Finia stayed in her house because it was convenient, because she felt safe there. Take away her safety, then she’d have no problems moving. Miki needed to ask one of his buddies to sneak into her place, rough her up a little bit, then run away. Something to scare her shitless. But, it had to be one of the nights he had Jahlin, just in case things got out of hand. There was Rob who still owed him a favor. Maybe he’d do it?
Miki got out of bed and made his way to Jahlin’s room. He cracked open the door and peeked inside. His son was sound asleep even though his night light shone throughout the room. Miki crept back into his room and felt on the nightstand for his cell phone. Tonight would be perfect. He called Rob, disappointed when he didn’t answer, not bothering to leave a message.
Lying down on his side and staring at the wall, he cleared his throat. There was always a lackey who could be discarded. Then the blame wouldn’t fall on Miki. Finia may possibly fight back and win. After Finia and Laura’s cousin from Ohio died from a robbery gone badly, they had taken those self-defense classes in college. The cousin had been walking home from the club, drunk, and got separated from her friends. Instead of doing the smart thing of calling a taxi, she decided to travel alone.
Miki needed someone, who if she got the best of the ‘intruder’…oh well. Life would go on. Someone he wouldn’t miss. He wouldn’t ask Rob then—they were best friends. He smiled that Rob didn’t answer his phone after all.
Besides, if he trusted someone else to do the job, then they could make a mistake. Leave evidence behind, then get caught, and snitch on Miki. He couldn’t have that. Finia would never forgive him. She’d definitely tell her family, and they would try to keep Miki away from his son. And, Jahlin could never know of this plan. He’d never look at his father the same way again. Miki needed Jahlin to still be proud of him.
If Finia was startled in the middle of the night, then Miki could convince her to move in with him. He’d stay on his best behavior, not crowding her space. Then, maybe she’d consider staying at his house permanently. He could convince her that Jahlin loved living under the same roof with both parents. He’d have to convince Finia at her most vulnerable state, maybe while talking to the cops, so she wouldn’t disagree or have time to call Laura, her mom, or her dad to pick her up.
Miki picked up his cell on the first ring. “Hey, Rob.”
“What’s up, buddy? I know you don’t want to join me at the bar. You have Jahlin, right?”
“I dialed your number by accident, but we definitely need to catch up. We can go to Paddy’s next weekend.”
“Looking forward to it.”
He put his cell back on the nightstand then rolled over onto his back, staring at the ceiling again. He couldn’t trust anyone to do the “robbery” right, so Miki would have to do it. He knew her place better than he knew his own. He smiled; the plan would definitely work. He could picture him waking her up from her sleep. Finia in her sultry nightgown, her breasts perky from not wearing a bra.
He rubbed on his crotch, an erection forming. He pictured her doe-like eyes and open mouth. He imagined her trying to fight back as he had his way with her, not knowing it was him. He could get away with having unprotected sex with Finia again. Maybe she’d get pregnant. No, she would probably have to get a rape kit, and they’d give her a morning after pill. But, Finia was pretty good with keeping silent. Maybe she’d lie and say the culprit didn’t do anything besides rough her up, her embarrassment taking over.
Miki grinned from ear to ear—maybe he could get away with it after all. Since he owned her, it wouldn’t be considered rape.
Chapter Fourteen
Mrs. Knight had to step out for a moment to take an important phone call. Her secretary had interrupted Miki and Finia’s session to announce an emergency. They had tried to whisper, but he heard them. One of her clients had shot his three step-children and his wife as they slept, then he pointed the trigger and shot himself in the hallway. A neighbor had called nine-one-one after hearing all the noise. Apparently, the man hacked into his wife’s email and found out that she planned on leaving him because she couldn’t handle his controlling ways anymore.
Who knew if Mrs. Knight would return?
Avoiding eye contact with Finia, Miki fidgeted on his side of the couch. He couldn’t even stand to look at her since the moment she refused to reveal if she was dating or not. He always confessed how he felt, no matter the consequences, and she couldn’t even be honest with him. How dare she? Here, he was fighting for their family by having a steady finance job, yet she didn’t give a shit. No matter what he did, it wouldn’t be enough in her eyes.
