CHAPTER 7

MIA’S POV

                            (FLASHBACK)

“Riley, please slow down” I tried to steady my breathing as Riley drove at high speed. The memory of what happened to Dad and me was imprinted at the back of my mind.

“I knew we shouldn't have brought her with us.” Callie, Riley's friend hissed in annoyance. I ignored her and stared at the road. Riley's friends never liked me and in my defense, the feeling was mutual. 

George, Riley’s boyfriend, increased the volume of the radio. “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar blared out of the loudspeaker “This song is for you, Mia. Be humble and shut the fuck up. You are becoming annoying” Riley yelled at the top of her voice”. 

I tried distracting myself from the noise as I stared out the window. Turning away from the window, I looked in front of me and saw Riley and George locked lips, kissing.

“Come on Riley, concentrate on the road. You….. “ I was cut shut by a loud bang which was followed by a painful scream. “What just happened?” I was horrified. 

Riley had a shocked expression on her face. “Guys! I think I just hit someone or something. I don’t know…” She bellowed in a state of panic.

Rushing out of the car, we came face to face with the cold lifeless eyes of a teenage girl. I screamed in fear….

                         End of flashback

I jolted awake in a state of fear while screaming at the top of my voice…

“Hey! Hey!! Shh… shh…. You are safe, I'm here with you” Denver whispered in a soft voice trying to calm me as I held him tightly like my life depended on it. “You are safe now” he cooed while rubbing my hair gently.

When he noticed I was a bit calm, he laid me down on the bed “I'm sorry” he blurted, making me look at him in question. “I shouldn't have let you go to the party without me. Tyler told me what happened”. He sounded apologetic.

I squinted my eyes in confusion. I tried to remember what happened and how I ended up on the bed. “What happened?" I asked, unsure whether or not he would tell me.

He hissed in anger “ That son of a bitch attacked you. I swear I will make him pay for what he did to you” he fumed in anger which only left me in utter confusion. I couldn't ask more questions as I felt a throbbing migraine. I subconsciously let out a painful groan.

“I will get the doctor to check up on you. You should sleep now” He whispered, while standing up to leave the room. Before I could stop myself, I cried out “Please stay.” 

I instantly regretted my action when he raised a brow at me. “ You can go if you want, I'm sorry for asking” I sputtered, embarrassed by my action. 

He chuckled softly. His handsomeness was swoon-worthy but I could not say much about his cold demeanor. “I can't sit and watch you sleep, sweetheart” he rasped. Making me regret my actions AGAIN. I mewled. “I will sleep next to you,” he added. Making my lips twitch into a warm smile.

He moved his cane side by side, making his way to the other side of the bed. I felt the need to help him but I don't think he would like that. 

After comfortably placing himself on the bed, he pulled me closer to his hard-toned chest making me hot. My face was red from blushing. 

“Care to tell me about your nightmare?” he asked as he buried his nose in my hair, inhaling my scent. My neck was sweating profusely from the tingling feeling that erupted from his touch. 

“Hmmm….” I started but stopped. I was debating whether or not I wanted to share that sensitive part of my life with anyone.

“You don't have to tell me if you are not comfortable,” he mumbled under his breath. 

Sucking in a sharp breath, I sighed. “A year ago! My sister accidentally murdered someone” I blurted. I felt him freeze for a while before regaining his composure. “Her friends injected drugs into the girl so it would look like she was high on drugs and wasn't mindful of the road. They went as far as putting some in her backpack so it would look convincing.”  I sniffled, I didn't realize my face was already soaked with tears. 

Denver continued stroking my hair with his fingers, urging me to continue. “My mom made me take the blame. My sister was sick at that time and I couldn't let her go to jail so I took the blame and was detained.  

A couple of days later, I was released due to the evidence of drugs found in the girl’s backpack. The Detective in charge of the case wasn't convinced.” I explained, trying my best to forget about the traumatizing accident.

“Detective Wilson refused to close the case. The girl’s mother goes to him crying every day for justice. It breaks my heart but my mom can't live without my sister. I couldn't turn her in to save my skin. The girl’s lifeless eyes still haunt my dreams”. I couldn't control my trembling state as I wept bitterly. 

Denver stopped stroking my hair. I knew he would hate me after everything I told him. Who wouldn't? 

Instead of standing up to leave like I thought he would, he did the most insane thing I never imagined. He pulled me into a hug, making me freeze in shock. Who would have thought the cold-hearted Denver had an ounce of sympathy in him?

“You went through a lot Mia! You deserve to be happy”. His words left me in awe. “We will give the poor girl the Justice she deserves without you suffering for a crime you didn't commit.” He asserted with so much conviction which made my heart flutter.

“Go to sleep now. You need to rest, "he said while placing a soft kiss on my forehead. My heart felt light for sharing a part of the secret that burdened me

I drifted off to sleep with the thought of the man lying close to me. I couldn't help but wonder if this affectionate side would last for as long as the contract lasts. 

                   *****************************

As I walked to the kitchen, I didn't bother to look at myself in the mirror. I already knew I looked like I was hit by a moving train. I stopped abruptly in my tracks when I heard Tyler’s voice. Suddenly the event of last night, on our way to the Charity Ball Party came crashing down on me.

“Sis-in-law is finally awake. I'm sorry for what happened yesterday”. Tyler said, giving a pseudo-apology. It sounded fake. “I should have protected you from those bastards,” He spat.

Listening to his explanation, realization dawned on me. I widened my eyes in surprise. Tyler lied to Denver about what he did yesterday. We never went to the party, he almost got us killed by his jealousy and anger.

“I believe she is better now,” Denver spoke from the corner of the room. “Tyler! Mia will take over as the COO of my Company.” Denver announced. My eyes bulged out in shock. 

I watched as Tyler’s face lost its color making him look pale.