Hide: Part One (The Black Letters Series Book 1) (18 page)

Mitch sat up, crossing his arms as he looked down at me. “Checking me out like I’m some piece of meat? I feel degraded.”

I rolled my eyes. “Like you’ve never eye fucked me.”

His eyes widened as he contemplated my words. “Yeah, you’re right.” We both laughed. “Come on, let’s shower,” he said quickly, standing from the bed and holding his hand out for me to take.

“I’ll join you in a moment. I’m going to text Becca.”

Mitch shook his head. “Don’t bug them.”

I reached for my phone, ignoring him. “If I text her, she can open it whenever she wants. Besides, they’re probably at the airport now. Their flight leaves in an hour.”

“Whatever, I’ll be in the shower. Don’t be long,” he flirted, sending me a wink. I watched as he walked into the bathroom, admiring his defined muscles and that sexy as hell ass. I licked my lips, momentarily dazed by his delicious body.

A knock on the door startled me from my very inappropriate daydream. The room service must be here. I grabbed the complimentary robe from the bathroom, noticing Mitch’s silhouette in the glass shower. There was an extra hop to my step, eager to join him. My face was flushed from our morning session with wild bed head and traces of makeup from the wedding, but I didn’t care if the room service waiter saw me. I was sure he’d seen women looking way more disheveled than me.

I skipped to the door, opening it to find no one there, but the plate of covered food sitting on the floor. These people moved fast when it came to delivering food. My stomach growled as I brought the food inside. Maybe I’d take a quick bite before joining Mitch in the shower. I set the plate on the table and lifted the cover. My eyes grew wide as my heart pounded faster.

There it was, a black letter with my name in perfect script.

My eyes flew to the door, then to the bathroom. Holy shit, that fucker found me again. How did he keep finding me? I clawed at my neck, pacing back and forth in front of the letter.

“I’m getting lonely in here,” Mitch shouted from the bathroom. I jumped as his voice called for me.

With a trembling voice I answered. “Be there in a minute.”

But I couldn’t let Mitch see this letter, no one had ever seen them. They were my secret reminder that the devil was waiting for me whenever he felt like striking. I snatched the letter, tearing it open as fast as I could, the familiar wax feeling getting stuck in my manicured nails.

Stop being a slut. Get away from him now, or you’ll have more blood on your hands.

-Rod

My hand reached for my mouth, trying to cover the loud shriek that blasted from my lips. I had to leave. I couldn’t let Rod hurt him. I was falling hard for him, and if Rod saw that, he’d make sure to ruin Mitch’s life.

My shuddering body tossed the robe on the bed, searching for my dress from the night before. I’d look like I was doing the walk of shame, but the only shame I’d have was for opening my heart to a man who’d now be hunted forever if I didn’t disappear.

Quickly throwing my bridesmaid dress on, I kissed my hand and set it on the bathroom door, silently praying that one day Mitch would understand I wasn’t leaving him because I didn’t want him. My heart was breaking already, knowing that one day Mitch could have healed my wounds. For now I’d have to lick them myself, and somehow figure out how to stay the hell away from my tormentor.

Searching the halls as I closed the door was nothing unusual for me, but the extra bit of fear in my blood was tickling my skin, knowing Rod was nearby. I made it to the elevator without anyone seeing me, hiding my face as the doors closed. Crying was something I was good at stopping, but the tears were escaping uncontrollably.

The elevator dinged, and I rolled my eyes, irritated I had to share with someone. But my irritation faded when I realized it could be Rod joining me. My hands curled around my waist protectively, preparing for his harsh demeanor to come in and show me a lesson for leaving him alone for this long.

“Hey,” Nathan’s voice startled me as I finally breathed when I laid eyes on him. His brows furrowed with worry. “You okay?”

He entered the elevator, and once the doors closed, I reached for him, squeezing him with all that I had while silent tears fell. “It’s okay,” he said soothingly, rubbing his hands on my bare back. I must have looked horrible, but I was so thankful that my other best friend was here. I might not be able to see him again if I needed to run from Rod.

“Can I take you somewhere?” he asked gently, his hand running through my hair. He pulled a pin from it, one Mitch must have missed last night. “Jesus, Jay. What’s going on?” he asked, flicking the pin to the ground. “I’ve never seen you like this.”

