A Hidden Truth

Hidden Moments

[Jaxon]

    I’d thought about Juniper again last night. The way she smiled, the sad look in her eye, her adorable laugh. She was perfect. Beautiful, smart, funny, and serious about her education. I’d hoped I wouldn’t be tempted or that I could quash it somehow, but I couldn’t.

    The entire time we’d been talking in the book club just felt so right. It was her mind that really sucked me in. The insights and commentary she had on the book. The way she smiled when I challenged her instead of scowling like some of my cohort. It was like she knew I was exploring ideas with many of my questions. None of her arguments turned into attacks, they were all well-reasoned and cited.

    I was mad at Bobbi for trying to set me up with Juniper’s brother, but also not mad because it got me closer to Juniper. I didn’t think I’d ever get the chance to have another meal with her. More than anything, I didn’t want to waste this chance.

    When I finished washing up, I looked in the mirror. I ran my fingers through my hair to smooth it out. Happily, I didn’t look as anxious as I felt. My foolish side was flipping and tumbling, but my sensible side kept telling me I needed to keep my head on straight. It didn’t matter how perfect she was; I couldn’t indulge with her.

    I remembered the way she nibbled her lip a little before starting the meeting. I could almost imagine her poring over textbooks and piecing together papers with that same look. After this meal, I would make sure not to cross paths with the sweet looking high school girl. Yes. Keep reminding yourself she’s in high school, Jax. That’ll keep her good and distant. Right, not allowed. Got it.

    After I dried my hands, I opened the door. There was a man blocking my path. He was about my height with brown messy curls and pale green eyes. He was as pretty as Juniper and her little brother. He had the same soft, round lips as Juniper. 

    This must be Teddy. How was everyone in this family gorgeous? His eyes slowly ascended from my feet up to my face. It was predatory. 

    Turning sideways, I tried to move past him, but he put his hand out and caught my waist. I stopped and waited. Some of my friends from college were this forward. I was used to it. The stern look I often put on, to keep them in line, took over my face.

    “I’m Teddy. Nice to meet you.” He breathed as he pressed into me. “Juni said we had company. Mama will be happy to see you’re so… mmm… well put together.”

    “Nice to meet you as well. I’d like to leave, now. Remove your hand.” I ordered.

    He chuckled. “At least you didn’t call me a slur or try to punch me. Go on, pretty boy. You smell like books and it gives me a headache.”

    With that, Teddy released my waist and pushed past into the washroom. Something about him screamed submissive to me. This was an act. He wasn’t dominant, but seemed to be playing it. I didn’t get why. Though, it wasn’t really my business.

    It took me a moment to remember Juniper’s instructions. I turned the corner and headed to the entry. Before I got there, the front door opened. The man, I assumed was Juniper’s stepfather, came in and set his case on the bench. I saw her descend the stairs.

    “Good evening, Hank. We have company for supper. Mother would like you to freshen up before joining us in the living room.” She said softly.

    “You gonna give your daddy a hello kiss?” He asked in a tone I definitely didn’t like.

    “You’ve been drinking. I hope you haven’t gone back on our agreement. It would be unfortunate, since my birthday is tomorrow.” Juniper warned.

    That was really peculiar. The way she got close and straightened his tie was also strange. It was more intimate than I would expect from a father and daughter. I watched as he reached out and groped her butt, pulling her against him hard and grinding into her. They had that sort of relationship?

    No. She didn’t trust him. It was all over how she pushed away from him and the slight panicked look in her face when he grabbed her.

    “Just celebratin’ ahead of time, baby-girl. Give daddy a kiss, please.” He insisted.

    “No. Now, take your hands off of me and go wash up. Take care of your… condition.” She sneered. “And be prepared to treat my mother with the love and respect she deserves, you disgusting fuck.”

    “God, I love it when you talk to me like that. Tomorrow, though, you’re gonna be beggin’ for this disgustin’ f**k to do all sorts of things to you.” He leered and grabbed at her chest.

