You Broke Me

Chapter 7

Taylors POV

I sighed. “13 miles.” I whispered hoping he didn't hear me. But luck wasn't on my side. He stepped back and grabbed my shoulders. His eyes were hard and narrowed and I flinched. I couldn't help it. Its grip wasn't hard or painful, but can you blame me for having that reaction? He must have seen the fear on my face and his hands softened on my shoulders and his eyes flashed a bit of regret.

“No excuse, no buts, not arguing. I am driving you home after this.” he ordered and I could only nod my head. There was a throat cleared behind us and Cade released me. A woman with tanned skin, brown eyes and blonde hair stood on the porch. Her eyes were looking at us questioningly. But her features softened and she smiled.

“Hi, I'm Cade's mom. My name is Penny. Welcome!” she came up and hugged me. I was stiff at first before I finally relaxed.

“Hi," I squeaked. “I'm Taylor.” she smiled and walked us inside.

“Thank you for having me over. Your home is lovely.” I complimented, and she waved her hand at me.

“Thank you, darling. I assume Cade here told you about dinner tonight? You will be joining us.” she said with finality. I looked at Cade with narrowed eyes and he rubbed the back of his neck and gulped.

“No, he must have forgotten. I'm sorry I can't. I have to be home after this.” I said. My dad won't like me staying out. I have to have dinner prepared for him.

“Nonsense. I insist.” She left no room for argument. Crap. “Dinner is going to be at La Rue downtown. Have you ever been?”

I shook my head. My dad had gone several times, but I was never allowed. It's a very nice restaurant.

“I couldn't. I'm nowhere near dressed nice enough. I couldn't impose on you all.” she smiled at me.

“You look to be about Trinity's size. You can wear one of her outfits! I won't take no for an answer, dear. My treat!” Cade just looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. I clearly wasn't getting out of this. I sighed and finally nodded my head.

“Perfect. Dinner is at 6 so yall go ahead and have fun on your project.” She winked at me and I choked on thin air. What does she think we're going to do? Cade's smirk answered my question and ABSOLUTELY NOT.

We just walked away towards an endless hall of doors. When he stopped and opened the door, I assumed it was his. But I was shocked. It's actually clean and neat. The walls were a light grey with a Navy blue blanket covering a king sized bed. What I would give to have a bed that size.

“Jealous Shaw?” he asked and if only he knew. I didn't answer and just walked in slowly.

“I'm just shocked that it's so clean. I was expecting the cliche messy room covered in jockstraps and dirty boxers.” he laughed but then walked towards me slowly. I backed up slowly until my back hit the wall. My pulse spiked and I could feel the anxiety building. Any other girl this would have been erotic. For any other girl, this would have been sexy. But me, I was terrified. I don't like being confined. I don't like being caged.

“You think about my room?” he asked with that panty dropping smirk.

“I uh, no I just, I…” I couldn't finish that thought. Not without making it seem like I was fantasizing about him. He just laughed.

“I'm just messing with you Taylor.” he said lowly. He was close. So close. And there is that familiar scent of Pine and sandalwood. For some reason though my pulse slows. My breathing evens out. It's almost as if his being so close calms me. Huh, weird.

His eyes flicked to my lips and then back up to mine. Then he eyed that spot on my cheek. His hand rose and cupped my cheek. His thumb grazing over the mark. Please don't say anything. Please, please. His eyes steeled while looking over it but then softened when they met mine again.

“We should get started.” I mentioned and he recoiled almost as if I broke him out of a daze. He nodded and we got started on the project. I then remembered we had dinner and I needed to at least let my dad know.

Me: I'm sorry, I won't be able to be home for dinner…

Dad: Where the f**k are you?

Me: Im working on my history project with a friend. It's worth 40% of my grade. I can order you some food for dinner.

Dad: I don't give a f**k. You are to be home for dinner. No excuses.

Me: Dad, please. I will still get my chores done and I will make sure you have something to eat. I promise.

Dad: Don't call me that. You f*****g know better. If you're not home for dinner, there will be consequences. You're probably our whoring around. I forbid it, you little s**t.

Me: I'm sorry. I promise I'm working on schoolwork. Please I don't ask for much but I want to get good grades. If I get good grades, I get scholarships which means I will be out of your hair. You will finally be able to get rid of me. Just like you wanted. Please…

Dad: Fine. You make a good point. The curfew is 10PM. You will still have chores to do.

Me: yes, sir.

He didn't respond after that and I could only imagine what was waiting for me when I got home. The fear I got just from his messages was astounding. Am I really so weak that his words will cause me to tremble? Get a grip, Taylor.

“Everything okay?” I jumped slightly, feeling his breath against my back and fumbled quickly to lock my phone. How long had he been standing there? He didn't see anything did he?

“Everything fine. Let's get started.” I said and pulled out my notes. I looked at my watch and realized we had been at work for 2 hours. We actually held a steady conversation. For some reason, I feel comfortable with Cade. He's actually very smart, if only he'd pull his head out of his ass at school.

Knock knock knock

“Guys. Just wanted to give you a heads up we'll be leaving for dinner in about an hour.” Penny said and left the room.

“If she always so...” he interrupted me. “Demanding? Overbearing? So nice that it rattles your bones? Yes. She's a surgeon at the hospital and she's always been sickeningly nice to everyone. I promise I was going to tell you about dinner, I just forgot.” he said biting his lip and I found myself wanting to bite that lip for him. I shook my head to rid the thought.

“It's fine. I can't pay though. I don't have that kind of money, Cade.” he smiled.

“It's on us.” He really is beautiful to look at. “Well, you better go see Trinity for an outfit. Although what you're wearing is fine.” I just nodded and gathered my things and left the room.