10. Tate
CHAPTER TEN
TATE
T he second Imogen exits Sian's room, I’m by her side. “What’s the verdict? Is she going to be okay?”
“I’ll know more when I’ve got her results back. She put up a fight, that much I know. Thankfully, there are no broken bones, but she’s covered in cuts, bruises, and burn marks from the ordeal. I’ve left some painkillers for her. She’s still got a way to go yet.”
I rub my forehead. “So, what you’re saying is, her body will heal, but mentally, you’re not sure?”
“Everyone deals with trauma differently. You of all people should know that.” She tilts her head to the side; an indication of the time she treated Rick and me when we were held captive. She was the one to treat us. She had a cash flow issue; I overheard her once when I was at the hospital. That’s how I got to know her. At first, it was small jobs I needed her for, and she did them for the cash. Then she got in deeper, as the pay was better. “She’s strong-willed. Give her some time and space,” she adds.
I throw her a look she’s seen many times before.
“What? Why are you looking at me like you’re planning something stupid?”
“She knows too much, Imogen. I need to know what she’s going to do with that information before I can give her the space you say she needs.”
“That explains why she was extra jumpy whenever I approached her. Not only is dealing with the rape, but she’s also afraid of what you’re going to do with her.”
“Relax. I’m not going to hurt her.”
She narrows her eyes and stares straight at me. “How do you know Sian?”
“I don’t,” I state with a shrug.
“Oh, I get it now. You came here to ‘ talk’ to her about what she knows, and that’s when you found her. Yet you stayed and called for my help. Why do you care so much? I would have thought after what happened with Jodi, you would have learnt your lesson.”
My nostrils flare, my anger too, and my dislike for that traitorous woman simmers under the surface.
“Don’t push me, Imogen. If you don’t have anything to add about Sian, then it’s time you left.” I step to the side, allowing her room to pass me.
She drops her head as she walks by. I loosen my tense shoulders, thinking she’s done, but she shocks me with her boldness.
“She’s already damaged, Tate. Having you around will only make her more damaged. You carry darkness and death wherever you go. Don’t drag her into your world. She deserves better than that.”
“Don’t come at me with that bullshit. If it wasn’t for me, your mum would be homeless and drowning in debt. You say I’m a bad guy, yet you'll happily take my money.” Rick chooses that moment to make an appearance, holding a wad of notes rolled up and secured with an elastic band. “I believe that’s yours, Imogen, unless you no longer need the money?” I cross my arms over my chest and smirk down at her in satisfaction.
She snatches the money out of Rick's hand, who’s holding back a smirk of his own, and turns to face me. “You’re a bastard, Tate.”
“I’ve been called worse. Until next time, Imogen.”
She huffs before storming off.
“She does have a point,” Rick says once we’re alone.
“What point is that?” I turn and wait for him to elaborate.
“Well, she’s right about Sian. Everything she said was true.” He points to the door she’s behind. “The longer we stick around here, the more fucked up she’ll be. I get why we came here tonight. We need to make sure she keeps her mouth shut, but once that’s done, we need to walk away.”
“That’s not an option right now. Everything’s changed.”
“How so?” He steps back, staring into my eyes.
“Before, she had a stable mind and I could have easily talked her out of going to the police, but after what’s happened to her… she might do something stupid. I can’t have her ruining everything I’ve built; what you helped me build.” I place my hand on his shoulder, giving it a manly squeeze. “Plus, we still don’t know how much she saw. If she knows about Joey switching sides, the plan is fucked. I won’t let that happen, Rick. I need this to work, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure it doesn’t go to shit.”
He hangs his head in understanding. “Got it. What’re you going do with her now?” He tilts his head in the direction of Sian’s room.
“I’m playing it safe for now. I’ll show her my good side,” I joke.
“Do you even have a good side?” he shoots back.
I shrug. “I guess we’ll find out.”
* * *
Sian stirs from her slumber after countless hours of tossing and turning. She got a couple of solid hours’ sleep at least. I, on the other hand, didn’t sleep at all. I know this because I've been sitting in the lounge chair beside her bed, watching her sleep like some fucking psychopath for the last two days. She's been in and out of it from the strong painkillers the doc gave her. I know she’s wary of my presence, but I’ve reassured her that I’m not here to hurt her; I’m just making sure she’s okay.
Her phone kept pinging one night, so when she was asleep, I used her finger to unlock her screen and see who was so insistent on reaching her. It was the girl she came to my club with, asking if she was okay, as she hadn’t heard from her all day. I replied with some girly shit about cramps and told her I’d touch base with her when I was better. She replied instantly, saying if I needed anything to call or text. I hearted the message and put her phone back down on the nightstand.
