His words confirmed that the only way to keep Lucas and Liv safe was to do as he said. Lucas has protected me all my life, keeping me safe from our father’s abuse… from his punches and kicks. It wasmyturn to protect him now.
I would live in this prison so he could be free.
Davis pulled into the building’s garage, parking near the elevator. He stepped out the instant the car was parked, opening my door for me before I had even unbuckled. Thankfully, no one was in the garage, or the elevator, to see the state I was in. We quickly entered my apartment as if someone was chasing after us.
“Tell me his name,” Davis immediately demanded.
I shook my head, not wanting to involve more people in my mess. That was two abusive boyfriends I had now had. Liv took care of the first already. I couldn’t keep having people clean up my messes.
“Lisa, tell me his name right now!” His voice was stern and demanding as he stood straight with his muscles flexed.
Normally, I’d be scared shitless. This was around the time one of my boyfriends would slap me across the face or punch me in the stomach, for being defiant. Somehow, I didn’t get that same fear as I looked at Davis. It was obvious his anger was not directed at me, but at the man who did this to me. I sighed, realizing he would not drop this.
“His name is Branden,” I answered, hearing my voice for the first time since leaving the alley. It was hoarse, as I suspected it would be, sounding dry and scratchy.
“Who is he?” he asked, with an expression so fierce it could cut a diamond. I felt bad for anyone who got on his bad side.
“An ex.”
“Where does he live?”
“What?” I paused, looking at him suspiciously. “Why?”
“Tell me where he lives, Lisa,” he demanded, ignoring my questions completely.
After a few minutes of silence, I gave in, giving him an address along with the places he hung out most and a general description of what he looked like. Davis seemed determined, like he had just received some kind of mission.
“Don’t worry about him anymore. He won’t bother you again. Here, I’m leaving my number with you. Call me if you ever need some muscle around — no matter the day or time — got it?” he asked, staring me dead in the eyes. He wanted to make sure that I knew he meant those words. I nodded.
“Got it.”
It seemed I had a new protector.
“Lisa, this is Christopher Darnell. He’s Frank’s son from the Darnell clothing line. Meet your future husband,” Dad said, as if having a contract marriage wasn’t the strangest thing ever.
It has now been a couple of weeks since I had my run in with Branden and then Davis. As promised, Branden had not bothered me since. I wasn’t sure what Davis did to make him stop, and I was certain that I didn’t want to know. I was just glad that it finally stopped.
I looked at the man before me with speculation, checking him out from head to toe. He was thankfully handsome, with a strong jawline that drew me in. Thick brown eyebrows furrowed above his dark green eyes, eyeing me with the same suspicion. His high cheekbones only added to his good looks. His light brown hair was styled in a purposefully tousled way that made you wonder if he’d really styled it or if it was naturally that way.
“Nice to meet you, future wife,” he said, showing me his beautiful pearly whites…a dazzling smile that practically glowed.
“Lisa is fine,” I corrected him. I could tell he wasn’t all that comfortable with this, either.
“Great, that’s out of the way. Now, you two have a dinner reservation tonight so you can better acquaint yourselves. I’m due for a meeting,” Dad chimed, as he grabbed some files off his desk. “Lisa, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He left Christopher and me standing alone in his office in an awkward silence. We stared at each other, unsure of what to do. He scratched at the back of his neck shyly as he landed those beautiful eyes on me.
“This is weird, isn’t it?”
“That’s a fucking understatement,” I smirked, causing him to smile.
“Glad I’m not the only one that thinks so. My dad’s threatening to cut me off and leave the business to my younger brother if I don’t go through with this. What about yours? What’s he got on you to make you do this?” he asked innocently.
“My brother. My dad was threatening to ruin the happy life he’s built for himself.”
“Well, shit—you’ve got a much nobler cause than I do. I feel like a dirtbag now.”
“No need. Your reason is valid to you and enough to make you do this. I’m not judging you.” I shrugged my shoulders as I excused his reason.
