Chapter 12
Katy
Work has always been my solace. The first time I’d poured my heart out in words, about emotions that were difficult to handle, the cathartic relief had been profound.
What started as journaling gradually turned into informative articles that helped women and children deal with issues like surviving trafficking, sexual abuse, and more.
My personal experiences, combined with my field of study, created a channel through which I learned to confront and deal with an emotional weight that would overwhelm an average person.
What started as a hobby became more. A few months back, one of my articles had been quoted by a popular psychologist, leading to my blog becoming viral.
In the months that followed, my blog turned into a safe space for many around the world.
Victims reached out to me anonymously, and I tried to help them without revealing my identity.
Hailing from a mafia family, I knew it wasn’t wise to reveal anything about myself.
Especially with my brothers’ obsession with my safety.
In fact, they knew nothing about this, and I preferred to keep it that way until this whole Baun thing ended.
They’d possibly lose their shit if they knew what I’d been up to, given the circumstances.
My heart hurt at the words Barun and ended in the same sentence.
But after his stance, I knew it was probably time to let go of my stupid fantasies and impossible dreams. Like Alia, I would probably be married off into another mafia family.
The only solace was that my brothers would choose someone who I liked and approved.
Tears glimmered in my eyes at the prospect of even looking at another man who wasn’t him. Brushing the tears away, I opened the web app to draft my next article.
I didn’t get out of the cozy corner that I’d set up beside the bed, where I had my laptop, my favorite book, a warm blanket, and some coffee. I preferred to hide my head in the sand than face my inevitable heartbreak.
Hours in, I researched information for my next article, writing to one of my professors for some advice.
Sipping the hot coffee, I also drafted my next post until the words started blurring in front of my eyes.
Putting away my laptop, I stretched before picking up a contemporary romance, hoping I could immerse myself in a happily ever after.
After some lazing and moping around, I’d had enough of my own pity party. Desperately wanting some fresh air and the need to see other humans, I decided to venture out for the evening to the local inn. I was hoping the festive air would lighten the heaviness in my heart.
Seeing Barun nowhere around on the first floor and not caring about his whereabouts for once, I took a long, hot shower. If he wanted to use hot water, well, tough luck! He could go get it from wherever he’s gone off to, I told myself.
Shaving and primping myself, I put on a red satiny A-line dress that fell just below my knees.
With a square neckline and a back that tied up, this dress flattered my curves in the best way possible.
While packing, I’d brought this dress and the matching red lace thong for some private celebration with my sexy bodyguard.
But now, I was happy to wear it as the revenge dress.
Yes, Barun Caruso, you can officially go fuck yourself, I told myself as I applied my red lipstick.
With my hair down and my makeup done, my confidence returned, giving me a mysterious edge that I didn’t realize I possessed. By the time I wore my red strappy stilettos, I heard Barun come in. Perfect!
Sauntering down the stairs, I made sure I made an impactful entrance in front of him. Judging by the way his entire body stiffened and the way his eyes shifted away from the neckline of the dress, I knew I’d succeeded. Game on, Mr Bodyguard. You better watch out!
“If I may ask, where are we off to?” He drawled, clearly regaining his composure.
“The local inn. I’m sure there’s a party or two that I could join. Being cooped up here hasn’t been a great experience.” I shrugged, throwing the ‘I-am-bored’ expression at him.
His lips tightened, but he said nothing. Wise! “As long as you’re within my eyesight and you do nothing impulsive, I’m good to go, Princess. Just give me ten minutes to shower and change.”
I nodded and walked to the huge window in the living room, not wanting to think about showers, his body, or his…
I clenched my fist, my nails digging into my palm to stop the visuals that threatened to ruin my hard-earned poise.
Taking a deep breath, I waited in the same spot until I heard Barun come down.
Watching home walk in blue denims and a red sweater made my heart beat wild.
Until I sternly reminded her to shut down the dancing.
Taking out my coat, I handed it over to Barun, turning around without a word.
I moved my hair to the front and smiled, hearing the delicious sound of a hiss coming out of Barun’s mouth.
Did I mention I struggled with the tie-up at the back for 20 minutes before I got it tight enough for my cleavage to be impressive? The revenge dress wasn’t such a bad idea after all. With a saccharine-sweet voice, I asked, “Anything wrong?”
