Page 18 of Stryker's Ruin
“Thanks, Brian. How’s the family doing?”
“Good. Thanks for the game tickets. My son and I had a great time.”
“I expect tickets in return when he goes pro with the Gallic Football Team.”
“Aye, we be hoping.”
The box he brings me is indeed the phone. Taking it into the bedroom I plug it in on the bedside table. “Your phone is here. We’ll be able to have it setup by tonight so you can get used to it before tomorrow.”
She hesitates, hanging the last dress. Damn, I shouldn’t have mentioned tomorrow. Was I reminding her or myself?
“Are you ready to start that book? You get half an hour to read, and an hour nap. We have reservations.”
She gives me a cheeky grin that slays me. “How about an hour to read and a half hour nap?”
“Are you going to fall asleep on me tonight? I’ve got plans for you.”
Well shit, the plans that just popped into my mind have her naked and all over me. Definitely not sleeping.
CHAPTER 12
Ruin
Laying on my side, I listen to Stryker working on his computer on the bed behind me. His scent surrounds me, calming me even if I can’t sleep.
When Vince ordered that I take the contraceptive shots, the guardian I had at the time gave me a book to read about sex and pregnancy. We never discussed any of it. It wasn’t until Ettore that I was ever allowed to ask questions. She told me real life was somewhere between the clinical description in the first book I was given and the romance she let me read.“Mia Cara, it’s the love between two people that makes it special. Find the right man, and you make it beautiful between you.”
I’m curious about the things I read, and so thankful for the conversations I was able to have with Ettore. But I wanted to be able to choose for myself. Not be forced into a business arrangement. I want to be wanted, loved. Marriage was my one hope for my own choice. And now that is being taken from me.
What if I don’t like him? What if he’s ugly? Or smells? Or if he’s mean? What if he’s like Vince?
I know my betrothed’s name is Garvey O’Kelley and he’s from an Irish family. That’s all I’ve been told.
Ettore said Italians and Irish don’t get along. Both families are powerful in their own ways. And both are Mafia. That was why all the people who work for Vince are afraid. She said the only way to be safe was to please him, do as Vince demands.
What would happen if I try to tell Vince no? Would he just send me away again? Or would he kill me? Would that really be any worse than the isolation I’ve lived in? Being with Stryker, his kindness and concern has been enlightening. Being treated like… like a real human being, someone with value. How can I go back to being only property? Like a shoe that is only of value if you can walk in it.
Ettore said to be patient and open minded. That this arranged husband could be the perfect man for me. What if I’ve already met the perfect man? What if…
How many more days until the wedding? How many more days of freedom do I have?
The bed shifts and I hear Stryker place his laptop on the bedside table. The gentle sound of rain fills the air. There’s another shift and his warmth fills the length along my back. His large palm strokes my arm from shoulder to elbow.
“You haven’t slept a wink. I felt that beautiful mind spinning the whole time. Let’s both try to rest for an hour. We’ll still have plenty of time to do what I have planned for this evening. Is the sound of rain okay again or do you want music?”
“I like the rain. Thank you.”
He settles onto his pillow and pats my hip. “Sleepmo stór. I’m here.”
And I do.
“No.” Stryker’s voice wakes me. There’s a strong edge to it that he never uses with me. He’s no longer behind me and I realize it’s coming from the other room.
“She’s sleeping… No, I’m not waking her. The travel, the new environment and time zone have been hard on her. She needs her rest. Give me your message and I’ll pass it on.”
I slip from the bed and go into the living room. He turns as I enter.
“Yes, she’ll be at the restaurant and dressed appropriately tomorrow.”