Hide: Part One (The Black Letters Series Book 1) (15 page)

“I fucking love you, Jamie, and I own you and your body. Don’t ever get any ideas, or I’ll take that family you’re so worried about hurting and tear them apart. I know their secrets. A matter of minutes and your life would crumble, leaving us alone and together forever like we should be.” His words were venom, piercing through me while his hips moved, searching for my opening.

“How the hell are you so dry? I just came all over you,” he muttered, painfully forcing himself inside of me. If only my tears could travel down my body. I couldn’t numb this, not anymore, and I feared just how deep he’d go to hurt me if I didn’t comply with his demands.

The night felt like an eternity. I thought Rod would never finish. His pace was punishing, his hand pulling at my hair like he wanted to rip it from my head. Once he was finished, he passed out on top of me, ignoring my silent tears. After a few minutes, he rolled from me, continuing to sleep by the fire.

Bravely I faced him, covering my body as though he’d wake and give me another taste of what I’d imagined hell to be like.

Once I got the courage, I reached for my clothing with a shaky hand, pulling my cell phone from my jeans pocket. There was a message from Landon.

Landon: Everything okay? I can come get you anytime.

A tear rolled down my cheek, wanting to spill all the terror Rod was filling me with. I had no idea who he’d turn into when he wake up, but no matter what, the outcome wasn’t going to be a good one for me.

You up?

Landon: 
You okay?

Can you come get me?

Landon: 
That fucker. Text me the address. Do I need to bring Dad?

Another tremble ran through me as I messaged him the address. I couldn’t disappoint my father.

No. Just you. Please. Text me when you get here.

Landon:
On my way.

Setting my phone on my jeans, I quietly put my clothes on, wondering what I could do to make sure Rod would sleep the next hour and a half until Landon got here.

Making my way to the bathroom, I tried to clean up, wincing when I sat down. Visions of Rod’s hands on me wouldn’t escape my mind, especially how he’d gripped my neck, and the anger in his eyes as he tried to squeeze the life out of me, then how he got turned on by it afterward.

I was too ashamed to look in the mirror, knowing I’d most likely have evidence of his brutality. My body went stiff.

We didn’t used condoms.

The uncontrollable sob fell from my lips as my quivering hand tried to cover my strangled moans of pain and humiliation. How could I have let this happen?

I felt the air evaporate in the bathroom. A knowing presence was in the doorframe, and the angst overpowered me. I cowered on the toilet, pulling my knees to my chest. Was he still not done with me?

He moved slowly, his head dipped low until he was standing above me, then dropped to his knees, his eyes filled with sorrow as he sobbed heartfelt cries. His hands reached for me and I flinched, but Rod wrapped his arms around my waist, urging my legs to drop so he could place his head in my lap.

“I’m sorry,” he wept. “I’ll never hurt you again.”

I ran my hand through his hair cautiously, agreeing with him in my mind. He would never hurt me again because once Landon was here, I’d be safe in his car, driving far away from him.

“Let’s go to bed,” I said with a shaky voice, guiding him to stand.

His hands went to the sides of my face, forcing me to look at him. He carefully leaned down, kissing my lips. I didn’t have it in me to kiss him back. Every part of me wanted to knee him in the balls and run as far away from him as possible, but I had to put on an act for him; otherwise, who knew what switch he’d flip before I could get out.

“Please, Jay, tell me you forgive me,” he whispered, massaging my jaw. I didn’t like it. He was too close to my neck, so I pulled both his hands to our sides, forcing myself to give him a quick peck while turning to take us to the bedroom. He needed to go back to sleep. That would be the only way I could leave peacefully.

“Jamie…”

Once we reached the bed I pulled the covers back, removing my jeans shyly. I had to play the part. “Can we just sleep, Rod? I’m tired, and worn out.”

