Saying that I was nervous was an understatement. I’ve been walking on pins and needles, since Brian got here. I wish that he hadn’t accepted Michael’s offer for dinner. I feel like I can’t breathe and it’s only getting worse. I hate feeling like I’m suffocating. It never gets better, not really.

“Hey, do you need any help with anything?” Brian asked me, softly. I jumped a little, but managed to keep a poker face and shake my head to decline his offer.

“No, that’s alright. Why don’t you and the guys go wash up? It’s just about ready.” I said, instead. He nodded and Nick and Michael followed suit. They all went to wash up and I put dinner on the table. Too soon, I felt arms around my waist. I looked up to see Michael’s face studying me.

“If you’re a good girl and behave yourself, I’ll let you have a few days off. I have a business trip coming up, but I think some you time might do you some good. You’re no good to anybody, if you’re run ragged. Nick offered to take you to a spa retreat, while I’m gone. I’ve made it clear that he isn’t to harm you in anyway. Sure, I love to hurt you. You’re mine to bruise… but even I can see when I’ve gone too far and you need time to heal and recuperate. If you make it through tonight, I promise that you will have that. Okay, baby girl?” He asked me. I nodded, shakily.

“Th-thank you, Michael. That’s so thoughtful of you. I really appreciate that.” I whispered.

“I’d do anything for you, baby. You know that. I love you.” He murmured, as he kissed my neck.

“I love you, too,” I answered, with my practiced reply.

“Let me take care of dishing out dinner. Why don’t you go wash up and I’ll open a bottle of wine for you? You’re tense and that’s a dead give-away.” He offered. I turned around to face him and protest, but he shook his head, before I could get a word out. “Nick can handle the dishes. Just try and relax tonight. Let me take care of you. Let me take care of my wife.” He said. I nodded, with a small smile. I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a small kiss on the mouth. I pulled away to see an actual smile from him. He did this sometimes, not often, but sometimes. I try not to question it and just go with it. I don’t get days of peace very often, so when I do, I relish in them. “Go on, baby. Take off your heels, relax.” And that was that.

I went into our room and did as he asked. I took off my heels and washed up in our bathroom. I cleaned the blood off of my face and covered up what I could. When I was finished, I went back out to find the guys congregated around the dining room table. Michael and Nick both smiled, when they saw me.

“My God, you’re beautiful.” Michael mused. I blushed, unable to help it. He so rarely pays me compliments. I wish that they still didn’t affect me. “You ready, baby girl?” He asked me. I nodded. He pulled out a chair for me at the table and helped me sit down. I had a feeling that this was just all a show to convince Brian that he was a loving, doting husband, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. It meant that I was safe for the time being. I don’t get that a lot. He poured me a glass on my favorite wine and left the bottle next to me. Everyone else sat down, after he did. They made small talk and I did my best to try and pay attention to it. I didn’t say much. I ate a little of my food, sipped my wine, and smiled encouragingly as they talked.

---

Before I knew it, the dinner was over and we were telling Brian goodnight. He left with an armful of leftovers in a Tupperware container and a smile on his face. It felt like a victory, even if it was a small one. A nonsuspicious neighbor meant a happy husband. A happy husband meant a safe wife. I’ll take it.

“You did so well, baby. I meant what I said. I leave tomorrow for my trip. Nick will accompany you to your spa retreat and make sure that you’re treated like a queen. If I hear that you’ve behaved yourself, when I’ve gotten back, I’ll see to it that you get a reward.” Michael promised. I nodded to him with a small smile, trying not to get my hopes up. It didn’t matter what he said, something normally happens before the reward can be delivered. Michael demands perfection and I’m far from perfect.

Notes

New chapter up later this week! Sorry about the delay!