I can’t hold back a moan when I take a giant bite of the pancakes. The second the sweet taste hits my mouth I’m done for, and I don’t stop eating until I clear my plate.
“Careful, angel. I want you to eat, but don’t make yourself sick.”
“Oh gosh.” I cover my face with my hands, not wanting to know what I looked like when devoured my plate in a matter of seconds.
“Don’t get embarrassed. I’m happy you’re eating. Someone needs to do a better job of taking care of you.” When I drop my hands, I see a scowl on his handsome face.
“I’m an adult. I should be taking care of myself at this point. I’ve been doing it for a while.” Really it’s been most of my life. I can remember being four and making my own meals. The idea of someone taking care of me sounds almost ridiculous.
“And how is that working for you?” He turns the scowl on to me.
“I’m trying.”
“Getting involved with the Shapovals isn’t trying.” My heart drops, and all the air leaves my lungs. How does he know that name already? “Fuck.” He grabs my face with both hands, tilting it back to look up at him. “Breathe,” he orders, and my body follows his command.
“I have to leave.” I try to push back from the kitchen island, but he doesn’t let me go. “I have to,” I plead with him, and he finally drops his hands from my face.
“You’re safer here.”
I’m not sure I’ll be safe anywhere, but the more distance I can put between the Shapovals and myself, the better.
“Did you tell them I was here?” Tears form in my eyes. I know I shouldn’t have this sense of betrayal, but I do.
“No.”
I slowly start to relax, but it doesn’t last long. “Me being here could put you in their sights too. I can’t stay.” I try to push back from my chair again, but his hand comes down on the back of it. He’s done so much for me that I hate the idea of bringing any kind of trouble to his door.
“And where would you go?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I could get on a bus or something. Go to another state and find a women’s shelter?” His eyes roam my face. I’m not sure what he’s looking for.
“You’d never make it. Someone would snatch you up.” I swallow, not sure if he means the Shapovals or someone else altogether.
“I don’t have much of a choice. I can’t go back to them.”
“Why is it that they have their hooks into you to begin with? How long have you been…” He trails off, his face hardening with anger.
“I stole from them,” I admit. “I’m not blameless.”
“How much?” he grits out between clenched teeth. I hate his anger because when he’s sweet and trying to take care of me, it makes me feel precious.
“I don’t know. I stole some lunch meat and a few cans of food from one of their stores.” He’s silent for a long moment, his eyes never leaving my face.
“You stole food?” he finally asks, looking confused, and I nod.
“From one of their stores. I’m not sure if they actually owned the store or if the store falls under their protection or something.” I don't know how all that crap works.
“They turned you into a hooker over ten dollars’ worth of fucking food?” he booms. I jerk back in the chair. It probably would have fallen over if he didn’t still have his hand gripping the back of it. “I’m sorry, angel.” He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to yell at you. Don’t be scared of me. I’d never hurt you.”
“I’m not scared of you,” I whisper. Not physically, anyway. I am, however, noticing my emotions are all kinds of wrapped up in this man.
“Maybe you should be,” he says under his breath.
“Why?” He’s been one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.
Before he can answer, his phone starts to ring. He pulls it out and clears the call, but then it starts to ring again.
“I have to take this.” He slides his finger across the screen before putting it to his ear. “What’s up?” He goes quiet for a long moment. “Are you fucking kidding me? I’m coming over.” I watch as he starts to pace. “I’m coming over, and I’m not fighting with you about this on the phone.” Curt’s eyes cut back to me. “I won’t be alone,” he says into the phone before he ends the call.
“Something wrong?”
“My brother had a problem at his place last night. I need to go check on him. He’s not really been himself lately.”
“Okay.” I fidget with my fingers in my lap, unsure what I’m supposed to do.
“I had some clothes picked up for you this morning. Change and you’ll come with me.”