I laughed.
If only he knew how fucked up I really was
. “Can you take me home, please?”

He nodded, keeping an arm firmly around my waist as we walked out of the elevator. My eyes grazed the crowds of finely dressed people in this fancy hotel. I was thankful Nathan looked put together in his chino’s and polo shirt. Maybe everyone would stare at him instead of the train wreck look I was sporting.

“I’ll drop you, then come back here to get my things. Then we can head to the airport and catch a flight on standby if you’d like?” he questioned, tipping the valet.

I nodded, grateful for his friendship. “Don’t leave, your family’s here. Be with them. I need to see my family.” If Rod were here, seeing my family would be safe for once. They always offered me some type of solace when I was feeling lost and out of ideas. Besides, the twin’s birthday party was supposed to be tomorrow. It’d make my mother’s month if I’d show up for the event.

“Everything okay with them?” he asked as we pulled out of the hotel.

I blinked for a moment, forgetting what I’d just told him. “Yes, well, my father isn’t feeling well.” I lied, not wanting to share my troubles with Nathan.

“Call me if you need anything, Jay. Kobiashi can pull strings at any hospital in that state.”

I nodded, guilt filling me for lying to him. “I’ll drive myself to the airport. I’ve got my Jeep here still, don’t worry about it.”

He studied me, then nodded back. “Text me when you get there.”

Chapter Eighteen

Jamie, Age 17.

“Here.” Landon handed me a glass of sprite. I’d barely left my room, saying I had the stomach flu. My mother was worried, and threatening to take me to the hospital if I couldn’t get up and move by tomorrow morning.

“Thanks,” I whispered, taking a sip. The fizz burned my throat, and reminding me of Rod’s hands as he tried to strangle the life from me. A tear rolled down my cheek and didn’t go unnoticed by Landon.

“Please, let me talk to Dad,” he begged. He’d hovered around me as much as he could without my parents noticing. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore.”

“Until I find out I’m carrying his monster,” I choked, rolling over and burrowing my head under the covers.

Landon’s hand found my hip. “We’ll get rid of it, Jay. He’ll never know.”

For some reason, I had a feeling Rod already knew, and the sick, twisted bastard probably did it on purpose. I always had to be the one to remember the condom, and he rarely put them on unless I demanded it.

“You’re going to have to go back to school soon. Especially when mom takes you to the doctor and they find nothing is wrong, or they figure out you’re pregnant.”

“We don’t know if I’m pregnant,” I snapped, uncovering my head from the blankets. “I’ll go tomorrow.” I gulped, realizing where else I had to go. “I have to work too.”

Landon stood up and muttered, “Jamie, you can’t work with him!”

“I can’t avoid him, either!” I needed to somehow make him understand we weren’t going to be together, and threaten that I’d tell my Dad, without actually telling my Dad  I sighed to myself. Rod knew me too well. He knew I’d never be able to disappoint him.

“I’m sitting in the parking lot the whole time, and I swear to God if he makes one wrong move—”

“Fine,” I conceded. “It’ll be fine.” I wasn’t sure if I were trying to convince Landon or myself. “I need to shower and get ready for dinner now.”

Landon watched me stand, our similar brown eyes stormy, yet scared of the unknown.

***

“You sure about this?” Landon asked as we pulled into the station.

I nodded. I was dressed to impress, ready to take on this asshole by playing mind games with him. I was done being his puppet, and he needed to know I wasn’t going to put up with his shit anymore. Landon wasn’t as tense either, and I believe it was my confidence. He knew I’d get him if I couldn’t handle it.

Wrapping the fashionable scarf tightly around my collar that Landon bought to cover the bruises on my neck, I stepped out of the car, ready to bring the wrath to Rod. That wrath included pepper spray if he got handsy. Landon pulled into a parking spot, taking out his Air Force notes. His test was coming up, and this extra bit of time to study was a blessing in disguise.

But before I entered the station, my father came rushing out. His large frame was the size of the door threshold, and I stopped in my tracks when I saw the murderous look in his eyes. Once he saw me, his head dipped low as he bit the sides of his cheeks.

At that moment, I knew he knew, and the shame and guilt over-powered me.