He leaned back into the cushions, tapping his foot along the floor. He folded his arms across his chest. In his peripheral vision, he noticed Finia’s beautiful side profile, her brown eyes were piercing as she looked ahead. It was hard to stay mad at her when she sat so close. He turned his head slightly to get a better view. He wanted to grab her hand, but he couldn’t handle it if she snatched it away.
Glancing at her, his anger subsided. Finia turned her head and met Miki’s gaze. His heart leapt through his chest when she smiled. That’s all he ever wanted—for her to enjoy his company, for her to be happy near him again. It was easier to get his needs met in the relationship that way.
He took a deep breath and said, “Finia, I’m sorry that I’m not the man you wished I could be. I’m sorry that I hurt you. I guess I keep making excuses because I’m ashamed of my behavior.” His hand crept over the empty cushion slowly. His fingers intertwined into hers; to his surprise, she locked their palms together. His heartbeat quickened as he glanced at their connecting hands. “I can understand why you don’t want anything to do with me. Hopefully, one day I can make things right, and make it to where you won’t just think of me as Jahlin’s father.”
She looked down at her lap.
Miki scooted closer and placed his free hand under Finia’s chin to lift her face closer to his. They stared at each other again. “Wait, hear me out please.” He took a deep breath. “I know we can’t be together, but maybe we can be friends?”
“Friends? You can really be friends with me?”
“Yeah. I want to be in your life. I want you in mine. I can see us as friends.”
“Strictly friends? Not a friends with benefits scenario?”
“Sex would complicate things.” He smiled. “Don’t ya think?”
Grinning, she nodded and wiped tears from her face. He closed his eyes to enjoy the moment.
If only Finia would allow him to kiss her…in due time. He had her right where he wanted her, and it wouldn’t take much longer before he was spending nights at her place, or she was spending nights at his. No more child support. No more separation from his family. He’d win her back slowly but surely. Maybe he wouldn’t have to go through with the plan of scaring her.
“Maybe, after here, me, you, and Jahlin can go out to eat? Maybe to his favorite restaurant?” he asked, taking advantage of her kindness.
“I’d like that.” Finia looked around the room before setting her sight back to Miki. “I wonder where Mrs. Knight went. Do you think this is a part of our therapy session, like maybe there’s hidden cameras as she watches outside, or it’s a test to see how we act alone?”
Miki laughed. “You’ve seen too many reality tv shows.”
She playfully hit his arm. “Whatever.”
He couldn’t resist kissing her cheek. Thankfully, she didn’t pull away. With his face still close to hers, he opened his eyes and looked down at Finia’s juicy lips. It took all of him not to kiss her there. Feeling his groin hardening, Miki backed away slightly. He placed his head back along the cushions and looked up at the ceiling. “I think nine-one-one was called for a family emergency.”
Finia gasped, covering her mouth with her free hand. “Oh my gosh, that’s awful! I hope everything will be all right.”
“We can only hope,” Miki lied. “Life is too short to be fucking things up like I did.”
He looked at Finia and squeezed her hand. “Do you ever think you can forgive me?”
“I can forgive, but I can’t forget.”
Chapter Fifteen
Just as sullen and upset Mrs. Knight returned to her office, Finia released Miki’s hand, then placed both of her hands on her knees. Maybe someone in the family wasn’t saved after all?
Mrs. Knight slowly sat in her chair, her body sinking into the cushion. She picked up her pad and pen. “Sorry about the delay. There was an emergency.”
“Is everything all right?” Miki asked.
Avoiding the question, she said, “I would love to start your session, but I’ll understand if you want to reschedule.” Her voice trailed off as she covered her mouth. She closed her eyes and a tear fell down her cheek. “I’m sorry. Someone I thought, who was making progress, ended his life today…I wish he would’ve came to me. That he would’ve fought harder. And, his family…”
Finia and Miki shared a look. Was that client privilege she just revoked? Granted, Finia guessed there couldn’t really be privileges if a person’s dead, but it made her wonder if Mrs. Knight would reveal their sessions to other patients or family members.
