Penitence (ON HOLD)

Chapter Ten

Heyy everyone!!! This is my first double digit chapter and I'm so excited but anywayyyy... it's in Trent's POV. (Trent is my bae jk jk) but enjoyyy and vote your hearts away.

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Annoyed by the bright sunshine coming through the window, I turn over and play with her beautiful brown locks. I never meant for her to end up in my bed, it just happened.

She reminded me so much of Nina that I had to pursue her. Now I feel weak and guilty. I really do love Nina, but she's stuck in Anderson Land.

If my uncle finds out he'll kill me.

Grabbing my phone off of the charger, I look at the text I recieved from her last night.

Nina: Anderson and I have decided to work things out. I don't want you to worry about me.  I'll be fine and you will find the woman of your dreams soon.
                   Love, Nina

The last part earns a snort from me. Anderson has Nina blinded and she doesn't know who she wants. Instead of having to start a new relationship, she just wants to stay in a comfortable position.

I love her so much and I know her feelings are the same. I could tell from the way she stared at me during our one night of intimacy, but change is a scary thing especially when you've been depending upon one person for a long time.

I understand that Anderson has been her main provider, but I can be that and more. All she needs to do is give me a chance. I make more money than Anderson anyway.

Why are you sitting here feeling sorry for yourself?  Talking about what you could be doing, but yet you haven't even tried to show her that.

I realize that my inner voice is right. The only way that I'm going to to have her is if I show her the kind of man that I am.

Cautiously,  I slip out of bed and get myself prepared to take a shower.

Once I'm done, I check to see if the woman from last night is awake. She must be used to loud noises because I had my music on blast and she is still asleep.

Contemplating whether I should leave a stranger in my house, I decide to let her sleep.  I write her a  note explaining my whereabouts and giving her an apology. There is no need to lead her on.

I slip on a pair of jeans and a polo shirt before grabbing my keys and leaving the house.

My stomach starts to growl as soon as I exit my driveway. Instead of going to Nina's house first,  I decide to stop by IHOP and fill my empty stomach. After all, I do need to think about what I'm going to say to her.

The more time that passes by, the less confidence I have. What if she rejects me?  What if she comes to the door wearing Anderson' s shirt?

A groan leaves my lips as I think about the endless possibilities.

Grow up Trent.  She's just one woman in America and she's not even famous. What are you afraid of?

For once my brain is right.  If I can't face my relationship problems, how can I face business problems

With my newely found confidence, I hurriedly pay for my food and leave the restaurant.

The drive to Nina's house is excruciatingly slow. Traffic is heavy and I mentally curse myself for waiting until the busiest hour of the day to visit her.

Once I pull into their yard, I notice that Nina's car is sitting alone in tbe driveway. Anderson must be at work. This relieves some of the stress I have about being here.

Hesitantly,  I get out of my car and muster up enough courage to ring the doorbell.

I listen closely, hoping to hear the sound of feet or her yelling a simple "I'm coming" or "I'll be there in a minute", but that doesn't happen. All I hear is silence and it is too late in the day for her to still be in the bed.

I try the doorbell again and hear the sound of soft footsteps near the front door.

Why is she being so cautious? Did Anderson beat her again?

Jumping slightly at the sudden noise, I turn to see the blinds swaying back and forth against the window. Someone is definitely in there and I don't think its Nina.

Minutes later, the back door slams shut. Apparently, the person doesn't want to be found. Running around the side of the house, I start chasing after the intruder.

What could this person possibly want from Nina and Anderson?

The man continues to run with me only a few steps behind him. The only way I would be able to catch him is if I jump onto his back or if he stumbles.

I guess my silent prayers were answered because the man turns right so abruptly that he doesn't see the tall fence blocking his way.

Before he can run off I tackle him to the ground. I notice a flowery suitcase near the man's hand and wonder what he is carrying.

"Why were you in there?" I ask still on top of the man.

His face is towards the cement which makes it hard to identify him. I want to know who he is, but if I turn him over he could use his hands as a weapon.

"Well, I suppose it is time that you learn how important your future job really is."

"Unc?" I ask baffled.

"Yes, now can you please get off of me. You are way heavier than you look." He teases.

I don't find any of this funny. I just want to know where Nina is and why my uncle is snooping around her house..