Ezekiel is a perfect gentleman. The lending a hand, opening my car door, the flowers, which were absolutely perfect by the way. It was a hundred roses. I counted. I had to find something to do since he was staring at me and making me shy. It was quite unfortunate that we later did not have dinner as planned but the alternative activity was even better than dinner. He has such a dirty mouth, I almost died choking on wine. It won't actually be bad to die choking on his dick. Oops. I think he's rubbing off on me. I was surprised that I got off on the fear that someone might see it. I did not know I was into such things but then again, I don't have much of a sexual experience apart from the guy I dated for a few weeks in college. It was absolutely sexy and for some reason, I love that I am experiencing it with Ezekiel.
He broke every traffic law anyone can think of and sped his way to the house. He was really eager to be taken care of when we got home.
He helps me open the door and he did not reach for my hand. I am not pissed because I don't want Miss Tammy to see us especially after what we did. I wonder the excuse he gave her for having dinner with me. I make a mental note to ask later. I enter the house and my spirit leaves my body at the sight in front of me. My face blanches and I stare in horror. Standing in the living room is Miss Tammy, Janet and… Lauren? What is she even doing here? How did she even know I am here? I stand frozen in fear for a good two minutes before I ask.
"L… Lauren? What are you doing here?"
"Sam." She comes to me and hugs my frozen body. I can't hug her back, I can't even react. She hugs me so tightly and releases me and starts her word vomit. She was speaking a hundred words per minute.
"I was so scared. I did not know what happened and Levi was not saying anything to me. I told you he was up to no good. I came by the house the day after I called you and you were nowhere to be found, I was so scared and I kept going to your house for days till days turned to weeks and Levi was being very tight lipped and..." She is crying now and has tear streaks running down her face.
"Calm down Lauren."
"What happened to you?"
"I was in an accident. And he saved me." I gesture to Ezekiel.
"Tell me everything."
Miss Tammy leaves the living room and I lead Lauren to a chair. Ezekiel and Janet just stand side by side and look at us. Or should I say Janet is looking at Lauren. She probably brought her here and I don't know why she would do that. Sometimes I think Janet just loves to mess with my head.
"First of all, how did you know I was here?" I ask when she is calmer and has stopped sniffing.
"Janet told me. She said Levi does not know. I'm not going to tell him anything I promise. He's not good for you anyways."
I don't know if I should trust Lauren. She is Levi's sister but then again, she offered to help me run away when she thought my life was in danger. I told her everything leaving out a few things.
"Do you think he did it?" She asks with concern.
"I can't say for certain." I answer not wanting to trash talk her brother in her presence. I don't know if I should telling her all these things. I feel so uneasy telling her about it. She might go and tell Levi and then he will know where I am and I am not only putting my life in danger but also Ezekiel and Janet's. However, she needs an explanation as to why I have been missing for over a month and living in a stranger's house.
"Orchestrating an accident to kill you is a bit of a stretch but with Levi, you never know. The days leading up to that day, he kept coming to our parents' house at night. The day before, he was acting very strange and very unhinged. I thought he had something to do with your disappearance because he overheard me telling you to run away."
"What if he planned the accident to kill me and make it look like I took your advice and ran away?" I ask her.
"That is plausible. But if that was the case, I don't think he would have done it in a very public place like that. And also, he would have contacted the police and the media and told them that you faked your own death just because you wanted to run away. But as we speak, no one knows you're missing. Not even your parents."
Lauren pulls me into a hug again.
"I'm just so glad that you are okay. I thought something bad happened to you. I won't forgive myself if anything happened to you because of Levi. I can't believe I once asked you to try and see that he is becoming a better man. Please forgive me." She releases me but takes my hand in hers.
"I forgive you Lauren." I smile.
She stands and smooths her dress and I stand too "Okay. I need to go now. I'll keep in touch." I smile and nod.
She leaves the house with Janet leading her, her hand in Lauren's waist. That band placement is suspicious. I release a shaky breath and in an instant, Ezekiel is by my side.
"I don't trust her. What if she tells Levi?"
"Calm down Sammy, I don't think she will."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I am not. It's a feeling."
"You might be wrong. That's her brother."
"Didn't she say she called to warn you to leave him?"
"I know but what if that is a part of their grand scheme? It is Levi we're talking about." He gives me his pearly dashing smile.
"You give Levi too much credit. He is not that smart I promise you." He gives me a kiss on my lips.
"Ezekiel." I whisper, my eye searching the room. "Miss Tammy might be around the corner."
"Let's go upstairs then."
He leads me upstairs but takes me to my room. He gives me a kiss on my lips and forehead and tells me goodnight. I don't know how to tell him that I am scared and I want to sleep in his bed tonight. Besides I think that might be pushing it too far. I do my nightly routine and tuck myself into my bed.
Sleep did not come easy and my night was plagued with nightmares.