“I won’t be able to sleep unless you tell me you forgive me. Tell me that you love me still.” He followed me into bed, pulling me to his chest. “Will you take your shirt off? I want to feel your skin against mine. I know you’re upset with me, but let me make it better, Jamie,” he begged, kissing my shoulder tenderly.

My body trembled as he guided my shirt over my head, my hair falling down my back as he tossed it to the ground. I covered my chest, not wanting him to see me naked. He held me gently like he had earlier in the day. More tears were shed by both of us, and I didn’t know what to do. Sweet nothings and everlasting apologies were said over and over into my ear along with soft kisses on my cheeks and forehead.

My phone buzzed once softly. Thankfully, Rod had dozed off, but he held me in a vice grip firmly to his chest. My first attempt to move didn’t work; he only pulled me tighter.

“Rod,” I murmured softly, running my hand along his cheek, trying to coax him awake yet keep him sleepy. “I have to go to the bathroom.”

He grumbled something, but only held me tighter. My phone buzzed again, and I shook, afraid and indecisive on what to do. I heard the front door click open, and my spine stiffened, but my hands became firmer as I pushed on Rod’s chest. He couldn’t know Landon was here. That would flip his dangerous switch. Thankfully, Rod mumbled something unintelligible, then rolled over. I held my breath as I removed the covers, then threw my shirt on while grabbing my jeans. I had to get out fast.

The dark shadow of Landon walking toward me once I got into the hall startled me, but eased my nerves at the same time. “Landon,” I whispered, reaching for him. He held me tight then pulled me away.

“Where is that fucker?” His brown eyes were dark and filled with hate, ready to pound the shit out of anyone. He’d been training for the Air Force boot camp, and he’d gotten strong quickly.

“Let’s go, please,” I begged quietly, tugging on his hand. “He’ll hurt you.” I pulled him into the kitchen successfully.

“What did he do to you?” Landon yanked his hand from mine, stopping in his tracks.

“Let’s talk about it on the way home, please.” I trembled as I put on my jeans, my hand fumbling with the button and zipper as I made my way to the door.

“What’s going on?” Rod was in the threshold of the hallway, standing in only his boxers as he glared in Landon’s direction.

“She’s leaving,” Landon said firmly, taking a protective step in front of me. “I don’t know what you’ve done to her, but I promise you’ll pay.”

Rod let out a slight laugh, then crept toward us in the shadows. “I’ve done nothing to her. She’s the one who came onto me at the station, took her clothing off while we were on the job. She got on her knees for me.”

Embarrassment moved throughout my body, and I could feel the tension from Landon’s shoulders radiating throughout the whole room. “She’s a minor.”

Rod’s lip twitched. “Not in Florida.”

“Legal age is eighteen, you dip shit.”

I put my hand on Landon’s back, worried Rod might lash out for his name calling.

“Google Romeo and Juliet Law. Legally, there’s nothing they can get me for.” Rod was only a few feet from Landon, and taller and broader. My brother wasn’t a big guy, but he was a quick and agile wrestler who could hold his own.

“The bruises on her arms are proof enough. I’ll be sure to file a report if you don’t back the fuck off,” Landon spat, reaching behind him to lay his hand on my forearm. “Open the door, Jamie.”

After a beat, I did as my brother commanded. He walked backward, his hand still on my arm. “She’ll come back to me,” Rod said confidently. “I’ll see you Tuesday, Jamie. I love you, sweetheart.”

“Ignore him,” Landon said, guiding me to the passenger side and slamming the door once I was securely inside.

Rod’s eyes were on me through the windshield, promising he wasn’t through with me. I had a feeling my life with Rod was far from over. My body began shaking, trembling from his murderous stare. I’d fucked up, and I had no way to stop the spiral it was about to take.

“You’ll be okay,” Landon said gently, setting his hand on my shoulder as I cried into my lap.

“He wasn’t safe,” I choked, afraid of the possible connection we might share for the rest of our lives.

“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

“I don’t know. I don’t always get a chance to make sure he puts one on.”

