Maya
Things have been quiet the last week after Conrad’s run in with Callum. He hasn’t been hanging around, texting, or calling, but something in my gut tells me it isn’t over. I have kept that feeling to myself, though, because I don’t want Conrad to know. He is still being protective, but I think he also believes my ex is gone. I am worried sick he is planning something either for me or Conrad. Callum would have hated that Conrad stood up to him and hit him. It would have hurt his pride and ego, which are never good combinations. I made that mistake once and ended up with three broken ribs and a sprained wrist. I never tried to stand up to him again. Thankfully, it was only a couple of months later I finally found the strength to run away and disappear. I still haven’t told Conrad how bad things were for me when I was with Callum. He knows he was abusive and controlling, but I made sure to avoid going into details. I am scared if I tell Conrad everything, he will lose it and will do more than punch my ex. I refuse to let Conrad get into serious trouble because of me. He doesn’t deserve that.
I am considering going back to my place after this weekend—something I have not shared with Conrad yet. I am not sure what his thoughts will be on the idea, but it is something I think I need to do. I can’t start living in fear again. Most of my life was ruined by it; it was time it all stopped. I am stronger than I was six months ago.
But I can’t think of all of this today. Conrad has decided we are getting away for the weekend. He has a beach house only two hours from the city in the Hamptons. We will be staying there until Sunday evening. We were heading as soon as he arrived home, which should be soon. I am back before him for once, but he sends a driver to pick me up. Not only because I still don’t have a car but so he knew I would be safe. I had stopped by my place to pick a few things up for the weekend before coming here. I had packed a case with our stuff for the weekend. I didn’t even know he had a beach house until he told me yesterday. It turns out he has a few different properties, not only in the States. He has a villa in Italy, too.
I double-check that I have everything we need and head through to the living room to wait for him to arrive. I am excited to get away. No one has ever taken me away for the weekend. It will be a first. A lot of what has been going on, Conrad has been first for me. He is a good man, something I have never had in my life.
A few minutes later, I heard the front door open, “Hey, beautiful.” He calls out.
I smile instantly at the sound of his voice. Even with all the bad going on recently, I have found myself becoming very fond and smitten with Conrad. I think it would be hard not to be. I still don’t know what I have done to deserve a good boyfriend like him. Boyfriend is a word I am still adjusting to. He smiles brightly when he enters the living room and comes over to greet me with a kiss.
“Hello, angel.”
“Hey, handsome.” I coo.
“I just need to change quickly, and then we can leave.”
“Okay, great. Everything is ready to go anyway.”
Conrad nods, “Thank you, sweetheart. We can stock up when we get there because there are stores nearby.”
He pecks my lips before he disappears to change. We should arrive at the beach house at about eight tonight, depending on traffic and things. He comes back through five minutes later.
“Come on, beautiful, let’s get on the road before it gets any later.” He says and picks up the case.
He offers his free hand to me. I smile and take it, getting to my feet, and we head out to his car. I keep my eyes peeled on my surroundings just in case, but there is no sign of Callum. I like to believe he won’t be able to find out where Conrad stays.
“Maya, he isn’t here,” Conrad says softly and opens the car door.
“I know, sorry.” I sigh and climb in.
He leans down, “I told you, stop saying sorry, beautiful.”
He kisses me before he stands up and closes the door. He soon climbs in the driver’s side.
“Coffee first?” he suggests.
“Yes, an iced caramel latte sounds good,” I answer.
Conrad nods and gets us on the road, resting one hand on my knee. I place my hand over his and link our fingers. I see the corner of his lips curl into a smile as he focuses on driving. It will be nice to get away and forget everything for a few days.
****
Conrad and I arrived at his beach house about half an hour ago. It took a little longer due to traffic and roadworks, but it wasn’t too late. We had stopped in at the store to get what we needed for the weekend. We had unpacked, too.
“You go and enjoy the view, angel. I will start on dinner.” He suggests.
“I can help with dinner.”
“No, it is fine. I will get it. You make yourself some tea and go relax on the balcony.” He smiles, kissing me softly.
We were only having a simple dinner, anyway, Spaghetti Carbonaro. I can make dinner tomorrow. I make myself a mug of peach tea while Conrad has some wine to drink while he cooks.
I have had a tour of the inside of the house, and it is beautiful. I haven’t been outside yet, but I am sure it will be as stunning as inside.
“Take a blanket with you; it will be quite cold now.” He reminds.
I nod, pick a blanket up, drape it over my shoulder and head out to the balcony. The second I opened the door, the sounds of waves crashing and the scent of the sea air relaxes me instantly. It is a little dark, but I can see the view in front of me.
It was so beautiful. The view from the balcony is incredible. I smile and rest against the railing to take it all in. I am sure the view will be even more spectacular in the daylight. It is so peaceful out here. No noisy traffic or people like in the city. No worries about someone seeing us or if Callum is going to appear again.
I close my eyes and breathe in the air, sighing with contentment. Conrad’s arms soon come around me from behind, and he nuzzles my neck.
“Enjoying the view?” he asks and kisses my neck.
I moan softly, “Yes, I love the ocean.” I whisper.
“Me too. We can take a walk along the beach tomorrow, maybe even go for a swim?”
I place my hands over his and rest back against his chest, “I would like that.”
“Good. Dinner won’t be too long. I should head back in and keep an eye on it.”
I turn my head and smile at him, “I will be in soon.”
“Take your time, beautiful.” He smiles back and pecks my lips.
He disappears back inside. I continue to enjoy the view and my mug of tea. I am eager for a swim now. I love being in the water. There is something very freeing about it. I think I would like to stay close to a beach one day.