“No!” The short growl brought another smile that I tried to hide.
His fingers lightly brushed my nape when he helped me with the jacket, bringing a shivering response. I hurried away, unwilling to expose how much his touch affected me despite this morning’s conversation.
“Let’s go.” I nodded at Barun before stepping out with my bag. Swaying my hips, I was thankful to go to the car. My feet were already hurting a little, and I had to tell myself these high heels were worth it if it drove my bodyguard crazy.
An hour later, sadly, I had to disagree with my belief. Those stupid heels were figuratively killing my feet. I had to stop myself from grimacing when I danced. And yes, as expected, the inn was festive. The restaurant area had been redecorated to form a makeshift bar and a dance floor.
Quite a few locals were having a good time, drinking and singing. With the delicious bar food, the whole place looked magical, like straight out of a Hallmark movie.
The locals were warm and welcoming, especially knowing I was with Barun. The elderly couple who ran the inn ensured I was fed, and the bartender, a beautiful woman who seemed to be in her twenties, made me the perfect drink. Which my shadow monitored, of course!
The only sore face in this entire place seemed to belong to him, who was yet to take his eyes off me. A fact that made me feel daring. I took a sip of my drink, my eyes looking into his as I licked my lips.
Watching his lips thin in annoyance? Frustration?
Whatever the hell it was, it gave me the much-needed boost to get onto the dance floor.
Many of them were already grooving to the peppy numbers, and I joined them, swinging my hips to the beat.
Closing my eyes, I lost myself in the rhythm, strangely experiencing a feeling of calm amidst the chaos.
I didn’t realize how much the past two months had affected me subconsciously, making me watch over my shoulder despite my brothers assuring me everything was fine. The past had awakened a sense of fear that I couldn’t completely negate.
Now, faced with a light buzz from the alcohol and the dancing, my nerves relaxed at last, letting go of all the worries that I’d been carrying without my knowing. I continued to dance without a care until I felt someone behind me.
Turning around, I saw a tall man with blue eyes and light hair, a slight smile on his lips. He nodded at me.
“Hi.”
As always, men, especially ones who stepped a little close for my comfort, threatened my peace. My guard immediately went up in a way that I was used to by now. However, this time, I chose to ignore my body’s conditioned response and smiled back at the stranger.
“Hi yourself,” I answered, forcing myself to smile at the man who seemed harmless. He was good-looking in a boy next door sort of way, which made me smile at him without suspicion. His presence didn’t scream danger. In fact, he looked a little nerdy and sweet, almost shy, even.
At my answering smile, he stepped a little closer. “I’m Ben, and I just came in here for the holidays. If it isn’t too forward, can I get you a drink?”
“Sure,” I replied, hoping Barun was still around. After all, this was the new me — daring, social, and apparently ready to speak to strange men. Walking away from the dance floor, we sat on the barstools, ordering our drinks and a plate of greasy food.
My suspicions were right; Ben was a nerd. He taught computers in college, and he claimed he was an outsider who liked to travel to unknown destinations during the holidays. Interesting!
Munching on the food, I listened and nodded in the right places. Sadly, my pulse didn’t flutter, nor did my heart sing in this man’s presence. That didn’t seem to be his reaction, though. In a move that I didn’t anticipate, he pulled me from the stool.
“How about some fresh air? Do you fancy a short walk?”
The moment he touched me without permission, my body went into hyperalert mode. My throat closed, and I struggled to get the words out. Mutely, I watched his hand move, as if he wanted to circle my waist.
“Touch her once more and you’ll be dead.” Barun’s voice whispered quietly next to me, making Ben turn white.
“Who are you?”
“The man who will end you if you don’t step away.”
“Katy…” He looked at me in confusion, finally making my vocal cords move.
“Barun…” I turned to him, frowning.
“Princess, we’re done here. We’ll have to leave right now if you don’t want me to kill him.”
Taken aback by the coldness in his tone and the icy fury flashing across his dark eyes, I nodded, not even protesting when he snagged my waist, pulling me to himself.
“I… I’m sorry, Ben,” I stuttered, before walking behind a furious Barun.