Strictly Forbidden

Strictly Forbidden (6)

Chapter 6

The soft warmth of Dukes bed is beyond comfortable, especially after sleeping in a hard plastic tunnel the night before. I don’t want to move out of it, but the soft voices coming from the hallway have me moving out form the covers. Duke must have carried me to his bed after I fell asleep last night. I would have been fine on the couch, anywhere is better than outside in the rain.

“So, I am supposed to believe that there is a woman in your bed because she is homeless? And that you lost your job because that same woman was kicked out of her house?” Nausea rolls over me, I had caused him to lose his job as well. I am a horrible person. I nasty, horrible, sinner of a person. That settles it; I am leaving as soon as possible.

“You know I don’t need that job. I have money coming in from time in the war, and I am making furniture on the side. This girl needs someone, Nat. You know I would never cheat on you, and look. There are blankets on the sofa. I slept in here last night.” He has a girlfriend. Sudden panic overtakes me, and a slight pain to my chest knowing that I had caused him more trouble than need be. I knew I should not have come, and still I did. My father is right, I am selfish.

“I know you wouldn’t. But you should have let me know. I love you.” I abruptly feel as though I am prying, and choose to make myself known.

Nat is a beautiful woman. Tall, dark, and very much blessed in both breasts and bottom. Her sleek tanned arms are covered with permanent markings, giving her an exotic look. Not to mention, the extremely long black hair that covers her back. Duke and Nat, perfect for one another, even with her inches taller than him. She is a woman, not a child like-girl like me. A real woman, what every man wants. A sudden cloud of loneliness envelopes me. I’m doomed to be alone, not even my parents want me. Then, I come too. No need to feel sorry for myself, I scold the inner workings of my mind.

“I love you, too.” They quickly kiss and she turns to leave. That is when she spies me, standing at the end of the hall, in Duke’s clothes.

I weakly wave a hello, as my face blushes and unimaginable amount. She turns, without a word, and walks out the front door, her long silky straight hair following her and all her womanly glory. I’m jealous, yes, but who wouldn’t be with an exotic tattooed beauty like her? Duke only chuckles and shakes his head.

“So, that was your girlfriend?” It’s stupid to ask, but I just could not contain myself.

“Of eight months.” He says proudly, as if it is a world record.

“I’m sorry,” I say, meaning it more than I ever had before. I had never meant for him to lose his job, and almost his girlfriend.

“What do you have to be sorry about?” His striking blue eyes light a fire in my soul. I am far from used to being stared at so boldly; it throws me off a bit.

“Um, for causing all this trouble. I’ll get my clothes and leave. There is no need to drag you into this.” I make my way to the bedroom, not even sure if that is where my clothes are.

“And where will you go?” Leaning against the doorframe of his bedroom, I notice the bulge of muscle under his thin black t-shirt. I always knew he must be strong, but this is as much skin as he has ever shown. And boy, he must really work out.

I shake my head to clear it, “I’ll find a place. I may go back and beg for forgiveness from my father. I’m sure there is something I can do…” I say while turning to work on the knot of covers I left from last night’s sleep. I never was able to stay in one spot all night long.

His hands capture my arms, stopping me in my process. “You do know if you move back in with your father, I will have to work for him again, right? I’m not very fond of that idea.” h Oh, he’s very sneaky; I guess that comes from years of knowing me. It is impossible for me to say no to helping people. I inwardly sigh, unable to make a quick decision.