Born Mine
Chapter 70

Jared was back on his feet within the next two days. I thought things would settle but things only seemed to get worse. The air in the house was tense and I knew that everyone was on edge. Darius was convinced that Faye would try again but she had been quiet. Ian had been chasing his leads but Faye was avoiding his investigations. I had never met her before but I knew for certain that she was smart.

Things had settled between Darius and me and we had gotten into a comfortable routine. We had fallen asleep in the same bed for the past two nights and I began to wonder if that was his plan. I wouldn't have put it past Darius to make sure I was too exhausted each night to ask him to leave or send him away. As much as I hated to say it, I enjoyed falling asleep next to him and I always slept well. He was always gone when I awoke but his presence dominated the entire room.

"Are you listening to me?" Serena asked, snapping me back to reality.

She arrived this morning because Darius told her what was happening. I hadn't left the house in two days and for once, I didn't mind it. I didn't see a reason to put everyone under the strain of watching over me. Amy and Serena made sure to keep me company each day as if trying to make sure for the fact that I couldn't leave.

"Sorry, I zoned out," I told her and her lips curled up into a smile. "Get your mind out of the gutter, it wasn't anything like that."

"Okay but while we are on the topic, how are things with you guys?" she asked and I shrugged. "Are you really going to deny me answers? I have been shipping the both of you since day one."

"I know that but I honestly don't know. I still feel the urge to run for the hills sometimes but I also like it here. I don't know, Serena. Maybe it is because of how things started between us but I have been hesitant to accept him. He tells me he wants me and he shows me but I'm scared."

She reached out to grab my hands. "Just take a leap of faith, Leindra. Giving him a chance won't hurt anyone. If anything, I think you're hurting yourself by denying your heart what it wants."

I was about to respond when Jared appeared. He told me there was someone at the door for me and my brows furrowed in confusion. All my friends were in the house so I didn't understand who would need to see me but I obliged him and allowed him to lead me. When I saw the people at the door, I let out a squeal and practically threw myself into their arms.

Grandma smiled as she embraced me. I didn't realize how much I missed her and Chris until I saw them. Chris reluctantly allowed me to hug him all the while mumbling under his breath about how I was going to ruin his reputation. I looked over his shoulder and saw Darius smiling softly at me and I just knew that he was behind their arrival.

I led them into the living room while Serena disappeared to get snacks for them. My grin threatened to split my face in two as I took in my family. I wasn't sure how Darius knew that their presence was exactly what I needed but I was grateful that he did.

"You look happy," Grandma said as soon as we sat down and my smile widened even more. "I'm glad that you're safe but I am even more glad that you are happy. That's all I ever wanted for you, Leindra. Is it real?"

"I think so," I admitted in a whisper.

"For what it's worth, he's a cool dude, he got me a bike," Chris piped up suddenly and my eyes widened. When he saw my confusion, he scrunched his brows. "I thought he told you. He said that you wouldn't mind so I assumed you knew."

"What else has he done since I left?"

As my family listed off the things Darius had done for them, I was left in shock and confusion. I knew Darius cared about me to an extent but I didn't know if extended to my family. There was something dangerous bubbling in my chest and the more I tried the shove it down, the more it bubbled. Caring for me was one thing but going out of his way to care for the people who mattered to me was a completely different thing. Not only did he get Chris the bike, but Darius had guards watching them every moment of the day, Grandma told me he visited her with groceries once and he made sure things were running smoothly in the house, he also got Chris a job at an arcade. I had to control myself so I wouldn't rush out to replace him the moment they told me. Serena returned with the snacks and she cast me a worried glance. I assured her with a smile that I was fine but I could tell that she didn't believe me, I didn't even believe me. There was too much going on in my head for me to articulate so I pushed it all to one side and focused on the time I was spending with my family. They caught me up on everything I had missed and I did the same but made sure to exclude the near- death experiences, they didn't need to know about it. It was my problem and I didn't want to worry them.

They left around four o'clock because they didn't want the sun to set with them there. Although they didn't know exactly what was happening, they knew the town wasn't safe. Apparently, Darius had suggested that everyone stay in once the sun was set. As they were leaving, Grandma pulled me into a hug. Just as she was leaving, she dropped her voice to a whisper.

"I know you're guard is always up Leindra, and for good reason too. You have seen too many evils in life but you can let your guard down with him. He isn't going to hurt you."

"I know that," I told her but she shook her head.

"No you don't, or at least, you don't want to admit it. Aren't you tired Lei?" she asked. "Aren't you tired of being skeptical and watching your back all the time? Aren't you tired of carrying so much?"

"I am."

"Then let him help you. I know for sure that he wants to."

She pulled away like nothing happened and walked out the door. I was left standing there in complete shock. It was like my limbs had frozen on me and I couldn't will them to move.

"Are you okay?" Jared asked from behind me and I nodded.

"Where is Darius? I need to see him."

Jared led me to the door of Darius' office and my palms were slicked with sweat. I wiped them on my shorts hoping it would calm my nerves but it didn't work, I was a bundle of nerves about to explode.

"Are you sure that you want to see him?" Jared asked as he watched me carefully. "You look like you're about to puke."

"Don't start acting like you care now?" I teased and the corner of his lips quirked up. "I don't, I just don't want to be tasked with cleaning it up."

I was grateful for Jared's dry humor. It was always determined to snap some sense in me even at my lowest moments. I rolled my eyes at him and he clapped my shoulder

in a comforting way. It was the highest form of comfort he would allow himself to give me and I was grateful for it. In a world of Amy's and Serena's who were open to showing affection, it was good to have someone like Jared who never shied away from tough love.

"You'll be fine," he assured me then he turned on his heels and walked away.

I took a deep breath before turning the knob and walking in. I know I should have knocked but it would have discouraged me further. Darius was seated in front of his desk typing furiously on his laptop. When he sensed my presence, he looked up. There was confusion marred on his features.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Is everything okay, Leindra?"

"You bought my brother a bike."

As soon as those words were out in the open between us, he sighed. He closed his laptop and gestured for me to take the seat opposite him. I did so without hesitation and waited. I waited for him to say something, to admit or deny it or even give a reason for it but he stayed quiet.

"Why did you do it?" I asked once I realized he wasn't going to speak. "I'm not upset, I'm just curious."

"You're not stupid Leindra, don't act like it. Isn't it obvious? After this long, you still haven't realized that I will do anything to make sure you're happy. I know part of your happiness resides in your family so you tell me, what do you think? Why do you think I did it?"

I knew the answer but the words couldn't- wouldn't- leave my lips, He pinched the bridge of my nose with his thumb and forefinger then stood to his feet. For a split second, I thought he was going to ask me to leave but he walked over to the chair I was sitting on and turned it so I was facing him and he was standing directly between my thighs.

"I fucking love you, Leindra Turner, and you're the only person who has been too blind to see it." All the breath in my lungs blasted out as his words hit their mark. "I'm done doing this game with you where you pretend to not know how I feel. I'm done with all of this, Leindra. You might be comfortable hiding how you feel but I'm not."

"I'm not hiding how I feel."

"I call bullshit on that one." His words were soft but his tone was harsh. "I get it, though. There's no rush for you to love me. I just wish you would be more open to receiving it. You should leave."

"But-"

"Please."

I wanted to protest but something told me it was not the time so I nodded, pulled myself to my feet and walked out.