A kiss for Ree

Chapter 35

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A song was stuck in the depth of my heart, one I heard constantly last night while I was with Jax. I smiled to myself as I hummed it to myself as I got dressed for school, cladding myself in my neat Cleverly uniform.

My cheeks were sore from how much I laughed last night with Jax. I couldn't have asked for a more free night. Parting with Jax was the hardest part, he drove me back here and I went back to my room, grateful the gates and door wasn't locked.

After eating the liver friendly breakfast the maids brought for me, I headed downstairs, making up my mind not to be bothered by Ludwig's controlling attitude.

I was still humming as I adjusted my tie and skipped down the stairs, ready to catch the driver-and Ludwig. My school skirt swayed with each step.

Then I heard it, a voice shouting in rage, laced with venom. There was a scene unfolding at the bottom of the stairs, just where Ludwig usually waited for me.

I paused.

"...Incompetent, useless lad! You can't even keep a little girl in check!. You had one job!. Just one!, just let her know her place!."

There was a pause, then a smack followed by the sickening thud of skin on skin punch.

"Do you know how much damage control I've done in the last two hours? You let her hug someone else publicly! You think this is a joke?. I would skin your mother alive if she ever did that!. What would my investors think?!."

Another punch. I tiptoed to the corner, peeking down the stairs.

Ludwig was standing there, taller than his father, shoulders squared, fists clenched at his sides like he was holding back a volcano. One of his eye was already swelling, blood was tracing the edge of his lip.

But he just stared straight ahead, his jaw tight, trembling.

"You want to hit me back?" his father barked. "Go ahead. Prove to the world that you're just like your worthless mother!."

Ludwig's chest rose and fell like a tidal wave.
Still, he didn't raise a hand.

I squeaked sharply as Ludwig's dad slapped him across the face this time.

Slowly, Ludwig's face turned to where I stood robotically, staring right at me. I covered my mouth, regretting my reaction.

I turned around and ran. My feet barely touched the stairs as I flew back into my room and slammed the door shut. There wasn't a lock on my door, no way to keep anyone from barging in.

I paced, breath short, heart racin. Ludwig knows about last night with Jax, they all know. Oh my gosh I had a feeling this would happen.

As I paced around in front of my built-in closet, the door burst open, I froze. Ludwig barged in like a storm.

His tie was crooked, his school uniform squeezed and battered, his knuckles red. Blood still on his mouth. His eyes were practically boring holes into me.

"What the hell were you thinking?" he growled, his jaw tight.

I opened my mouth but no words came out.

I flinched back, my back hitting the wardrobe as he marched right up to me and shoved his phone in my face. The screen showing us, me and Jax. Hugging and smiling when I went to meet him at the rooftop yesterday.

"Is this the bathroom, you fucking idiot!, you thought he wouldn't find out?. I've warned you to stay away from that pig," he stepped closer.

"I-"

"If you dare say something, I'll punch your tongue right back into your mouth."

His voice was low but dangerous. His fists twitched around the phone like he was going to break it. He was so close now I could smell his cologne, mixed with sweat and blood.

"You made a fool of me," he whispered. "You've shamed me. This was your smart ass plan to get out of this engagement?" He barked a little laugh.

"I didn't mean for the picture to get out," I said, barely audible.

"You didn't mean...," He laughed bitterly.

I flinched as he shoved his phone into his pocket and his balled fist hovered over my face, for a moment it looked like he might hit me. I screamed, turning my face away. But his punch never reached my face.

I opened my eyes to see his arm trembling, veins popped like cords. The look in his eye was frightening, he then shoved his hand down and stepped back.

"I won't be like him," he muttered to himself, "I won't..."

Then his voice hardened again, "You're grounded."

My eyes widened. "What?" I gasped.

"No school. No outings. Not until your papers are sorted. You're not even allowed to leave this room!."

Tears stung at the back of my throat. "You can't..."

"I can. And I will."

He turned away, pausing at the door.

"And Ree..." he said without looking back. "If you go near that rotten pig again, I won't just almost hit you. I'll finish what I start."

Then he left. I burst into tears.

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