Chapter 16 Staring Too long
KIER
She kept me at a distance.
Of course. What could we talk about when she couldn't even speak? But still…
I glanced down at the curly head resting on my thighs. Deidre had fallen asleep watching Frozen—again. At this rate, they might as well cast her in it.
"Daisy," I whispered. You could never be sure with her; one second asleep, the next standing at the couch, staring at you like a tiny ghost.
Her soft snores continued. She was out for real.
I caught a maid passing by and motioned her over.
"Hey," I called.
She stopped, hands clasped neatly in front of her.
"Your name?" I asked.
"Revelation, young master," she replied.
Revelation? Really? Some parents were ridiculous.
Her eyes flicked to Genesis, glued to the TV, completely absorbed. I turned my attention back.
"Take Lily to her room. Tuck her in. Place Dr. McStuffins next to her."
Revelation nodded, lifting Deidre expertly. Halfway across the room, she hesitated.
"Sir… which doll is Dr. McStuffins?"
I smirked. Fair question. "The largest bear. Name tag on it if you're unsure."
She nodded and carried the child away.
I turned back to the TV. End credits were rolling.
The only one still watching: Genesis.
I just… watched her.
Even focused on the screen, she was on guard. The dress I'd picked hugged her slim frame, hinting at scars and shadows she'd carried for too long. I hated that. But I liked that she wasn't hiding anymore.
Exotic. Dangerous in a quiet way. Beautiful.
"Any more minutes staring at that screen, and you might end up inside the story."
Her body stiffened. Slowly, she turned, shaking her head—a silent apology.
I hated that. She apologized for everything.
"Come here."
Quiet, firm. Soft, commanding.
She trembled but obeyed. Fingers curled into the hem of her dress. Step by step, she closed the space between us, eyes fixed on the floor. When she stopped, she barely met my gaze, shoulders hunched.
"Look at me."
It took her a moment, but finally, those eyes—haunting, mesmerizing eyes—met mine.
"When you're with me, or anyone, I don't want your eyes downcast. Look at me. Those eyes aren't meant to hide."
Her brows lifted slightly. She nodded, obedient. Good.
"And about before… I was just teasing. You love that animation too much."
She glanced at my hand, then back up. Good girl.
"Do you like movies?" I asked.
A small shrug. A hesitant nod. She liked them… but felt unsure she was allowed to.
My chest tightened.
"Have you watched any at home?"
She shook her head. No.
I kept my fingers tapping against the couch instead of clenching into fists. Every gesture, every glance told me more about what they'd done to her. I'd have to talk to Father. He knew more than he let on.
I tapped the cushion beside me.
"Come sit."
She moved immediately, leaving a tiny space between us. I picked up the remote, pretending to search for a movie, trying not to notice her stiff posture, her clenched fingers, the faint scent of jasmine clinging to her.
"Closer."
Her body tensed.
"I won't bite… unless you want me to."
Her head snapped toward me, eyes wide. There she was—alive beneath all that fear.
She shifted slightly, closer, enough for me to sense her warmth. I kept my gaze elsewhere, scrolling through options until I found Moana, one of Lily's favorites.
The dramatic soundtrack filled the room. I leaned back, finally watching her instead of the screen.
Her eyes stayed forward, tense, bracing.
I studied her: the soft curve of her lips, freckles across her nose, the way she flinched when I moved.
I'm going to know every little thing about you.
Even the things you don't know about yourself yet.