, and I couldn’t afford to miss it.”

“What about me?”

“You’d be safe here, and you won’t be alone. Garcia is gonna be here twenty-four seven until I come back.”

Who the hell is Garcia? “Just let me come with you, please? I’ll stay in the hotel while you’re with your brother.”