Chapter 16: Chapter 16

River

I watched as Daimen tackled my uncle to the ground and held him down by a hand wrapped around his throat.

"Call her a name again! I fucking dare you!" Daimen snarled and punched my unlce in the face. My uncle sputtered and threw some punches but Daimen seemed unaffected by them and just dragged him to his feet and flung him back to the ground. I was in shock as Daimen pulled back his leg and kicked my relative ruthlessly again and again until blood started to stain the grass. My uncle groaned and covered his head with his arms.

"Daimen stop it." I gasped and the young man gave Dan one more monstrous kick before stepping away and rushing at me to pull me in a hug. I let out a wheezing gasp. What was wrong with this boy?

His breath was tattered as he held me to him and only after a few moments did it calm.

"I'm not sorry about it." He grumbled and let me go. I sighed and nodded. I looked over at my uncle stumbling to his feet and he sent Daimen a glare.

"C'mon." Daimen grunted and pulled me toward my house. We climbed the porch stairs and went inside. I started to object but it was too late.

Once inside he came to an abrupt halt and the man beside me looked around my dirty, trashed house in silence. His jaw ticked and he grunted and started walking around. He kicked trash aside and cursed when he made it to the littered kitchen. He examined some other rooms and finally turned to me.

His eyes were blazing with mixed emotions and he managed to grit out, "Where's your room?" I swallowed and brushed past him and made it to my room. It was clean compared to the rest of the house. It was a little messy, but it was clean.

He made a beeline for my closet and whipped open the door. I watched dumbfounded as he started pulling things out of my closet and set them on my bed. He rummaged around and found my old backpack. With a grunt he started shoving my clothes in the bag and I finally spoke up.

"Daimen what are you doing?" I said and he gave me a long look before putting more clothes in.

"You're living with me." He growled and put more stuff inside. I frowned.

"No I'm not. Daimen I can't... He needs me. If I'm not here something bad might happen." I sighed and Daimen looked at me with wide, angry and confused eyes.

"What about you huh? His dumb ass should learn to be on his own. You're in college River. He's a grown man, he's supposed to be the role model not the other way around. He's supposed to be an uncle not a goddam drunk bitch." Slay spat. I shuffled my feet awkwardly and looked at the ground.

"I can't..." I sighed. The man scoffed and set my stuff on the bed.

"Fine. Whatever. Do whatever the hell you want River, but if he hurts you don't come crying to me about it." Daimen snarled and stomped out of my room. I sat on my bed and felt tears slide down my cheeks.

Suddenly Daimen came barging back into the room. He pulled up short when he saw me and sighed.

"Err... look I may've overreacted. I just..." Daimen let out a breath and ran a hand through his hair. "Can I give you my number?" He asked and I gave a stiff nod. He held out his hand and I gave him my phone.

After tampering with it he chuckled softly and said, "I see you haven't changed your password." I nodded softly. After a bit he set my phone beside me and huffed.

His hand reached out and ran comfortingly against my head. I sighed and Daimen gave me a soft smile and cupped my right cheek.

"I'll see ya later." Daimen said then walked out.

"That's your niece in there you fucking cunt! I swear on my life if you hurt her again I'll end you!" I heard Daimen yell and then the slamming of the front door. I buried my face in my hands and let out a shaky sigh.

Later that day there was a knock at my door and I looked up to see my uncle come strolling in. His lip was busted and his eye was blackening. He'd washed off his face but some blood still graced his skin.

"Hey baby." He said in a weird tone and I wasn't sure how to respond. I wiped away my tears and hugged myself as he sat beside me. His breath was rank with alcohol. I grimaced at the horrid smell.

"You okay?" He sighed and brushed my cheek with his fingers. I pulled away and nodded softly.

"You know if you need any help I could teach you some things." My uncle whispered and his hand trailed down to my breasts where it then slid down and rubbed my waist.

"W-what are you d-doing?" I stuttered and he gripped my waist and leaned closer. I gagged as he kissed me on the corner of my mouth and left a wet spot.

"Practice makes perfect." He grunted and his hand ran over my thighs. Shit. Shit. Motherfucking shit.

"Get out." I spat in disgust, "You're my uncle that's-what is wrong with you?" I felt my body starting to shake in my attempt not to cry.

"We're not related. I'm adopted. If we had sex it wouldn't be a problem hun." He said with a lopsided smile and I wrinkled my nose. My stomach churned and I felt sick.

I pushed him away from me and anger gave me adrenaline, "No fucking way! What the hell! What the actual fuck?! Me and you? Have you gone mad? I'd rather die than have sex with you! Get out of my room you fucking pervert!" I leapt to my feet and pushed him out of my room. When I managed to get the drunkard out I shut and locked my door.

I sank to the ground and cried. Soon I was bawling hysterically as I hugged myself. This was too much.

'...if he hurts you don't come crying to me about it.' Daimen's voice suddenly echoed in my mind and I cried harder. My thoughts were then bombarded with Daimen. I wanted him, but it's not like he wanted me.

