Escape Across the Pond

Chapter 10

Dear Dad,

Why do the real monsters never show their true face until it's too late? Why do they disguise themselves to look harmless and hide the ugliness inside them? Is this how they trick all of their unsuspecting victims? And what of those who appear as monsters on the outside? Are they hiding something too? Maybe something softer on the inside?

It would not do me any favors to say how many hours I spent on Sunday thinking about what happened the night before and my feelings surrounding it. I've seen brutality and violence before, but it's always been a terrifying event for me. It's something that makes my blood run cold. However, what I felt on Saturday night at the pub was entirely different. If I'm being honest, it got me hot, really hot. I've never been so turned on in all of my 27 years on this Earth. What has gone so wrong in my life that watching a man get his nose smashed across his face by another man wound me up more than any night I ever spent with him? In a sick sort of way, I wanted to see more. I liked watching someone taken down for being a dick rather than applauded for it. Hell, it might have been the best part of the night for me and the hottest thing I've ever seen. But then, for a while there when I was panting, and moaning with my hand in my panties, I really thought I had lost my damn mind. Why the hell am I so turned on by violence? What does that say about me?

After a lot of thought, I decided that there are absolutely no redeeming qualities in a monster that hurts or abuses those weaker than them. It's such a pathetic and revolting trait for anyone to have, and they deserve everything coming to them for their misdeeds. Now, on the other hand, there is something mind-blowingly sexy about the thought of a monster that eviscerates the ones who abuse those weaker than them. Who doesn't love a protective alpha male? That's not at all out of the ordinary right? And all of that big dick energy was certainly a turn-on.

Let's just say that all in all, Sunday was a wash altogether. The weather was a wash because it rained all day so I stayed inside. My day was a wash because I had one hell of a hangover. My mind was scattered, and I accomplished next to nothing. The only chore I managed to do was the wash. I still think it's weird to do your laundry in the kitchen but whatever.

When Monday morning rolled around, I was feeling a lot better and ready to start work. I got up a little earlier than usual and instead of tying my hair up, I spent some time smoothing the curls and pulling half of it back, and let the rest hang loosely around my shoulders. I get dressed quickly, grab my bag, and head out the door.

On the way to Ollie's, I think about my need for a car. I've been here for a little while now so maybe it'll be ok to text Alex and see if he's free to go look for one with me. I pull my phone out of my pocket and bring up his contact.

Cora: Hey Alex. This is Coraline, Kate's friend. I hope it's ok she gave me your number. I hate to bother you, but your grandmother said you could help me find a car. Please let me know if you're available. Thanks.

I hit send on the message and blow a raspberry as I stroll down the alley to the side door to the kitchen. Anna isn't here yet, but I see Ollie when I walk in. "Good morning, lass. Better get those ovens fired up. We'll need to get those tartlets in soon." he says, giving me a pat on the back.

"Good morning, Ollie. I'll get right on it. Have you got any coffee for me yet?" I ask with what I hope to be a sweet smile on my face.

"Sure I do, lass," he says walking out front to grab me a cup while I start turning on the ovens to preheat and pulling trays from the walk-in. I hear my phone chime in my pocket so I snatch it out when Ollie comes in with my cup of coffee.

"Oh. Thanks, Ollie." I take the cup from him and open the message on my phone.

Alex: I'll be there tomorrow. Be ready by 8.