Falling for Midnight

Chapter Nine

"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
— Abraham Lincoln

I led him to my bedroom and closed the door, locking it as I began to pace around the room in an attempt to cool down.

''You shouldn't have done that.'' He said softly.

''Done what?'' I asked as I continued to pace around.

''Speak up for me. I'm used to these kinds of things and I could have left.'' He said in a small voice. I paused.

What?

''Does he hit you?'' I asked seriously.

''What?'' He asked. His eyes widened ever so slightly.

''Your father. Does he hit you?'' I repeated. He tensed.

''No he doesn't.'' He lied.

''Aaron indeed you be honest right now,'' I said as calmly as I could.

''He really doesn't.'' He repeated as well.

''Don't fucking lie to me! I see the way you shrink back when I touch you without warning, I'm not blind!'' I yelled. I didn't mean to be so mean but I was worked up as it is. His eyes widened when they met mine and he had a look of shock and pain on his face.

''It's complicated.'' He said quietly.

''Complicated? You're being physically abused and your excuse is that it's complicated? why don't you sue his ass? or leave the house? would you still say that when you're lying on a fucking deathbed? W-''

I was cut off by Aaron pulling me into a hug. I was disorientated for a bit before realizing that I had begun to hyperventilate.

''You're getting yourself worked up Thalira. I'm okay, Trust me. I'm a lot stronger than I look.'' He paused. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on his calming voice. ''I appreciate you sticking up for me but I don't want you to have issues with your grandmother because of me.'' He said softly.

''My relationship with her is not important. I won't let anyone talk shit about you or to you.'' I pulled away slightly to look at him. His head tipped down to look at mine. I reached up to cup his face as his hand settled on my waist.

''Why....why are you doing this?'' He asked, his voice wavering a bit.

''Becasue I care. '' Came my simple reply. He stared at my eyes as though trying to read the meaning behind my words before he brought his lips to my forehead to leave a gentle kiss.

I froze. It's been a long time since anyone had ever done such a thing to me. I felt my heart squeeze as I fought back the tears that threatened to spill.

''Then I'll protect you with my life.'' He said as he slowly pulled a way. My heart throbed not just at his words but the conviction in his voice.

''You don't know the implication behind your words.'' I said quietly.

''Neither do you.'' He replied.

''I guess we're stuck with each other hh?'' I asked softly.

''I guess we are.'' He smiled.