Unfaithful

 

Chapter 1

            I feel dreadfully empty as I wander around the house soundlessly; I don't need to face Aiden right now.  I'm frozen and I know that if I don’t get into warmer clothes I’ll be sick.  I make my way to the shower in my bedroom, striping on the way there.  I sigh as the warmth slowly creeping back into me and relax under the hot water. 

I wish yesterday was nothing more than a dream and if it wasn’t for the dried blood rinsing down the drain and the sharp reminder that the whip marks were there on my back I could pretend for a while.  I don't need to think about that, I’m just trying to relax.  I dry myself briskly before walking gently to the bed.  I turn on my heated blanket, exhaustion hitting me  at the fullest.  I wrap the blanket around myself tightly before sliding in.  Once the warmth surrounds me, I’m out like a light.

            I awoke with a start when the front door slamms.  I look at my clock briefly, 9am; he’s on his way to work.  I try not to rip open my healing flesh as I make way the bathroom.  After applying bandages and ointment, I go to my closet.  I grab my softest shirt and lose fitted jeans before heading out to the garage.  Of course, I had to travel down the marble stairs and all the way to the opposite side of the house to get there.

I hug my winter cloak tight to me, it was far too cold.  With the clouds, I was sure it would snow.  I throw the hood over my head as the wind starts whipping at my face and walk faster to the garage.  I open the door and sigh in relief, thank you heat.  Aiden doesn’t like his car to be cold.  I get into my car, push the blasted garage door button that loves to stick and make my way down the road.  I’m secretly glad that Aiden bought me this car with all the packages, I love my little car.  The roads aren’t as bad as I expected as I drive to Scarlett’s. 

            I admire the beauty of the winter trees before I go into her building.  The whole appearance of the place gives you the feel of a hotel, the rooms, halls, and stairs never ending.  Lucky for me she was on the second floor and right next to the elevator.  I open the door to Scarlett’s ‘loft’ as she calls it.  It’s really a large studio well equipped because of rich friends that spoil her.  Scarlett has been my friend for as long as I can remember and she’s the only one Aiden allows me to see on a regular basis.  I close the door behind me and sigh softly, how can she live like this?  Soda cans are on every surface, papers all over, and the sink full of dishes.  I hear the shower running so I decide to keep myself entertained by cleaning up her loft.  I’m quite satisfied when her living room looks inviting.  I fix the pillows on her couch before heading to the kitchen.  Once the dishwasher is running Scarlett makes her appearance.

            “Lovely to see you.”

            “You know you only say that when I clean.”

            “You weren’t supposed to catch on to that.”

            “I’ve known you far too long.”

            “So why aren’t you in your flashy new studio?”  She uses her hands to emphasize studio as she makes her way to the couch.

            “I felt like coming over, not feeling creative.”  I take a moment to notice the screen I bought her on my recent trip to Japan.  Good to see she finally made use of it.  She really does have great taste, if it wasn’t for her messy habits.  I love the Japanese theme she has throughout, small fountains, tall screen looking lamps, candles everywhere and cherry blossoms painted on the walls.  Of course, I painted her walls, her deep red floor, and her black kitchen.  What would she do without me? 

            “What did he do to you this time?”  She sounds furious; thankfully, the anger was not towards me.  She really does worry about me too much.

            “You don’t want to hear it.”

            “Then show me.”  I sigh loudly before standing in front of her and turning.  I lift my shirt up to reveal my back and she gasps at once.

            “Christ Johnny, what did he do?  We should get this looked at.”  I can feel her hand on my shoulder and I shrug it off, pulling my shirt down.

            “It’s not as bad as it looks.”

            “How the hell could it look worse?  Did he whip you?  Are you hurt anywhere else?”  She’s walking around me, studying me, looking for marks.

            “Scarlett, I’m fine.  Just drop it.”  I sit down on the couch, trying very hard not to tear anything.

            “Johnny, don’t lie to me. What happened?” She kneels down in front of me, taking my hands into hers.  I turn my head away so she can't see my eyes.

            “It was my fault, I deserved it.” I try not to remember the way he hit me, forced me to be chained the wall in his basement. He kept me there for nearly a week, naked and blinded. I rub my, still sore, wrists as I remember.

            “I doubt that.” She speaks with a soothing voice,.  A tear slips its way down my cheek.

            “I denied him sex. He took it anyway.” I sob as she pulls me into an embrace. She  runs her fingers through my hair trying to calm me.  I wrap my bruised arms around her.

