Looking at his watch, he saw it was well after seven. Kate had called him and told him she was out of town on business, so that meant he had the extra time to work. Grabbing his things, he scrambled from the office and did his usual routine. After seeing that everything was locked properly, he hustled outside. It was raining profusely and more than chilly. He stopped as he saw a person curled up near the steps. Blowing out a breath, he slowly walked over.
“Is everything ok?” he asked, hoping the person wasn’t a maniac.
Seeing as how the sun had set early, and the person was in the shadows, he kept his distance. This was more of a scene from a movie and it sent a chill through him. Peering a little closer, he realized it was a young woman.
“Miss—are you ok?” he inquired again.
The female looked up and his heart dropped as he saw who it was.
“Fine.” Nevaeh sniffled looking up to him, just showing her eyes.
Walking closer to her, he saw that the left side of her face was bruised. He immediately rushed over to her and fell to his knees.
“What the hell happened?!” he asked, pulling her arms away from her face.
He saw her upper lip was busted as well and anger shot through him. She was draped in his coat that he had lent her, obviously trying to stay warm.
“Nothing.” She insisted, as more of her tears fell.
“What happened? What are you doing out here?!” Mitchell pushed.
“I didn’t have anywhere else to go.” She sniffled.
“Come on.” He replied, standing up before taking her by the hands and gently pulling her up. “I’m going to take you to the hospital.”
“No! I’m fine!” she shouted, wobbling as her knees gave out.
He caught her, and scooped her into his arms. He’d be damned if he left her alone. She was not fine, despite everything she was saying. Sure, she was strong, but she was still a woman. The only thing he could think of was the strip club. In his head, he was convinced that something must’ve happened there.
Carrying her to the car, he put her in the passenger side and closed it before jetting over to his side. Getting in, he skid off out of the parking lot. The drive was quiet to say the least as he drove on what seemed like an endless road. He wanted badly to know who had done something like that to her, but he didn’t want to bombard her with questions, leaving her to be overly overwhelmed. After a few more minutes of silence and her sniffling, he folded. He just had to know.
“Nevaeh tell me what happened. Please.” He pleaded sympathetically.
“Nothing.” She replied wiping the tears from her eyes, as she looked out of her window. Wiping her tears seemed redundant because more had fallen faster right after.
“Nevaeh, you can trust me. Do you want me to take you home?” he asked looking at her briefly.
“No!” she shouted looking over t him and he saw fear dredge up in her eyes.
“I’m sure your parents would want to know—”
“No, they wouldn’t.” she replied shaking her head, as he glanced back at the road. “My mother left me behind.” She muttered, and his heart sank as he heard the despair in her voice.
“What about your father?” he pushed. “I’m sure he’d—”
“He doesn’t care about me.” She bit.
“I’m sure that’s not true.” He responded.
“You don’t even know him.” She grumbled still looking over at him as he stopped at a red light.
“He’s your dad—”
“He’s the one who did this to me!” she shouted, as her tears fell once again.
Mitchell gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles went white. He let out a stifled breath as he glanced over at Nevaeh. Seeing the bruises on her face had sent shockwaves through him. There were things about her that he realized he would have never known had he not found her. On the surface, it just seemed like she was the girl next door that had it all. The looks, and brain, but decided to throw it away to make money. Granted, that had changed the night before when he dropped her off at the crumby apartment she called home, but he never thought it was this bad.
Without saying another word, he drove off as the light turned green.
“Where are you taking me?!” she asked nervously sitting up right.
“Relax, I’m taking you home with me.” He insisted.
Letting out a sigh of relief, she relaxed in the leather seat she was sitting in.
“I don’t want to be a burden.” She whispered, feeling pathetic.
“You’re not a burden. You could never be a burden to me, so I don’t want to ever hear you say that to me again. I’m going to take you home with me to make sure you’re safe, and I don’t want to hear another word about it.” He responded.
Pulling up to Mitchell’s home, Nevaeh was amazed. He lived in a penthouse about forty-five minutes from the school. The view was amazing to say the least. She could see the mountaintops as they stretched into the dark clouds. She was drenched from the rain, and so was he. They scurried into the house, and she removed her shoes at the door. He watched her and smiled. No one had ever done that, he always had to stress it to Kate, but she was always too bothered to listen. So he constantly had scuffs and scratched from her high heels on his floor.
The walls of his place were black, and the moment you walked into the living room, there were huge windows that stretched from the ceiling to the floor on just about every side. He had white couches with black backs sitting perfectly around the room. In the center of the room, there was a block round fireplace. It was something she’d only seen in magazines. Sure, she dreamed of living in something like that, but knew the odds of ever fulfilling that dream were slim to none.
Walking over to one of the doors, she looked the windows and saw his square pool that could fit a whole party. There were huge beautiful black looking lanterns dangling from his ceiling. He was definitely doing well for only being twenty five.
“It must be nice to live here.” she replied spinning around to him. He had watched her as she took in his things.
“I guess.” He shrugged pulling off his soaked suit jacket.