“Let’s go,” he said in a low tone as he passed me. I couldn’t move as my lip quivered, realizing I was in a whole heap of trouble.

Landon’s car door opened and closed. “Dad? What happened?”

“Take your sister home and stay there. Tell your mother I’ll be late and not to worry about me for dinner.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Do as I say!” my father shouted at Landon, making both of us wince. He wasn’t a man to mess with. Criminals cowered whenever they saw him at the station.

I still hadn’t moved, then noticed Rod standing in the door frame, smug look on his face with his arms crossed as he watched me. He wasn’t supposed to see my tears, but they danced on my eyelashes.

“Get in the car with Landon, Jamie,” my father commanded, but I still couldn’t move. I heard a heavy sigh as I stared down at my feet. Crinkling of gravel got closer, then my father was standing in front of me, blocking Rod from my sight. “This is my fault, sweetheart. Go home with Landon. I’m making it go away.”

I closed my eyes, covering them with my hands as I silently sobbed. He wrapped his arms around me, cradling me as he walked me to the car. “It’ll be our secret,” he said quietly before we reached Landon. I nodded, figuring he thought Landon didn’t know. Guilt still filled me, knowing I’d be making my father keep things from my mother, something no marriage should have.

Chapter Nineteen

“Hey, it’s Jamie!” my mother shrieked as I walked through the front door of their house. It was smaller than the house I’d grown up in. We moved my senior year, but my family had made it a home, and I always had a couch to sleep on if I needed it. But I wouldn’t stay long, not with Rod on a wild goose chase coming after me.

I’d ignored my phone, knowing Mitch would be calling and texting me constantly. I’d left him naked and wanting me, something I felt awful for doing, but I knew it was in his best interest.

My arms wrapped around my mother as she greeted me on two bouncy feet. “I’m so glad you could make it home for the twins!” She held me close, and I felt her love surround me. “Come on, all the family is in the back!”

I grinned as I followed her through the house. I stopped at Landon’s picture on the wall. He looked so proud after receiving his Air Force recognition and uniform for the first time. My mother noticed, wrapping her arm around me.

“I wish he could be here today too,” she said with a smile, kissing me on the cheek. I nodded, then moved to the kitchen, hugging Riley the second I saw her. She was helping my mother prep food, and I was happy to see her being useful.

“Jamie!” Riley squealed, jumping up and down before she hugged me.

I laughed at her greeting but held her close.

Trevor walked over, he was almost thirteen, and I knew hugging wasn’t cool anymore, so I tapped his hat in greeting. He gave me a mischievous smile, and it pulled at my heart. He looked so much like Landon, and that smile reminded me of Mitch now as well, making my heart crush even more.

“There’s my shining star!” my father greeted me as he walked through the sliding door. He was wearing his ‘Kiss the Cook’ apron while holding a tray full of hot dogs and hamburgers.

“Hi, Dad.” I smiled, kissing his cheek so he wouldn’t try to hug me while holding the plate of food. “How can I help?” I asked, easily sliding into the normal routine of my crazy family.

***

“A remote helicopter!” Collin yelled as he tore open his gift. Jacob was doing the same, jumping up and down when he realized he got one too.

“Thanks, Jamie!” they both exclaimed simultaneously. Collin lunged at me for a hug, then Jacob followed.

“Why’d you make us wait?” Collin asked as he ran back to the box, trying to rip it open with his nail.

“I wanted to surprise you. Besides, this is from all of your siblings, not just me.” I winked at my mother, who gave me a thankful smile. She didn’t like it when I’d spend a lot of money on them, but at the same time she knew I wanted to.

“Well, it’s so cool. Almost as cool as the Xbox from Mom and Dad!” I grinned, but inside I felt terrible. I knew those were expensive, and my Dad probably worked overtime to get it for them.

“And that was a gift for Trevor, too,” my Dad added, slapping Trevor on the back while they sat next to each other on the couch. Trevor gave him a grateful smile, eagerness in his eyes. I’m sure he was chomping at the bit to be done with family time and go play on the game system with his little brothers.

“Does that mean for my birthday I’ll get to go to cheer camp?” Riley asked with skepticism. My father’s face fell. I knew they wanted to buy us everything, but some things were just too expensive.

