Robyn is dead.
The words play over in my mind like a bad movie, and I have to wonder when it will sink in that she’s really gone.
I never liked my stepmother. I tried to, but it was always something unachievable. I never wished her dead, though. I never imagined it would happen either. She’s one of those people that you always wonder, will she live for eternity?
Now, knowing that I’m completely free of her is exhilarating, I no longer have to look over my shoulder, constantly wondering if or when she’ll try to strike again. Once I left her home, I was done with her, but she could never let me go.
After spending so many years worrying about her effect on my life, I find I have a little extra jump in my step as I make a traditional dinner of spaghetti and meatballs for Onyx.
I’m going to make you mine, Gracie.
His words, so much sweeter than any others I’ve heard, play in a loop through my head as I hum around the kitchen. I don’t know what he means exactly, but I know I want him too.
I’ve always loved fairytales, happily ever afters, men coming to the damsels’ rescue. I’m a cliché, and I know it. I can’t help it. Before Robyn came into our lives, my mother and father had been desperately in love.
When my mother fell ill from cancer, I never thought my father would recover. He was a wonderful husband and always doted on us. Seeing him so broken, so fragile after her passing, I knew I wanted that kind of love, even if it had the potential to destroy me.
Meeting Onyx, I feel it straight to my bones that we could have that. He has this look in his dark gaze that screams obsessive when he watches me. I feel…alive with him around. Even when his partner was telling me the bad news, my heart beat a little quicker because Onyx was touching me.
I’m sure some people would call me dependent because I’ve gone from one home to the streets to this new home that I hardly ever leave, and I’m not afraid to jump in head first with Onyx. Truth of the matter is, he makes me feel.
I believe in soul mates. I know that mine sees him as its other half. His spiritual essence was a part of me before we even met.
As the timer on the oven dings, I rush to the kitchen and pull the pan out of the oven so the meatballs don’t burn. After cutting into one and double checking it’s cooked all the way through, I use the tongs to place the balls into the sauce I’ve had simmering for the last hour.
Pleased everything seems to be coming together so nicely, I turn the temperatures down and put the lids on the pots and make my way to my room. I may not be a very social person, but I enjoy looking nice. It gives a small boost to my confidence and helps me to break out of my shell sometimes.
Sifting through my closet, I search for something I think Onyx will like. When my eyes spot the silky plum-colored dress I bought only a few weeks ago, but haven’t worn, I know it’s perfect for this evening. With my blonde hair and light skin tone, the color will pop out.
Slipping the garment over my head, it glides gently down my frame and pools just above my knees. Reaching for a pair of white ballet flats with tiny bows on the heels, I slip my feet into them and scrutinize myself in the mirror. Deciding to keep my long hairstyle simple, I do a quick fishtail braid, apply some mascara and a light-colored lip gloss, and call myself done.
More excitement thrums through me for tonight than any other time in my life. I feel some lingering sadness over what brought him to me today, but I push it aside, knowing it will do me no good.
With no idea when Onyx will be here, I wait to put the homemade spaghettini noodles on so they don’t overcook.
“The table!” I’ve always loved a perfectly set table. It was one thing my mama and I always used to do together. She loved to have candles lit and placemats laid down.
Reaching into my hutch, I grab the fine china I inherited from my father’s estate and grab the cute placemats I found at a farmer’s market a few weeks ago. They have the carriage from Cinderella embroidered in one corner with the print “Happily Ever After” underneath.
I suppose if I want Onyx to really know me, then my little eccentricities will have to shine through. I only have a small dining table for two, so I grab my rolling cart to put the food on when it’s ready and place it beside the table.
Stepping back, I eye the place settings and do a little happy dance on the inside as I find the candleholders I bought along with the mats. After setting them down with candlesticks inside, I lay the lighter beside them and go check on the food.
Just as I’m putting a spoon to my mouth to taste the sauce, a loud knock sounds on the door and startles me into splashing the small bit of sauce onto the front of my dress. “Swizzlesticks!”
“Gracie?” Onyx’s rough timber sends shivers down my spine. I panic when I see the mess the sauce has made and know I have to change. I don’t want him seeing me like this.
“Just a minute!” I call out, hoping he’ll wait. I don’t hear if he replies. Lowering the burner on the boiling water for the noodles, I turn to run down the hall to my room and trip over the small table in the hallway and everything goes crashing to the floor.
“Grace!” Onyx’s voice sounds panicked as I pick myself up off the floor. “Grace, are you okay?”
“Crud,” I mutter, upset with myself for being so klutzy. Again. “I’m fine.” Embarrassment heats my face as I open the door to see him looking handsome in a pair of dark-washed jeans that hug his thick muscled thighs just right and a dark blue Henley rolled up at the sleeves, showcasing tattoos on both arms.
“Are you okay?” His hands go to my shoulders and slowly work their way down as his gaze roams my body, looking for injury. Observing nothing wrong, his intense stare darts back up to my face. “Say something, Gracie.”
“I’m fine. You startled me, and I spilled sauce on my dress. I was going to go change, but klutzy me tripped over the darn table and knocked everything to the floor.” My words are so rushed, I’d be shocked if he understands anything I just said.
“But you’re not hurt.” He says it so matter of factly.
Laughing, I shake my head. Reaching up, I place a hand on his cheek. “No, Onyx, I’m fine. I promise.”
His grin is contagious as his mouth descends on mine for a lightning fast kiss. “Hi,” he murmurs, closing and locking the door behind him. “You look beautiful.”
Heat flushes back into my cheeks as I duck my head from his praise. “Well until the sauce…” I laugh waving a hand at the splatter on my chest.
“Even with it.” His words are soft as his eyes darken and his stare deepens, giving away his desires for me. “Delicious,” he says, and I fight to control my burning face.
This man, he’ll be my everything.