Page 9 of Apple of His Eye

But it’s comfortable, welcoming even. I get the sense this room is an escape for him, and where his very essence dwells.

The sound of running water fills the deafening silence around me, pulling my thoughts from the gigantic bed only a few steps away, back to reality. My head and my heart are exhausted. Not just from the range of emotions I’ve felt since hearing Fran barter me to Raymond, but because of Kohen’s kindness.

He could have kicked me out tonight. Thrown me back to the wicked stepmother I’ve spent the last nine years with. But he didn’t.

And now I’m standing in his bedroom, feeling emotions I never thought I’d feel again in my lifetime.

Kohen comes back into the room from the ensuite bathroom I hadn’t seen him disappear into and I watch him cross the room like a man on a mission. He stops at the extensive wardrobe and begins pulling out various items of clothing. Sweatpants. A dark colored thermal. A pair of socks.

“I realize these are going to be much big on you, but they are dry and warm.” He turns toward me, holding the clothing out to me. I take them, ducking my gaze from his because I can’t think of anything better than surrounding myself with more of his scent. But also, because a massive lump has formed in the back of my throat. “The hot water valve is on the left,” he continues, this time sidestepping me and moving toward the bedroom door. “Use the bottle of soap and shampoo in the stall. I left a washcloth on the counter along with a brand-new toothbrush. If you want to leave your clothing outside the bathroom door, I’ll come back in a few minutes to gather them and put the washing machine.”

He pauses for a moment, waiting for me to respond, but all I can do is smile and give a slight nod. I wish I had the words to thank him, to acknowledge his kindness, but my tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth. It’s been a long time since anyone has shown concern for my well-being, and it’s hard to accept.

He nods back, like he understands what’s happening in my mind, and leaves, closing the door behind him.

I drag a shaky breath into my lungs and let the tears I’ve been holding back fall.

* * *

I stoodunder the hot water until it ran cold, letting my mind wander safely for the first time in years. It took almost every ounce of strength remaining in my body to dress and leave the warm cocoon of the bathroom.

Now, I’m sitting on a stool at his kitchen island, slurping down the hot soup and grilled cheese he made me. I can’t remember the last meal I had, let alone ahotone.

It was so delicious I could cry.

“How old are you, Wildcat?” Kohen asks, and I pause, holding up a spoonful of soup to my mouth.

“That depends what time it currently is,” I say, watching him glance down at the watch on his wrist.

“It’s a little after one. Why does that matter?”

“Yes, because I don’t want you to think there’s a chance you’ll be charged with kidnapping,” I admit, and smile coyly. His icy blue eyes widen, and I take another bite of the grilled cheese.

So. Damn. Delicious.

His face transforms into confusion.

“It’s officially my birthday. Myeighteenthbirthday.”

“Wildcat…”

“Kohen… I didn’t run because of the abuse,” I cut him off, finally feeling brave enough to tell him the truth. I decided in the shower I needed to. He deserves to know why I ran tonight without a plan, and why I decided his basement was my only choice. “Although in hindsight, I probably should have run a long time ago. I probably would have had better luck on the street.”

I’m not sure if I truly believe that last part, though. The one attempt I made had me running home, thanks to the stranger who thought I was a hooker. When I told him no, he got out of his car and tried to grab me.

“Why did you run then?”

“She was going to give me to him,” I say carefully. “To Raymond. She owes him a lot of money, and said she’d tell anyone I ran off because I was old enough to be on my own.”

“Fuck,” he growls. The room turns heavy, and I feel his rage from across the counter.

“Raymond isn’t only a drug dealer.” I place my spoon on the counter on the table, feeling a fullness in my stomach I’ve only dreamed of feeling. “Fran’s never been one to complain about earning her keep on her back, though. Raymond sends clients all the time. Her bedroom acts like a revolving door. She’s always paid her debt to him this way. But this time… at her age, Raymond refused. He said she’d never make enough to pay off what she owes him by the time she’s dead and buried. She isn’t worth what she once was.”

“And you were her backup plan.” It was a simple statement, but still true. Kohen connected the dots much faster than I had.

“But I wasn’t about to let that happen.” I pick up my napkin and use it to keep my hands busy. “I’m eighteen, and there’s nothing holding me back. Even if she goes to the law to find me, now they can’t make me go back. I don’t need her either. I can get an identification card, find a job and rent an apartment all on my own.”

“But you need a plan,” he adds, reading in between the lines. “I don’t know if that open window was a blessing or a curse for you.”

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