Landon sighed in frustration, but I could tell it wasn’t with me. He knew who the monster was in the situation. “When will you know?”

“I’m a few weeks away from getting my period.”

“Fuck.” He tapped his steering wheel. “I’ll take care of you, no matter what, okay?”

I nodded, knowing I would always be protected by him.

Chapter Sixteen

The bright sun beamed against my closed eyelids, and I snuggled the body that was softly snoring next to me. The woodsy scent caused me to take a deep breath, inhaling security as my hands moved to the chest of the wonderful smelling body. I slowly opened my eyes, realizing where I was and what had taken place the night before. I jolted, staring out at the daytime version of the city. Mitch mumbled as he rolled, wrapping an arm around my waist.

Shit
.

I’d fallen asleep, and hard. Becca was waiting for me at home, and this was going to be one hell of a story to explain. Tyler would think I slept with him, coming home disheveled and out of sorts. Even though the night was the best I’d had in a long time, it couldn’t happen again.

“I need to go,” I said quickly, standing from the makeshift bed of blankets and pillows.

“Huh?” Mitch said sleepily, sitting upward and rubbing his eyes. My heart softened when I saw him, groggy from sleep. “Wow, guess we fell asleep. What time is it?” He pulled his phone from his back pocket. “It’s just after seven. Can we grab a quick breakfast?
”
Standing, he stretched, his muscles flexing.

I shook my head, gathering my purse. “I’ve got a lot to do today, sorry.”

Mitch nodded, collecting the blankets and pillows. I tapped my foot, anxious to get home but nervous as hell.
What was I going to tell Becca and Tyler?
Mitch wasn’t a part of the drug scheme, but that wasn’t going to explain why I’d been out all night. Tyler and Nathan should have believed him in the first place about not hiding the drugs instead of treating him like an idiot. Part of me wanted to say nothing to them and let his brothers continue to sweat.

Mitch had a car parked outside of the building to take me home. The drive was silent, and Mitch seemed to be on cloud nine. Until he set his hand on my thigh, causing me to jump and pull away from him.

“You okay?”

I nodded, hiding behind my sunglasses. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

He reached for me again, but I moved in my seat, away from his touch. His shoulder slumped.

“Can I see you tonight?” he asked as we pulled into the parking ramp at Riverhouse. He started to turn off the car, but my eyes darted in his direction.

“Please don’t make this more than what it was.”

Mitch gave me a puzzled look. “What?”

“We both know why I went out with you. We’re co-workers, friends… don’t be difficult, please,” I said, even though my heart was pounding rapidly from being in the same air as him. “I’ll see you in Miami.”

Mitch huffed in bewilderment. “I guess so.” His voice was bitter as I slammed the door, keeping my head down as I marched to the elevator. He sped off, his car loudly leaving the ramp. My heart dipped. I’d hurt him, but there wasn’t any other option. My mind was spinning in a million directions, hoping Becca and Tyler were in their own bedroom so I could crawl into mine and never come out.

“What happened?” Becca asked the second I unlocked the door. I should have known better than to think she wouldn’t be waiting up for me.

“Nothing. I didn’t get any information out of him, sorry,” I muttered as I stopped quickly, then continued down my hall.

“Jamie!” Becca called after me. There wasn’t a way out of this. We both reached my room at he same time.

“Well?”

“He’s not dealing,” I said quietly, stripping off my dress and pulling a T-shirt over my head.

“Did you…?”

“Just because I was out with him all night doesn’t mean I slept with him,” I said defensively.

“I wouldn’t care if you did,” she said truthfully. “Did you have a good time?”

I covered my eyes, mumbling through my hands. “It was fine.”

Becca’s grin was still in place when I moved my hands. “It’s okay if you like him,” she said softly. “I know he’s not your normal type, but outside of what Tyler says, I think he’s a good guy.”

He was a good guy. Annoying as shit most of the time, but after last night he proved to have sides to him that weren’t as obnoxious.

