I felt a fear rise in me with every step, but I tried hard not to show it. I preferred people to believe I was strong, even if I wasn't. The maid opened the door to Chris' dimly lit office, letting the smell of faint cigars waft into my nose. I stepped in, looking at the leather armchairs around the crackling fireplace, setting a warm glow to the room.
My eyes landed on Chris behind the dark oak desk, hunched over, and looking utterly perplexed. He stood when he saw me, striding towards me. My muscles tensed as he approached, bracing for a hit. Only there wasn't one. Instead, his arms wrapped around me gently as he pulled me close to him.
"I am so sorry, Lisa. I am so sorry," he whispered as he nuzzled into my neck, seeking comfort.
I hated this part. This was when the guilt ate at the man for hitting me, but in two day’s time the sorry would be replaced by fury again. I didn't see the point in the apology phase anymore. I knew it meant nothing. It honestly annoyed me greatly.
I know you're not sorry. Not really.
I didn't say a word. I wouldn’t comfort him or tell him it was okay. He won't get my forgiveness, not even as a lie. He rubbed me a while longer before he kissed my cheeks where he had hit me. They didn't hurt as badly today. What hurt was where he had kicked the center of my stomach. The ointment Davis applied yesterday helped a lot. I was sure without it I'd be in a lot more pain.
"Please forgive me, Lisa. I don't know what came over me. The thought of you being with another man drove me mad. I shouldn't have hit you. I promise, I'll never lay a hand on you again, I swear!"
Lies. All lies, always lies.
"I sure hope not," was all I could say. All I dared to say.
I let him hold me a while longer, feeling every muscle stay stiff. My body ached when he finally released me. Sadly, my muscles did not relax again until well after the car show ended. He was in a sour mood, not having gotten the attention he wanted. I was ready to bolt before that sour mood turned on me. The moment he parked his car, I jumped out and booked it to my car.
"Lisa, wait," he called after me.
I reluctantly stopped, slowly turning to face him. I didn't think I could take another moment of walking on eggshells. Worried about what would set him off or get me hurt again. His promise was utter bullshit. I didn't count on it at all. I knew that he would hurt me again. It wasn't an if, but a when, at this point.
"Yes, Chris?"
"Come here," he pulled me towards him. He held my gaze a while, anger was hidden deep behind those eyes. "How about you come up to my room with me? I need to make it up to you."
His offer was less than tempting, but I knew I couldn't reject it too quickly. I sat quietly for a moment, acting as if I was contemplating it.
"I'm sorry, I can't," I lied.
"Why not? You got plans with another man?" He said it as a joke, but I knew in his twisted mind that was exactly what he was thinking.
"No, I'm just not in the mood. I'm pretty tired."
"I see."
I knew he was offended by my words. He wanted me to jump at the chance of him pleasing me, but it was a far cry from what I wanted. I wanted Davis, his arms around me, his lips against mine. Chris was the devil while Davis was the angel, the one I was desperately trying to get back to.
"I'll come see you again when I get a chance," I promised, but honestly, I hope to stretch the time between visits further.
"I'll come get you tomorrow. I have a surprise for you." The corner of his lips twitched as he fought off his wicked smirk.
"Oh, um, okay. What time?"
"Tomorrow night, seven o'clock."
"I'll see you then." I nodded my head with a small, forced smile.
He held my gaze a moment longer before he leaned down and kissed me. His tongue invaded my mouth with a force while his hand grabbed at my bottom hard. He pressed me so tightly against him it felt like my breast would burst between us. His touch was aggressive, hungry, and never ending.
"Sorry, I needed a kiss to last me until then." He smiled at me as he reluctantly let me go.
When I finally sat in my car, I felt my muscles unwind, feeling sore all over, almost as if I'd been in a car accident. I started the car, ready to find my way to Davis.
I want to feel safe again.
8: Hello Beautiful
