Obsession (4 page)

Faith

I’m sitting at the kitchen island eating my grapefruit and having my coffee when Cami strolls in she grabbed herself a cup of coffee from the pot and sits down beside me.

“How are you feeling this morning?” she sounds nervous like she’s scared of my answer.

“Believe it or not Cami, I’m ok.” she looks at me like I’ve grown a third eye or something, is it really that hard to believe?

I’ve been seeing that therapist and had only spoken to Cam about everything that happened to me so yes I can understand why she looks so shocked.

“Ok, so we’re going out for lunch today then?” she asks.

She’s sneaky I will give her that, she was testing me and I knew it.

“Great! Where are we going?” I said with a false sense of confidence. I plastered a fake smile on my face. She knew what I was doing when the amused smile lit up her face.

“Think we will just go to the little café up the road what do you say”

“Fantastic” I said sarcastically I get up and male my way back to my bedroom what the bloody hell am I doing thinking of going out after last night.

I was determined this morning to not let it get to me. I have spent the last six months hiding from the world I can’t keep doing it. Nothing else has happened since, the fear is all in my head.

I switch on the shower wanting to get ready for the day ahead. I am not going to let fear rule me any longer. I am done, it is time to take my life back.

Stepping inside the shower I wash quickly before I can let my mind wander back to last night, if it did, I’d start to panic and get anxious again.

I wrap the towel around my body and wander back to my bedroom. The mirrored wardrobe is open on the one side so that I can see some of my dresses and jeans that are hung there.

I notice my skinny jeans, walking over I pulled them from the hanger and start sifting through for a top to wear. I decide on a light pink sheath top with butterflies on it.

I blow out my blonde hair and leave it loose, applying only a little bit of make-up. I hate the girls who pile it on thick, it just looks horrible. When you see the orange lines around their chins and up to their hairlines. For God sake can they not see when they apply it that it's three shades too dark? Bit of mascara eyeliner and lip balm and I am good to go.

Back in the living room I find Cami ready and waiting to go. She really is pretty. Her sleek black bob with the light blue tips that match her eyes, she was a good few inches smaller than my 5ft 7in frame.

Her black leggings and grey off the shoulder jumper she wore made her slight curves seem fuller. It really was a good look on her she had topped it off with her trademark heels. She loved her heels; Cami had them in all colours and designs. Luckily for her we weren’t the same size feet anymore or I would still be stealing them like I used to back in university.

Whenever there was a party and we would need to get dressed up, she never failed to lend me some of her amazing shoes. I had worn every possible designer, it just showed how selfless she was, even back then she would always share or offer anyone help.

“Wow look at you Faith! You look like your old self” she says to me with nothing but honesty in her voice.

“Thanks, Cami you look amazing”

“Don’t thank me just yet we are making a little detour before lunch.” she looked me straight in the eyes daring me to say something back or wimp out but instead I just nod and walk to the closet to grab my jacket, leaving a speechless Cami behind me.

Inside I was shaking, the fear trying to creep back in, I blew out a breath while waiting at the front door for Cami.

Walking towards the café, I couldn’t help but look at everyone. I was sure everybody was staring at me, Cami looped my arm and pulled me a little closer to her while we continued walking down the street.

Stopping abruptly she said, “we’re here” I looked up and noticed that we were at a nice little hairdressers. Pulling me inside she walked right up to the reception desk. Before I had time to act, Cami had booked me in; I was taken to a chair where a gown was put around my shoulders. The next thing the stylist comes over “what can we do for you today sweetie.”

I just stare at her in the mirror in front of me “um can I just have a trim and my layers cut back in please” I ask quietly

“Of course sweetie” her reply puts me at ease a little and I relax into the chair while she makes quick work of my hair.

Forty minutes later. Cami and I leave the salon. I must say it’s been a while since my hair has looked this good, it feels heavenly I keep running my fingers through it, I can't help it as it’s so soft and silky.

Walking through the door, we find a little table along the sidewall of the cafe it’s a little place. White chairs and tables are dotted around the space with red and white table covers on them. Little vases filled with artificial flowers inside of them. The whole little café gives off that cosy feel. Taking a seat I start to look at the menu. It’s been that long since I have been in here that I have forgotten what is on it.

I notice the waitress as she comes over, so I wait for Cami to make her order so I can just order the same.

“What can I get you girls?” she asks

“I will have a lasagne with salad please and a lemonade” Cami tells the waitress. She then looks over to me waiting for my order so I just say that I will have the same. After writing the order down, she heads back over to her station to sort our drinks.

The wait for our food was not that long and we make small talk while waiting. When our lasagne was put down in front of us, I cannot believe how hungry I was and could not wait to tuck in, it smelled amazing.