“You guess?” she asked wide eyed. “You’re loaded, and live in nearly every person’s dream!” she scoffed as he sat her down on the stool at the bar in the kitchen.
“My father’s loaded. Do you really think I could afford this if I lived on my salary alone? I wouldn’t even be a principal without him.” he replied annoyed, raising an eyebrow at her.
She could tell he was uncomfortable with talking about money. He grabbed a first aid kit from underneath the bar and walked back over to her. Opening it, he pulled out a few cotton swabs and dabbed her lip, cleaning the blood from it. Grabbing another cotton swab, he covered it with antiseptic before pressing hit back to her lip. She winched in pain and he grimaced before blowing it for her. The split on her lips was bad, but didn’t need any stiches.
Sorry.” He replied looking down into her eyes as she carefully watched him.
“At least he supports you.” She insisted, changing the subject as her teeth began to chatter.
“Not exactly.” He insisted, putting the things away before pulling off his socks. “My father wants me to just like him, and since I’m not, he barely respects me.”
“Sorry.” She chattered.
“It’s fine.” He smiled fakely. “How about you take a nice warm shower, while I find you something to wear?”
“I don’t want anything of your girlfriend’s.” she protested as he walked her upstairs.
“Um, ok. I can see what else I have. You just go wash off.” He replied, showing her the guestroom she was staying in that had its own bathroom.
Going into his room, he grabbed a long t-shirt of his, and sat it in the bed for her along with a towel. After that, he went back into his private bathroom and stripped before taking a shower himself. After getting dressed in his pajamas, he headed down the hall to her guestroom. She was sitting on the huge canopy bed, looki
ng nervous. He knocked lightly on the door, even though it was already open.
“You alright?” he asked walking into the room with her.
She nodded, as she sat with her legs folded. He sat beside her on the bed and examined her bruises. He was sure she had probably done the same thing in the bathroom. He saw the bruises stretched alongside her neck, and disappeared somewhere on her back where the shirt covered her up.
“You know you can watch a movie or listen to some music. While you’re here, this room belongs to you.” He smiled brushing her long black hair behind her ear.
“I don’t want to intrude more than I already have.” She retorted, shaking her head.
“What did I tell you about saying that to me? Do I need to tickle you?” he asked with half a smile.
She snorted as she looked him in the eyes. He thought she was absolutely beautiful. Her hair was curly from being wet and she looked amazing in his boxers and t-shirt. Erasing the image would be impossible. All he wanted to do was crawl in bed and kiss her sorrows away, but he had to many morals for that. He didn’t want her to think he was preying on her in her vulnerable state. Especially since it was now obvious that she had “daddy issues”. It made sense why she went for older guys.
“What am I five now?” she smiled breaking into his thoughts.
“No, but that got me to see your gorgeous smile.” He insisted.
“Well I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, but this is nothing new to me.” She replied.
Those words slammed into him like a knife into his gut. Just to know her father was an utter bastard enraged him. He wanted to stalk to the guy’s house, and knock his teeth down his throat. The thought entertained him for a brief moment.
“So, I’m gathering that’s the sole reason you took the job you did.” He said, trying to make sense of things.
“I’m the bread winner of the family. It’s just me and him, and if I didn’t get a job, we would starve, and be homeless. I cook for him, I clean for him—I”
“Do way more than you should for a bastard.” He grumbled cutting her off.
Looking down into her lap, she fiddled with her fingers.
“Maybe we should just turn in for the night.” He insisted.
“Can you play me some soft music?” she inquired crawling to the top of the bed.
He watched her sleek slender frame, and imagined him lying beneath her. Her sexy smooth caramel skinned legs were bare and he wanted to kiss them all the way up to her thighs. Swallowing hard, he nixed the thought aside.
“Sure.” He replied getting up and turning on some soft R and B.
“Mitchell,” she said saying his name for the first time and it rolled off of her tongue beautifully. “Can you please stay with me tonight?”
He opened his mouth to protest, but she added, “I don’t want to be alone.”
Swallowing his doubts about being alone in the bed with her, he nodded.
“Sure.” He replied walking over to the bed after dimming the lights.
Crawling in bed beside her, she curled up in his arms and he held her. She smelled like the honey almond body wash he used. Kissing her on the forehead, he stared up at the ceiling as she wrapped her arm around him. She held him tightly and he clutched her back. A moment later, she shifted and pulled him around her to spoon. She held his hands tight as she cuddled him. Having her body tangled with his was everything he’d thought it would be and more.
She was soft and easy to be around. He liked actually being needed. He liked the fact that she was independent and strong, yet still desired to be protected. He would be her savior if that’s what he needed to be. Right now, lying there beside her, holding her, and caressing her, he was certain he refused to let her down.
Feeling her tight as pushing up against him, he felt himself becoming aroused. He would be a fool to not react to her body brushing up against his. Holding her tight, they drifted off to sleep together.
