Someone Like Me

Chapter Twelve: The Five Hundred Dollar Kiss...And A Furious Dalton

"Cherry?" My eyes fluttered open painfully as I heard a voice shout out my name. It came from downstairs and I knew it was Dalton. I got up from my bed and onto shaky legs. I made my way down the hall to the staircase. I saw Dalton at the bottom of the steps looking into the living room.

"Here," I mumbled softly and his head turned.

"May I come up?" He questioned and I nodded once. He was quick up the stairs and I was brought into a tight hug. He held me close to his chest and I could smell his musky cologne that I enjoyed so much. Just the smell of it calmed me and I was able to relax in his arms. My head was pressed against his chest lightly as he smoothed down my hair soothingly. The warmth that he gave me was also relaxing and it made me want to stay in his arms forever. The warmth and relaxation was something I haven't felt in over half of my life. It was something that my father had given to me but after his death I never felt it until now.

Dalton picked me up in his arms and headed down the hall. He seem to know which one was my room because it was the only room with an open door at the moment. He walked into my bedroom and sat me down on my bed. He didn't leave my side as his hand rubbed my back. It was so comforting that it was making me fall back asleep.

"What's wrong? What happened Angel?" His voice was soft as he continued to rub my back.

"There was a rip in Peaches's ball gown," I mumbled softly resting my head against his chest, "And they thought I did it."

"Did you?"

"No, because I know they would do something like this to me." My voice became shaky again.

"What did they do?" He wasn't happy, there was an edge to his voice.

"They took my savings to fix the dress."

"But...you didn't do it."

"I know," There was silence and I felt his fingers under my chin and he lifted my head so that I was looking up at him.

"Why did you give your money to them?"

"I had no choice."

"But, you didn't do it."

"I can't say no to them Dalton. Everything goes Peaches's way in this house. I have no say in anything. Why do you think I work so much? I have to pay for most of my things. My phone, car insurance, clothes and whatever else. I work so much to make money and so that I'm out of this hell hole."

"This is ridiculous," He was mad.

"It's my life," I mumbled.

"I shouldn't be though," His jaw was set tight and I bit my lip before looking away. "Do you not hear yourself? They're using you and it's inhumane for them to do that to you."

"I'm used to it," I spoke softly wiping a couple stray tears.

"Don't you ever say that again," He growled which scared me. "You should be treated with respect! Not like a slave in this house! I can't believe that they did this to you! Look at you. You look so broken and alone that it's hurting me because I can't do anything to help you—" He stopped suddenly.

"What?" It came out airy.

"I can help you, but promise me that you will take it."

"Okay," I said slightly confused and he gave a soft smile before leaning to the side and pulling out his wallet. My eyes widened realizing what he was doing. He was going to give me the money that my mother and sister took from me. "Dalton," I shook my head.

"You said you would Angel," He ripped out a check from his wallet. "Please, it would make me happy knowing that you're happy and have something to lean back on."

"I can't Dalton, that's your money. I can't take that from you."

"You're not taking it," He spoke while getting up and grabbing a pen from my desk. He came back over and I watched him write out to check to me. I could feel my heart race and my cheeks redden at the gesture. "I'm giving it to you," He paused. "How much did they take from you?"

"A hundred," I didn't want him to give me the full price. Dalton noticed my lie though. Because he glanced over at me with a slightly raised eyebrow. 

"I know Cherry saved more then that." 

"Five hundred," I mumbled softly knowing I wasn't going to win against him.

"Ok," He gave me a smile. He finished writing out the check and then handed it to me. "For my Angel," I couldn't reach out to grab it because I didn't want to take it. "Please, it will make me happy that I helped you."

"I can't take that from you. It's a lot of money."

"It'll only cause a little bump in my account. No worries. Now please take it," I reached out shyly and took the paper out of his hands. He gave me a warm smile that filled my heart with joy.

"Thank you," I spoke softly.

"You're welcome Angel," He pulled me into a hug and I stared at the check in my hands. "I do ask for one little thing in return though," He whispered in my ear and I turned to him.

"Anything," I spoke. He deserved it because he gave me something that made me relax and not have to worry for the future.

"A kiss," He asked staring deep into my eyes. I gazed back at his soft features and the warm lovingly stare he had in his eyes. I glanced momentarily to his lips and he noticed that because he leaned closer to me and without another thought I place my lips upon his. His lips were warm and slightly chapped. It was amazing. There was just that little roughness that showed his masculinity. The kiss grew a little deeper as he kissed back softly before pulling away with a small smile on his lips. I stared amazed.

That was my first kiss.

Wow.

"Thank you," He kissed my forehead. "That was lovely."

"Your welcome," I smiled while glancing down at the check. "You just paid five hundred for a kiss," There was a soft chuckle next to me and I felt his lips press softly against my cheek.

"Your kisses are priceless."