“We’ll see, sweetie,” my mother said nonchalantly, running her hand through Riley’s hair. Her face fell, but she still held a smile. She understood my parents’ financial situation. Thankfully, she didn’t know I was the one who had caused it.

A knock came on the door. “That must be Sharon. She’s picking up an order.” My mother jumped from her seat on the floor heading for the door. I was happy her jewelry sales business was doing decent. It made her feel good that she could contribute.

“What games do you want for the Xbox?” I asked Trevor as the twins brought their helicopters to Dad to help open.

“Jamie, there’s someone at the door for you,” my mother said, coming back into the room. I stood, not sure who would be here to see me. I didn’t have any friends back home. “Not to mention a very attractive someone,” my mother whispered as I walked by. My eyes widened, and so did Riley’s.

She turned on the couch, looking through the blinds. “Oh my God! Who is that?” Riley nearly panted. My brows crinkled as I stepped closer to the door, my body wanting to curl into the fetal position when I saw Mitch through the screen door.

He looked beat up and miserable, but his eyes held relief when they saw me. Guilt overwhelmed me, knowing I’d caused him to worry. “What are you doing here?” I said in a harsh whisper while closing both the screen and front door. “How did you find me?”

“Your parents' address is on your emergency contact list. Nathan told me you were coming here.” His eyes became darker. “You left me without saying goodbye. One minute we were kissing naked in bed, then the next you booked it while I was in the shower. What the hell, Jamie?”

I owed him an explanation, but I didn’t know what to say. “You look terrible.”

“That’s because my stomach’s been in knots wondering what happened to you. Why the hell didn’t you just tell me your dad was sick and you needed to come home?”

“I didn’t think it’d be a big deal.” I fidgeted, moving my hair behind my ears trying to buy time. I noticed Riley watching us with curious eyes. I rolled mine, then grabbed Mitch’s hand, leading him in front of the garage where she couldn’t see us.

“Jamie, what’s going on?” he asked.

“At first I thought my dad was sick, but my mother made it sound worse than what it was,” I lied, pissed at myself for telling Nathan that stupid lie.

Mitch ran his hands over his short sandy hair in frustration. “You ran from me.”

“No,” I scoffed, shifting my weight from leg to leg.

He scowled at me, obviously frustrated with my reply. “You going to invite me in?”

“What?”I was baffled by his question. “Why?”

“It’s a party, I’d think your family might want to know who’s interrupting it.”

“The party’s actually over.”

Mitch’s green eyes widened in frustration.

“Jamie, why don’t you invite your friend inside? We’ve got plenty of leftovers!” my mother said, coming around the corner.

“Hi, I’m Mitch.” My mother took Mitch’s hand. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was swooning over him. “I’d love something to eat. I’ve been traveling all day.”

“Jamie, don’t be rude. Invite him inside,” my mother chastised.

I tried to contain my eye roll, knowing my mother would scold me the second she saw me doing it. “Mitch, would you like to come inside?” I grumbled.

“As a matter of fact, I’d love that.” His teeth shown through in his smile, and I wanted to deck him. My mother urged us inside, and I swatted Mitch’s hand away when he put it on my lower back.

“Hi, I’m Riley,” my little sister greeted Mitch the second he walked through the door. “I’m Jamie’s younger, very mature sister.” The way Mitch tried to hide his discomfort at Riley’s attempt to flirt with him made me crack a smile.

“She still sleeps with her dolls,” Trevor added. Riley punched him in the arm, giving him a death glare.

“She’s definitely your little sister,” Mitch whispered against the shell of my ear. The feel of his lips sent a slight tremor through my body, but I quickly squashed it by elbowing him in the side. He chuckled, which only pissed me off more.

“I’m, Ryan, Jamie’s father.” My dad was a huge man who scared the crap out of almost everyone. Mitch only gave him a smile and offered his hand to shake. I couldn’t help but notice Mitch’s shoulders were just as broad as my fathers.

“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you,” Mitch added. My brows furrowed in his direction. He didn’t know that much about my family; we’d only talked about them once.

“Funny, we’ve never heard of you.” My mother gave me an irritated glance, but I ignored her as she took Mitch’s arm into the kitchen to give him a plate of food. “Wow, you’ve got some big muscles!” she added as she led him through the door frame. Both my father and I rolled our eyes simultaneously.

