Chapter 4
Teddy
“Hi.” The girl with the red hair and bright, green eyes looks so out of place here, I would chuckle if I could. She stares at all of us with a piercing gaze, and I study her as well. She’s wearing jeans and a shirt that says “I put my book down to be here,” she’s biting on her bottom lip nervously, and I have the sudden desire to be near her. She seems sweet, but it’s her eyes that really draw me in. Despite being the most beautiful green, almost like a forest, her eyes hold so much emotion. From where I’m standing I can see all the emotions that pass: fear, despair, anger, but most importantly I see hope. That hope is by far the most beautiful thing I’ve seen. Veronica hasn’t shared anything about what she’s been through, but I can sense it was something beyond terrible, and for her to have hope? That’s fucking something alright.
“Ariel meet my dad, Tony, and my brothers, Harley and Teddy. Boys meet Ariel. As of now y’all are practically family. Teddy, Harley make yourselves useful and go get her things and bring them in.”
“Oh no, they don’t have to.”
“Ariel, it’s not a big deal. You need to rest. Let’s get you some tea, and make you at home here.”
“Okay.” she says quietly, and me and Harley go out to get her stuff.
Once we open the car, my jaw clenches. All her stuff is in garbage bags.I hear my brother curse softly. This girl is running from something, and she needs help. Help that our ranch can give her. I hate when my sister is right. It doesn’t mean I’m happy about it, but I’m done complaining about her presence.
Ariel
After Veronica shows me around the house, she leads me to my room. “Your room is across from Teddy’s. I know nothing is going to happen, but on the off chance that it does, he’s the best bet to protect you.” I simply nod. I’m tired. I drove for ten hours straight to get here from New York. I just want to sleep. “I know you’ve been through hell, but here, you have a new beginning.”
“I’m pregnant.” I blurt it out. I wasn’t planning on telling her so soon, but I needed it off my chest. She’s silent for a moment, assessing me, trying to figure out if this is news I’m happy about.
“That’s great, Ariel. Do you know how far along you are?” I shake my head. “Well I’ll help you get an appointment with the OBGYN. My Charity does it often for other people in your situation.”
“Pregnant and on the run?”
“Pregnant and searching for safety. Don’t cut yourself so short. You are incredibly courageous. Please never doubt that.”
“Thank you. For everything.”
“Don’t mention it.”
After Veronica left, I tossed and turned. I’m so tired, but being in a new place means sleep is very hard to come. I eventually get up, and go to get some water. When I enter the kitchen, I’m surprised to find Teddy there. “Sorry I just need some water.” He grunts in response. I go around him to get a cup, and his near presence messes with my head. Last time I was this close to a man, he did unspeakable things to me. Shivering, I quickly grab my cup and go to the fridge to fill it with water.
“Are you cold?” His sudden voice makes me flinch.
“Umm, no, I just, I can’t sleep, and I’m a little sleep deprived.” He doesn’t respond, just looks at me. I swallow down my water, then head back to my room. Sleep is quick to come after that, but it’s filled with nightmares.
“Ariel, you are such a slut.” I don’t know where his sudden anger came from. We had been at an event his work had hosted. We had a great time, and his boss seemed to talk to him a lot, which is good because the firm was looking for a new partner. “The way all those men were staring at you, and you just let them.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I stayed by your side the whole night. There were no men that I was letting stare at me.” The punch came before I saw it coming. He’s never punched my face before. He’s been angry at me multiple times, hit me, slapped me but has never punched me, especially where a bruise will be visible. He grabs my hair next, and drags me to our room where he rips my clothes off. I cry and beg him to stop, but he doesn’t. He takes me quick and brutally, and after he’s done, he hits me again.
“Clean up your mess whore.” He leaves and that’s when I look down and realize I’m bleeding.
I shoot straight up in my bed and scream. The vivid memory plus the morning sickness has me rushing to the bathroom. When my head is in the toilet and I’m emptying my stomach, I feel a hand land on my shoulder and jump out of my skin, screaming.