The cheese was grilled perfectly on top, the side salad looked very crisp and fresh.

Picking up my fork I tuck in to my dinner, I know what’s coming, so I brace myself ready to answer her questions.

“So what’s the real reason for the change in you today Faith?” Cami questioned me.

“What do you mean, I’m just trying to get on with my life Cami, to take control again”

“Ha. Don’t make me bloody laugh. You have only left the apartment to go and see your therapist. Every time I bring up the question of going outside you close up like a clam, so don’t you dare say to me that you just got up this morning and thought fuck it! I’m fine!”

“You know I only let you get away with speaking to me like that because I love you, I know what you must think and there is a reason why which I will tell you if you let me get a word in.”

“Well don’t let me stop you,” Cami said to me

“I need to find Damien.” I just said it was no point beating around the bush.

“Are you out of your fucking mind? Why on earth would you want to find him?” her voice had raised an octave as she was talking and people in the café were starting to look at us.

“Keep your voice down please.” I plead with her, was it not enough that I was saying this outside of the apartment?

“Look I know you don’t understand why, but he saved me Cami, you know the details I’m not rehashing it here” I dropped my voice to a whisper so that only Cami could hear “I love him.”

I heard the clatter of her fork as it hits the table. The utter shock was written across her face.

“Don’t be stupid Faith, you don’t know him so how can you love him! Why won’t you get that he kept you there, he helped whoever took you he is as bad as the rest of them.”

I refuse to listen to what she was saying I know what happened. I live it every night but I also know that he was kind to me, that he seemed to care for me. I got to shower, eat and drink, I had a feeling that if it was not for him I would not have had those things.

“Look just stop. Cami, I am going to find him with or without your help, I know you don’t understand and I doubt you ever will, but I need you as my best friend to help me, please.” I look at her hoping that she can see the truth in my eyes. She is my best friend and I love her so much I have a feeling I won’t be able to do this without her.

“Urgh! Fine. I will help you try to find him, but only because I love you and if I don’t you will probably do something stupid.”

I leave the conversation at that and we finish up eating dinner. Even though I have been out with Cami who is my safety net it is not as hard as I thought it was going to be. Maybe I can be me again one day.

The walk back to the apartment is nice and peaceful, there is a nice breeze but it’s not chilly, it’s pleasant. The blue sky, fluffy white clouds and the sunshine give off the feel of a summer's day. While walking back we make plans to do this again on Thursday after my next therapy session.

Walking up the stairs to the apartment, giggling I can't remember that last time we had a carefree afternoon, opening the door our fun comes crashing to an end when we walk into the living room.

“Hello Princess,” I shudder at the nickname as I see the man I once called dad sat watching us come through the door.

“What are you doing here?” I glare at him how dare he show up here after what he did to me.

“We are going home Faith, and you are coming with me.” I recoil away from him.

“I am not going anywhere with you! You told them to keep me for your debt. How could you do that me?” I start to raise my voice, how dare he even be here. I don’t want him anywhere near me.

“You are and you will Faith! Your little escape still means I have a debt to settle, you think he will forget that I owe him money.”

“Get out” I scream at him “I don’t want you anywhere near me do you understand! I don’t care who you owe money to I am not a part of that.”

I notice Cami is stood frozen like a deer in headlights not knowing what to do for the best. He stands and starts to make his way towards me, totally ignoring Cami and I am grateful for that at least, I would never forgive myself if anything happened to Cami because of me.

I start to back up towards the front door while he still strides towards me, he looks possessed, not the man that I knew as my father.

“You owe me everything you spoiled little bitch, I paid for everything you ever had school, clothes, cars, and university, you will do and go where I say you will.”

His grip on my arm halts my backwards steps, the resounding slap across my face causes me to bite down on my lip, the blood that now trickles down my chin when I bring myself to look at him again. His eyes widen with fear, he drops my arm like it has burned him and takes a step back. The hairs on my neck stand on end, as I become aware of the presence behind me. I whip myself around to see who has put that fear into my father, I lock onto deep caramel eyes and gasp.

“Hello Faith.”
Oh God that voice.

Damien.

Faith

“Damien?” I breathe, my chest constricts at the sight of him finding that I have lost my voice. The flood of memories that assault my mind, all my dreams and that kiss collide.

I don’t hear the commotion that’s going on around me until I feel his arms wrap around me pulling me closer and pushing me behind so he is in front protecting me, from what is happening around us.

I hear the high pitch scream from Cami and when I look up I see that my dad is using her as a shield with a knife at her throat.

“Dad what are you doing” I screech at him while trying to get around Damien but his hold on me is like an iron grip.

“Let her go please” I plead with him, hoping to see some humanity in his eyes but I only see hate.