“Watch out, Jamie. Mom’s going to make a move on your boyfriend,” Trevor said while helping the twins with their helicopters.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I scolded while pushing his hat down further on his head.

“He’s not?” Riley said with hope.

“No, and he’s not interested in teenage girls either,” my father added before I had the chance.

“We were just about to play cards,” my mother announced as she came back into the living room with Mitch. He was carrying a plate full of food. He sat down at the table and crooked his finger for me to come and sit by him, but I shook my head. He needed to know following me to my parent’s house was not cool, and not safe for all parties involved.

“Do you play Seven Up, Mitch?” my mother asked, sitting across from him with a few decks in hand.

“No, but I’d love to learn.”

“I’m not sure you could handle it,” I said coldly to Mitch.

“If the twins can play, I’m sure he can figure it out. Come on kids, Ryan, let’s play,” my mother insisted while shuffling the cards. My little brothers groaned, but Riley jumped from her seat on the couch, rushing to sit next to Mitch. I chuckled, loving how Mitch shied away from her.

“Riley, you need to sit by the twins and help them,” my father scolded, forcing her to move so he could sit by Mitch. The old sheriff in him was coming out, and that made me smile even more.

“Jamie, come on. Don’t keep your guest waiting,” my mother urged. Reluctantly, I sat on the other side of Mitch.

He leaned into my side, coming close to my ear. “I’m offended you don’t think I can handle Seven Up.”

“It’s numbers,” I mumbled.

“Low blow,” he grumbled back playfully. “Besides, I can count the shapes.”

I huffed while sitting back further in my chair and crossing my arms.

***

“Jamie, are you sure you and Mitch have to leave? Trevor can stay with the twins tonight and the two of you can have his room,” my mother begged as I pushed Mitch out the door. We played cards for nearly two hours, then Mitch played video games with my little brothers for another two.

“We’d need two rooms, and no, we both have to work in the morning,” I grumbled.

“You
would
need two rooms,” my father interjected in agreement. But then, to my surprise, he smacked Mitch on the back, giving him a wink. Mitch smirked back, and I almost blew a gasket.

“Thank you for the hospitality,” Mitch said politely, reaching both arms out to give my mother a hug.

“Stop glaring, Jamie. It’s not polite,” she scolded over Mitch’s shoulder as she hugged him back. I rolled my eyes, causing her to grumble under her breath in disapproval.

“I’ll call you both later, goodnight,” I said in a rush as I power-walked to my car.

Mitch waved one final goodbye to my parents then followed me to my car. “Can we talk?”

“I have nothing to say to you.”

“Why are you so pissed off?” he asked irritably, moving his hand to block me from opening my door.

“Because you followed me to my parents house and acted like we’re a couple!”

His arms crossed as he leaned against my door, now making it impossible for me to open it. I threw my hands in the air in defeat.

“We aren’t together!”

Mitch cocked his head. “Last night’s actions might beg to differ with that statement.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “We were drunk. And I thought you could handle a one night stand.”

“We weren’t drunk this morning.”

My eyes met the ground as I bit my lip, remembering how perfect this morning felt. I wanted him, more than anything, but risking the safety of the ones I loved wasn’t worth it.

Mitch uncrossed his arms and reached to hold my hands. They were nearly twice the size of mine. He stepped in front of me, tipping his head low, trying to get me to look up at him. “Jamie, I know someone hurt you, and these feelings are hard to accept, but baby, we were meant for each other.”

The lump that was forming in my throat was thicker than it had been in a long time. I believed his every word, but he didn’t understand.

“Look. Let’s start over. I know you need to gain my trust. We can go slow.” His thumbs brushed rhythmically against the tops of my hands as he spoke. “We can fight, flirt, act like we hate each other all we want, but this,” he pulled my hand to his heart, “this wants every single piece of you. Please, let me prove it.”

“Slow?” My voice cracked, knowing this was going to be the only way I’d get him out of my parents’ street and far away from any danger.

He nodded, letting go of my hand so he could cradle my face. “Like molasses.” A small smile crept across my lips, causing his grin to widen. “Can I have a kiss to tide me over for whenever you decide the time is right again?”