Page 12 of Beast of the Bayou

"I…I don't know how to be with people," he admits shamefully.

"That's alright. We can start now. With lunch." I hold out my hands—palms up.

He stares at them for a moment before placing his hand in mine. I lead him to the table. He lets my hands go to pull out my chair.

"Thank you." I smile, taking a seat. Solomon waits until I sit before taking a seat across from me. We take the lids off of our meals and begin to eat. We don't say anything for a moment. And I try my best to keep my eyes from staring at him. Especially his lips—full and lush. I cross my legs under the table to try to slow down the thump in my pussy.

Solomon sniffs twice, and looks over at me. His tongue rolls across his teeth. Picking up his napkin, he wipes his mouth. He keeps the napkin pressed to it as his eyes flutter closed. He takes several deep breaths.

Concerned, I watch him. "Are you okay?" I ask softly.

He clears his throat and nods. Removing the napkin from his mouth he speaks, his voice somehow seeming gruffer. "I'm fine. Just…tired."

"Oh." I set down my fork. "I'm sorry. Me too. I didn't get much sleep last night."

His eyes settle on mine, curiously. "Was there something wrong with the room? We can move you if you're not comfortable."

"No, the room is perfect." I smile softly. "The whole house is to be honest. But…" I lean back not sure if I should let him know the true reason.

"But what, Lila?" he asks gently. "I want you to feel safe here."

I fold my hands on my lap. "Please don't be mad at Ms. Lenora for telling me, but…I...I know about the third floor," I whisper at the end.

Solomon sits back and lets out slow breathe. His eyes move to the tall windows. "Will you be leaving me now?" he asks.

"No. Not at all," I reply quickly. "I was just…a little scared last night," I confess. "More than a little, actually,"

"She wouldn't hurt you."

I lean in. "Who?"

His eyes come back to mine. "My mother. She wouldn't hurt a soul."

My heart skips a beat. "Is she still…here?" I ask carefully.

Solomon pauses—then nods his head.

My stomach drops.

"So the house is haunted?" I whisper.

He shakes his head. "She's here because I am. Because…I can't let her go. But the house isn't haunted."

My breath quickens. "But what about your stepfather? Ms. Lenora told me what he did. What if he's some vengeful spirit?"

Solomon's eyes hold mine. His next words come out with conviction. "He has no power here." He leans forward. "No one who resides in this home will ever be hurt again. And that includes you."

Trapped in his intense gaze, I can only nod slowly. We resume eating but the meal suddenly loses flavor because now I have so many questions. And apparently so does Solomon.

"When you came here, your feet were cut," he remarks.

I look up.

"What happened to you?"

My mouth parts, but nothing comes out at first. The memory is still fresh and raw in my head. My heartbeat is already starting to race. "My roommate's boyfriend tried to…" I pause. "I think he was going to…" I stop, unable to say the words.

Solomon leans in more, his forearms resting on the table. "Going to what, Lila?" He searches my eyes.