The Ties That Bind Us: (The Ties Duet Part One) by Danda K. (chromebook ebook reader TXT) 📕

bath scrubs, or whatever the hell chicks use, but I do have some Dove soap.

Making a mental note to go out tomorrow and get her some stuff she may need while she stays here, I grab her a pair of pajama pants and a t-shirt to put on after the shower. Placing it all in the bathroom for her, I pick up Magnet, who, like I figured, was sleeping in the sink, and put him on the floor. He scurries off just as Cameron walks in.

“Bath or shower?” I ask standing between the tub and stand-up shower.

She just shrugs and smiles. “Is both an option?”

She stands in front of the vanity mirror, examining her bruise.

Joking with her, I respond, “What’d I tell you about the word no?”

She chuckles and shakes her head. “Right, no is not an option. I’ll remember that.”

I wink at her and point my thumb over my shoulder. “I’m just gonna set up the spare bedroom for you, y’know, change the sheets and clean up a bit. I’ll be right out here if you need me.”

She nods and continues to go about her business. I leave the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

It takes me about thirty minutes to get the room set up and the apartment organized. I didn’t have much to clean because I never let it get too messy. Being homeless gives you a new appreciation for your own home. I heard the water shut off a few minutes ago, so I head to the kitchen to make us something to eat.

The bathroom door opens, and Cam walks out.

“Hey, you.” I give her a smile as I move to the sink.

“Hey, yourself.” She smiles back and tucks her long wet hair behind her ear.

Smirking, I ask, “You hungry? I was about to make some peanut butter sandwiches for me and Magnet.”

She smiles back and replies, “Yeah, sure. Will your best friend be joining us for dinner?” Just as she finishes her statement, Magnet brushes past her leg, and she jumps.

“You can pet him. He won’t bite.” I pause and tap my finger to my chin to think about it. “Or, better yet, just leave him be.” I remember my ankles and decide that’s for the best.

“You don’t have to twist my arm,” she responds dryly.

I’m silenced, amazed at the ease of our banter after the horrible evening we just had.

I grab the jar of peanut butter from the cabinet and put it on the counter as I fish a knife out of the drawer. Once our sandwiches are ready, I place them on a couple of plates and take them over to the table. I go back for Magnet’s and call him over. I place his spoonful of peanut butter in his dish as he struts in and gets comfortable.

Sitting down to eat, I lift my sandwich and ask, “So, how’re you holding up?”

She shrugs and replies before taking a bite of her sandwich, “Not my first rodeo.” It bothers the shit outta me that this girl has grown accustomed to being assaulted. I’m flooded with even more guilt.

She must read it on my face because she follows up with, “It’s not your fault Jaxon. I want you to know that, besides what happened in the bathroom, tonight was amazing.” She places her sandwich down, wipes her hands off, and continues, “No man has ever treated me with a fraction of the decency that you have. I’m grateful for your kindness and generosity, so thank you.”

I shake my head, knowing she’s trying to placate me. “It’s not about me, Cameron. And you don’t have to thank me. I care about you. Deeply. I’d do anything for you.”

She picks at the piece of bread in her plate and retorts, “That’s good to know because I’m not an easy person to care about. I’ll fight you tooth and nail.” She shrugs. “It’s just who I am.”

I take a long sip of my water and reassure her, “Well, I’m up for the challenge. Now finish up. It’s late, and you need to rest.” She takes a huge bite, showing off by smiling like a chipmunk with food stuffed in her cheeks. I don’t know if her sudden playful attitude makes me happy because she feels better or makes me incredibly angry because she’s so desensitized to violence.

When we’re both done eating, she stands up and finishes her glass of water. “I’m gonna head to bed.” I stand up, unsure of what to do.

She seems like she’s debating something before she asks, “Can you maybe lay with me for a bit?

Just until I fall asleep?”

I look at her like she’s crazy. Will I lay with her? I’d be her own personal fucking blow up bed if she needed me to be.

Her cheeks turn crimson as she shakes her head. “Sorry, you don’t have to. That was stupid of--”

I cut her off. “Stop.” Stepping in front of her, I gently pinch her chin and tilt her head up to look at me. “Let’s go to bed.”

I kiss her lips gently. It’s a quick kiss, just enough for her to feel my lips on hers, but not so much that she’d feel like I wanted more than this.

We head into the room she’ll be using. The bed is smaller than my queen-sized mattress, but I don’t care. Cameron lies down on her side with her hands pressed together under her chin. I scoot in behind her and pull her to me so we’re back to chest. I wrap my free arm over her side and tuck the other one under my pillow.

We stay silent, and before I know it, her breaths even out, and she’s asleep.

I say a silent vow to her at this moment that I would do everything in my power to make sure nobody ever hurts her again, including myself.

Twenty

Cameron

I wake up on my belly, my hair a disheveled mess. I lift my head from the pillow and look around.