16. Raw
Raw
Elena
I didn’t expect it to be so…boring.
The first day here was kinda fun watching Wade’s face turn red every time I was in the same room as him.
But during the week, he’s gone most of the time, and when he does come back, he goes straight to his room.
Makes me wish I had friends to call. Or that I had a hobby.
Instead I keep finding myself getting sucked into random streaming shows. They’re entertaining enough, yet I have this flare of raw energy in me that feels like it’s trying to work its way out.
Friday afternoon, he arrives with an armful of folders, then drops them unceremoniously onto the kitchen table.
“We have homework,” he grunts. One broad palm grips the edge of the counter as he toes off his cowboy boots. His hat lands on the smooth marble surface before he turns towards his room.
“What does that mean? Do I get to leave if I pass?” My knees are still folded under me where I’m nestled into the couch.
I know better. I’m stuck here with a grumpy ass old man, with no end in sight. If looking at them hurries this up, though, I’m game.
Except he’s growing on me.
He reappears in a baggy pair of shorts and a snug t-shirt that hugs the ripples in his chest. His eyes narrow, flicking over my bare legs making his lips thin.
“No free pass. I brought home a shit load of pictures for us to start sorting through. I need you to trigger your memories about your dad’s associates.” His sneakers squeak on the hardwood, then goes down the hall.
In only a few minutes I can hear the steady beat of his feet on the treadmill.
The best part of my day is when he comes back upstairs after working out.
Sweaty.
Veins popping.
Breathing hard.
And smelling so…raw.
My episode is just about over when I hear his footfalls getting closer. Scurrying, I rush to the fridge and pull out a chilled bottle of water along with an oversized bowl full of chicken salad.
When he turns the corner, he pauses, pinning me with a caramel colored stare.
Holding out my offering, his cheek twitches as he accepts. “Thanks.” His russet brows raise. “Bacon, too?”
“Not quite five pounds worth. That’d be overkill on your salt.” My palm drifts down to my hip. “You do all that work to stay fit, your diet should match.”
A tiny muscle under his left eye spasms. “You’re not eating too?”
“I will. I just like to sit at the table like a civilized person.” I let a smirk play over my lips.
His broad shoulders slump. “Ah. I suppose I haven’t been a very good host.”
“Can we look at those? I want to get started.” Pointing towards the pile of folders, his gaze follows my finger.
His jaw clenches and he gives me a curt nod. Sliding his food onto the end of the table, he takes the closest seat.
Finally. I don’t have to eat by myself tonight.
My sister used to always hang near me every meal. When she was taken after Mom died, it became so hard to enjoy a meal alone.
Except when I was in jail. That part sucked to have someone watching me.
Wade waits until I sit with my own salad and pulls the top envelope off the stack.
“It took a while going through old files. These are the mug shots of the ones we know associated with your father. Take your time and see if they look familiar.” He stabs a few leaves and a big hunk of meat, then chews slowly.
“This is really tasty, by the way. I didn’t know chicken could actually have flavor. ” A small smile flickers over his lips.
“I’ve had a lot of practice. Mom worked so much, I pretty much took over the kitchen since I was twelve.” I take a bite, then turn the cover open to a frowning picture over a set of fingerprints. “Well, he’s ugly,” I snort.
Wade coughs and reaches for his water. “Not many people give their good side for those shots.”
I try to concentrate while flipping through the photos, but none of them look familiar. “These are all so formal.” I squint at the date on my current page. “And this is recent. Wouldn’t they have been different twelve years ago?”
Glancing at the mountain of documents, I have a feeling I know what I’ll be doing the next few days.
“Hmm. That’s a good point.” He chews, focusing on some random point on the wall. “I might have to dig further for some older pics. There’s a bunch of surveillance footage stills in there from a drone. I think it’s linked to whoever hired you. Might see a connection I’m not?”
“Yea. Sure. I’ll start going through them.” I drag the last few bits of lettuce out of the bottom of my bowl and notice he’s done too.
Standing, I brush his knee with mine when I lean over to pick up his empty dish.
He jerks his leg away from me like he’s been burned.
“Easy, daddy.” I flash a smile before flaunting away. I know how much it irritates him when I call him that.
The growl that rumbles in his chest widens my grin as I turn away to the sink.
“You gotta stop with that.” He shifts so his feet splay out on the opposite side.
“Why? You’re taking care of me, keeping me safe, and you’re old enough.
” My tongue pokes out while I tuck my ankle under my butt to sit back in the hard chair.
“I think it fits nicely.” Propping my chin on the heel of my hand, I flutter my eyelashes at him.
“Besides, I know it gets under your skin. Win. Win.”
I reach out to poke his arm, but he snags my wrist in mid air, wrapping it in the heat of his palm.
“Does that mean I get to spank you when you misbehave?” His jaw tics as fire smoulders in his stare.
Well, holy shit.
My belly tightens as we both freeze. Electricity arcs through my limbs.
Chewing on my bottom lip, I lock his gaze. “Yes, daddy,” I whisper.
He drops his hold on me and rises, his chair scooting away from his calves pushing it so suddenly.
One thick finger lands on the black and white photo. “Keep looking.”
Abruptly, he swivels on his heel and rushes away.
I jump in my seat when his door slams shut.
Maybe I went a little too far?