"If only you were here... I should've left with you." I cried softly.

By the time I was done my throat hurt and I was collapsed in my bed. I just felt like dying.

It was Monday now. I clambered out of bed. My stomach was hollow and it growled loudly. But I didn't feel like eating much, I hadn't all weekend. I'd pretty much just confined myself to my room. Daimen had texted and called numerous times but I only answered a few times.

I threw on some clothes, quickly got ready. I made sure I looked somewhat presentable and walked out of my room then hurried out the front door.

Once at school I made my way to my second class. Daimen must've skipped today because he was absent from our first class.

I rounded the corner and paused when I saw Daimen standing by the door. He looked up and watched me as I made my way over toward my classroom. When I was in his range without a word he pulled me to him and started looking at me and feeling my arms and such.

"You okay?" He asked and I nodded softly. Daimen frowned a bit before pulling me into a hug. I couldn't help looking around at the dumbfounded people seeing this miraculous scene before them. Daimen the scary badass was hugging me the quiet kid who never talked much. My heart pounded steadily and I sighed as he pulled away.

"Well I gotta go... I'll see ya later okay?" Daimen said softly and I nodded. His eyes traveled over me for a brief second before he walked away toward his class. I ignored the growling of my stomach and entered the classroom.

I was sitting at lunch at an empty table sulking silently. Around me people ate but I didn't. My account was cleaned so no lunch for me and I didn't have any cash with me. Hell I didn't get paid until Friday. I stared at the table in indignation. My stomach howled.

"Here ya go." A gruff deep voice said and I jumped. I turned slightly to see Daimen sitting beside me and he sat a bag in front of me. I eyed it and he huffed and opened it to reveal a to-go box. He opened it and I took in the cheeseburger and fries and a chocolate muffin. As I looked at the food in astonishment he handed me a milkshake and gave me a soft smile.

"Its all yours." He said with a shrug and I tried not to stuff my face as I started eating. It was amazing! I grinned softly and finished the burger and started eating the fries.

"When's the last time you ate?" Daimen said and I froze momentarily.

"Friday." I sighed and started eating again. Daimen frowned and slammed his fists on the table and I almost choked on a fry.

"Friday? Why the hell haven't you eaten?" He growled and I shrugged.

"Fine. Don't tell me... But you better eat all of that." He grumbled and crossed his arms over his chest and watched me.

"Is it good?" He chuckled as I devoured the delicious chocolate muffin. It had chunks of chocolate pieces in it that just melted in my mouth. I moaned and nodded.

"Good it took me a while to make all that. Try the shake." He said and I was about to, but I paused as his words processed. I gave him a long studying look.

"You made this food?" I asked and he nodded. I studying him for any signs of lying but I found none. Wow, another shocking thing about Daimen.

"This is great." I said as I drank the shake.

"Wait how is it still cold and stuff?" I asked and Daimen smirked.

"I may've skipped class and went home." He said and chuckled when I glared at him. I sighed and finished the milkshake.

"Where's your food?" I asked him.

"I ate at home." He said simply.

"Thanks Slay." I breathed and he gave a curt nod.

"Meet me after school I'll take you home." He said rather commanded and got up and walked out of the cafeteria leaving me to deal with the huge number of eyes on me. Did everyone at this school not have a life?

When my class was over I left, going to the freedom of the outside world.

"Riv c'mon." Daimen said as he materialized beside me and I scowled at the fact he'd scared me a little. He threw his arm over my shoulder and we walked to my house in silence. Once there he didn't stop and he led me inside, because the door was unlocked, and into my room. He finally dropped his arm at his side and leaned against my doorframe as I stood there awkwardly gazing at him.

"Umm... What is it?" I asked softly and he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

"I was wondering if you'd like to... Stay at my place for a few days? To get out of this messy house?" He said sounding almost nervous and I paused.

"Sure." I said softly.

Daimen blinked in surprise, "Seriously?" He gasped and frowned suspiciously.

"Yes." My uncle tried to get in my pants hell of course I'll stay with you a while. My thoughts finished off my sentence, but I didn't dare say the last part aloud. Heaven knows what Daimen would do... Yet part of me ached at the secret I held. I didn't want to lie to him, but the truth would only bring chaos.

"Okay... C'mon then." He said and started to leave.

"But I need some clothes-" I started and he whirled around and gripped my arm.

"I said c'mon." He cut me off with his deep husky voice and pulled me out if the room.

"But I-" I started with a huff.

"Hush." Daimen said as he led me out of the house. I paused.

"Don't tell me to hush, you muckraker." I said and almost face palmed myself for the stupid comeback. Maybe he wouldn't know what that was...

"Muckraker? Why would you call me a muckraker? I don't get dirt on celebrities and stuff and I hate journalism." He scoffed with a slight smirk in my direction. Damn he knew what it meant. We started walking down the street.

