“Since I retired from the Rangers I manage stocks and investments. All that can be done from home in my office, where I spend most of my time. To be honest I’m a trust fund kid and I’ve done very well with my investments. My dad taught me well. Other than that, I work out,” I tell her as I pull the soup from the stove and pour it into a bowl. I grab a spoon and put it in front of her. “Careful. It’s hot.”
She picks up the spoon. “Thank you.” She blows on it before taking a sip. I go back to the fridge and get her something to drink, then sit next to her. I want to be close. I watch her eat. Every now and then she peeks over at me and I see a blush darken her cheeks.
I reach out and touch one of her long dark locks, wrapping it around my finger. Brushing her hair this morning felt so natural but still what kept getting me was that she didn’t shy away from me at all. The scars didn’t bother her.
She licks her lips. “This is really good.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” She looks over at me, her eyes locking on mine. The warmth of them make me want to be closer to her. It’s a foreign feeling for me. I’ve kept everyone at arm’s length since I’ve returned home, but with her, something is different. I’m craving her touch. I lean down and she meets me halfway. Our lips brush.
“Oh, sorry, sir.” We jerk away from each other.
“Marta,” I grunt. My tone is harsher than it should be. The kitchen really is Marta’s domain.
“You’re feeling better?” she says to Lucy, ignoring me.
“Yes, thank you.” Lucy gives her a small smile. My jaw clenches because I want Lucy’s attention back on me. Like I’m a fucking child. I have to get it together before I do something that scares her.
“Marta, a moment,” I tell her. I stand from my chair and lean over next to Lucy. “Eat, little one.” I kiss the top of her head. Marta stares at me with wide eyes.
“My office.” Marta rushes off. I brush Lucy’s hair away from her bare shoulder. I kiss her there this time, then tug the shirt up again. I don’t want her getting cold. I know I shouldn’t be doing this or getting this close, but I can’t help myself. I brush my nose up along her neck, breathing her in. It must tickle her because she giggles. The sweetest sound I’ve ever heard, and I know I have to get away from her for a moment and get myself together.
“I’ll be right back.” I pull myself away from her. My head is in a fog as I make my way back to my office where Marta is waiting outside. I motion her in.
“I pay you very well, Marta,” I start, going around my desk and sitting down. Her eyes widen a little.
“You do, sir,” she agrees. She’s been with my family for over twenty years. She and her husband live in a cottage on the back side of the east law, and she’s still close with my mom.
“She woke up scared. Thought we were married. I went with it.” I don’t know how she manages it, but her eyes get even bigger. “You won’t tell her otherwise.” I make my tone firm. She doesn’t say anything for a moment.
“Of course,” she finally agrees.
“Good.” I stand. I feel some tension leave me. At least that’s one less thing to worry about. The rest of the staff is gone for the long Labor Day weekend, so I won’t have to worry about anyone else.
“Sir. I came to see you for a reason.” She wrings her hands in front of her. “You should see the news.” She walks over to the TV on the wall and switches it on. A picture of Lucy fills the screen.
Local Girl Missing reads under it. I shouldn’t be shocked by this. Of course, she’s been reported missing. Whoever lost her would want her back. I don’t blame them. But I saw the mark on her. They’re not getting her.
“You saw the marks on her, too, Marta.”
“Yes, why do you think I’m so okay with keeping my lips sealed? She’s safe here.”
Then the TV flashes to who she belongs to. My gut clenches. Kurt Lockwood. Her grandfather. And my gut knows it’s him who put that mark on her. I notice his arm is in a cast and I wonder how he broke it. Lockwood is a mean motherfucker. He’s lucky he’s not behind bars for all the shit he pulled when he was the district attorney. The only thing that saved him all those years ago was his family’s money.
I only know this because I remember my own father dealing with the man. The general public doesn’t know what a dirty bastard he is. But when you have money yourself, you tend to end up rubbing elbows with others that do as well.