Chapter Twenty-Seven
Bella
The next afternoon, I pace my bedroom from the door to the window and back. Unlike Dominic, I don’t worry about my parents’ reaction to us seeing each other, but his uncertainty combined with telling them about school has my nerves on edge.
Buzz. Beep. My cell phone vibrates on the dresser. I stride toward my dresser with a smile already on my face. Spending time with Dominic last night at the game was a dream come true. And no one batted an eye.
After the incident with my brothers in the parking lot, that is.
The night was perfect. Our team won. Levi scored two touchdowns. And Dominic couldn’t keep from touching me. I’d wanted to stay over at his place, but until I’ve talked to my parents, we decided it wasn’t a good idea.
He decided. I couldn’t have cared less.
I snatch up my phone as the scent of cinnamon rolls baking downstairs wafts in from under the door. Him and his morals. I don’t know what makes him think they aren’t going to jump up and down that I’m dating someone with as much class as him.
Brock. My heart skips to a stop as sweat breaks out on my forehead. How did he find this number? Shit. I swallow over the bile in my throat. No one knows my number that would tell him. My hand quivers as I swipe the screen.
Brock: Hey, doll face, I bet you weren’t expecting to hear from me. But I’m always watching and waiting. I’ll get you back.
Tears sting my eyes. Why is he doing this? It doesn’t make any sense. He didn’t love me enough to be faithful, so why does he care that I’m not crying myself to sleep over him. Or if I start dating someone else.
Brock: Too afraid to answer? Scared your little boyfriend will think you’re cheating on him if you talk to me? He seems like the kind with low self-esteem who doesn’t trust a woman. Hope you don’t lose him.
Brock: You’re not answering. It seems like I’m going to have to take matters into my own hands.
What an asshole. He’s so careful not to say anything that will get him in trouble. Like he knows the specific wording that the police would use against him.
I gnaw on my bottom lip. Should I push it? What if something I say tips him over the edge? Screw it. I’m not letting him ruin my life.
Bella: I’m not interested in you, so leave me alone.
Brock: Hey, baby, there you are. Did your boy toy disappoint you last night? Is that why you’re messaging me already?
Bella: No. He didn’t. I just want you to leave me alone.
Brock: That’s not going to happen. I’ll find you wherever you are. Don’t think you can get different phone numbers and keep me away.
Bella: Stop. You’re crazy.
Brock: I’ll show you crazy. When you least expect it, I’m coming for you.
Bella: Leave me alone. I’m not interested.
Brock: I’m going to fuck you so good; you’ll forget everything else. I don’t care if you scream and beg for me to stop. As a matter of fact, I want you to. I’m going to take what’s mine. I’m so fucking hard thinking about you right now. Promise me you’ll scream and fight back.
Fucking pervert. That’s all I needed. I growl under my breath and call Dominic’s number. In the middle of the second ring, he picks up.
“Hey, Wildflower, did you miss me?”
“Yes.” My voice shakes with my quick reply.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing.” I shake my head as I toss a piece of paper in the trash. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have called. I know you’re at work. I’ll talk to you–”
“You’ll talk to me now. What’s going on?” The rumble of his voice rocks through me, easing some of the tension.
“I don’t want to bother you. You’re at work.” My reflection shows a girl with messy hair, a pale face, and eyes that are filled with worry. I drag my hand along my hair, trying to tame some of the wayward strands.
“I’m leaving work as soon as you hang up. So, spill it. I’m not going to stay here if something upsets you. I finished a tat about ten minutes ago, and Rob can take my next client. He’s better than me anyway.”
“Bullshit.” His flippancy makes my eye twitch. “There’s no way he’s better than you. I’ve seen your work.” I smile weakly even though he can’t see me. “I have your artwork on my body. I know he’s not better.”
“Wildflower, you’re good for my ego, but you’re seriously starting to tick me off. Quit evading the conversation. Now, why did you call? Are your parents mad?”
