We walk into the house where Emilian Oakes has already retreated to a guest bedroom, leaving us to do as we please. I am grateful to him for allowing me this time with Lily Anna, though I have no intention of having mercy on him just because he’s her father.
I spend most of the afternoon sitting in my father’s favorite leather armchair, gazing out at the gardens – the only thing that remains unchanged.
Lily Anna is sitting by me, my fingers absent-mindedly treading through her hair, wrapping strands around them. It’s almost time for bed, but I’m reluctant. Anders appears, suggesting we head upstairs, and I get up without saying a single word. Lily Anna holds my hand and we ascend the stairs.
My bedroom is too damaged from the smoke, so we’re given one of the guest bedrooms in the east wing. I’m about to tell Lily Anna to go change into her PJs in the adjoining bathroom, but when I turn around, she’s already stripped down.
My eyes drink in her body hungrily. She’s beautiful – starting to grow curves, her skin lightly tan and porcelain-like. But it’s covered in bruises, just like the first time I saw her.
She climbs into bed next to me after I strip down to my boxers, laying her head on my chest.
“I can feel your heart,” she whispers as I touch my fingers to her hair. “It makes me feel calmer.”
“Lily Anna,” I speak up softly. “Who’s giving you these bruises?”
Instantly, she clams up, attempting to pull away from me, but I don’t let her. I hold her body against mine, and she refuses to meet my gaze no matter how hard I stare her down.
“Is it your father?” I manage to ask without bursting a coronary.
She remains stubbornly quiet.
“He does other things too,” she finally speaks up, her voice barely above a whisper. “He touches me.”
“What?” I jump out of the bed, grabbing a shirt. “I’m going to fucking kill him.”
“Dexter, don’t!” she cries out desperately. “If he finds out you know, he’s going to kill you. And then… and then I’ll never get away.”
“Get away?” I repeat, stopping mid-buttoning up.
“Away from him,” she whispers shakily. “I’ll never get away if we don’t get married.”
I know she’s right, but it doesn’t make this any easier, and I let her know as much, snarling, “So I’m supposed to just fucking stand back and allow him to fucking hurt you?”
“You don’t have a choice,” she admits. “Neither of us does. Only a couple more years though, Dex, and then we can finally be together. Please, promise me you won’t do anything until we’re married.”
“I…” I think back to what Anders told me.
How the fuck am I supposed to promise that, knowing what I know? But she’s the love of my life. I can’t let her down now – too much is at stake.
“I promise,” I mutter, and she throws her hands around my shoulders.
“Thank you, Dexter,” she whispers in my ear.
My inner demons settle inside my head, but I have a feeling the mere sight of Emilian fucking Oakes will get them going again.
Fifteen
Pandora
“Daughter,” my father barks at me when we get home that day. “A quick word.”
I’m instantly nervous, and Brazen races up the stairs, probably relieved father doesn’t want a word with him, too. I’m left alone with my father and my heart pounding in my chest.
“What is it?”
“I’ve decided to throw you a birthday party.”
“I thought I was grounded. And my birthday’s already over.”