Conrad
I have been anxious since I dropped Maya off at work. If I am feeling like this, I can only imagine how she is feeling. But I meant what I said: her ex won’t get anywhere near her while I am around. I will hire her security if I need to. For now, though, she can stay with me for as long as she needs until I find a way to get rid of her bastard of an ex. I know she would probably rather me not get involved because she is used to dealing with things alone. I am not going to let that happen. No, we haven’t known one another for a long time or even defined what is going on between us, but none of that matters. I promised to protect her, and I will keep my promise.
I am outside of the office waiting for her. She texted me to let me know she was just finishing up. She told me to park down the street, but I didn’t. I am right outside, across the road. I can keep an eye on her and the surroundings from here. And with the same car, I dropped her off in this morning, no one will know it is me. I have been glancing around since I arrived twenty minutes ago, making sure there is no sign of her ex. I wish she would tell me more about what happened with him. I don’t want to go behind her back, but I have ways of finding out more about someone if I really need to. She says he is dangerous, and I believe her, but how dangerous?
I see her exit the building and anxiously look around. She still looks scared, and it breaks my heart. I climbed out of the car. I don’t care if anyone sees me.
“Maya,” I call out so she can see where I am.
Her eyes fall on me, and I see relief take over her face. She rushes over to me.
“You are here.” She whispers.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I question confused.
Maya looks at the ground and sighs. She thought I wouldn’t show.
I rest my finger on her chin and tilt her head back to make her eyes meet mine, “I told you I wasn’t going anywhere, beautiful. I meant it.”
“Conrad, are you sure you want this? You shouldn’t have to deal with this.” She whimpers.
“Maya, I am not everyone else. I will not walk away and leave you when things get tough.” I say softly and take her head.
“I know you aren’t. I am sorry, but I can’t help it.”
“I understand, angel, but I promise I wouldn’t do that to you,” I reply and pull her to my chest, hugging her for a moment.
Maya clings to me and buries her face in my chest. I kiss the top of her head.
“Let’s go to your place, and we can pick some of your things up before heading to mine,” I suggest.
I want her to bring whatever she needs. I want her to be comfortable at mine because I am unsure how long she will stay with me. As long as necessary. She nods against me before she pulls away and goes around to climb into the passenger’s side. I slip into the driver’s seat. I glance around one last time, and thankfully, he is nowhere in sight.
I start the car and place my hand on Maya’s knee. She is staring out of the window in a world of her own. I leave her to it. I know she has a lot to take in. I can’t even imagine what she is going through right now. I haven’t been in a situation like this one before. All I can do is be there for her and help in any way I can. She is so used to being alone and taking on the world by herself. I hope I can lighten some of that load for her. I feel like she will try to push me away without meaning it, but it won’t work.
Hopefully, I can find a way to take her mind off things, even for a bit.
****
Maya had unpacked her things and put them away. She is now napping in my bed. She was exhausted emotionally. I hate seeing her like this. I have left her to sleep while I prepare dinner. Maya didn’t eat much at lunch, so I am sure she is hungry; if not, she still needs to eat.
Once everything is prepared and put in the oven, I go through to check on her. She is still in the same position when I last checked—curled up under my covers and hugging one of the pillows.
I sit on the edge and stroke her hair.
“I am sorry you are going through this again,” I whisper.
She groans softly but stays asleep. I place a soft kiss on her forehead and go to pull away. I don’t get far until she is tugging at my hand.
“Lie with me for a bit,” she whispers tiredly.
I nod and slip in next to her. She scoots closer and cuddles into me, her head on my chest. I wrap my arms tightly around her.
“Dinner is in the oven, angel,” I say.
“I am not really hungry.” She whispers.
“You need to eat, sweetheart. You barely had anything for lunch.” I say softly.
Maya sighs, “I will eat later.”
I don’t want to push, but no matter what is going on, she still needs to take care of herself, “Okay, but promise me you will eat something before the night is over?”
She glances up at me, “I promise.”
I stroke the hair away from her face, “Thank you.”
I reach down and kiss her softly on the lips. A soft moan comes from her lips, and she places her hand on my cheek, kissing back. I pull back after a moment.
“Do you want me to leave you to rest?” I ask and caress her cheek.
“No, I won’t sleep tonight if I sleep any longer. Can we lay here for a bit?”
“We can do whatever you want, beautiful.”
Maya smiles softly at me before she places her head back on my chest and slips her arm under my tee, resting it on my stomach. I shudder under her touch but keep it together. She nuzzles her face into my neck.
“Thank you for taking care of me,” she whispers against my neck.
“Any time,” I reply and kiss the top of her head.
Silence comes between us, but it isn’t awkward. It is what she needs. I will keep hoping for her to open up to me. I slip my hand under her tee, tickling her lower back. She smiles against my neck. It is something she seems to like. It helps relax her. I don’t know how she wants us to lie here, but I will stay put until she is ready to move.