Lisa's P.O. V.
"Where's auntie?" I asked Abi as I hid behind her small blanket. "Here I am!" I popped out with a smile.
Her little happy squeals were music to my ears, reminding me why I'm doing what I'm doing.
For her. For him. For them.
There's no way in hell I am letting Dad hurt them ...any of them. I will marry Chris and I will endure his abusive ways until I can defend myself. I promised Davis my time away from Chris and I plan to keep that promise. Chris and I are to see each other this afternoon. He tried to get me to come to his place, but a public setting is best for now. Seeing how violent he got last time, I knew I needed to keep him away from any closed doors.
I convinced him to go to a car show with me. He seemed to be a car enthusiast, but I'm sure for him it's more for show than an actual passion. He seems the type to talk out of his ass when he doesn't know shit. Still, it was what saved me from meeting him at his home. I sighed realizing it was time for me to go already.
"I better go. Don't want to be late for my date," I told Lucas.
Liv was at work as usual on a Monday afternoon. Liv worked hard, but man, did she love it. I had seen the smile she sported when she would get home from work. She would immediately tell Lucas anything and everything she could tell him. She loved her job, and she was damn good at it. I was happy to see her being so successful while raising a child with Lucas.
Lucas has turned out to be an amazing father. I figured he would be, always protecting everyone. He meets other's needs before his own. Abi is well taken care of when Lucas is around. He took her from me, kissing her little forehead.
"When am I going to meet this Chris that has been stealing you away so much?" He asked me with an arched brow.
"I am not sure. Sometime soon, perhaps?"
I honestly don't want Chris around any of them now that I know what he's really like. I definitely won't let him near Abi again. He fooled me a little too well with her on our shopping trip.
"Alright. I'll hold you to that. We'll see you tomorrow?"
I often visited Abi and Lucas when Liv was out. I enjoyed helping him so he could get some work done, too. This way he would have time with Liv when she got home instead of having to do his work. I need their life to be perfect. I plan to live vicariously through them. Maybe I can pretend I have this perfect life, with a perfect love.
I am so happy for my brother. He deserves it.
"But of course! I'll never miss a date with little miss Abi."
I poked her chubby cheeky loving the feel of her soft, squishy skin against my finger.
I want a baby.
"What about me? Are you just using me for my daughter?"
Lucas the jokester.
"Well, duh!" I smirked as I peered at him from the open door. "Abi is obviously the only reason I visit."
I winked, giggling as I made my way to the car. I tried to keep my mood up by listening to songs that keep me happy. Iko Iko by Justin Wellington played as I drove. My fingers tapped on the steering wheel as I danced and sang. I sported a wide smile when I reached Chris' home. We said we would meet here and take his car to the show. He wanted to show off, but the thing is, this car show doesn't care that much about fancy cars. It cares about the car's capabilities, and about the classics.
I didn't see Chris waiting for me outside and my stomach dropped as I realized I would have to knock on his door. I tried to keep my mood light as I approached the thick black door. My smile faded, replaced by a small smirk that I had to fight to keep. My heart was pounding so loudly I could hear it thrumming in my ears. I knocked on the door and was immediately greeted by the same girl as yesterday. Her hair wasn't as neat this time, as if she had just been working hard.
"Hello madam, young master is waiting for you in his office. I shall take you," she greeted me. She didn't smile this time like she did before, in fact, I'd say her smile had faltered.
I felt a fear rise in me with every step, but I tried hard not to show it. I liked for people to believe I was strong even if I wasn't. The maid opened the door to Chris' dimly lit office, letting the smell of faint cigars waft into my nose. I stepped in, looking at the leather armchairs around the crackling fireplace. It set the room in a warm glow.
My eyes landed on Chris behind his desk, hunched over, looking utterly perplexed. He stood when he saw me, marching his way towards me. My muscles tensed as he approached, bracing for a hit. Only there wasn't a hit. Instead, his arms wrapped around me gently as he pulled me close to him.
"I am so sorry, Lisa. I am so sorry," he whispered as he nuzzled into my neck, seeking comfort.
I hated this part. This is when the guilt eats at the man for hitting me, but in 2 day's time the sorry is replaced by fury again. I didn't see the point in the apology phase anymore. I knew it meant nothing. It honestly annoyed me greatly.
I know you're not sorry. Not really.
I didn't say a word. I won't comfort him, or tell him it's okay. He won't get my forgiveness, not even as a lie. He rubbed me a while longer before he kissed my cheeks where he had hit me. They didn't hurt as badly today. What hurt was where he had kicked the center of my stomach. The ointment Davis applied yesterday helped a lot. I am sure without it I'd be in a lot more pain.
"Please forgive me, Lisa. I don't know what came over me. The thought of you being with another man drove me mad. I shouldn't have hit you. I promise, I'll never lay a hand on you again, I swear!"
Lies. All lies, always lies.
"I sure hope not," was all I could say. All I dared to say.
I let him hold me a while longer, feeling every muscle stay stiff. My body ached when he finally released me. Sadly, my muscles did not relax again until well after the car show ended. He was in a sour mood, not having gotten the attention he wanted. I was ready to bolt before that sour mood turned on me. The moment he parked his car, I jumped out and booked it to my car.
"Lisa, wait," he called after me.
I reluctantly stopped, slowly turning to face him. I don't think I could take another moment of walking on eggshells. Worried about what would set him off, or get me hurt again. His promise is utter bullshit. I don't count on it at all. I know that he's going to hurt me again. It's not an if, but a when, at this point.
"Yes, Chris?"
"Come here," he pulled me towards him. He held my gaze a while, anger was hidden deep behind those eyes. "How about you come up to my room with me? I need to make it up to you."
His offer was less than tempting, but I knew I couldn't reject it too quickly. I sat quietly for a moment, acting as if I were contemplating it.
"I'm sorry, I can't," I lied.
"Why not? You got plans with another man?" He said it as a joke, but I knew in his twisted mind that's exactly what he was thinking.
"No, I'm just not in the mood. I'm pretty tired."
"I see."
I knew he was offended by my words. He wanted me to jump at the chance of him pleasing me, but it's a far cry from what I wanted. I wanted Davis, his arms around me, his lips against mine. Chris was the devil while Davis was the angel, the one I'm desperately trying to get back to right now.
"I'll come see you again when I get a chance," I promised, but honestly, I hope to stretch the time between visits further.
"I'll come get you tomorrow. I have a surprise for you." The corner of his lips twitched as he fought off his wicked smirk.
"Oh, um, okay. What time?"
"Tomorrow night, 7 o'clock."
"I'll see you then." I nodded my head with a small forced smile.
He held my gaze a moment longer before he leaned down and kissed me. His tongue invaded my mouth with a force while his hand grabbed at my bottom hard. He pressed me so tightly against him it felt like my breast would burst between us. His touch was aggressive, hungry, and never ending.
"Sorry, I needed a kiss to last me until then." He smiled at me as he reluctantly let me go.
When I finally sat in my car, I felt my muscles unwind. I felt sore all over, almost as if I'd been in a car accident. I started the car, ready to find my way to Davis.
I want to feel safe again.