"Well it seemed like a good word to use." I sighed and Daimen chuckled.

"I'd've thought you were gonna say asshole, jackass, son of a bitch, bastard, something, but not muckraker." Daimen said between laughing. His hand still held my arm and I managed to pull away. As soon as I was free of his grasp his laughing abruptly ended. He looked at me with confused eyes then down at his hand as if he was shocked he wasn't holding me anymore. He looked around before focusing his gaze on me.

He stepped toward me and his hands gripped my face. I gulped as he held me in place and leaned down so his face was level with mine. His striking amber eyes met my gray blue ones and I was instantly lost in them. He moved closer and his breath fanned my lips. My eyes fought to stay open.

"Don't ever yank away from me like that again." Daimen grunted in a commanding tone and I tried to calm the pounding of my heart. He was so close that if I tilted my head up the slightest our lips would touch. My heart fluttered at the idea. I nodded softly making sure to keep my head down and Daimen sighed and let me go but grabbed my hand. He intertwined our fingers and pulled me close to him as we walked.

"I'm sorry about that... But we're close to my neighborhood and if someone would've seen you pull away like that, it would've been asking for trouble." Daimen explained as we walked toward his house.

"Okay." I said softly.

"So you wanna order pizza when we get home?" Daimen asked and I gave him a look.

"Home?" I pointed out and Daimen gave me a no-nonsense look and then smirked.

"Shut up-you know what I meant." He chuckled and gave me a raised eyebrow look.

"Yeah pizza is cool." I said softly and Daimen pulled me along. It wasn't long until we'd reached his house.

He led me inside and dropped my hand and reached for his phone. I went into the living room as he ordered the pizza. Minutes later he returned with his phone pressed to his ear.

"Yeah.... She's right here." He said and sat beside me. I gave him a questioning stare and he handed his phone to me.

"It's Rick." He said as I took it. I nodded softly and put the phone to my ear.

"Hey?" I said hesitantly.

"Hey sweetie." Rick's voice greeted me and I smiled softly.

"Hey Ricky." I said and Daimen coughed and I looked over to see him sitting rigid with his fists clenched.

"Better not call me that sweetheart ole Slay's pretty fond of you, he may get antsy.... Speaking of antsy... So he whipped your uncle huh?" Rick said and I flinched as he said sweetheart.

"Yeah he fought my uncle." I said and Slay relaxed and settled on the couch more comfortably, but his jaw ticked a little.

Rick sighed, "Mmkay well I can't really scold him on that one. The jackass deserved it. Okay River you can give the phone back." He said and I handed the phone to Daimen. He took the phone and the two talked a bit longer before they ended the call.

Daimen checked his watch. "The pizza should be here in a few." He said gruffly and leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes.

"Rick should be here tomorrow most likely." He said to me his eyes still closed.

"Okay." I said softly and pulled out my phone as it vibrated. It was a message from Dan.

Where are you? I stared at the text and pondered over whether to respond. I bit my lip softly.

"What?" Slay asked and I looked up to see him studying me closely. I showed him the text and he frowned.

Without a word he took my phone from me and started typing.

"Daimen don't." I said reaching for my phone, but he hopped up and finished whatever he had to say and sent it. My heart dropped and he sat back down and crossed his arms before handing me back my phone. I read what he'd said and didn't know how to react.

She's with me you stupid son of a bitch. You're lucky I don't kick your ass again. Fuck off and leave her alone. She'll come home when she's ready other than that she's gonna stay here with me at my place. It would be in your best interest not to come looking for her because if you come on my private property I won't hesitate in cutting you down for trespassing. Have a nice day.

I looked at Daimen in shock and he only shrugged.

"Why'd you say that? Now he's gonna be pissed at me!" I cried frantically and Daimen frowned.

"And that's a problem?" He countered.

"Yes! It is!" I yelled.

"Why? Why is it so bad?" Daimen said and his voice started to raise.

"Because he'll fucking hit me!" I screamed loosing my temper and feeling tears threaten to spill from my eyes. I turned away from the young man beside me.

"Is that why your head was bruised that day? That son of a bitch hit you?! I'm going to kill that motherfucker I swear I'll do it right now!" Daimen said and marched out of the room.

Oh fuck me. I jumped up and ran after him.

"Don't do it! He's not worth it Slay!" I shouted and grabbed his arm as he tried to go toward the front door. He froze and turned to me with fiery eyes. As he stared at me the look dulled and his eyes darkened. Out of nowhere he pushed me against the wall and enclosed me in his arms.

"But you're worth it... I... You're my best friend River. I care about you. You're worth it." He growled and I couldn't help feeling lightheaded at his dark deep, menacing yet sexy voice.

God have mercy on everyone stuck in the friend zone.

"Please just leave it alone." I breathed and after a while Daimen let out a big sigh.

"Fine." He groaned and pushed away from me. After recouping I followed him back into the living room.

A knock at the door made Daimen turn sharply.