Listen, Obey

29. Twenty-Ninth Lesson

A/N Sorry for starting with an author's note, but I feel like I have to. I'm fully aware that this novel goes from hot to cold very fast, it's stormy and it's almost chaotic. In my defense, I've written this thing over such a long time that I'm slightly disconnected from the timeframe of my characters. In their world, a mere week has passed, and it's definitely not enough for a lot of the character development that has occurred or that I want to depict. I will have to go back and read this piece in greater detail later on and see if I can smooth it out a bit, but my first solution is this chapter. Hope you won't get too mad at me. <3 Your thoughts are greatly appreciated, as always!

The warm atmosphere lasted about an hour. During that time, everything that had once appeared difficult and terrifying felt natural and almost welcome. Matthews' easy smiles held nothing more than unveiled happiness; Tilia's laughter rang with joy and curiosity, not fear of abandonment, and I allowed it all to remain uncomplicated.

One hour.

The dishes found their way to the sink, our stomachs were content, and Tilia became restless.

"Daddy, can I go play with Emma?"

Matthews ruffled his daughter's hair in a loving gesture. "Of course you can, but you better call her first and let me talk to her mother."

Tilia sprinted away from the kitchen, and the calm tagged along with her.

None of us had to utter a single word, we both knew that the time for our talk was upon us. The only thing that stopped me from leaving altogether was the existence of a promise shared between us. I had promised him to listen, and I would.

Matthews let out a soft sigh as if he realized that our conversation might not lead to anything pleasant. However, what he said first surprised me. "Ethan, I know this might not be the best time, but what are your plans for the weekend?"

The question threw me off guard. "Why do you want to know?" It came out a lost more hostile than I meant.

"I need to find a babysitter for Tilia. I can't let Evelyn take care of her again if she's not capable of doing so."

Even if he had as asked me to take care of Tilia before, this was different. I would be alone with her. No Evelyn. I would sleep at Matthews' house while he spent time with his submissive at the club. Clearly, it wasn't very tempting, at all. It would be torture. On the other hand, if I stayed, Sam could kiss his money goodbye for this weekend because he wouldn't get them and he sure as hell wouldn't find me. No one would think to look for me in this area far from the city. Sam could scour the cold alleys, and I could sit here wrapped in a blanket while watching some fairytale movie with Tilia. Pros and Cons.

"Ethan, I know it's a lot to ask—"

"I'll do it. But not for you. I'm doing it for Tilia," I interrupted. I couldn't stand the thought of letting Tilia into the hands of yet another idiot. At least if I was here, I'd know that she was safe.

Matthews visibly relaxed just as Tilia returned to the kitchen with a phone in her hand. "Emma's mom wants to talk, Daddy." She gave Matthews the phone and sat down next to me, scooping up some leftover maple syrup from her plate with her finger. She still had said finger in her mouth when Matthews smiled at her and told Emma's mother that he'd pick her up in a few hours.

While Matthews helped his daughter to get ready, I remained seated in the kitchen, staring out the window across a sad landscape. The snow that had covered blemishes and imperfections decayed into a weeping slush. It was depressing.

I moved to stand up but winced as the boy shorts chafed my sensitive skin. I had yet to remove them, and they were driving me insane. Not only did they remind me of something disgusting, they also reminded me of what had transpired the night before. The precious memories of Matthews holding me into his chest were distorted by the hovering presence of debts, submissives and a lot of bullshit. We had too many things left unresolved between us, and even if we solved them, this family's future had nothing to do with mine. It was all useless.