Chapter Seven
Nevaeh reached on the other side of the bed, and felt it was empty. Opening her eyes, she saw the sun was shining and there was a note sitting on the pillow where Mitchell once laid. Even though she’d never been in the situation herself she always heard that waking up to an empty bed and a note was always a bad sign. Maybe he regretted helping her and wanted to tell her to leave without hurting her feelings. Taking a deep breath, she opened the note and read it.
Nevaeh,
I’m sorry I had to go without saying goodbye, but you were sleeping so peacefully. I made you breakfast and it’s in the kitchen. I hope you like waffles. Had to head to work, and as you know it’s an hour drive. Don’t worry about school today; I’ll excuse you for a few days. So kick your feet up, get comfy, and watch some movies.
The Best Principal in the World,
Mitchell
Nevaeh grinned like a fool in love as she released the breath she had took in. Mitchell had truly proven to be a gentleman in every way possible. Slipping out of the bed, she tipped down the stairs to the kitchen. As promised, there was a plate that was covered. Removing the top, she saw a full plate of food. He’d made eggs, bacon, sausages and waffles. It had been ages since someone had made her breakfast instead of the other way around.
This was something she could definitely get used to. Too bad it wasn’t destined to last.
Nevaeh pulled the pot roast and potatoes from the oven. She was wearing a pink apron that read, 'Kiss the Chef'. The darn thing seemed to be brand new, and looked as if it had never been used.
There was a knock at the door, and it startled her. Setting the dinner to the side, she looked at the clock. It was well after five, so she was hoping it had been Mitchell needing help with the door. Scrambling to the front door, she pulled it open with a huge smile. The moment she realized it wasn't Mitchell, the smile dropped immediately.
"Not what I was expecting." Adam replied leaning against the door frame with a sly smile.
"What were you expecting?" Nevaeh inquired, with a sly smirk of her own.
Staring down at her sexy bare legs that stretched from the apron on down, he licked his lips.
"My best friend for one or his fian-- is Mitchell here?" He asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
"No, he isn't. He didn't get home from work yet." She replied, as he slipped past her.
"It smells really good in here." He replied, walking towards the kitchen as she closed the front door.
Sauntering over to him, she saw him reaching to grab some food, so she slapped his hand.
"Ow!" He hollered, cradling his hand.
"This is for Mr. McCallister." She insisted.
"Are you his new chef?" He asked eyeing her ass. "Because whatever he's paying you, I can pay you more to walk around my house nearly naked too. Because you are fine."
The door opened, and Mitchell stood stunned as he saw his best friend gawking at Nevaeh. Slamming his front door, he sat his took his jacket of and looked back and forth at both of them. Adam of course had a goofy grin, while Nevaeh looked like a school girl in love. Dread shot through Mitchell as he took in the scene. Knowing his best friend all too well, he was hoping he hadn’t made her feel uncomfortable. That was the last thing he needed, especially after what she had gone through the night before. He knew he had to get Adam to leave. But first thing was first.
“Nevaeh, why aren’t you dressed?” He inquired, as his cheeks turned a rosy red.
For some reason, she was always making him blush. Staring at her in the apron, he swallowed hard at how sexy he found her to be. The smell of food was welcoming to his nostrils, and it made his empty stomach rumble.
“No clothes remember.” She smiled at him, and he half nodded as Adam grinned at him foolishly.
“Oh yeah, I forgot.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
“I bet you did.” Adam retorted with a snicker.
“Shut up.” Mitchell snapped, eyeing him briefly.
There was no way he was going to let Adam i
nstigate the situation any further.
“I washed your things, and they’re downstairs in my laundry room.” He insisted walking over to her.
“Thanks.” She replied, standing oh her tippy toes and kissing his cheek. “I cooked you dinner.”
He blushed even more as he watched her turn and saunter from the room. She was wearing nothing but one of his t-shirts, that stretched down just above her knees. The moment she left the room, Adam grabbed his attention.
“What was that all about?” he smiled.
“What are you talking about?” Mitchell asked snapping out of his haze, and glaring at his best friend.
“You were turning all red, every time she batted her eyes at you! That’s what.” Adam insisted.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Mitchell protested shaking his head.
“To you, I seem to never know what I’m talking about.” Adam responded.
“Because you don’t.” Mitchell shrugged.
“Who is she? Why does she look so familiar?” Adam pushed.
“Familiar?” Mitchell asked shyly.
He wasn’t ready to admit that she was the stripper he met the night of his “pre bachelor party”. Adam saw through his best friend’s nervous reaction and continued to pry. He knew it was only a matter of time before Mitchell caved.
“Yeah, did she work for someone else? Like a housekeeper or something?” he asked.
Mitchell quickly shook his head in denial.
“Are you paying her for sex? Is Kate holding out on you?” he insisted.
“What? No! She’s not an escort!” Mitchell protested. “But Kate has been—” he quickly closed his mouth as he realized what his friend was doing.
Adam knew just how to push his buttons.
“You and Kate still haven’t banged?!” Adam laughed. “Then I don’t blame you for paying Nevaeh, that is her name right? I would pay her just to lick—”
Heart of a Stripper Page 5
