Ties That Bind

Chapter Five- Comprismes & Understandings

~~Brinkley's point of view~~

I stir, then open my eyes. I look around. We're on the boat, and I am in bed by myself. I can tell you that I slept alone. I don't remember going to bed. I remember finishing "Enchanted." then he put in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." I must have fallen asleep, and he carried me to bed. Which means he slept on the couch. I quietly get up and use the bathroom. I change my clothes. I stop at the door and just stare at the beast before my eyes. I like him when he is asleep and not barking orders.

I have to admit, though, the Lanahan men are all good-looking men. They didn't miss the right genes. Austin is the odd one out; he must look like his mom. They all have her eyes. Zoltan's eyes are dark brown. All the boys have green eyes;  Austin is the only blonde in the group. I giggle to myself because Victoria's words pop in my head. "that man is intimidating and sexy as fuck all in one." Is what she said. She's right; he is both.

My phone vibrates.

~~Text conversation~~

Kurt: "Hello, Sweetheart."

Brinkley: "Hello, Kurt. What can I help you with?"

Kurt: "I am not your boss anymore. Have dinner with me."

Brinkley: "No, thank you. I am in a relationship currently."

Kurt: "When did that happen?"

Brinkley: "The night after, we saw you and Ray in the bar."

Kurt: "That hurts my heart, Brinkley."

Brinkley: "I'm sorry."

~~End text conversation~~

I quietly make breakfast. I don't want to wake him up until it's done. I make bacon and eggs because that is what he had here. I set the plates on the table then make my way to him. I slouch beside him and stare at him for a minute; it amazes me how much Aiden looks like his Dad. I try to figure out the best way to wake him up. I don't know how the devil reacts when provoked. I make a bold move. He has a tattoo on his right bicep that spells out "Broken." I trace the letters with my fingers.

Zoltan: "I am still a man, Sweetheart."

He didn't open his eyes; I just heard his words. I jump back, lose my footing, and fall on my ass. He heard the crash of my ass hit the ground; he sits up.

Zoltan: "Are you ok?"

Brinkley: "I'm fine. You startled me."

Zoltan: "Men react to things differently. What you just did makes things happen for me. I don't mind you touching me at all. Please be mindful of how you touch me."

Brinkley: "I'll be more mindful. I made us breakfast."

Zoltan: "Ok."

He stands up and helps me off the floor. We eat, and my mind drifts back to last night. I know what he means when he says that it does things to him. He unintentionally was doing the same to me last night, He may be a male, but I am also a woman. We all have needs. I don't see Zoltan fulfilling those needs from me. When we get home, I am going through my things and see if my toys made it with our stuff.

As we eat, I don't look at him. I'm actually kind of embarrassed. I wanted to do something nice, but I didn't think about it affecting him. I have a lot to learn in this situation. I know that I will never be let out of this situation. I am not stupid. Zoltan has ulterior motives; I just don't know what they are. I know better than to push him. I know he would never physically harm me, but his words are more viscous than his hands.