Chapter 4 Rivals
BECCA'S POV.
After the incident that happened at my house, Mark and I became close. Friends close especially because he saved my life.
He still couldn't find the person who attacked me and everyday, he asked me to stay with him. Just until the coast was clear. But, I always said no. He reinforced my locks and made sure my windows were bulletproof.
Even though I asked him to take it out of my monthly paycheck, he refused. It somehow made me see him in a different light. The night we met, he was an absolute douchebag, hence the nickname.
His arm had also healed. He had to wear a cast for a while which he hated terribly but aside from that, there was no serious damage to the arm.
I had just gotten back from work, tired of the day's stress. I even shopped for groceries. But, due to the tiredness I was feeling, I went straight to bed, leaving everything on the counter top. It was finally the weekend tomorrow and I'd have the time to do my chores.
In my sleep, I smelled burnt wood. I woke up with a start and rushed out to see my entire kitchen on fire. The exit was blocked and there was no way I could leave the house. Even the fire extinguisher was on the other side where the fire was.
I was already suffocating. If I didn't find a way to leave this house, I'd pass out. I tried hitting the windows but remembered that I was bulletproof now. Then, I ran to my room, trying to call someone.
Mark's name popped up in my head and I tried calling him but there was no signal. I went back downstairs, already feeling lightheaded. All I remember was someone screaming my name and I passed out.
I woke up in a hospital room with an IV attached to my wrist. When I looked around the room, I saw Mark, holding my hand and sleeping on the couch.
He looked so peaceful, it made my heart calm. He had a stubble. Like he hadn't shaved for days. He must have saved me, but how? I remember there wasn't any network in my house due to the fire, so how did he get there?
Suddenly, his body stirred and then his eyes opened. He looked at me and then smiled, caressing my cheek.
“Fuck, I thought I lost you, Angel.” He said, his voice cracking.
“You saved me, again. But how, how did you save me?” I asked him, puzzled.
“I was on my way to you already. I couldn't sleep so I needed a distraction. Thought I'd come take you out to eat. When I got there, I saw that the house was on fire.”
“You entered the fire to save me? Why?” I asked him, tears pooling in my eyes.
“I care about you, Becca. I don't know why you don't see that.”
“Thank you for saving me.”
“You're welcome.” He said. “ What I don't understand is how the fire started.”
“I have no idea. I didn't turn on the gas cooker at all. I just dropped my groceries and went to my room. I was so tired I didn't even eat. If you weren't there…” I choked on a sob as he caressed my cheek.
“You're safe now.” The doctor chose that time to come in and check on me.
“You're alright, Miss Charles. Just a few minor burns but you'll be fine. I'll prescribe some ointment and then you are free to go home.” I nodded.
“Thank you, Doctor.” Mark said and the doctor nodded. When the doctor left, Mark turned to look at me.
“You're coming home with me,Angel.” I opened my mouth to protest but he raised his hand.
“Your house has been burnt. Right now, the only option is to stay with me. Please don't say no. You'll be safer with me.” I thought about it and then nodded.
After signing my discharge papers, Mark led me to his Porsche and then he drove me to his penthouse.
“I live on the top floor alone, but sometimes, my baby sister Carmen drops by. My bodyguards live in the entire building beside the top floor. ” He told me and I just nodded.
I was too exhausted to speak or even look around. He led me into the elevator which took us to his penthouse. When we got there, my jaw dropped. The place was stunning. In the living room, I saw two girls lounging and watching TV. One had Mark's dark brown eyes and his dark hair while the other had blonde hair and black eyes.
They both turned to look at us and I could see Mark's sister scowl.
“Who's that, Big bro?” She asked, standing up and walking towards us.
“She's my friend, Carmen and why are you here? I thought you still had a few exams.” Mark answered his sister.
“I do, but they've been moved.” She turned her eyes to face me. “What's so special about her, Mark?” I felt Mark tense besides me
“Behave yourself, Carmen. She's my guest, so I expect that you treat her with respect.” Carmen just snorted and returned to the couch.
Mark turned to me, took my hand in his and led me to a guest room.
“This is your room, Becca. I hope it's up to your taste.” I stepped in and drank the details of the room.
“It's beautiful, Mark. Thank you for this.”
“I'm sorry about my sister. She has her flaws but she's actually a big softie.”
“I understand, you don't need to apologize.” I replied softly.
“Alright then, I'll leave you alone to rest.” He stepped close and kissed my cheek and I felt heat rising in my cheeks.
“I'll see you later, Angel.” He said, smiling softly at me before he walked off. I touched the place he had kissed and giggled like a teenager. Then, my mind drifted to his sister and I thought of possible ways to make her comfortable with me. We'd be staying together for a while and I wanted us to at least be civil to one another.
But, that was easier said than done. Because in the next weeks that followed, Carmen and her best friend Olivia, did everything in their power to frustrate me. They'd sneak into my room, destroy something and then tell Mark that I did it.
Mark always took my side though and I saw how annoying it made his little sister. I always felt bad for her.
We had a very important meeting with a client today and Mark had given me the files to keep. But no, I couldn't find them. I'd searched everywhere for them but they weren't in my room. Mark was already waiting for me.
Then, I heard his and Carmen's voices coming towards my room. She burst into my room and matched in.
You're a thief, Becca.” She immediately said and I stood there stunned.
“Excuse me?”
“Oh shut up. Tell my brother how you sold the files he gave you for today's meeting. And now, you're acting like you misplaced them. What sort of a person are you?” Mark's eyes turned to mine.
“I didn't do anything like that. What are you saying?”
“Tell him the truth, Becca.” Olivia finally spoke up. I heard you on the phone yesterday…”
“Shut up.” Mark's voice resonated in the building.
This was a mistake, why the hell did I agree to this arrangement?