Chapter 6 Slap

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t get a dime from B&B Home Security. I think I have all the paperwork from the beginning when you started it up. It’s all your original plans and discussions. I backed it all up. Does Jack know you sent it to-”

Nash was cut off by a shrill cry as someone shoved Rory into a wall while she was carrying out an order. Everything spills down the thin girl, burning her skin.

“You Bitch! Why the hell didn’t Donna fire you yet?” a woman asks as she slaps Rory across the face.

“I- I didn’t mean…” she sobs, holding her face with one hand and trying to wipe the food from her skin with the other.

From where I’m sitting I can see blood trickling down her forehead and tears shining in her eyes.

And then I see red! I might hate Belle at the moment, but I would never lay my hand on her. And Rory looks like she could snap in half at a strong breeze!

I push back in my chair and stomp my way to the girl curled up trying to protect her face from another attack. Poor thing is trying to hold back her sobs. She’s shaking like a leaf in a storm.

I pull Rory into my protective arms and snarl at hag with a flabbergasted expression across her face. “You’d better watch it before I do to you exactly what you did to Rory,” I state, rubbing my hand over her back making soothing noises.

“Are you okay?” I whisper in her ear so only she can hear, and I catch the traces of her floral shampoo.

“I-I’m so sorry… I- I spilled your dinner,” she hiccups into my chest.

I look down and yeah, that’s the pot roast and mashed potatoes I was excited about a minute ago, but right now I don’t really care. I can pick something up in a drive thru if I need to.

“It’s fine,” I assure her, pulling her over to my chair and before I know what I’m doing, I pull her into my lap and examine the bleeding cut on her head.

I grab my linen napkin and dab it into my water before cleaning her face.

She looks at me with the sweetest expression on her face.

“Are you okay?” I ask again. I’m really worried about her. Should she see a doctor?

“Uh-huh,” she mumbles as she winces against the cold cloth I use to wipe the blood with.

“I’m Colt, by the way,” I say, realizing I never gave her my name… Not that I had a reason to give her my name… But I just thought she should know who I am… or something like that.

A pretty blush brings color to her pale cheeks. “I’m Aurora,” she smiles.

“It’s nice to meet you Aurora,” I smile at her.

I look down at her ruined clothes and feel a dangerous anger simmer in my belly.

I feel a kick under the table and look over to Nash, who is giving me a look. And yes, I know exactly what that look is for.

My heart beat picks up momentarily with nerves and anticipation.

I sigh as I continue to clean up Rory, and think about what he is suggesting for a moment. Would there really be an issue? What would Anna think?

“Rory, I’m really sorry about how your night is going,” I shake my head in regret. “I’d like to make it up to you…”

I see surprise flash in her pretty eyes, as she tips her head to the side, probably trying to figure out where I’m going with this.

To be honest, I’m still trying to figure that out myself.

“Can I take you out to a club tomorrow night?” I ask before the idea had the chance to fully solidify. I really don’t know where that came from. I haven’t been to a club in ages! But it suddenly sounded like fun if I could bring Rory with me.

“Oh!” She blushes. “I- I don’t have anything to wear to a club,” she whispers, looking down at her clothes in embarrassment.

“I think I can take care of that,” I promise with a smile.

---