Other than glancing my way, unsure of my intentions, getting out of bed to use the toilet or shower, she's hardly moved and keeps asking the same question. Why am I still here? She’s still on edge, but secretly, I get the feeling she doesn’t want to be on her own. I should have left right after Imogen, but I didn't. I told Rick it was to protect everything I'd built, but it was more than that. I couldn’t bring myself to leave her. I wanted to wrap her up in my arms and stop her nightmares. I didn’t, but that’s why I settled on the seat and watched her.
I’m standing by when she slowly peels her eyes open, letting them adjust to the light. She seems more with it this morning, and I know the questions will come. She glances at the seat I’ve been occupying and sees I’m no longer there. Her shoulders release some tension, and it has me wondering if it’s relief that I’m gone or disappointment I’m no longer watching over her.
She tries sitting up but hisses as pain slices through her.
“The pain will get worse before it gets better.”
She screams and grabs the duvet, covering herself up. “Jesus. Are you trying to kill me off?” She brushes her hair back from her face. The sunlight drifts through the window and makes her skin glisten. She’s beautiful. “I thought you’d gone.”
Imogen’s words hit me again. ‘She’s damaged. You’ll only damage her more.’
“If I wanted to kill you, you’d already be dead,” I tell her. She gulps. “Sian, I could have killed you multiple times in your sleep if I wanted to. I could even have gone as far as making it look like an accident. I've had plenty of opportunities, yet I chose not to. I told you I wouldn’t hurt you, and I’m a man of my word.” I turn abruptly. “Now, get dressed. We’re leaving.”
“I’m not… I’m not going anywhere with you.” She stutters her words.
“I’m afraid you don’t get a say in the matter. I've let you heal for the last two days. Plus, you owe me, and I’m collecting.”
“I owe you?” I spin back around as she bites her bottom lip, and it does something to me that I can’t explain. “Why… why would I owe you?” She’s nervous, but she’s trying to come across as strong and determined as she crosses her arms, pushing her breasts together, showing just enough cleavage to get my dick hard. I’ve seen her naked. I know how tempting her body is, but I’m not the type of person who would take advantage of a woman. I will see her body again, but she’ll be willing to give herself to me.
“Let’s not make this harder than it needs to be. I called the doc, and she checked you over. That saved you from the embarrassment of having to go to the hospital and have what happened to you written on record. Something tells me you don’t what that. Plus, I recall you ruined an expensive suit of mine.” I offer her the softest smile, trying to put her a little at ease.
“Look, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Nothing I offer will ever be able to repay you for that. If it makes you feel any better, I haven’t gone to the police.” She gulps again, likely in fear of what the consequences of her outburst will be. It’s clear she doesn’t trust me, so I need to be smart about what I say and do next.
That’s all the confirmation I need for now, but she could change her mind or go against her word once I’m gone, and I can’t risk that. “Hmmm. Good to know. But you can’t stay here. Not right now. I think it would be best if you lie low for a few days, in case your attacker tries too-”
“Oh, God. Do you think he’ll come back? So soon after…”
“It’s a possibility. You’ll be safer with me. Now, get dressed.” I turn and exit the room, leaving her with her options and hoping she chooses the right one. This way, we both get something we want.
I roll my neck, trying to relieve some of the tension. A part of me wanted her to challenge me, to show me there’s still some fire left inside her after everything she’s been through, but I know it’s too soon. Not only that, but I don’t know if I’d be able to control my urge to punish her for her mouth. I’m just hoping she follows through on my orders, so I don’t have to do things the hard way and make her more fearful than she already is. I’m nothing like the monster that attacked her, and I need to show her that for her to trust me.
As I head down the stairs, I hear Rick speaking. “Yeah, it wasn’t that straightforward, but he’ll be back today.” As I round the corner of the living room, he ends a call. “That was Clint,” he says as I join him in the front room.
“Wondering if I'm still alive?” I joke.
“I’ve been keeping him in the loop in case anyone asked where the boss was. If anyone asks, which I doubt, you’ve been running a lead down but came up empty.” I nod. “What’s your plan now? I haven’t really got to talk to you, as I’ve been coming and going.” I sense annoyance in his voice.
“She’s coming with us, but she’s not a fully willing participant.”
I watch as he pieces things together. “You haven’t told her that she’s going to be a prisoner until you convince her to stay silent, have you?”
“Not quite, no. It was hard enough to get her dressed. Baby steps.”
“Baby steps? I can see this going balls to the wall fucking fast.”
“Will you relax? Once I’ve convinced her to forget what she saw, she’ll be free to leave, and it’s not like I’m going to lock her in basement.” I shrug.
“And if she doesn’t?”
“Then I’ll do what I do best. I’ll find another way of convincing her.” I smirk. “There’s more than one way to get a woman to keep her mouth shut.”