“There you are. How are you?” I tried to push my voice out to sound unbothered by the swollen eye and gash she had on top of it. She shrugged and stayed quiet as she held herself and looked around the room. She had some open wounds I noticed that still looked bad, so I grabbed the first aid kit from the closet.
I patted the sofa next to me. “Here, come sit, let me bandage up those cuts, sweetie.” She walked over after a short pause, looking down pensively before making her way to sit next to me. Grabbing the blanket from the back of the sofa, I wrapped her tenderly in the soft material.
“Do you wanna talk about what happened?” I asked as I got to work on the wounds on her face. There was one main gash and a couple of littler ones, they all looked painful and bruised.
“I’ve never been in this room.” She said in a voice no louder than a squeak, avoiding my question.
“It’s a private room not many have been in here from what I’m told.” I wanted to keep her talking to distract her from the current situation, if only for a minute or two.
“Are you a dancer?” She asked.
“No, I don’t work here. I’m with Dallas.” I shook my head “Mr. Kingston,” I corrected.
“With? Like his girlfriend?” She asked innocently but for some reason that question hit me like a brick wall as I realized the question wasn’t as simple to answer as she probably expected.
I wasn’t here as his girlfriend, per se. I guess I was nothing other than a contractual employee, just like she was, a truth I stayed delusional to. The only difference was that he cared about his staff here at the club and loves them like family.
What did that make me? Where did I stand with him?
I had to catch myself before going full spiral mode and remember what was important right now was caring for Twyla. I could think over all of the other stuff I knew was going to break my heart, later.
“No, not girlfriend, just um,” I hesitated, unsure of what to even label myself.
My mind recalled our contract and the words that were used to refer to Dallas and to me: Dominant and Submissive.
She sensed my hesitation as I mulled over the details about whatever label to use for not just me but this whole thing with Dallas. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to pry, he just seems happier lately. I thought maybe it was because he was finally dating someone seriously. He never takes days off and when Jacob said he was out of town, I assumed it was for you.” She explained.
She stared at me for a moment and then lowered her head.
“Can I tell you something?”
“Yes, of course.
“Jacob says that Mr. Kingston has been a different person since meeting you. Like the light was put back in his eyes.” She said this then followed her words with a sweet smile.
I couldn’t help but think right then just how absolutely selfless Twyla was as a person. In pain, scratched up, and with a total stranger andyet here she was, trying to liftmyspirits.
“He’s honestly a good man and a respectful employer. He has a big heart and deserves to be loved by someone that can appreciate him for him, despite his valiant efforts to come off as unattainable orscary.” She giggled as she said the last part.
I couldn’t agree more with all that she just shared yet my mind couldn’t figure out why he hadn’t let me see what he looks like beneath his mask yet.
“Soooo, you and Jacob, huh?” I sensed the need to change the subject.
“Well, we aren’t official yet. We technically aren’t allowed to see each other. Employees aren’t allowed to fraternize, it disrupts morale in a business like this.” She rolled her eyes.
“I didn’t really believe that, but after tonight I may have to change my mind.” She finished with a sigh.
“Why?”
“Jacob, will probably never touch me again after what happened tonight.” Her voice cracked as she confessed this fear of hers to me, her cheeks flushing when she said his name.
“The way he looked at me when he grabbed that guy off of me. Then in the security room. I’d be surprised if he even talks to me again.” She said, her eyes tearing up.
I pulled her in gently for a hug because what else could I say to that? I don’t know Jacob but I know what I saw and that was a man that felt helpless and hurt because someone he cares for was hurt under his watch.
“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t want you Twyla, you are a gem.” I said as I wiped the tears that streaked her bandaged and bruised cheeks.
“Are you hurt? Do you need medical attention?” I instinctively glanced down at her lap, praying she understood my unspoken question.
