Lucas' P.O.V.
"What happened to your face?" I asked a little too aggressively.
It was clear someone had stricken her. I know that mark, I've seen it a few too many times on mom's face. My beautiful Rose had been hurt while I was gone, and I'll make whoever it was pay. That mark on her cheek tugged at my heart in the worst ways.
"It's nothing," she said, trying to blow it off.
"Olive, tell me what happened." This was serious, and the fact she didn't want to tell me, only made me wonder more.
"I hate when you use my name like that," she sighed. "It always gets to me."
"Does that mean you'll tell me, Olive?"
"Sit down, I'll tell you." She gestured to the couch for me to sit on. Her voice deflated, leaving behind whatever stubbornness she had. I liked that my using her name had such an effect on her.
I sat on the couch, grabbing her wrist and pulling her onto my lap as she walked by me. I had her straddle me, so that I could look into those eyes as she told me who hurt her like this. Whoever it was, hurt her more than just physically. Her eyes were pink and puffy, letting me know she'd been crying as well. She let out a breath, letting her shoulders fall.
"Shortly after you left someone knocked on the door. I thought that maybe it was you, and you'd forgotten something, but it wasn't. My dad found me. I've kind of been ignoring his phone calls since my mom died. He wasn't very happy about it, and started to lecture me. I got mad, so I argued back. I said something that he didn't like, and next thing I knew..." she trailed off as she spoke, her voice thick with emotion.
I saw the tears pooling in her eyes, threatening to spill on her swollen cheek. The anger in me was at an all time high, but I kept my cool in front of her. I knew blowing up right now would not be to her benefit. I'd more than likely scare her if I did. I'll deal with her dad later. Right now, I need to comfort my Rose.
I pulled her towards me, having her lay her uninjured cheek on my chest. I rubbed her back with the tips of my fingers, lightly. She relaxed into me, silently crying. It broke my heart to hear her cry like this. I hate her father as much as I hate my own, maybe even more. How dare he hit her?
"Let's go, Rose." I picked her up.
"What? Where?" She wiped at her cheeks as she pulled back to look at me.
"You'll see." I smiled at her.
"Lucas, I can't go out like this. People will think you hit me." She shook her head in disbelief.
"Just trust me, Rose, okay?"
She paused for a moment, staring deep into my eyes. I am not sure what she was searching for, but I guess she found it as she nodded her head yes to me.
"Okay," she whispered.
I had her change into clothes I'd seen her wear to this place before. She arched a brow at me curiously, but got dressed anyway. I was happy that she was willing to trust me right now. This probably isn't the best idea, with her still having her incision from surgery so present, but I know this is exactly what she needs.
Lucas: Twinkle Toes is coming tonight.
I texted Davis as she got dressed. I had found him the next day on social media and asked him for his number. I wanted to know any time that Rose went in to fight, so I could be sure to be there and watch. It didn't take long for him to respond.
Viking Man: Hell yeah! I'll put her in a good fight.
Lucas: She needs a challenge.
Viking Man: I know what I'm doing.
I slipped my phone into my pocket as Rose approached. I grabbed one of her hair ties when she wasn't looking, currently, having it hidden in my pocket for later. I held my hand out for her to take, which she did instantly. There's no more hesitation on her part when it comes to this.
I love the feel of her hand on my own. Her skin is always so soft and smooth, but her hands are rough. I didn't fail to notice the acoustic guitar she had hidden in her closet when she fetched her journals. Her calloused fingers tell me she still plays. I hope to hear her play one day. Tonight, however, I'll be reading her journal while she sleeps. Sleep has never been my friend, it's more of a distant cousin that visits from time to time.
"Are you going to tell me where we are going now?" She asked as we entered a more deserted side of town.
She'd been quiet for most of the ride, just humming from time to time to the music I had her choose. I liked giving her control over song choice. It was my way of letting her know she was in charge, even if I'm the one driving. If she told me to stop, to turn, or even speed up, I'd do it.
I pulled into the driveway of a worn out building. The bulking figure at the doorway let me know I was at the right spot. Rose turned to face me quickly with a beautifully bright smile on her face.
"How?" She asked happily.
"Davis told me where it'd be."
"When did you two start talking?" She curled her right brow with curiosity.
"When you last brought me I looked him up on social media and asked for his number so I could come watch you the next time you fought, but you never did. Understandably so, with everything that's been going on. I hope it's okay that I asked Davis to place you in a fight." I squeezed the steering wheel anxiously as I looked at her having parked the car to the side.
"More than okay," she said with a smile. "Thank you, Lucas."
I could tell her cheek was still hurting her as her smile stayed lopsided, trying not to move her injured cheek. I hate her father so much right now. How could he hurt her like that? He'll get what's coming to him soon. I'll make sure of it.
"Let's go, twinkle toes." I winked at her as I got down from the car.
Rose didn't wait for me to open her door. She was too excited, practically sprinting to the door.
"If it isn't Twinkle Toes, herself." The large man guarding the door greeted her with a smile.
"Hello, Carter." She greeted him back. I didn't miss the way Carter eyed her cheek, and then me. "What did you do to upset Davis this time? Front door duty? Yikes." She sucked in air between her teeth, looking like the epitome of the yikes emoji.
Carter laughed, a hearty laugh that shook in his chest.
"I may or may not have accidentally hit on his daughter."
Rose let out a loud laugh, clasping her stomach with one hand and covering her mouth with the other. I loved the sound of her laugh more than anything. She shook her head disapprovingly as she calmed her laughter.
"How bad was the fight?"
"Oh a few broken ribs, a busted nose, and now door duty for the rest of the year." He sighed defeatedly.
"He went easy on you," she said, surprising me, because none of that sounded like an easy punishment.
"No kidding," Carter agreed.
I made myself a mental note to never mess with Davis. If that's him going easy, I don't want to know what him going all out looks like.
"Go on in, kiddo. He's waiting for ya," Carter said, pointing behind him to the door. Rose stepped through, but as I went to follow Carter grabbed me by the arm. His hand clenched tightly around my bicep, almost bruising me. "If you're hurting that girl, I'll kill you."
Carter's threat was serious, I could see the murderous intent in his eyes. His grip only tightened further around my arm, as if to make his point. I was glad to know that Rose had guys like these watching out for her.
"Her father." I simply stated, and it seemed Carter knew about him too. He quickly released my arm, letting me go. Rose was still walking ahead, too excited to notice I had fallen behind. I didn't mind though, I liked watching her saunter.
"He's in town?"
"Apparently." I shrugged. "I'm searching for him tomorrow."
"Let us know when you find him." The emotion on Carter's face was unmistakable. He was furious and out for blood.
"Will do." I nodded before walking in and catching up to my Rose.
Let the bastard get what's coming to him.