Chapter 43
Sunlight warms my bare skin, rousing me from sleep.
Before I even open my eyes, I reach for Darcy.
But the bed is empty and cold in both directions.
Eyes open, I shoot up and instantly reach for the gun on my bedside table.
That is until I see her. Her tousled blonde hair blows in a soft breeze as she enjoys a cup of coffee and breakfast from a silver tray on the terrace.
“Oh, thank God!” I brush my fingers over my eyebrows in relief.
Visions of yesterday flit through my mind at lightning speed as I reach for my phone.
Everything blurs together and feels like multiple days in one.
Moments with Darcy, to my meetings with Serena and Santiago.
I don’t even remember Darcy and me making it back upstairs, but I’m thankful we did.
Sleep deprived is one thing. Sick is another. But, speaking of Serena and Santiago…
I quickly text Milo that he is free to enjoy the next eight hours in Mexico before we depart later this evening. Though, I’m sure he’ll spend it sleeping after keeping eyes on Serafina all night. I’ll have to make it up to him when we get back to New Orleans.
The last text I check is from Damon. To no one’s surprise, he’s shocked and displeased. For once, I don’t blame him. But, once I discuss my plan with him and Alister, maybe that’ll change. In the meantime…
I place my phone back on the bedside table, tie the sheet around my waist, and head out to kiss my woman. “Good morning, beautiful,” I say, leaning down to steal a kiss. She tastes like coffee, sugar, and strawberries.
“Good morning, handsome. I hope I didn’t wake you. I tried to be super quiet getting the trays through the room. I even left the meal cart outside the bedroom door.”
“You didn’t wake me, my love.” I massage her neck gently as I cast my eyes out over the ocean.
“It’s a gorgeous view,” she says then. “And this terrace kind of reminds me of the one back home. I’ve been meaning to get it cleaned. I’ve always thought it would be a nice place to enjoy a cup of coffee.”
“I’ll see to it when we get back.”
“But isn’t that—” I raise my eyebrow before she can finish her sentence, and she responds with a smile. I kiss her once more before sitting down across from her to a silver tray of my own.
“Ardella said the shrimp and onion omelet is your favorite. I’ll have to learn how to make it for you.
And this French Toast is to die for,” Darcy says as she takes another bite.
It’s good to see her smiling, comfortable, and enjoying herself.
This trip may have been for business, but my bringing Darcy was for moments like this.
Although, I need to get some coffee in me if I’m going to keep up with her conversation.
“It felt kind of weird though,” she continues.
“I’ve never had anyone cook for me before.
Well, aside from you. But she was so sweet.
I guess you have an act for choosing staff. ”
“I have an act for many things,” I say, a bit too coyly given the sleepiness still clinging to my bones.
“I’m well aware,” Darcy retorts. I down my espresso in three gulps while Darcy’s smile lingers. Though, as I pour myself another from the Moka pot, I notice a subtle change in Darcy’s expression.
“Is something wrong?” I ask, studying her closely.
“No. Everything is perfect. It’s…it’s so perfect I’m…a little emotional,” she admits.
“Aw, baby. Tell me what’s on your mind.” I extend my hand. She gives me hers and I rub the top of her knuckles as emotion tightens her cheeks. The omelet, potatoes, and guac can wait.
“It’s just…” She shakes her head. “Breakfast was always a tumultuous time back in Montana. You know, he worked off, so it wasn’t like he was there every morning.
But, when he was, well, breakfast would usually determine how the rest of the day would go.
I was always stressed, so stressed my stomach would ache and I could hardly eat.
I was so on edge I somehow found a way of monitoring him without looking at him.
I didn’t want to draw attention to myself.
And, yet I could sense it. I could sense his restlessness, his anger, his mood.
I could feel the hits before they landed and yet, I never had the courage to face him as he slung his fists into me. ”
Darcy’s eyes glaze over as she remembers back. I want so badly to pull her from it, but talking about it is good. Pretending it didn’t happen, pretending it wasn’t as bad as it truly was, is no help.
“The abuse had become more frequent in the months leading up to August. And, with Delilah getting older, more at risk of noticing, something in me snapped. I’ve told you of how I escaped him.
” She lets out a not-so-happy laugh at the memory.
“I’m surprised you let me cook for you after I admitted to poisoning my ex. ”
“He deserved it and more,” I assure her. More, that he’ll get from me. But, for now, I do my best to remain calm and quiet. One of my gifts is knowing when to speak and when to just listen. Now is the time to listen.
“It was during breakfast,” she says. “I’d made pancakes and let Delilah sleep in.” She wipes the tears from her eyes as a blank expression befalls her. It’s as if she’s analyzing the memory rather than being trapped in it. That’s good.
“That was the first time I had the courage to face him.” She nods to herself.
“I wouldn’t say I fought back, but I didn’t just sit there and take it.
I ducked, and I ran.” She reaches for her neck then and bites her lip.
“But it wasn’t easy. I…I didn’t get away before he—” I brace myself.
Darcy hasn’t told me this part of the story yet.
“He shoved me to the ground, took off his belt and used it to choke me as he prepared to rape me. Thankfully, the pills took him out before he could—that time, at least.” Darcy is quiet as I tap my leg.
It’s all I can do to remain seated. It’s not that I haven’t heard the stories of his torment.
Hell, I’ve seen the scars on her body. I’ve felt her shake in my arms as cries rip through her from the memories alone.
But I will never be okay listening to the woman I love recount the torture she endured.
“That’s why I wanted you to choke me,” she explains, her eyes finding mine.
A gentle smile tugs at her lips. “I trust you and I wanted to reclaim that kind of physical touch with the man I trust, the man I love.” Darcy sighs as she finishes and then gently pulls her hand from mine to reach for her coffee.
“I love you too, Darcy. And I appreciate you telling me. I applaud your bravery in everything you did to escape and to protect yourself and Delilah. And I’m thankful that I’m able to provide a much different breakfast and physical experience for you.”
Darcy nods and smiles. “Me too. You’re very good at providing experiences.”
“Oh, am I? Well, then, I hope our plans for today live up to the hype.”
“What are we doing today?” Darcy asks, excited. I smile and shovel in three bites of omelet slathered in guac and fresh pico.
“Well, first. We’re going to eat this delicious meal. Then we’re going to warm up in the shower.”
“Together?”
“Well, we never finished what we started in mine.”
“This is true.” She nods in approval.
“After that, we’re going to visit the Mayan ruins.
They’re not far from here and are a true wonder to see.
Then, we’ll have lunch at one of my favorite taco joints.
And, finally, back here for a little sensual surprise.
” I give her a wink, and she instantly blushes.
There are many words I’d use to describe my Darcy—beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, ethereal, perfect.
But, right now, she just looks outright cute.
“Sounds like a perfect day,” she says. Perfect indeed.