    I clenched my fist. I had to go help her. It was in my nature, but I couldn’t protect her if he kicked my ass. There had to be something else I could do to save her. This wasn’t something I could fight my way out of. I had to use my brain.

    “Let go, Henry. Or the deal is off.” She snarled.

    He groaned in frustration. “Fine. You better sweeten up, though. Unless you’re lookin’ to get punished, Juniper.”

    I needed more information, but this looked like a dominant and submissive relationship. Though, it seemed off. The way she acted on the phone the day before and how she was now… He was a bad dom.

    He stormed up the stairs. There was a tap on my shoulder and I turned to see Teddy. His face was a mix of angry and distraught. I suddenly understood. This wasn’t a consensual relationship. If it were, they’d keep it in a safe space and she wouldn’t truly hate him, only pretend. Teddy wouldn’t know either. 

    “I can’t protect her from him either. Mama loves him and doesn’t see it. Don’t get involved with this family. We’re poison. She’s the only good thing we have and he’s gonna ruin her before she leaves us forever.” He sniffled.

     “Your mother wouldn’t leave him if she found out?” I asked. It didn’t seem right.

    “No. Mama would just blame Juni. She’s completely in love with the nasty old f**k. Juni let him touch her ‘cause he said he’d kick mama to the curb if she didn’t. She thinks it’d break mama.” Teddy said.

    “Why’s her birthday important?”

    “Because.” Juniper said from behind me. “I promised him my virginity on my eighteenth birthday, and my compliance until then, if he didn’t cheat or force me to do anything. Sorry you had to see that. Please don’t tell anyone. Small towns are pretty terrible for rumors.”

    I turned and saw her downcast eyes. She was upset and I hadn’t done anything to help. I wanted to wrap her in my arms and carry her away. She needed to be somewhere safe. This wasn’t a good place for her. I wanted to Halstead him. Maybe I could go get Beau and he could call some friends. 

    “Let me take you out of here. You don’t have to do this.” I insisted.

    “Jaxon, I appreciate it. I really do, but I have to live here for the next four months. You can’t save me from this. I made this deal before I understood what it really meant. It’s kept him under control and mother happy. She deserves to be happy after everything she’s lost. He said I would be his to use until I left for college and he would behave himself after.” She explained.

    “He should control himself for the sake of his family, Juniper. Don’t let him do this to you.” I grabbed her arm and pulled her tightly against me. “Leave with me. Right now.”

    She gasped as my arms wrapped around her. “I can’t, Jaxon. Let me go. I have to take care of my family. I… I’m sorry if this upsets you.”

    “Juni. Go with him.” Teddy commanded. “I’ll distract them. Hide her somewhere. Just until I can figure somethin’ out.”

    “You aren’t as flighty or self-absorbed as you act. Are you?” I asked Teddy.

    “No. I’m here to distract our mother so she doesn’t see what he’s doin’. What our Juni has to do to keep her happy. Go, baby-bug. I’ll make somethin’ up. Don’t let him ruin you.” Teddy said as he stroked her hair.

    “I’m already ruined, Teddy. Anyway, I have to go to school and there’s no place he can’t get to me. He can still kick mama out. She’s not strong enough to take care of herself, Teddy. What will happen to Remy without us? Do you think that old f**k is really going to let us take his only son?” She insisted.

    “Let us take care of it.” I said.

    “No. You have tonight to plan. The agreement is for tomorrow night. I refuse to leave early if I just have to come back and deal with him angry. You have no idea what I’ve had to do in the past, or what he likes to do when he’s mad. Unless this whole thing is figured out, I’m sleeping with him tomorrow as agreed.” She pushed out of my arms, straightened herself out, and marched off to the living room.

    I looked at Teddy. “You want to hang out tomorrow then?”

    “The company of a cute boy like you, trying to f**k up the old pervert? Sounds like the best Saturday ever. Come on now. Mama wants to interview you to be Juni’s future husband. If you save her. I’ll drag her scrawny ass down the aisle myself.” He snorted and put his arm around my shoulders, guiding me to the living room.