Page 70 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
My body kept facing the door as I closed it, avoiding looking at Lucas. If I looked at him, then he could look at me. He would see my wounded cheek. I hadn't even checked it in a mirror yet, but I know it's bad. Lucas wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, leaning down and resting his chin on my shoulder. I turned my head away from him, still trying to hide what I know he will inevitably see.
"What's the matter, Rose? Did I take too long?" He asked me, kissing the nape of my neck over my collarbone. I shook my head no, worried my voice would sound too weak. He continued to kiss my neck, moving my hair away gently with his fingers. I flinched when his fingers accidentally grazed against my cheek.Shit.
Lucas stiffened, pulling away and turning me to face him. He pushed my hair out of my face, lifting my chin with his fingers. He examined me carefully. His intense eyes were boring holes into me like the sun's rays through a magnifying glass.
"What happened to your face?" Lucas sounded furious as he saw my cheek for the first time.
How do I explain this one?
Lucas' P.O.V.
It was clear someone had stricken her. I know could see the well known mark. I've seen it a few too many times on Mom's face. My beautiful Rose had been hurt while I was gone, and I'll make whoever it was pay for it. The mark on her cheek tugged at my heart in the worst ways.
"It's nothing," she said, trying to blow it off.
"Olive, tell me what happened." This was serious, and the fact she didn't want to tell me, only made me wonder more.
"I hate when you use my name," she sighed. "It always gets me."
"Does that mean you'll tell me, Olive?"
"Sit down, I'll tell you." She gestured to the couch for me to sit on. Her voice deflated, leaving behind whatever stubbornness she had. I liked that my using her name had such an effect on her.
I sat on the couch, grabbing her wrist and pulling her onto my lap as she walked by me. I had her straddle me, so I could look into those eyes as she told me who hurt her like this. Whoever it was, hurt her more than just physically. Her eyes were pink and puffy, letting me know she'd been crying as well. She let out a breath, letting her shoulders fall.
"Shortly after you left, someone knocked on the door. I assumed maybe it was you, and you'd forgotten something, but it wasn't. My dad found me. I've kind of been ignoring his phone calls since my mom died. He wasn't very happy about it and started to lecture me. I got mad, so I argued back. I said something he didn't like, and next thing I knew…" she trailed off as she spoke, her voice thick with emotion.
I saw the tears pooling in her eyes, threatening to spill on her swollen cheek. The anger in me was at an all-time high, but I kept my cool in front of her. I knew blowing up right now would not be to her benefit. I'd more than likely scare her if I did. I'll deal with her dad later. Right now, I need to comfort my Rose.
I pulled her towards me, having her lay her uninjured cheek on my chest. I rubbed her back with the tips of my fingers, lightly. She relaxed into me, silently crying. It broke my heart to hear her cry like this. I hate her father as much as I hate my own, maybe even more. How dare he hit her?
"Let's go, Rose." I picked her up.
"What? Where?" She wiped at her cheeks as she pulled back to look at me.
"You'll see." I smiled at her.
"Lucas, I can't go out like this. People will think you hit me." She shook her head in disbelief.
"Just trust me, Rose, okay?" She paused for a moment, staring deep into my eyes. I am not sure what she was searching for, but I guess she found it as she nodded her head yes to me.
"Okay," she whispered. I had her change into clothes I'd seen her wear to this place before. She arched a brow at me curiously, but got dressed anyway. I was happy she was willing to trust me right now. This probably isn't the best idea, with her still having her incision from surgery so present, but I know this is exactly what she needs.
Lucas:Twinkle Toes is coming tonight.
I texted Davis as she got dressed. I had found him the next day on social media and asked him for his number. I wanted to know any time Rose went in to fight, so I could be sure to be there and watch. It didn't take long for him to respond.
Viking Man:Hell yeah! I'll put her in a good fight.
Lucas:She needs a challenge.
Viking Man:I know what I'm doing.
I slipped my phone into my pocket as Rose approached. I grabbed one of her hair ties when she wasn't looking, currently, having it hidden in my pocket for later. I held my hand out for her to take, which she did instantly. There's no more hesitation on her part when it comes to this.
I love the feel of her hand on my own. Her skin is always so soft and smooth, but her hands are rough. I didn't fail to notice the acoustic guitar she had hidden in her closet when she fetched her journals. Her calloused fingers tell me she still plays. I hope to hear her play one day. Tonight, however, I'll be reading her journal while she sleeps. Sleep has never been my friend. It's more of a distant cousin who visits from time to time.
"Are you going to tell me where we are going now?" she asked as we entered a more deserted side of town.