“No.” I straighten my shoulders and toss my hair behind my shoulder. I’m done worrying. This guy is a total creep, and it’s time I stood up to him. “I haven’t spoken with my parents, but Brock messaged me.”
“Son of a bitch. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” He covers the phone, leaving his voice muffled. “Rob, I’ll be back tomorrow. Something important has come up.” Someone says something before he continues, “My girl is being stalked by her ex, and it’s time he knew his place.”
My knees give out, and I plop down on the mattress. Lord, I fan myself. The man is too good to be true. I should’ve snatched him up ages ago and forced him to admit his feelings. Then, I would’ve never dated Brock, the psycho with the little penis syndrome.
The doorbell chimes as he steps out of the tattoo shop. “I’m on my way.”
“Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. You’re my girlfriend, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” His voice lowers, “You know that, right?”
“Yes.” I bite my bottom lip and close my eyes. “Yes, I do.”
“Good. Now, be a good girl and stay at home until I get there.”
A bubble of laughter flies from my lips as a shiver of desire floods through me. “Yes, Sir.”
“Wildflower,” he growls. “Don’t get me distracted.” The door of his pickup opens and closes. “As much as I’d love to drag you to my place and fuck you seven ways to Sunday, we need to make a plan for dealing with Brock that will get rid of him. For good.”
“You’re right.” I clear my throat while tucking my comforter under the pillows. “Drive safely. I’m going to go downstairs and talk to my parents.”
“Good. They need to know.”
He’s right. It’s time they know everything. I fluff the pillow and straighten. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
After hanging up, I dress and make myself presentable before traipsing down the stairs and walking into the kitchen where my parents are chatting with my brothers.
When I step into the room, they all turn to stare at me. I arch an eyebrow. “No need to stop on my account.”
“Yes, there is.” My mom pats her hair. “We were talking about you.”
“And Dominic.” My father’s eyes narrow. My instinct is to turn the other way and leave, but I straighten my spine, march to the refrigerator, and grab a bottle of water. “So….” I spin on my heel and cock my head sideways. “What’re we saying?”
My dad crosses his arms over his chest. “You told me you weren’t seeing him.”
“I wasn’t.” Heat floods my cheeks. “Well, I was, and I wasn’t.”
“He took her for a test drive and was waiting to see if she was good enough.” Ben chuckles and punches Sam on the arm.
“Maybe it was the other way around.” I twist off the lid. “Maybe I was the one that took him for a test drive and decided he was good enough to go after him.”
“That’s disgusting.” Sam’s face turns crimson as he avoids my gaze.
“Ben started it with his crass comment. You both know I’m not going to back down and let you get the upper hand.”
“Fine.” Sam shrugs and rolls his eyes. “You win.”
“Kids.” My mom smacks her hands together. “Let’s focus.” Her eyes soften. “So, this is serious between you and Dominic?”
“Yes.” I nod and take a sip of the water. “Yes, it’s serious. I’m not saying we’re moving in together or anything.”
“You’re not moving into our place.” Sam slaps his hands on his hips. “It’s a no girls-allowed house.”
“So, you only do men?” I smirk even though the exchange with Brock has my skin crawling.
“Shut up.” Sam glares at me.
“Speak for yourself.” Ben shoves Sam again. “I’ve had plenty of girls over.”
“For one night. And none of them were our sister.”
“Children.” My father’s voice booms throughout the room. “Enough.”
“Yes, Dad.” We all say in unison.
“That’s ridiculous.” My mom’s eyes flash with anger. “I tell you to stop, and everyone keeps bickering. Your dad says one word, and you all hop to attention like he’s a military commander.”
“Mom….” Sam drapes his arm over her shoulders. “We listen to you.” He kisses the top of her head. “We just like razzing each other more.”
“Whatever.” She waves her hand in mock anger. She blusters but doesn’t really worry. We’re one big, loud family, and it’s good that they’re all together.
I swipe my hands on my pants. Here goes nothing. “I’m cutting back on my college classes next semester.”
They all turn to stare at me. Again. This time, there isn’t a decibel of noise in the kitchen, except for the stove timer going off.