Chapter four
Goodbyes
Noèallbutgrowlswhen we walk up to my apartment, if I wasn't completely numb I might be embarrassed.
Offended even.
"Please tell me this isn't where you live." He says his face twisted into a grimace at the old building. Two drugged out older men sit adorning the stairs leading into the musty lobby. Mold hiding just beneath the chipped black-and-white checkered tile, since it floods every time it rains.
Like today.
"Home sweet home." I mutter, as I move past the men heading up the stairs. Desperate to be away from Noè but also halfway thankful he's here. His presence alone is enough to keep the more unsavory residents of the building at bay. Water soaks into the felt of my boots as I step into the flooded lobby, a rat squeaks somewhere out of sight. No doubt forced out of it's normal hiding place by the water.
I yelp as Noè lifts me from behind, "Noè!" I yell as I try to wiggle lose.He chuckles, his lips linger close to my ear, "Relax little doll, I don't want your feet getting wet." He stomps through the stagnant water, if the rain doesn't let up soon it'll be ankle deep until the landlord gets his pump out.
If he does.
The only time he seems to show up is when rent is due, there's an eviction or someone dies in the building. My skin heats at Noè’s touch, remembering the way he took me into the bathroom after breakfast. Sitting me carefully on the counter as he wet paper towels, gently wiping his blood from my face. Once my face was clean and to his liking, he stood me up and lifted my skirt. My cheeks flush bright red as I think of the way he ignored my protests and cleaned medown there. Wiping away all evidence of what happened on the floor.I didn't think I could have felt more insulted than before, but I did.Hetook my choice thenhecleaned me up. Tried to make it better I suppose. It didn't… it shouldn't have.
"Isn't there a doorman or some locking system in place to keep nonresidents out?" He asks, shaking me from my thoughts. I scoff as he sits me on my feet on the bottom step, his still planted in the water. Those shoes he's ruining are probably worth one of my paychecks if not more. For the first time since he took me on the floor anger spikes again. Spoken like a man who is so deeply out of touch with how people struggle.
How I struggle.
"Doesn't work. Can I get my phone now?"
He smiles as he makes his way up the dirty stairs, trailing his large, tattooed hand along the banister. I could tell him to stop, that he'll probably get a splinter, but I don't. Crazy fuck would probably like it anyway.
"After I see you safely inside your apartment, of course."
I don't want him anywhere near my apartment. The Arcuri crime family owns this fucking city,heowns this city. My small slice of it might be the only place I'm halfway safe from him. Even I know that's a dangerous illusion to have. I've worked hard avoiding all the places people like him seem to fester and here I am. Letting him walk me home.King of the festering people.
I shove past him on the stairs half expecting another meltdown from him, another fucked up kinky punishment, but it doesn't come. His eyes are glued to my ass as I walk in front of him, both of us knowing I'm completely bare underneath. He looks so comfortable. So relaxed but the tick in his jaw and the way he keeps clenching and unclenching his hands tells another story all together. I'm breathless after we hit the sixth floor as usual, Noè doesn't seem to be affected and of course not. I know just how in shape he is.
"Olive!" The small timid voice makes my heart drop. Blake runs down the hall barreling into my arms, as guilt sinks low into my gut. I know he's been waiting for me; he always does when his mom and stepdad start fighting.I wrap my arms around his slight frame, "Hey buddy."
He lifts his head from my stomach frowning at the nickname I've never used with him before. His green eyes hollow and confused, it ties my heart in a knot seeing him look at me like this. But I don't want Noè anywhere near him, much less know his name. I've become something of a big sister to Blake since I moved here, aside from school I'm his only safe place from his chaotic home life.A feeling I'm painfully familiar with.
I reach around him unlocking my door with the key I kept in my boot, "He find your key again?"
Blake nods, "I'm really sorry Olive. Mom is going to give it back to you when things calm down. Promise."
This damn kid rips my heart out.
I bend down, Noè all but forgotten for the time being. Putting my hands on either side if his small face, even my chipped gray nail polish stands out against his pale skin.
Has he eaten today?
"Never apologize to me. Never." I gesture to the red painted door a few down from mine. Their shouting barely dampened, "That is not your fault, okay? We'll just find a better hiding place next time."
He nods his head giving me a weak smile, I know he doesn't believe me. Blake is only eight, small for his age but I swear he's like a tiny adult. He grew up too fast like everyone else sucked up and spit out by this fucking city.
His eyes land on the man behind me, a major contributor no doubt to his stepdads debilitating drug addiction. I know exactly what the Arcuri crime family deals in, coke is only one of many vices and among the more mild.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Noè." His voice is gentle as he squats down, his tall frame no less intimidating at this new height. I stand to face him, pushing Blake behind me. He's a smart kid, knows better than to talk to strangers. Especially strangers that look likehim, in a place like this Noè stands out like a sore thumb. Even dressed casually he screams wealth and power.
"Wait for me inside, I'll be right there."
Blake wastes no time running through the door and turning on my stereo. Hoping to drown out the world around him. Noè stands up and reaches into the pocket of the jacket I'm still wearing. He pulls out a rose gold colored smartphone and holds it out to me, waiting for me to take it.