Chapter 12
Lyla
Truths & Lies
Waking up the next morning, I stretch out my limbs and climb out of bed. As I’m walking to the bathroom I hear arguing coming from the bottom of the stairs so I open the door and listen.
“If you don’t get drafted. You’re running the family business. There is no other option.” He spits.
“I’ll get drafted. I don’t have any doubt in that. You might want to think of another option because I’m not it. Dad.” Case yells. Oh shit!
“I can take it all away from you, Case. You have an obligation. A signed contract with your grandfather. Hockey was never a part of the agreement.”
“I don’t care what the paperwork says. Hockey is my career.
Not sitting in a fucking office. Sorry Dad that was never my dream and the fact that you can’t be happy for me.
For how far I’ve come in hockey, says a lot about you.
” he grunts. Then something shatters against the floor causing me to jump.
“That’s enough Case. I won’t put up with your disrespect.
Get your head out of your ass. Your responsibilities come first. Now if you’ll excuse me.
I have a plane to catch.” My step father seethes then a door slams. This is why he doesn’t like being here when our parents are home.
Now it makes perfect sense. Footsteps climbing the stairs echo the hallway and I shut the door quietly and step back but as I wait for him to go into his room he knocks on mine and swings the door open.
I jump, not expecting him to come barging into my room.
“I didn’t mean to scare you. Are you coming to the game tonight?” He asks and I smile.
“You know I’ll be there,” I answer as a grin spreads across his face.
“Cool, what are your plans today?” he asks and I’ve got nothing going on. I was just going to lounge around here, if I’m being honest.
“Nothing really.” I say and his smile widens.
“Wanna hang out until I have practice?” he asks and I nod.
“What do you want to do?”
“Well, first I’d like to feed you,” he smirks, taking a step closer to me.
“Oh yea?” I say, raising a brow and he takes another step.
“I’m starving,” he whispers, licking his lips and god damn if I don’t want to lay back down on my bed and give this man something to eat.
Fuck. “Stop looking at me like that. I’m trying really hard here.
” He growls and I take a step back, wanting to see how far I can push him.
“Don’t you do it Lyla. I won’t be able to stop myself.
” He warns and just as I’m about to sit down he bends and grips the backs of my thighs, hauling me over his shoulder, slapping my ass.
“Oh, shit.” I yelp and he laughs.
“Breakfast, Lyla. What do you want me to make you?” He laughs and I slap his ass as he walks us down the stairs.
“Pancakes and bacon.” I tell him as his hands linger up my thighs. “Case…” I warn but he slaps my ass again making me yelp.
“Hush it, I’ll feed you. Make the coffee and set the table.” he orders as he places me down on my feet.
“So pushy this morning huh?” I laugh and he rolls his eyes as he gets what he needs to cook. I walk over to the fridge and grab everything for our coffee then set the table and wait to be served. I could get used to this.
“Oh, here. This was left on your car this morning.” He says, handing me an envelope. My face pales but thankfully he doesn’t see it. I open it and read the note.
My Angel.
I found you, little one. And soon, I will get to keep you.
See you soon,
Love always, Your Kenneth.
I swallow thickly and have lost my appetite.
Getting up from the table I throw out the note and go stand at the double doors looking out at the pool.
I need this shit to end. I can’t keep living in fear.
Now he knows where I fucking live? Is there any place I can be that’s safe from him?
I should go to the cops but I know what they will tell me.
Nothing. Strong arms wrap around my waist and I jump for the second time today.
“Jesus, Doll. You’re fucking jumpy today. What’s going on?” Case asks and I shake my head.
“Nothing, I just have a big test coming up and I’m nervous about it. That's all.” I lie and he nods. I step away and get our coffee made as he puts food on our plates.
“Is there anything I can do to help you with your test?” He asks, taking a bite of his pancake.
“Nope. But what you can do is win the game tonight.” I smile, trying to change the subject.
“You know damn well I’ll win that shit!” He smirks, making me giggle. “You gonna eat?”
“I’m not that hungry. I’m sorry,” I say and I get up to leave but he grabs my wrist, stopping me.
“What’s going on?” he asks with concern laced all over his face. Fuck. I’m not good at this shit but I can’t tell him what is really going on.
“Nothing, nothing. I promise everything is fine. I’m just not hungry yet.
You finish and I’m going to go shower.” I tell him and he removes his fingers from my skin and now I feel cold.
I hate that he has this effect on me. I wish I could just walk away from him and not feel empty inside.
He made this breakfast and I’m an asshole for not eating it.
Ugh. I need to figure something out. I glance over my shoulder and our eyes collide.
He doesn’t believe a word I said and there’s nothing to change that look of disappointment written all over it. I fucking suck! Ugh!