Two Kings

Chapter 25

As the Uber stops outside my mother's tiny house, Trav steps out ahead of me, looking around like he's expecting someone to jump out and attack us. But of course the little cul-de-sac is hiding no one, other than the residents. Trav gestures for me to go on ahead of him, so I do. Thankfully, by this point, my tears have dried up.

The sensor light flicks on, lighting up the front yard and the stone path to the front door. As I walk along the path, my heel sticks on the stone, and Trav grabs me by the elbow to steady me.

"Thank you."

"All good, Mrs."

"Please, call me Lex." I continue my way to the black door and press the buzzer. Within seconds, my mother opens the door. Her smile warps as she stares at my face. "My god, Lexi, what s happened to you? Were you in a fight?"

"I was." I step inside, and ma wraps an arm around my shoulder and leads me towards the kitchen. "Darling girl. What's happened?"

"I got into a horrible fight with Rico's girlfriend in the car. Then I left." I wave a hand at security. "This is Trav. Rico's security."

"Your daughter's personal security." Trav corrects. "I can't leave without her. I hope you don't mind?"

My mother sighs and waves her hand around. "I'll make us all a cup of green tea. Come, Lexi, sit with me in the dining room. Your friend can stay out here while we talk."

"Where is everyone?" I ask, referring to my brother and sisters.

"Williams gone to the supermarket and your sisters went to a party."

While Ma flicks the kettle on, I take myself off to the bathroom to tidy up. One glance in the mirror, and I nibble my lip as I stare at the scratches across my chest and arms. Even so, I look better than Gia did, so that's something.

Ten minutes later, I sit with ma, sipping on my tea when Trav appears at the door. "Rico wants to know when you're going back to the mansion?"

With a sigh, I tap my finger against the table and shake my head. "Tell him I said never. Not as long as he has that vile woman there."

Trav offers me his phone. "Maybe you should tell him."

"No. I'm not talking to him right now. Besides, I have nothing to say."

Trav walks away with the phone at his ear. And I tell Ma how Rico and I have been getting closer. But with his jealous girlfriend living in the house, it's been hard and, at times, dangerous and uncomfortable for me to be there. Which is why we ended up in a fight. And since he won't get rid of Gia, I have no choice but to leave since I don't feel safe living in the same house as her anymore.

Within minutes, Trav informs me security is out front for the night, patrolling, and he'll take the sofa if that's ok with my mother. Of course, ma agrees. What choice does she have? I end up taking a bath after a long chat. It takes ten minutes to untangle my hair and give it a good brush. By the time I'm in my flannel pajamas, I sink into my bed, pull the covers up and flick my portable T. V on.

A soft tap on the door has me saying, "it's open."

The door opens and the sight of Rico standing at my bedroom door has me sitting up in total shock. "Rico... what are you doing here?"

"We need to talk. Can I come in?"

I shrug. "I guess."

He enters the room and closes the door. Since our house doesn't have underfloor heating, I snuggle back under my blankets as Rico stands by my bed and looks around. "You think my room is horrible, don't you?"