Consumed

Chapter 16: Meri

Blurry lines and a moving object greet me when I wake up. I blink, trying to make out my surroundings and figure out where I am. It doesn't look like my room, and it doesn't look like Milan's either. My throat tightens as my breathing becomes rapid and shallow. My fingers fist weakly on the blankets as I stare at the ceiling.

I know where I am now, and I'm beginning to question my sanity. Why on earth would I come back here? Milan must be worried sick about me, and I've just dropped myself right into Petre's hands like a nicely wrapped Christmas present with a glittery bow on top.

Speak of the devil... Petre is the moving object I couldn't make out before. He looks like he just came from a workout. He's shirtless, and his face is slightly red. His hair is wet with sweat or possibly water, and it's plastered to his forehead in thick strands.

"Like what you see?" he demands, walking over with a wolfish smile.

I look away, tears pooling in my eyes. If Petre wasn't so cold hearted and perverted, he might've come across as though he was joking. I might've joked back. Once upon a time, I wouldn't have. But since living with Milan's family, my perspectives have changed. However, despite the nice smile, beautiful eyes, and the muscular physique, Petre's as rotten as they get.

Maybe you should give him a chance. He claims to love your mother. He claimed that she was important. Maybe he really does just want a family.

I shake my head to clear the thoughts. Those were thoughts that the old me thought. I don't believe her anymore. That's not me. I don't see the good in everyone no matter what. Granted, I still see a possibility of redemption, but with some people, like Petre, there is no hope. He doesn't want redemption. He's happy with his sick, twisted ways.

He comes closer and lays a hand on my arm. I flinch and tremble under his touch. Biting my lip, I fight back the tears just like I always have. I made the choice to come back. Maybe it was stupid, but I made it. It was the best way to protect Milan. He doesn't deserve involvement in my messed up family, and that's all that I can bring. This is the best way to keep him safe.

"Look at me," he whispers roughly.

I shake my head, closing my eyes.

"Don't make me force you to obey," he croons, his voice still syrupy despite the threat.

Struggling not to whimper, I look at him. My eyes are damp, but I refuse to let the tears fall. I can't let them fall. Not in front of him. If I seem weak, he'll be encouraged by it. He'll think he can go as far as he wants simply because I won't fight it. He's probably right considering how I've responded to him, and I didn't exactly fight when the boys at school tried to force themselves on me.

"I'm very, very happy that you came back. Your mother doesn't know you're here yet, and we're going to keep it that way for a bit, okay?" he murmurs, stroking my cheek.

I bite my lip, but when he looks at my mouth hungrily, I stop. "Why?" I ask softly.

"Because I need to make sure she's stable. She's working on being better, and I told her that if she got everything back together, you'd come home. I wouldn't want her to think that going back to her old ways is acceptable now that you're back. Don't you agree with me on this?"

It does make sense. On this, I agree with him, but how do I know that he's not hiding me for another reason? His eyes are roaming over my form, and I look down at myself, swallowing back a sob. "Yes," I whisper.

He laughs and brushes my hair away from my neck. "That's a good girl. You'll have everything you can possibly want. I'll make sure of it. All you have to do is stay up here. During the day, your mother's in rehab, so you can go to school. She's usually out working at a little diner down the street after that, and she won't be home until around seven. You can get back in time. I'll pick you up and drop you off, of course. I heard from your mother that the kids don't treat you well. Someone made a formal complaint, and I don't want that happening anymore. No one gets to treat you like that."