Finia could never imagine hurting someone so much that they would want to die. It pained her that she could possibly have that much power over someone. She didn’t want that responsibility. She glanced over at Miki again. Would he commit suicide if she never returned his feelings again? He said they could be friends, but actions spoke louder than words. Deep down, she knew he was just telling her what she wanted to hear, but overall, he had tugged at her heartstrings. Would life be easier if she forgave Miki and took him back? It wasn’t like he was going anywhere, and it was scary to think about starting a new relationship again. Having to learn to trust that person. Giving her heart to him and hoping he doesn’t crush it in a million pieces.
Miki said, “It’s all right. We can start our session now. Right, Finia?”
“Yeah, it’s okay.”
Mrs. Knight nodded.
“I know you have a list ready of what we have to talk about, but can I ask Finia a question?” Miki asked.
“I don’t know,” Mrs. Knight replied.
“But, while you were gone, Finia and I talked. We were making progress. I was going to ask her something right before you walked in. I’m afraid I won’t be able to concentrate until I get it out.” He turned to face Finia, his eyes pleading. “Do you mind? If you don’t feel comfortable answering, it’ll hurt me, but I’ll understand.”
“It’s fine. Ask me the question.”
“Are you seeing anyone?”
She bit her lip, looking at the therapist. There were so many ways to answer that question. Earlier she’d wanted to toy with him. She could easily lie and say she was seeing a guy, making someone up. But, after his heartfelt confession, she couldn’t put Miki through a lie that could hurt his heart. But, could she really tell the truth? If she said “no,” then he’d probably get arrogant again, thinking she was waiting on him.
Finia decided to take the best approach, what she liked to call ‘The Miki Approach’—avoid the question directly. “I’d like to start dating again.”
Mrs. Knight nodded and smiled. “Miki, how do you feel about that?” She grabbed her pen, eager to write down results.
Clearing his throat, he said, “I don’t want her to date some stupid guy. I don’t want random guys near our son. I told her I’d like to be her friend, so I guess it’s not right to say that, to put her in that position, but I can’t help how I feel.” He looked at his therapist. “You missed it earlier, but I apologized to Finia. For everything.”
Mrs. Knight raised an eyebrow. “You two definitely made progress. I thought we’d get to that at the end of your last session.” She focused her attention on Finia. “Wow, how did that make you feel?”
Finia and Miki locked gazes. As she placed a strand of hair behind her ear, her heart felt like it would burst out of her chest, and her throat hurt so much that it was hard to swallow. “It’s all I ever wanted. I waited all these years to hear him say ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘I apologize.’ For the longest time, I resented him, but his apology is the right step in getting my forgiveness.”
She smiled, at peace with this new revelation.
Chapter Sixteen
“Damn it!” Finia slammed the palm of her hand against the steering wheel. Her car wouldn’t start. Please not today, she begged. There still wasn’t enough in her savings for a new vehicle.
She watched her co-workers saunter past her car in the parking lot. Not a glance back from anyone in the crowd. She stared at Patrick’s broad shoulders and round butt in his tight suit. She was impressed with his muscular calves, his ankles didn’t look too bad either in his yacht shoes without any socks.
He paused in his step, slowly turned around, and caught her eye. In a trance, she didn’t look away. He approached her car. She rolled down her window. “Hi.”
Patrick leaned against the car door, his face near hers. “Hi, Finia. What are you doing?”
“Waiting on a tow truck. Wondering how I’m going to get home.”
Charm in his voice, he said, “Wonder no more. I’ll take you home.”
“I can’t ask you to do that.”
He smiled. “You didn’t ask if I offered.” He opened her Honda door, took her hand, and helped her out of the car. Still holding her hand, he took a step closer. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Finia massaged her neck, her body heat rising. “I live all the way in Charles Town.”