“I’m going to make breakfast. You want something?” she asked, patting my back. I shook my head, offering her an apologetic smile for being grumpy.

“Okay, let’s hang out when you wake up. I’ll make sure Ty leaves you alone, too.
”
Letting out a soft laugh, I waved her off.

My phone buzzed in my purse, and I went to reach for it, feeling the all too familiar friction of those haunting black letters. Pulling the letter from my purse, I was reminded why I couldn’t get close to Mitch. He’d be hunted for the rest of his life if I showed interest. Rod would ruin him, just as he’d ruined every other male in my life I’d gotten close to—with the exception of Nathan. But he was gay; that was the only grace I could imagine Rod was giving him.

Tearing open the letter that was left outside of my apartment before I’d left for Grand Rapids became numbing, and the anticipation of finding out its contents made my head ache.

Enough moving around. Stay put, sweetheart. We’ll be together soon.

-Rod

His words were chilling even on paper. My phone buzzed again. My emails were backing up like they normally did over the weekend, but a Saturday filled with work would at least distract me from my rambling thoughts and confusion surrounding my personal life.

One of the emails surprised me, making my face light up. It was something I had inquired about weeks prior, and the warmth that filled me was uncontrollable. Even though I was fighting having any type of relationship with Mitch, I’d found something I thought could help him.

***

Nathan met me on-site where Kobiashi’s property for the amusement park was located. We’d gathered a team of architects and designers to join us to get a feel for the atmosphere and what Kobiashi wanted them to create. I’d brought my tablet in hopes of running into Mitch. I hadn’t seen him in a week and a half, and he hadn’t texted me any cheesy pick up lines either, but he was probably busy. Miami was starting to boom, and both he and Nathan had been in Grand Rapids. Our last words had been harsh, but that had never stopped Mitch and his ever constant chatter.

“Can you feel it, Nathan?” Kobiashi said in his broken English. “People will be everywhere, laughing, eating, the whoosh of roller coasters followed by the roar of fear and excitement of its passengers.”

Nathan rubbed his hands together. “The sound of cash and credit cards swiping.”

Kobiashi flashed his white teeth. “I love how you think, Nathan. This is why we get along so well. Our ultimate goals are very similar.”

I turned away and joined the architects. A table was set on the outer-banks of the parking lot as we returned from wandering the property. A rugged man in faded jeans and a white T-shirt was fumbling with papers and plans. A smile formed on my face instantly when I noticed who it was.

“Mitch, glad you could make it,” Kobiashi greeted with open arms. He offered Mitch his hand. Mitch took it, giving Kobiashi a nod.

Nathan slapped Mitch on the back as he rolled out the elevation plans that shared the depths of the property. It was covered in numbers and graphs, certain colors and depths. I didn’t know what it all meant. It was mainly a bunch of random numbers. My face lit up as I made my way to Mitch. Touching his arm, I gave him a slight smile. He didn’t move his arm, but wouldn’t meet my eyes. I wasn’t surprised; these numbers made him nervous, even though Tony was on his other side.

“Can I show you something?” I asked, barely able to contain my excitement.

Mitch squinted as he took in all of the other onlookers. For the most part, they were still chatting among themselves, not yet discussing the plans. He nodded quickly, barely acknowledging me.

“Check this out.” I pulled my tablet from my purse, opening up the application that a developer had been working on the past six weeks. There was a scanner that looked like it would search for a barcode. But it wouldn’t just read the numbers on a barcode, it would read any number it could register out loud, including hand written.

One thousand three hundred and forty-two
, the voice synthesizer said. Mitch bit his lip, his eyes squinting as though he was intrigued. I held the tablet over another number.
Nine hundred seventy-three point six, eight.

“What the hell is that?” Nathan asked. Everyone was staring at me as I tried out the new app.

“It’s an app that reads numbers out loud.”