“Oh no, I don’t think I will be letting her go she is my ticket out of here alive, I need to even up the odds” his words are filled with such venom.

Looking around my apartment I notice that there are another two men with Damien they flank him on both sides.

“Darren you don’t want to do anything stupid. Let the girl go.” Damien’s voice still sends a flash of arousal straight to my core, his tone is commanding but sensual at the same time, I can’t help but imagine him whispering sweet nothings to me.

“Oh I think I know what I am doing” every word out of his mouth is making me itch to go and punch him, and I’m not a violent person but the action and words of my so called father are making me see red.

I hate that he is using my best friend to help him get out of here. Cami’s heaving chest and tears are eating me up inside and all I want to do is go to her and take her place it should be me he uses not her she has not done anything wrong.

His grip tightens on Cami and she lets out a strangled whimper, I flinch when I hear her.

“You’re not walking out of here Darren” I hear his words and I gasp, shocked at the malice in his words.

“See that’s where you’re wrong you have Faith back Damien, so the debt is settled now, I am going to take Cami with me and if anyone tries to stop me I will kill her” he finishes speaking.

That’s when I realise what he actually said, no it’s not right it can’t be, Damien got me out, oh God I feel sick Damien says something to one of the men and he starts to advance on my Dad and Cami.

“STOP. Don’t come any closer, or I will slit her pretty little throat”

Damien’s man does not stop he carries on getting closer and I see my dad press the dagger firmly into Cami’s neck. I see the slight trickle of blood glide down her throat as the point of the blade pierces the skin

“DAMIEN!” I scream

“Tell your man to stop! He is hurting Cami please Damien get him to stop” I start to sob now as I see the blood on Cami she is my rock, I can’t lose her it seems like an age until Damien’s man stops his fists clenched at his sides, like he is finding it extremely hard to hold himself back.

“Faith you tell Damien to let me past, if not I will kill Cami, you know I will do it.” He knows how much I love Cami. She is and always will be my best friend, these past 6 months have made us even closer and I would trade places in an instant with her.

“Let him go, please Damien, I can’t lose Cami, please just let him leave I will do whatever you want, just let him go.”

I look at him pleading with him to understand that I need this from him I need him to let my father walk out of here so I can keep Cami alive.

“Malcolm, Jake, let him past.” he commands.  He looks outraged that he has to let him go. I am relieved that he listened to me.

I see my dad start to move Cami toward the front door of the apartment, I see Damien’s men, whose names I now know as Malc and Jake, one is young about 24 my age he has light brown hair and blue eyes he is nowhere near as built as Damien or the other guy. I mean they look like they should be models not here doing whatever the hell it is they do. The other guy is huge and I mean army shaved head he just looks mean he won’t take his eyes off Cami, like all he wants to do is get her away, he has that look that screams protector.

They let my dad pass with Cami still in front of him and the blade still digging into her neck.

“At least you can still do as your told Faith, nobody try anything.” I hear Cami’s crying and heaving breaths as she leaves the apartment, he is shouting at her to walk down the stairs.

I bury my face into Damien’s chest and start to cry; I can’t believe I let her leave with him oh my God what have I done. I feel his arms holding me closer to him.

“Malc. Find her” Damien commands I turn my head to the side, just in time to see the huge guy with the shaved head fly out of my apartment door and down the stairs.

Damien leads me back into the living room of the apartment and sits me down on the couch, I am shaking with fear for Cami, I notice that he is tense and stiff, I am watching him trying to control himself, I think he feels helpless and angry, I am just about to put my hand on his lap to try and soothe him when he stands abruptly.

He starts walking over to the other man Jake, I only know this because a few seconds ago he sent Malc out to find my girl.

“You should have been watching her better! I told you nothing and I mean nothing was to happen to her” he has Jake pinned against the wall the anger is rolling off him. His fist punches him right in the face and he starts to go to work on him.

“I’m sorry Boss it won’t happen again” his speech it’s mumbled probably by the swelling in his face or it’s hoarse from the air being squeezed out of his body, just then I realise what he said and my dad’s words fill my head again. You have her back debt paid and then Jake just now calling Damien boss. What the fuck! Before I know what I am doing I’m up off the couch hitting Damien’s back repeatedly “This is all your fault” I keep screaming this at him.

Dropping the poor guy on the floor he spins around picking me up, all the anger leaves his face as soon as he sees it’s me and he places me back on the couch. He sits beside me, I shuffle away from him. I want answers.

After a few moments I try to calm myself enough to get my questions out.

 “What did he mean when he said you had me back so the debt is settled?” I can see the guilt that is written across his face.

“Look it’s not what you think I will tell you but not now we have to get you somewhere safe.”

