Free falling

Mine

"Because I'm going to make you mine" I just stare at him dumbfounded. I don't know if I heard him correctly but the intense stare he is giving me tells me that I heard him just fine the first time, but apparently my brain wants to play stupid anyway.

"I'm sorry, what?" Yup, most definitely playing stupid.

"I want you, you're obviously not ready to be mine yet so I'll give you some time, but make no mistake. You. Will. Be. Mine" With that he slides out the car. I'm still sitting stupefied and don't notice that he opened my door till he speaks again.

"You should close your mouth unless you want me to kiss it" That comment caused me to snap out of it and send him my best glare. Who does he think he is!

"Alright look, I am grateful to you for helping us at the market and checking up on us at the hospital but I am not interested in you that way." Lies. "I am not in a position to form any type of relationship with anyone."

"Which is why I said we'll wait till you are. Now let's go check out your apartment." With that he holds out a hand to help me out of the car, which I promptly ignore and make my way towards my apartment. As we get to my door I suddenly feel uncomfortable about him coming inside. Judging by his car and expensive looking clothes, I can tell my apartment is not something that he is used to. Not to mention I'm slightly worried his car won't be here when we come back.

"Umm maybe you should wait here, I can go in and take care of things really quick. It should only take a few minutes." He raises an eyebrow at me but makes no move to go back inside the car.

"If you think I'm letting you go in there by yourself after you were robbed last night then think again. This neighborhood looks dangerous as it is. I'm not letting you out of my sight." While I internally swoon, I somehow manage to keep my cool.

"Look, I'm just worried your car won't be here when we come out. It's better if you stay out here with it so that nothing happens to it."

"Do you honestly think I value a car over your safety right now. Come on, let's go and grab your stuff before it gets too late." With that he puts a hand on my back and gently but firmly pushes me forward, not allowing me to argue with him any further. He holds the door open for me once we reach the complex and I almost cringe at the odor of stale cigarettes and sweat that you can smell in the hallways. I quickly walk up the stairs and to my apartment. I hesitate for a moment before opening my door, everything is as I left it last night. A complete mess.

I avoid eye contact with Xavier as I move about my apartment looking to see if it's still salvageable. It looks like they just took the money and some of the food. If I start cleaning up today then I can have Jamie and I back in here by late tonight. Feeling determined I turn around to go to the kitchen to get my cleaning supplies when I bump into Xavier, he quickly puts his arm around my waist to steady me. I had forgot that he was here and he was looking around my apartment with a blank face. I quickly step back and put some distance between us. Being so close to him is not good for my state of mind.

"Sorry, ummm would you mind if I borrowed your phone really quick. I just need to call Carrie." He gives me a nod and hands over his phone. I quickly find Carrie's number in his contacts and walk two steps away with the illusion of privacy. Xavier takes the hint and walks down the hall, I'm assuming to the bathroom

"Carrie, hey it's me. Would you mind keeping Jamie for a bit? If I can get started cleaning now then I can have us back in here by tonight."

"You know that's not an issue, but are you sure that you want to stay there? I mean they could come back and next time you might not be so lucky."

"I appreciate your concern Carrie but we'll be fine. We always are. So if you can just keep him until about 7 or 8 I can have this place looking about norm—". My sentence is cut off by someone yanking the phone out of my hand. That someone being Xavier.

"You are not staying here." He states firmly and leaving no room for argument. I don't think so buddy.

"I don't know who you think you are but I don't really need this from you right now. I have enough work to do without worrying about some high-handed, handsome, control freak trying to take over my life!" He stared at me while I glared at him. A smirk slowly made its way to his face.

"You think I'm handsome?"

"Ughhhh! Is that really all you heard? You know what, that's irrelevant right now. I appreciate you for driving me here but you can go. I have to start cleaning if I want to have Jamie in bed on time." I turn around with the intention of grabbing the cleaning supplies, but the arm snagging me back by the waist has different plans. I'm pulled back into a wall of a chest and held firmly in pace. I try to turn around so I can face Xavier but he holds me still, keeping my back to his front. I can feel his breath as he leans down close to my ear and I fight to hold back a shiver.

"You are not staying here princesa. It's not safe for you or your brother. Not only is this place destroyed but I noticed that the kitchen has been raided as well, meaning that you have no food. This place is not sufficient for you or your brother's needs."

"It does just fine!" I refuse to give into him. I know that the apartment is not much but it is all I can afford at the moment.

"Really? Then where, may I ask, do you sleep. I notice there is only a small twin sized bed in the bedroom. I know that you both can't fit in the bed but I also know that you wouldn't let Jamie sleep anywhere else but the only bed in the apartment. Which means you either sleep on the floor or on the couch that used to be here, but considering its current absence, I'm going to assume you have plans to sleep on the floor."

"You don't know anything!" Tears sting my eyes as I try to fight the truth of his words. I start fighting in his arms until he let's go of me as I storm over to the small kitchen and start angrily bringing out the cleaning supplies. I need to get started and he needs to leave. I angrily swipe at the few tears that escape and brace myself against the counter as I try to unsuccessfully calm myself. I can feel him moving closer to me and I tense up, preparing myself for the continuing argument.

"I'm sorry if my words were insensitive Kamilla. I did not mean to make you upset. You have done a good job supporting you and Jamie but you have to see that this place is no longer safe for you guys and not what you deserve." I feel his presence behind me again.

"Oh yeah? And what do I deserve then." His arms come up to my shoulders and he rubs them comfortingly. I feel so conflicted but my body is starting to accept the comfort that he gives.

"The world"

Ok so slightly shorter chapter, but what do you guys think?

Did anyone else spend their winter break sleeping as much as possible? No? Just me? Cool. This semester is literally kicking my butt and it just started. 😩 I swear I thought about becoming a stripper at least 8 times 🤦🏾‍♀️