Facade

Chapter 78

Damian's pov

I sat quietly watching the screen in front of me where Carlisle and Mia seem to be having a very important discussion. I feel like a creep watching them like this but I can't help my overprotective nature. It has somewhat increased beyond normal since Mia moved away from the villa. Let's just say my adjustment to her not being here regularly is approximately zero. I miss her.
The logical part of me understands why Mia had to leave, even expected it. But the other part of me, a part capable of love, hates it. I won't deny it, I love Mia more than my parents. Sure I love my parents but I feel more connected to Mia. No matter how old she becomes or how far she goes, she'll always be my little princess.
I feel someone come up behind me and turned my head slightly to see Karen. She leaned over the chair to press a kiss on my forehead. I took a deep breath inhaling her scent. I can never get my fill of her. One thing I'm certain of, Karen is it for me. God forbid if fate decides to separate us, I don't think there can be any woman after her. She has my heart, body and soul all wrapped around her. And she doesn't seem to know the extent. How deep my feelings for her run.
Karen has been amazing. I mean she has been amazing before but these past few days have been exceptional. She has been doing her best to distract me so I don't dwell on the fact that Mia is no longer under my roof. One would think with the way I speak that she's dead. God forbid.
"Any bloodshed yet?" Karen's voice drift over me, concern prominent in her features. I sighed and leaned into her touch. She was a source of strength to me.
"No. Carlisle seems cordial while Mia alternates between anger and surprise" I replied. Karen sighed and sat on my lap, her body blocking my view of the screen.
She wound her arms around my shoulder and relaxed on me.
"You do know it's kinda creepy watching them like that. I mean, it's a total breech of privacy" Karen's voice floated to my ears. I rolled my eyes at that. We've been having this discussion since I decided to have a camera on Mia. Or several cameras.
"I know babe. But I want to make sure Mia is safe. She's no longer here where i can watch her all day" I reasoned. Karen smacked my chest lightly.
"And I say it again and again. Mia is a big girl. She can take care of herself. She's smart enough to come to you if she can't handle it. Trust her" Karen replied. I understood her point, a part of me even agreed. But I wasn't willing to risk that part and let something happen to Mia. I know how it feels to have lost her once and I won't take that chance again.

_____________________________________

Mia's pov

I took a deep breath, my brain working a mile per minute trying to digest all I just heard. Several pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. But several questions still arose.
"So you are saying that you approached me because Davis asked you to watch Felix and Karen?" I tried to keep my voice steady but it was a fruitless effort. My voice still wavered at the end and my hands trembled. No one can imagine the pain and courage it took for me to voice out the question. But I needed to know. I needed it for my own peace of mind.
Carlisle however looked shocked at my question, offended even.
"How can you even think that Mia? I approached you because I wanted you, because I felt the connection between us right from the moment we met" His voice was laced with sincerity, you could practically hear the honesty dripping in the words.
I wanted to believe him. I wanted so much to have hope. But was it worth risking my heart again? I let myself hope once and was hurt, heartbroken. Like they say, once bitten, twice shy. Better safe than sorry. I took a deep breath, knowing what I had to say had to power to hurt both of us. But it needed to be said.
"I want to believe you Carlisle. I want so much to believe that you truly love me like you claim. But I can't. I believed you once and have the pain the show for it. What's stopping you from hurting me again? What guarantee do I have that you won't hurt me again? I'm sorry Carlisle but I can't just take that chance. The risks are just too high"
I stood up, dropped a bill on the table and walked out. I could hear Carlisle calling out to me but I didn't dare look back. I was afraid that if I did, I'd run straight into his arms. And end up hurt again.

_____________________________________

Aiden's pov

I sat quietly watching the footage of the cameras at the front desk. My fingers drummed against my temple, a clear sign of agitation. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly but it did nothing to help. The tension was still there. Its been two hours since my Mia left with the swine and she's still not back.
Maybe she's back and I just didn't see her. I might have been distracted away from the screen when she walked in. Yes. That had to be it. I just have to confirm.
I reached and picked up my cellphone, calling the front desk.
"This is Aiden McCarthy. Has Miss Amelia Carlos checked in from her lunch break yet?" My voice full of authority. I loved the way it frightened people. It was a good tool in business transactions.
"One minute sir" The receptionist replied. I waited quietly willing her to give me an answer. A preferable answer.
"No sir. Miss Amelia Carlos has not yet checked in. Shall I notify you when she does?" The receptionist asked. Her voice sounded breathless. She was probably trying to be flirty. Too bad I already had my Mia.
"Yes please"
With that said, I dropped the phone and leaned into the chair. Fuck, where the hell could she be? I wondered.
My gaze caught something on the screen and I sat up to see that it was an image of Mia walking through the front doors. She's back. Thank fuck.
The telephone rang and the receptionist voice came through.
"Sir she's here. Shall I send her up?"
"No need, I'll handle it" my voice was cold even to my own ears. But I didn't care. Operation get Mia back was about to begin.

Sorry for the delay. Been a bit sick. Vote, comment & follow