Nathan laughed. “Why the hell wouldn’t you just read them? Surely you’re intelligent enough for that, Jamie.” The crowd of people started laughing, everyone except Mitch. His head dipped low, and when he glanced up, anger was all over his face.

“Are we going to look at this or not?” he said loudly over the hackles of our co-workers.

Nathan contained his laughter, then began discussing possibilities with the architects and Kobiashi. Mitch remained quiet, his hands firmly grasping the table. Obviously, Mitch wasn’t thrilled with the app I’d searched hard to find. He’d barely looked at me since I’d arrived, and I was pissed by how he was acting.

We finally broke free from the meeting, Nathan and Kobiashi agreeing to go for dinner later. “Come with us, Jamie. I’d love to hear some of your marketing ideas for the amusement park.” Kobiashi set his hand on my lower back as he spoke.

Mitch glared at his hand, then stormed to his truck, plans skewed in his arms as he threw them in the back. “Sure, I’ll meet you both there? We should have time before our flight to Grand Rapids, right Nathan?” I asked pleasantly.

“Of course, we’ll leave right from dinner,” Nathan assured as he and Kobiashi took off to their cars. After stalling around my car for a moment, I smoothed over my coral dress, marching to Mitch, who was fiddling with the plans in the back of his truck. Thankfully the handful of people we’d been meeting with were in their cars on their way out by the time I spoke.

“What’s your deal?”

Mitch chucked one of the tubes filled with plans across the hatch before he turned to me. My arms were crossed, prepared to fight with him. “What do you mean,
what’s your deal
?”

“You’re acting like something crawled up your ass and died.”

Mitch crossed his arms, his big frame coming toe to toe with me. I wasn’t intimidated, I thrived on challenges. “My ass is fine. You’re the one who’s all hot and cold.”

“What?”

Mitch threw his hands to his sides, balling them into tight fists. “You were completely different in Grand Rapids a week and a half ago, then morning came and you turned back into the ice queen. Now you’re here, all smiles and cutesy?”

“Ice queen?” I gasped in shock. “I thought we got along great in Grand Rapids.”

“We
did
until you freaked out and had to go see your best friend and my brothers.”

I shook my head in frustration, running my hands through my hair. “We can’t be together that way. It’s against company policy.”

“You won’t even try. And what the hell was up with that show in front of everyone today?” I scowled in confusion. “That app. You’re a real comedian, Jamie.” He was flustered now, and I sensed the real reason why he was so upset.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” I said quietly, peeking around as though people were watching us. “I know you have trouble with reading numbers. I thought it’d help you.”

“Who said I have trouble with numbers? I’m fine, okay? Mind your own fucking business from now on.”

“Fine, Last time I do anything nice for you.”

“Good, I’m sick of your mood swings.”

I spun on my heels, facing him again. “
Mood swings?
You haven’t seen my
mood swings
, you dick.
”

Mitch stomped toward me, his eyes stormy. “I’ve seen every side of you, Jamie. The side when you’re working, confident and sure of yourself. The side when you’re with Becca, perky and alive. How you are with Nathan and our high society families, proper and politically correct.” He took a step closer, his breath warm as it tickled my cheeks. His demeanor shifted, becoming softer. “Then there’s the sexy as sin side of you, where you play games until you get whatever it is you want. Then just as it’s at your fingertips you pull away, leaving whoever it is you’re about to take from in the dark.”

Our eyes were now locked. His scent was starting to consume me, his words sinking into my heart. I felt exposed.

His hand gently came to my ear, barely grazing my cheek as he looked down at me in frustration. His words were a harsh whisper. “Then you let down your walls for a split moment —no longer confident and sure of yourself, but vulnerable and afraid. Where you want me to save you from whatever ghosts are in your closet.” My breathing sped up while I hugged my chest tighter.

“You don’t need to save me.” My voice was a murmur on the wind.

“You shut down with me on that rooftop. I want to know why.”