I am unable to enjoy soaking in the old timey tub thanks to all the racket coming from downstairs. It sounds as though they are swinging from the chandeliers. I am pretty sure I heard glass being smashed too. Doors are slammed and screaming shouts seem to travel up the stairs and are growing closer to where I am. I can’t make out what is said. Another door slams and I scurry from the tub, ready to retreat to the safety of my room. I wrap a towel around my body and check the cabinet for a toothbrush but there is just the one. Something tells me it belongs to Tristian, or at least I hope it does. A small thrill shoots through me. I squeeze the Sensodyne onto t
he bristles and brush my teeth, knowing my using his toothbrush will piss him off.
As I am rinsing my mouth, a loud knock taps on the bathroom door. Forgetting I am still in my towel and no longer in the comfort of my own home, I call out, “it’s open.”
Tristian steps in quietly, closing the door behind him. He holds up a brand new toothbrush still in the package. “Thought you might need this.”
“That’s okay I just used yours.” I saunter by him as the angry scowl spreads over his wicked mouth.
I don’t make it one step out the door when he grabs my arm. I’m not even sure why I like setting him off but I can’t stop myself.
He raises his brow. “Did you enjoy the taste of my mouth Isa?”
I ignore his question responding with my own teasing remark, “I haven’t decided, but you let me know how you enjoy the taste of my tongue on your brush, the next time you use it.”
“Don’t toy with me,” he warns sending a cheap thrill though me.
I can’t seem to stop myself with him. It’s so unlike me.
“Do I have anything to sleep in or should I just sleep naked?” I smile at him, pushing him further as his grip tightens on my arm.
“I wouldn’t suggest it, with my brothers in the house. They tend to wonder the halls at night. If they were to come into your room and find you naked, they might take advantage of the situation. They tend to take what they want and ask questions later,” he warns sounding alarm bells in my head.
I jerk my arm and my towel slips exposing the top of my breasts. If Tristian notices, he doesn’t show it. His eyes are on mine. They aren’t as dark as I thought. They are more of a deep blue. His tattoos make them appear darker. But under the glow of the light, I can see them in contrast with the pale bone color his face is shaded.
“Lock your door tonight Isabella,” he demands, his voice hoarse as he dips his head.
His smooth fingers stroke my cheek as though he might try to kiss me. I lick my bottom lip unsure if I want him to. As much as he gets under my skin, I feel a weird connection to him. I feel as if somehow, I know him even though I know that isn’t possible. But there is something familiar and haunting in his eyes.
His breath tickles the tip of my nose as he lets out a sharp exhale. I wait for him to give in to temptation and claim my mouth. The seconds tick by and nothing.
His lips never touch mine. He pulls his face away from mine. I guess he did notice my towel. He pulls up on the center covering the bit of flesh that was exposed. “I told you I would provide what you need. There are clothes in your dresser and your wardrobe. Goodnight Isa,” his tongue caresses the A in that intimate way once more, making me feel that familiar pang. He kisses my forehead with a quick peck.
“Goodnight Tris,” I reply softly and I could swear his step falters when he hears me call him Tris, as he leaves me standing alone in the hall.
The first thing I do when I get back in my room is lock the door. I am not taking any chances. Just as he said, the dresser and wardrobe are fully stocked with anything I might need, but no panties. I pull out a pair of cotton pajama pants and a matching tank top and slip them on. I use the towel I had wrapped around my body to squeeze the water from the ends of my hair that got wet during my brief bath.
I peel back the blanket and sheets, crawling into the bed, but not until after I’ve managed to stub my toe once I turned out the light. This will take some getting used to. I feel restless as I try to find the right spot. At home, my mattress dips in the right places. It isn’t too firm or too soft. This mattress feels stiff and new. Did he get all of this new for me...the bed, the clothes...?
I flop and roll from one side to the next, settling on the middle. Once I am finally comfortable, the loud music has stopped and the house is quiet other than the strange noises all houses seem to make in the night. My stomach growls and I am back to tossing and turning.
My stomach continues to protest my desire to sleep. Now I am debating fighting my hunger or chancing sneaking into the kitchen. Throwing the covers back, I give in. I pad across my floor quietly hoping I don’t hit my toe on anything else. Peering my head out the door once I have unlocked it I sense the coast is clear. Not that I think Tristian would care for me eating, but I don’t want to run into his brothers as he called them.
I hope I don’t get lost either.
Fortunately, I manage to make it to the kitchen without bumping into unwanted company. I scour the fridge settling on a ham sandwich.
I am sitting on the counter with my legs dangling towards the floor enjoying my fill when I get the feeling of being watched. Rain.
“Don’t think he will keep you around for long. I know what a girl like you wants with Tris, but it won’t happen. You just think because you are pretty and all the things a man should want, that he will fall for you and you won’t have to work. You think he’ll take care of you.” She snorts. “Don’t fool yourself. Many have tried and failed.”
Like you, I think to myself, remembering how he reacted to her affection earlier. I swallow my bite and take a drink of my milk. “I don’t think anything about Tristian; I don’t expect anything from him. It isn’t like that,” I defend.
She comes close getting in my face. “Keep telling yourself that.” She yanks on my hair harshly in a threatening manner before walking down the hall.
I try to ignore her accusation. If she only knew how far from the truth she is. I’m here because I have to be. I don’t want anything from Tristian other than him leaving my Papi alone. I know what men like Tris do to men like my father who can’t pay. They hurt those they love most, if they don’t kill them first. I’m not oblivious to the facts just because he intrigues me and draws me dangerously near.
I finish my sandwich without further interruption other than my wondering who, or what, Rain is to Tristian.