Page 49 of Mine to Love
“I’m well aware,” Darcy retorts. I down my espresso in three gulps while Darcy’s smile lingers. Though, as I pour myself another from the Moka pot, I notice a subtle change in Darcy’s expression.
“Is something wrong?” I ask, studying her closely.
“No. Everything is perfect. It’s…it’s so perfect I’m…a little emotional,” she admits.
“Aw, baby. Tell me what’s on your mind.” I extend my hand. She gives me hers and I rub the top of her knuckles as emotion tightens her cheeks. The omelet, potatoes, and guac can wait.
“It’s just…” She shakes her head. “Breakfast was always a tumultuous time back in Montana. You know, he worked off, so it wasn’t like he was there every morning. But, when he was, well, breakfast would usually determine how the rest of the day would go. I was always stressed, so stressed my stomach would ache and I could hardly eat. I was so on edge I somehow found a way of monitoring him without looking at him. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. And, yet I could sense it. I could sense his restlessness, his anger, his mood. I could feel the hits before they landed and yet, I never had the courage to face him as he slung his fists into me.”
Darcy’s eyes glaze over as she remembers back. I want so badly to pull her from it, but talking about it is good. Pretending it didn’t happen, pretending it wasn’t as bad as it truly was, is no help.
“The abuse had become more frequent in the months leading up to August. And, with Delilah getting older, more at risk of noticing, something in me snapped. I’ve told you of how I escaped him.” She lets out a not-so-happy laugh at the memory. “I’m surprised you let me cook for you after I admitted to poisoning my ex.”
“He deserved it and more,” I assure her.More, that he’ll get from me. But, for now, I do my best to remain calm and quiet. One of my gifts is knowing when to speak and when to just listen. Now is the time to listen.
“It was during breakfast,” she says. “I’d made pancakes and let Delilah sleep in.” She wipes the tears from her eyes as a blank expression befalls her. It’s as if she’s analyzing the memory rather than being trapped in it. That’s good.
“That was the first time I had the courage to face him.” She nods to herself. “I wouldn’t say I fought back, but I didn’t just sit there and take it. I ducked, and I ran.” She reaches for her neck then and bites her lip. “But it wasn’t easy. I…I didn’t get away before he—” I brace myself. Darcy hasn’t told me this part of the story yet.
“He shoved me to the ground, took off his belt and used it to choke me as he prepared to rape me. Thankfully, the pills took him out before he could—that time, at least.” Darcy is quiet as I tap my leg. It’s all I can do to remain seated. It’s not that I haven’t heard the stories of his torment. Hell, I’ve seen the scars on her body. I’ve felt her shake in my arms as cries rip through her from the memories alone. But I will never be okay listening to the woman I love recount the torture she endured.
“That’s why I wanted you to choke me,” she explains, her eyes finding mine. A gentle smile tugs at her lips. “I trust you and I wanted to reclaim that kind of physical touch with the man I trust, the man I love.” Darcy sighs as she finishes and then gently pulls her hand from mine to reach for her coffee.
“I love you too, Darcy. And I appreciate you telling me. I applaud your bravery in everything you did to escape and to protect yourself and Delilah. And I’m thankful that I’m able to provide a much different breakfastandphysical experience for you.”
Darcy nods and smiles. “Me too. You’re very good at providing experiences.”
“Oh, am I?Well, then, I hope our plans for today live up to the hype.”
“What are we doing today?” Darcy asks, excited. I smile and shovel in three bites of omelet slathered in guac and fresh pico.
“Well, first. We’re going to eat this delicious meal. Then we’re going to warm up in the shower.”
“Together?”
“Well, we never finished what we started in mine.”
“This is true.” She nods in approval.
“After that, we’re going to visit the Mayan ruins. They’re not far from here and are a true wonder to see. Then, we’ll have lunch at one of my favorite taco joints. And, finally, back here for a little sensual surprise.” I give her a wink, and she instantly blushes. There are many words I’d use to describe my Darcy—beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, ethereal, perfect. But, right now, she just looks outright cute.
“Sounds like a perfect day,” she says.Perfect indeed.
44
Back at the villa,Gio covers my eyes with his hands as he guides me toward my surprise. We’re on the ground level of the villa, which I didn’t have time to explore yesterday, so I have no idea what it could be. “Just two more steps,” he says.
The soft sound of trickling water filters through my ears, along with the subtle hum of sensual, calming music. Gio removes his hands and closes a door behind us. “Alright, now, open.” As I do, I find we’re in his household spa. The room is half open to the outdoors, where tons of palm trees and foliage create a sense of privacy while the walls are painted a rich clay color that makes it feel as if we’re in a cave or hut of some sort. Water cascades down them, flowing through the etched design on the concrete floor to two small streams running on either side of the lagoon pool just a few feet away. The streams continue winding through the forest, out of sight.
The entire setting is both romantic and relaxing. And, given the massive massage table in the center of the room, big enough for two, I can only assume our activity will have similar adjectives.
“You never cease to amaze me,” I say.
“Well, remember that for the day when I inevitably fall short. But, for now…” Gio moves his fingers to the waistband of my light-wash jeans and effortlessly undoes the button. “Take off your clothes.”
“Mmm, so demanding. Maybe I prefer you take them off for me.” I raise my brow, challenging Gio. He finds it amusing.
Gio bows his head and brings his lips to my neck. He kisses me softly and whispers, “With pleasure.” Continuing to kiss me, he lifts the hem of my shirt and slowly drags it up my body. Pulling his lips from my body only to get the shirt over my head, he returns his lips to my neck. His kisses intensify and move lower as he unhooks my bra.
