Chapter 6: Lila - Beast of the Bayou

"He said yes." I beam.

"Ohh!" Ms. Lenora grabs both of my hands with a grateful smile. "Wonderful. I knew he would."

"I'm so nervous," I admit with a slow exhale.

"Don't be. He's a sweet boy and you're a sweet girl." She gives my hand a pat before letting go. "I'll make lunch. You don't have to worry about a thing."

"Are you sure?" I ask.

She touches my cheek warmly. "I am."

Several hours later, I'm in my room getting ready. I feel as giddy as a teenager going on her first date. Except this isn't a date. This is just two people having lunch. An employer and employee. An extremely fine employer who I'd like to mount like a horse; but, an employer, nonetheless. I run my hands through my smoothed down ponytail and try to breathe out the nerves.

The feel of soft fur draws my attention to my feet. Expressive golden eyes stare up at me, his tail swishing around my ankles. This is probably the most beautiful cat I've ever seen—a gray British Shorthair.

Crouching down, I gently stroke behind his ear. "Hi, handsome. You're just 'bout the prettiest kitty I've ever seen, you know that?" I coo. He purrs contentedly, nuzzling himself deeper into my palm. And I swear the damn cat is actually smiling. I laugh. "Are you smiling at me?"

He meows. Then—"Yes."

I jerk my hand back in shock. "What the hell?"

Edgar just stares at me, his head tilted as if he's amused.

I stare back, mouth parted. No. I didn't hear that. I'm just tired from being up half the night, adjusting to the idea of living in a possible haunted house, and trying not to fantasize about my boss. "I'm just tired," I mumble straightening. I shake my arms out to loosen the tension. After applying clear gloss, I head out with Edgar right on my heels.

The sunroom is on the main level in the back of the house. It overlooks the gardens and the bayou beyond. A lovely area where the sun seems to hit just right, bathing everything in a warm, golden glow. There's a round wooden table set for two and the smell coming from it has my stomach growling. Edgar leaps onto one of the empty chairs. I walk toward the table smoothing my dress out once more.

"You smell nervous."

Jumping, I turn around. Solomon stands in the doorway, his dark eyes fixed on me. He's changed, and is now wearing a button-down rolled up to his forearms and dark slacks that do nothing to hide the muscles in his thighs and the bulge in his slacks.

I smile. "Um, I wasn't aware that nerves had a scent."

He lets out a slight shrug. "I have a very sensitive nose."

I snort back a laugh. "What are you…part wolf or something?"

I hear a snicker, and look back. If I didn't know any better I would think the sound came from Edgar.

"Why would you say that?" Solomon's voice darkens.

I turn back to him to see his eyes narrowing. "You're listening to the rumors? You think that I'm some kind of…beast?" he spits out.

"What?" I press my hand to my chest, taken aback by his defensiveness. "That's not what I meant. It was just a joke." I take a step forward. He takes one back. "Solomon—" my voice softens. "I was just kidding.  I'm sorry. I don't know anything about any rumors. Honestly."

He stares at me for a moment before his head drops down. "Maybe this was a bad idea," he says low.

I approach him. He doesn't step away this time but his head is still down. Boldly, I reach up and place my finger under his chin, to lift his head. And he looks at me with eyes that almost shatter my heart. I've never seen a man look so dejected. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to tease you. Of course I don’t think you're a beast. I think you're just a man who's misunderstood and alone. But…you don’t have to be anymore."

"I…I don't know how to be with people," he admits shamefully.

"That's alright. We can start now. With lunch." I hold out my hands—palms up.

He stares at them for a moment before placing his hand in mine. I lead him to the table. He lets my hands go to pull out my chair.

"Thank you." I smile, taking a seat. Solomon waits until I sit before taking a seat across from me. We take the lids off of our meals and begin to eat. We don't say anything for a moment. And I try my best to keep my eyes from staring at him. Especially his lips—full and lush. I cross my legs under the table to try to slow down the thump in my pussy.

Solomon sniffs twice, and looks over at me. His tongue rolls across his teeth. Picking up his napkin, he wipes his mouth. He keeps the napkin pressed to it as his eyes flutter closed. He takes several deep breaths.

Concerned, I watch him. "Are you okay?" I ask softly.

He clears his throat and nods. Removing the napkin from his mouth he speaks, his voice somehow seeming gruffer. "I'm fine. Just…tired."

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"Oh." I set down my fork. "I'm sorry. Me too. I didn't get much sleep last night."

His eyes settle on mine, curiously. "Was there something wrong with the room? We can move you if you're not comfortable."

"No, the room is perfect." I smile softly. "The whole house is to be honest. But…" I lean back not sure if I should let him know the true reason.

"But what, Lila?" he asks gently. "I want you to feel safe here."

I fold my hands on my lap. "Please don't be mad at Ms. Lenora for telling me, but…I...I know about the third floor," I whisper at the end.

Solomon sits back and lets out slow breathe. His eyes move to the tall windows. "Will you be leaving me now?" he asks.

"No. Not at all," I reply quickly. "I was just…a little scared last night," I confess. "More than a little, actually,"

"She wouldn't hurt you."

I lean in. "Who?"

His eyes come back to mine. "My mother. She wouldn't hurt a soul."

My heart skips a beat. "Is she still…here?" I ask carefully.

Solomon pauses—then nods his head.

My stomach drops.

"So the house is haunted?" I whisper.

He shakes his head. "She's here because I am. Because…I can't let her go. But the house isn't haunted."

My breath quickens. "But what about your stepfather? Ms. Lenora told me what he did. What if he's some vengeful spirit?"

Solomon's eyes hold mine. His next words come out with conviction. "He has no power here." He leans forward. "No one who resides in this home will ever be hurt again. And that includes you."

Trapped in his intense gaze, I can only nod slowly. We resume eating but the meal suddenly loses flavor because now I have so many questions. And apparently so does Solomon.

"When you came here, your feet were cut," he remarks.

I look up.

"What happened to you?"

My mouth parts, but nothing comes out at first. The memory is still fresh and raw in my head. My heartbeat is already starting to race. "My roommate's boyfriend tried to…" I pause. "I think he was going to…" I stop, unable to say the words.

Solomon leans in more, his forearms resting on the table. "Going to what, Lila?" He searches my eyes.

"Assault me," I whisper tears prickling my eyes. I quickly wipe them away. "So I ran. I had nowhere else to go."

I see the way his jaw clenches. His fingers curl into a ball and his breath comes out heavy and short. Edgar lets out a hiss.

"No one will ever hurt you again," Solomon replies, looking back towards the window.

I don't know why, but I believe him. It could be the way he said it. Or maybe for once I just want to believe that I've finally found somewhere safe to be. Maybe now I can finally stop running. I reach across the table and gently touch his hand. "Thank you, Solomon."

His eyes drop to where my hand rests. Then he turns his hand against mine so that its resting in his palm. He closes his long, thick fingers around it and just nods.