Chapter 27: Isabelle
My night was riddled with restless sleep, as I tossed and turned in bed. What started as sweet dreams quickly turned into nightmares, filled with visions of a life that was different from the one I have lived. In these dreams, I was surrounded by warmth, love, and affection, with Liam by my side as my partner. Life was wonderful. But then, the dreams took a dark turn, reminding me of the cruel and cold nights I have experienced with Alessandro, and the life I would go back to. It was a stark contrast to what I have now and left me feeling torn. Could I dare want anything other than what I already have? It seemed impossible. I knew deep down that I couldn't change the path my life was on, but for the first time, I wished I could. A life where I could truly be happy instead of just surviving each day. Unfortunately, it was just a dream, and I had to face the reality of my situation. That reality was that I would have to go back, and if he ever found out what happened here, he would surely make me pay for it. For once I wasn’t worried just for myself but about what he might do to Liam. But that night, my mind was consumed with thoughts of what could be and what might never be, leaving me with a sense of longing and sadness that lingered long after the restless sleep had ended when I gave up trying, and instead choose to shower the sweat for the anxiety it all brought on.
I take my time in the shower taking solace in the warm water, more careful what the temperature this time is, not wanting a repeat if the last time. It had been almost three weeks since my shoulder had been isolated, with the warm water running over it I straightened out my arm and tried giving it a few rolls. I remember the last time I had to do some exercises to keep it from freezing, and I needed the range of motion in it because I was left-handed. While I could use my right hand for a lot it still felt unnatural. After rolling it around I kept it straight and lifted it up. I didn’t get very far because of the pain, but I knew from experience that it would only come with time and patience to do the things I needed to. Alessandro had given me papers that explained what to do. He couldn’t very well take me to a doctor for it. No, he simply popped it in place himself and told me what to do. The only one who knew what had happened was Mia. I don’t even think his own men knew how badly I was treated. Shaking the thoughts away I reach for a towel as I turned off the water.
In my anxious state this morning I didn’t bring in clothes to the bathroom with me. So now I am forced to walk into the room with nothing but a towel. I wasn’t too worried since when I came in here the sun wasn’t even up yet. So, when I walked out and saw Liam sitting there waiting for me I didn’t know how to respond. I stopped in my steps for a minute before slowly walking towards the closet. I watched him as he didn’t take his eyes off me. His eyes full of fire I hadn’t seen from him before. He slowly draws his eyes from my feet to my bare legs right to the place high on the thigh that the towel covers and keeps going up. The look on his face makes me think he has x-ray vision and can see what the sad piece of fabric is hiding. When he finally meets my eyes, I feel my nipples harden, I feel a weird sensation between my legs, a squeeze them together. It feels wrong and right at the same time. His eyes widen slightly and his nostrils flare. He grips the arms to the chair with such tightness that his knuckles turn white. I swallow against the thickening feeling in my throat, the tension so heavy in the air that it feels like one wrong move, one wrong word and it would set off an explosion of epic proportions. One that no one could come back from. I finally get to the closest door, fumbling for the handle since I cant take my eyes off of him.
“I will be right back…” He manages a tight nod of his head, while I finally find the handle. Slipping inside the walk in I close the door behind me. just as it flicks closed, I hear a whispered “fuck” followed by Irish that I can barely here let alone understand. I quickly dress myself and put the sling back on. I stand staring at the door for a minute gathering my courage to go back out there. After a few deep breaths that does nothing to calm my mind, or these weird things my body is doing. I step outside into the room to find him standing against the window, his head on the glass. I look around and its then I notice he didn’t bring the cart. Did what I tell him yesterday make him realize what I truly deserve, and he is here to tell me I will need to go back to the cell? A sense of pain surges through me, I panic and do the one thing I’ve never done before, where as I would normally silently go along with anything someone told me to. I couldn’t stand the idea of going back to that windowless room. Even more so was that I didn’t want to not see him anymore. I ran over to him and dropped to my knees using my good hand to grab his shirt. He looks at me in surprise and confusion.
“Please, please don’t sent me to the cell. I am sorry that I upset you, I didn’t mean to. Ill behave from now on, please I’ll stay here in this room, I’ll behave I will.” I am begging and crying harder than I ever have in my life.
He opens his mouth and closes it again, almost like a fish out of water and it only makes me cry harder. He is trying to find words to tell me what needs to happen, punishment for yesterday. I see the moment he gets his wits to himself, and I drop my hand and my head to the carpet. “I am sorry, I am so sorry.” I keep repeating over and over again. I didn’t even see him move until his hand was on my chin lifting my face to see he was now kneeled in front of me.
“I am not sending you anywhere, My stor.” he says in a soft pained voice. “What ever gave you that idea? What have I ever done to make you think that?” he wipes the tears from my face.
“You didn’t bring the cart. Because you realized I don’t deserve the food, I knew telling you those things yesterday was a bad idea.” I sob harder.
“Oh, my Isabelle.” He pulls me into him, and I try to push away from him, but he holds me tighter. “I was coming to get you. To bring you downstairs to eat. I don’t want you eating meals in here anymore.” He kisses my head as I settle, processing the words he is saying.
“Why?” I ask as I look up at him.
“I’d rather you only come to this room to sleep. But I realize it might take time for you to not want to be in here, but I figured we could start with the meals. I don’t want to keep you in a single room.” I look at him, really look at him. His eyes hold a sincerity I’ve never seen but something else I don’t recognize is behind them.
“I don’t have to go back to the cell? You aren’t sending me away?” I ask so quietly I don’t know if he would hear me.
“No, I am not sending you away, and if I have my way I never will.” I am not sure what he means by that, but I relax a little in his hold with the knowledge I don’t have to leave.
“Come on, let’s try to eat something.” He says after a minute and helps me to my feet, as I nod.
“Okay.” He wipes the remaining proof of my tears from my face and grabs my hand to lead me out of the bedroom.