I am about to answer when I hear crying coming from the hall I turn to see Malc carrying Cami in his arms he strides into the living room, she looks even smaller in his arms, he places her down on the couch, I rush over to her and I am so relieved that she is ok and here, not lying in a ditch somewhere dead.

“Oh God, Cami, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry” I crouch down by the side of the couch holding her hand while I speak, stroking her hair with my free hand.

“Are you ok let me see your neck Cami please did he do anything else.”

She shakes her head and tilts it so I can see the wound on her neck. The cut is not a huge gaping hole like I was imagining but it is still a mark on her skin that should never have been put there, a tap on my shoulder alerts me to the first aid kit that Malc passes me, I open the first aid kit and get to work cleaning up my best friends wound.

The only thing that I know for certain at this moment in time is that Damien is not who I thought Cami is hurt but safe for now, my father is dead to me but I have a feeling this is far from over. Looking at my best friend I see the fear in her eyes and I know that I have caused it.

“Faith” my name is but a whisper upon her lips, I squeeze her hand so she knows she has my attention.

“Darren said this was not over and that he won’t be happy till you’re back with him or dead” I gasp at her words.

“Ssshhhh it’s ok Cami you safe now” I don’t know where I get the strength to say it but I know she needs reassurance and that’s what I give her.

We sit there in silence until Cami has drifted off to sleep. I notice that Malc has not left her side, I think he feels more guilt than I do. I need to talk to Damien. I need to know what the hell is going on. I get up placing her hand on the couch, kissing her on the forehead as I turn to leave to go and face Damien.

“You can’t stay here Faith I will not allow it.” How fucking dare he try and command this situation after everything he has done.

“That is not your choice to make, and you still owe me an explanation for all this shit that’s going on Damien. How the hell did you know where I live? Why are you here?”

“I’m not doing this here, we have to leave now.” he orders again and it is pissing me off

“Tell me.” I demand.

“Fine, you want to know? I will tell you. I took you. Are you happy? Your dad owed me a lot of money, I wanted to scare him into paying up, but when the fucker said to keep you, I couldn’t do it.” His words rock me back into that hell and I hate him for causing this but I have to know why, I’m not scared of him.

“Why?” it’s the only thing I say. He knows what I’m asking.

“I can’t answer that here. Now I have answered your question, go and pack a bag or I will pack it for you. We are leaving here now, you said you would do anything if I let him walk out. I did that, so this is what I want, you with me.”

You have got to be kidding me, he can’t just expect me to up and leave with him. He fucking kidnapped me! He can’t be serious, but one look at him and I know that he is. Thinking back over what has happened this afternoon, how can I stop that happening myself? I can’t. I won’t be able to do anything about it. Until all of this blows over, I need to be with Damien.

“Cami comes as well or I don’t leave, do you understand. And before you get any funny ideas don’t you dare take me back to that hellhole of a house,”

He does not even acknowledge me with words just a nod of his head, he picks up his phone and makes some calls I’m not sure what about and to be honest I don’t care. My head is all over the place and I realise that I am not even close to being over this.

“You may want to pack yourself and Cami a bag” it’s Malc that speaks to me and I’m a little shocked at his accent  I can’t place, it seems Russian or somewhere similar, it's soothing believe it or not.

Cami is still asleep on the couch and I wonder if she will be ok. I head to her room and pack her a bag, some toiletries and clothes to see her over for a few days I turn to see Malc behind me I pass him her bag and head to my own room to pack.

Looking in my drawers and wardrobe I take out some jeans and t-shirts grabbing my make-up throwing it all into the bag opening my underwear drawer, I grab a couple of bras and knickers not caring what they look like.

Heading back into the living room the tension is high, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. I place my bag down next to Cami and he knows I’m ready to go.

“Malc is going to take Cami and Jake to the house, you are going to ride with me so we can talk, ok?”

I don’t miss the smile that hints on his lips and I won’t say that his words don’t cause heat to spread to my core, because they do, I won’t deny that after all I have heard today, I know I should not want him but my body betrays me, it sets on fire when he’s near me.

“Fine” I say happy at the chance to finally get the answers that I want, that I feel I need in order to put all this shit behind me, and try to get a sense of my normal life back.

“I will keep you safe Faith I will find your Father and when I do I will kill him he won’t walk away again and he will never hurt you again” I feel a tug at my heart strings at his words, when he is with me I feel safe and protected.

Jake carries the bags to the cars, Malc walks out of our apartment carrying Cami she started to stir but Malc’s soothing words soothed her back to sleep.

We set off heading to wherever the hell it is that we’re going. That’s something else he has failed to mention to me.

“Damien where are we going?” I ask as we get into his car it’s a really nice looking car, so sleek and sexy.

“My home” is his reply and we are back to being vague.

“And where is that exactly?”

“Surrey, it’s the family home, it’s safe.”