Chapter 5: Solomon - Beast of the Bayou

Lila has been here a week and I haven't gotten much sleep. Last night was no exception. I kept smelling her. Hearing her voice even when I tried to mute out the sound. I've managed to stay away from her so far. My meals have been placed outside my bedroom door or outside my study where I spend most of my time reading and reflecting. Daydreaming about her as well. Wondering what it would be like to have a woman like her as mine.

There's no reprieve at night. The nighttime is the worst. My senses become more heightened when darkness falls. So even though she's all the way on the other side of the house, it feels like she's right next to me.

When the sun finally rises Sunday morning, I'm tired and grumpy. Lying on my back with my arms behind my head, I stare up at the ceiling trying to figure out how to make this my new normal.

"Another rough night?" Edgar asks jumping on the bed and curling under my arm. He rests his chin on my bicep staring at me.

I exhale slowly still looking up. "I don't know if I can do this, Edgar," I admit gruffly.

"She seems quite kind. I don't think you have any concerns."

"That is the concern. What if—what if I can't control myself? What if I hurt her?"

"Unlike your stepfather, you've never hurt anyone who didn't deserve it, Solomon. Bayou Mourne is one of the safest parishes because of you. Don't internalize the lore. You're not what they say you are."

As much as I've tried not to, I've absorbed the rumors over the years. So to be reminded of my humanity helps to offset that underlying pain. My head turns to him and a small smile crosses my lips. "What would I do without your counsel, old friend?"

He smiles lazily. "Become inconsequential I would imagine."

We chuckle together. Reaching out, I nuzzle behind his ear. He purrs in satisfaction. "Thank you," I say. He nips my finger softly in response.

Getting out of bed, I prepare for the day. Just as I'm sliding into my shoes, her scent becomes stronger. Her heartbeat pounds as she makes her way down the hallway to my room. She's nervous. I hear her mumbling to herself:

"Relax, Lila. Just give him his breakfast and try not to stare too hard. So what if he's fine?"

I smile, looking over at Edgar, grooming himself. "She thinks I'm attractive."

He pauses. "Was there ever any doubt?" he drawls before resuming.

Smoothing my shirt down, I take a seat at the table. Her footsteps slow. She's right outside the door now. I swallow down my saliva and inhale.

"Mr. Mourne?" She knocks softly. "It's Lila. I have your breakfast. Should I leave it out here?"

I shoot a glance over at Edgar. He waves his paw at me. Taking a deep breath, I walk to the door. I open it just as her hand is poised to knock again. She looks even more beautiful today.

"Hi! Good morning," she chirps with a smile dropping her hand. "I hope it's okay that I knocked instead of just leaving it out here again. Didn't want it to get cold."

She has the most beautiful eyes. Somehow she smells even better than she did when I first met her.

Lila squints. "Mr. Mourne?"

Not realizing that I'm staring, I clear my throat. "Yes. Knocking is fine. Thank you." I take the tray from her.

"Okay then." She rubs her palms down her dress nervously. "I hope you enjoy it."

I grunt a response that makes me sound like a caveman, and nod. She gives me a small smile and turns to walk away. She's a few feet away when she turns back. Her heart skips. Her breath quickens.

Coming back over, she looks up at me. "I—I was wondering if later…maybe you'd like to have lunch with me. It just doesn’t seem right that you have to eat alone all the time," she says softly.

A warm feeling settles over me as I stare into her eyes. Just a simple request for anyone else, but it seems monumental to me. "I'm used to being alone," I respond low.

"I know."

Then she lifts her hand and rests it gently on my forearm. I can feel that gentle touch radiating through my entire body.

"But wouldn't it be nice to eat with a friend?"

"A friend?" I murmur.

She laughs lightly and it’s the prettiest sound I've ever heard.

"Yes. A friend. I don't know 'bout you, but I sure could use one."

Edgar meows behind me. I glance back and he's looking at me with narrowed eyes. I turn back towards her. "Yeah. I'd like that."

Her smile deepens. "Really?"

The expression is so infectious, I can't help but to smile back. "Lunch sounds good, Lila. Thank you."

She gives my arm a quick squeeze. "No. Thank you. For everything."

I shake my head in confusion. "I haven’t done anything yet."

"You've offered your home to me and given me safety. That means more than you'll ever know, Mr. Mourne."

Safety? Me?

She thinks I'm safe for her.

I search her eyes. There's sadness in them. The same sadness I see every time I look in the mirror. But who would ever bring sorrow to such a beautiful, delicate creature? "Please, call me Solomon."

"Okay. Solomon." She smiles. "Well…I'll see you for lunch. The sunroom—one o'clock?"

"Sure." I nod.

She glides her hand down my arm and brings it back to her side. Just that quickly, I already long for the touch of her. With a little wave, she walks off. And I stand there, watching her until she disappears down the staircase.