“Road trip it is.”
Patrick was the perfect gentleman. He had waited forty-five minutes for the tow truck without any complaints. He even offered to pick up Finia’s car at the mechanic tomorrow, so it’d be waiting for her after work. Now, they were on the road, heading towards her home. She had already called Laura to let her know she’d be late.
Staring out the window, Finia placed her hands on her knees. She turned to look at Patrick. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
“Please don’t say I’m being too friendly. Nice guys never get the girl.”
“I’m flattered, but…”
Patrick interrupted, “Are you with someone?”
“I have a young son.”
“Jahlin, right? My uncle talks about you all the time.” He bit his bottom lip. “I hope that didn’t sound stalkerish.”
She laughed. “Kinda, but I get it. I’ve heard about you too.”
Has Patrick heard about Miki? Should she tell him that’s why she couldn’t give him a chance?
“Good things, I hope,” he said, vulnerability in his voice.
“If not, I wouldn’t have gotten in your car.”
Patrick cleared his throat. “You never answered my question. Are you with someone?”
Finia stared out the window again. Cows were munching on the grass near a red barn. “My ex Miki is still in the picture. He’s in Jahlin’s life, but we’re not dating.”
Chapter Seventeen
Miki glared out of the rental Toyota’s window. Rob had let him borrow the car. It was a regular gray color, something that wouldn’t stand out. Miki was parked a block from Finia’s neighborhood. His hands squeezed the binoculars.
Who the fuck was this bastard shaking Laura’s hand in the front yard? Was Finia dating behind his back? Something serious that she was letting the bastard meet her family?
Miki slammed his fist into the dashboard when he saw Finia smile and squeeze the bastard’s shoulder. She led Laura and him into the house. Damn it, her blinds were closed!
He rocked back and forth, his mind focused on Finia. How could she betray him like this? Miki threw the binoculars into the back seat and grabbed his Samsung tablet from his satchel in the passenger’s front seat. He turned on the video app and listened to the audio coming from Finia’s house. Besides keeping an eye on her credit card purchases, he also spied on her at home. Rob wasn’t only a used car salesman. He had lost his eng
ineering job when videos of his female co-workers using the bathroom were found on his computer.
A jack of all trades. With Rob’s help, Miki was able to get information to manipulate Finia into taking him back. He knew that Laura was on his side. He knew sometimes Finia whispered his name when she masturbated. He knew that he was wearing her down.
So, who the fuck was this bastard? Miki’s ears perked up when he got a name. Patrick. A co-worker.
A dead co-worker if Patrick tried to replace him.
Chapter Eighteen
A few days later, Finia sat at her kitchen table and ate her Lean Cuisine lasagna dinner. She sighed and rolled her eyes when she heard a car pull up in the driveway. She wanted to enjoy her hours alone for the day. Her dad had picked up Jahlin for one of his softball games. She didn’t know anyone else who would want to stop by, and the game definitely wasn’t over yet.
She stood up, walked over to the window, and looked out the curtain. Miki slammed his car door and crossed the yard. They made eye contact as he reached the porch steps. He hadn’t smiled or waved when he saw her, so something must be wrong.
She hesitated before going to the front door. She waited for him to knock, then she opened the door, standing in front of it, blocking his way. “What are you doing here?”
“I was in the neighborhood.”
“Oh.” She leaned in the doorway.
He folded his arms across his chest. “Can I come in? I’d like to see Jahlin.”
“He’s not here, which you would’ve known if you called first.”
Miki glared at Finia. “We’re back to that stupid shit again.”
“It’s not stupid shit.”
“Can I come in or what?”
Finia frowned, studying him. “What’s wrong?”
They were finally on a friendly basis, and she didn’t like seeing him hurt.
Miki looked off to the side, running his hands through his hair. “Why won’t you let me in? Are you waiting on company? Am I spoiling your plans?”
Twisted Obsession Page 5
