THIRTY SIX

DAMON

It has been two days since I saw Selena or went to the mansion.

I won’t lie, I am furious. I found Selena’s utterances that day to be highly offensive and the anger that swelled inside me when I left the building remained within me as I went about my usual activities.

The previous night, when I failed to drag the feeling of anger out of my system, I asked myself what particularly annoyed me, I wished to do anything to stop engaging such a deadly feeling.

Anger could stop being an emotion only to evolve into a growing monster

I got an answer to the self-asked question and all I can say is that it is Selena’s fault.

Selena easily guesses the kind of person I am without checking if her deductions are right or not. She finds it easy to decide the kind of person she expects me to be and doesn't bother to listen to any complaint.

The same time happened when she sent me on a mission, and when she pulled out a deal about sleeping together.

She easily assumed I would give in without arguing. Selena must think she knows me well.

That would explain why she thought I would want to have sex after watching her torture a man with a devilish tone in her voice.

The way I see it, she is hardly considerate. As long as what she wants ends up in her hands, she doesn’t care about any other thing. She doesn’t give a damn about another human’s feelings.

How can my heart pound for such a person? How dare my body jump excitedly for that kind of human?

“Uncle Damon,” my niece’s voice dragged me out of my thoughts which were becoming as muddled as a whirlwind, “the setting sun is so pretty today.”

I halted my steps as Becca’s sentence made my interest dash away from Selena.

True to her words, the sun which looked so close despite its insane distance to the planet, had its reflection dancing over the ocean’s stillness, and its yolk-like image and round shape sank further and further into the depth of earth as seconds passed.

As my eyes feasted on the calm, colourful sight in front of me, the corner of my eyes caught my niece’s movement. I quickly pulled Becca to my side, holding her dearly before she could get to touch the high guardrails. It was bad enough that we were on a bridge, it could get ugly if she moves carelessly.

“Grandma said you got a new job,” Becca said, breaking the long silence that trailed us ever since we started our walk. I looked at her, a small smile on my face. “Does that mean you will have a lot of money?”

I chuckled. “I will certainly have a lot of money.”

“That’s good. Then, I don’t have to worry anymore.”

“What?” The disbelief in my voice got mixed with an incoming short laugh. “Were you worried about me?”

She nodded her head eagerly, her ponytail dancing along. Then, as I squatted to level with her stance, her right hand reached out and touched my cheek.

It was crazy how my body reacted to her simple gesture. Something within me felt elevated, my body felt her warmth, and I felt peace within me.

“You have been working really hard, Uncle Damon,” her second hand landed on the other side of my face, “it is time for you to enjoy life now.”

A huge feeling of relief sank inside me and I closed my eyes. As I relished the feel of her warm hands which held me dearly, I instantly recalled my brother and the love he showed me despite the fact that there were demons within him he had to fight alone. As my mind recalled the image of my late brother, my hands rested on top of Rebecca’s and I felt a strain in my throat which sourced from my heart.

Rebecca wasn’t done. “Make sure you are happy and enjoy life to the fullest because you deserve it, Uncle Damon.”

“Rebecca…” My voice cracked as my lips pouted with slight sadness. I could feel tears pinching my throat as I opened my eyes. “Thank you so much.” Slowly, I hugged her to my chest. “Thank you so much, Rebecca. You are a good girl, a really good girl.”

“Now that you are rich, will I get unlimited cake and bread?”

I chuckled as I tried to push back the tears that were almost blurring my sight. “You are going to get them all. I will buy them all for you.” A small smile rested on my lips as my eyes fluttered violently.

Why does it feel like my brother is still around?

Sometimes, Becca talks, and I feel his presence.

By chance… was he still around?

My head tilted to the left, and my eyes wore a little frown, but I quickly got rid of that thought.

“Rebecca…” A small grunt escaped my lips as I got on my feet. “Should we get some cake?”

“Yes!” She jumped happily.

“Yes…” My smile was wider this time. Rebecca certainly makes my days happier. I am thankful for the chance to protect her from the deadliness of my father’s lingering presence. Even if I am dining and literally sleeping with a lady of terror to protect my family, I don’t mind.

As long as they are unharmed, I don’t care. I will put up with Selena’s antics. It’s just rather unfortunate that I am deep into the way I feel about Selena.

I can’t stay away from her despite my present anger. Her stupid deal has pushed me into her arms.

I now know how she feels in my hold and I keep wanting more.

As Rebecca and I resumed our walk, I quickly pushed Selena out of my thoughts. For some minutes, I wish to think about anything else but her. So, as I took my eyes off the beautiful sunset, I walked side by side with Rebecca who wore her excitement without shame.

~

By the time we reached my mother’s house, the night had settled and the only thing that gave light were the street lamps which shine brighter than the moon.

I watched Rebecca skip into the house, happiness in her jumpy strides. My eyes swiftly grazed the sight of the house I grew up in and I wondered how my mother managed to survive her hard days.

When our father left her the second time, he scammed her of her money, taking all of her savings which she intended to use for a business that promised to flourish.

My brother and I were yet to reach the age of ten at that moment, yet, our mother managed to survive. She raised us on her own until she got on her feet.

It's just terrible that she lost a son, that woman deserves everything good in this life.

As I looked up at the starless sky, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket.

A sharp exhale was followed by the smacking of my lips as I saw the caller's ID.

"Hello?"

'Damon Jones...' I could hear the deafening sound of metal being hit repeatedly in the background. 'Where the fuck are you?'

"I am at home," I replied.

'What? You are meant to be here. Didn't you see my message?'

And, just like that, I could feel my anger resurface. Selena certainly isn't aware of how I feel. She clearly didn't think about her actions and how they would affect me.

'Damon?' I wished to end the call right there. But, I didn't.

I have to give her a piece of my mind. She can't keep acting or talking like a selfish jerk around me.

"Selena, you are-"

I could not finish my statement. The hit I felt at the back of my head caused my right hand to lose its stability. My phone fell to the ground instantly.

My eyes narrowed, my brows twitching, I shook my head to get rid of the sudden ringing in my ear. My feet staggerye as I had an intention to turn and see what was going on.

I didn't get a chance to do so.

The next second, my right leg lost its balance and like a puppet following its master, I fell to my knees, my head still banging crazily.

"Ugh..." A faint gasp escaped me as I felt a painful slap on my back. As my back arched in reaction, I felt weak instantly. The pain that followed the mysterious slams increased as seconds passed and I could barely lift my arm to protect myself.

Before I knew it, my entire body was sprawled on the ground and I felt those pains worsen as my entire body received hurtful and repetitive slams.

I had no idea what was going on... I had no idea what to think.

All I know is, as I received those unexpected beatings, my body felt weak and all I saw until I slipped into unconsciousness was my phone whose screen was still lighted, and a pair of black coloured shoes.