Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“I’m not going to hurt you,” I repeat.
She feels so small, and as she trembles in my hold, it chips away at my heart.
When Yuki remains tense, I give up and let go of her. She quickly moves backward to put space between us, a cautious light in her eyes.
We stare at each other for a moment, and I wish there were a way I could make her believe that she’s safe with me, but it’s only day one. Yuki knows nothing about me except for what she’s experienced.
As I reach for the paper towels, she flinches, but when I begin to wipe up the streak of mashed potatoes from the granite top of the island, she shoots into action.
Yuki rushes around the kitchen, picking up the utensil before mopping up the mess left on the floor. When she returns to preparing the meal, there’s a flash of pain on her face.
“Take off the shoes,” I say, my tone a little too harsh.
She carries out the order as I walk closer to her. Crouching beside her, I check her ankles, and when I see the blisters, a growl rumbles from my chest.
As I straighten up, Yuki ducks her head and pulls up her shoulders, once again bracing for a slap.
Her reactions to me have a direct link to a chisel that chips away at my heart every time she flinches.
I take hold of her hips, and lifting her off the floor, I turn around and set her down on the island.
I grab a couple of Band-Aids from the cupboard where I keep the vitamins and cold meds Mom constantly restocks. She always complains when medication expires without me using it, and no matter what I say, she keeps buying it.
When I return to Yuki, I notice how she’s tugging at the hem of the dress, trying to cover her thighs and clearly feeling uncomfortable.
“Don’t you have anything else to wear?”
She shakes her head, but then pauses to say, “Lingerie.”
As I stare at his daughter, I wish I could kill Tanaka.
I take a seat on the stool by Yuki, and carefully, I stick the Band-Aids over the blisters.
Once I’m done, I get up and head straight for her bedroom. I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial Mom’s number while I check the clothes in the walk-in closet.
“I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon!” Mom says as she answers the call. “Is everything okay?”
“Can you take Yuki shopping tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
I shake my head as I stare at the new dresses and shoes.
“Redo her entire wardrobe and also get her a phone. She has my credit card. Go crazy, Mom. Buy her everything you think she needs.”
“Is it that bad?” Mom asks.
“Yuki only has super short dresses, and her shoes give her blisters.” I glance over all the lace. “And no comfortable underwear.”
“I’ll take care of everything. Don’t worry.” Mom pauses for a few seconds, then asks, “How is she doing?”
“She’s terrified of me. I’ve told her repeatedly I won’t hurt her, but she doesn’t believe me.”
“It’s going to take a long time, Augusto. You need to be patient with her.”
“I know.”
“Wait, your dad wants to talk to you.” I listen as Mom hands the phone over, then Dad says, “Hey, son.”
“Hi, Dad.”
I begin to pace up and down the closet, and every few steps, my eyes touch on the neatly packed shelves and dresses.
“How are you holding up?”
“It’s difficult. I don’t know what to do to set Yuki at ease. I think I should move in with one of the guys and give her space.”
“Don’t do that. Yuki needs to be around you so she can see you won’t hurt her. You’re married and have to get to know each other.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” I take a deep breath before saying, “She’s only twenty-two.”
“So?”
“I’m ten years older than her.”
“Son, there’s a nine-year age gap between your mother and me. It’s just a number and should be the least of your worries.”
I forgot about that.
“Maybe it bothers me because she looks so fucking young,” I admit.
“You made the decision to marry this woman, Augusto. Get to know her and find some common ground you can work with. Don’t treat her like she’s broken but like the woman you’re going to spend the rest of your life with.”
“Easier said than done,” I grumble.
“When your mother found out I tricked her, she gave me hell for weeks. I didn’t back down but kept fighting because losing her wasn’t an option.”
Mom jumps in to say, “Don’t listen to your father. He went about it the wrong way, and it’s not the same for you and Yuki. Be gentle with her and show her who you really are.”
Nodding, I walk out of the bedroom. “Okay. I have to go. Yuki made dinner.”
“Oh, that’s nice of her. Try to enjoy the evening. Ask her about herself and try to find out what she likes and dislikes.”