            “Stay with me a few days.  I have some money saved up; maybe you could visit your brother in Canada?” I pull away from her quickly, hissing at pain rushes up my spine.

            “I love him, I can’t leave him.”

            “He’s nothing more than a monster, when will you see that.”  Her voice breaks at the end.  I wish I could tell her everything would be fine but honestly, I don’t know.  Aiden might be dangerous and violent at times but when he’s not he’s quite caring.   He allowed me to live in his house when my mother died. I was 17, I had no family that could take me in so he was generous enough to let me stay with him. He’s protected me from my drunken father more times than I can count.  The pain he puts me through makes me feel alive. This life has brought me too much sadness. I don’t think I would have made it without him.

            “I’m going home, this conversation isn’t appealing.  I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”  I say, opening her door.

            “Please Johnny, just think about it.”  I slam the door shut, why can’t she see what I see. 



             I get to work on Aiden’s dinner, luckily the maid came today so there's no need for me to clean. Tonight I’m cooking his favorites, baked haddock with the right amount of lemon juice and spices, white rice with plenty of butter and fresh broccoli with cheddar cheese. I’ve also prepared a chocolate cake with raspberry filling and white chocolate frosting for dessert. I’m hoping he will be pleased with the selection.

            I set the table and carefully light all the candles on the chandelier hanging above the long cherry wood dining table. I grab the flowers that were cut from the garden and place them in the very center. I’m setting his plate at his head seat when I hear him come in. I quickly check my appearance in the small mirror in the hall before taking my seat at the end away from the door. I made sure to wear the fishnet shirt with hooks and straps that he bought for me last week. It was ripping at my wounds, and I’m still sore from our previous encounter but I’m hoping he’ll be pleased enough to be wary of that fact.

I can see him hanging his coat in the hallway and I’m glad to see he’s smiling, it means it was a good day. He comes into the dining room wearing his lucky gray shirt and best black pants. He’s eyes are almost sparkling when he takes his seat at the head of the table.



            “We’ve spoke with the manager of a new band and by the sounds of it we might have a deal.” He takes a long drink of his wine before he begins to eat.



            “I’m glad to hear that, you need some luck after the last few weeks.”



            “Luck has nothing to do with it. I do not wish to speak of my ill business.” His eyes look at me coldly and I know I’ve said the wrong thing.



            “I’m meeting with the band tomorrow morning. I’m sure I’ll be able to lure them in.” He takes a bite of his fish before finishing the rest of his wine.



            “Fill my glass love?” I pause for a moment to look at him. I find myself half excepting him to compliment the meal or at least say something about my appearance. Apparently, that’s not the case. I stand and grab the bottle cooled in the middle of the table before filling his glass. I set the bottle next to him and move behind him to rub his shoulders. I’m about to place a kiss on his neck when he pushes me away.



            “That’ll be enough, sit.” He says and starts on his broccoli. “Did you keep yourself out of trouble today?” his voice sounds disinterested.



            “I met with Scarlett most of the afternoon and came home.” I don’t know why I bother to speak, his mind is obvious elsewhere. I’m not even sure if he heard me.



            “My father plans to come in a month. Apparently he’s dying to see you.” He says in a bored tone, I do not like the way he said you. Almost like, it was a bad thing. I take moment to study his sharp jaw; I can see his five o’clock shadow coming in. I move up to study his lips, the one feature I love the most. His lips are the perfect thickness though almost too wide for his face. I love it when they’re curved in a slight grin, it’s the most inviting. His teeth have always been a dazzling white as well, though he rarely shows them with a full smile. His voice is in a close second with his mouth. It’s the perfect depths to vibrate through my entire being and forces every nerve to long for him. His slight French accent gives him a deadly charm, which he uses often. I love the way he speaks, almost as if he’s from another times.

            “Johnny, do you wish to ignore me?”  His voice is low and venomous and my hair stands on end.

            “Of course not, I’m sorry.  What did you say to me?” I’m glad again for his good mood. Not paying attention to Aiden often causes me pain.

            “I asked you if you knew where my book was.”  He sounds irritated.

            “It’s by the red couch in the library.”  I look down, finishing my meal.

            “I’m retiring for the evening.  Be sure to clean up and get rid of the flowers, they smell terrible.” His eyes don’t look for mine when he speaks and I’m secretly glad.  He’s out of the room and I finally allow myself to cry. Did I do something to displease him? I don’t understand why he’s so cold. I take care of the dishes before going to my room and drawing the curtains surrounding my bed around me. For yet another night, I cry myself to sleep and let the nightmares over take me.