A Protector's Second Chance (Unit Matched #2) (4 page)

Chapter 11

Day 20 of 90

I was sitting on the couch watching
Game of Thrones
when I heard Oliver pull up. All I had done while he was gone was workout, read, watch TV, and write in my journal.

I had to admit that I had been a little lonely while he was gone, not that I would ever say that to him though.

“Hey, Amaya,” Oliver smiled at me, his arms loaded down with bags.

I didn’t say anything. I never said I was mature, but I was still mad at him for his comment.

“I see we’re still doing the silent treatment. Wow, I’ve missed it.” He was being sarcastic as he set everything on the table.

I was trying to focus on the TV, but my gaze kept drifting to Oliver and his tight white T-shirt. When he hung his jacket up, the shirt rose a little, and I saw the waistband of his underwear.

Calvin Klein. Oh, how I love those on a guy.

Oliver was like a model that graced the pages of the fashion magazines that I had read. He was very tall and muscular and you would have thought from his appearance that he was a Protector. However his soft, gentle side immediately told you that he was a Controller.

Unless he was yelling at me.

“I brought you a present,” he announced as he unloaded a large white paper bag.

The aroma hit me first, and then my stomach growled, causing Oliver to chuckle. He’d brought me a double cheeseburger from The Diner.

“The Princess said you couldn’t communicate with other Unit citizens, but she didn’t say anything about you eating the food.”

My mouth watered for it. I wanted to devour it so badly. Finally, I gave in to the teasing aroma of the food. I shut off the TV and went to the table.

Oliver sat the large burger in front of me, and I acted like a vacuum. I ate it as fast as I could. There was something about a greasy, juicy burger that made you forget all about your troubles.

“I want you to go upstairs and dress warmly.” Oliver softly ordered as he cleared up our trash.

“Why?”

Oliver seemed a little shocked that I’d said anything at all. “Please. I have one more surprise, and it’s on a time limit.”

I knew if I didn’t do it, he would keep staring at me.

“Fine,” I huffed, stomping up the stairs.

I changed into warmer layers and went back downstairs. He was standing at the door, holding my parka.

“Are you trying to sweat five pounds off me or something?”

“Nope.”

“Then what gives?”

“We’re going for a walk.”

I stood up straighter. “What?”

“When I was in Unit, I saw the Princess and she granted me a favor. I know you’ve been cooped up in this cabin, and I thought it’d be nice to take you out for a walk.”

I was tempted to hug him at that moment. Instead, I nodded, taking my parka from his hand.

I was almost nervous when I stepped over the threshold. The sun was gleaming off the snow, and it felt amazing.

The cold air stung my cheeks and burned my lungs when I inhaled. I could already feel my eyes watering and my nose running.

And I loved it.

“Let’s head out on this trail.” Oliver started off to his right.

I followed him, letting the snow, which was crunching under my feet, be my music. Even though all the leaves had fallen from the trees, it was still beautiful to see the different shades of bark on the trees.

I felt like a kid again and wanted desperately to stop and build a snowman. I had made so many of them with Xaviera and Gia. It was our favorite thing to do when it snowed.

I watched Oliver as we continued through the winding path. He had on his dark black jacket, with a matching ski cap.

“How were your meetings?”

“I didn’t have any. I had business in Unit that needed to be handled.”

I jogged up to him. “What’s going on in Unit?”

He stopped.

“Please tell me,” I pleaded with him.

“You know I can’t tell you.” He shook his head, keeping his voice low.

Another part of my punishment was that I couldn’t know anything that was going on in Unit. It was killing me, too.

“I know.” I hung my head.

“I would if I could, but I won’t betray Princess Xaviera.” He was using his serious tone with me.

I nodded, and we started walking again. When we reached the end of the trail, we were at the top of a small hill.

“Wow,” I breathed out, looking at the scenery in front of me.

There were mountains covered in snow all around us. It looked like a computer screen saver. It went on and on.

“I’m surprised you haven’t complained today.”

“Well,” I shrugged. “I actually enjoy being outdoors, and it was really nice of you to ask Xaviera to do this.” I smiled at him because I was grateful.

“You’re welcome.” He grinned at me.

Chapter 12

Day 23 of 90

Day 23

For the past three days, I’ve been on a cloud. The walk outside was exactly what I needed. It was good to have Oliver around even though I’d never tell him that. I’ve got him hooked on the
Game of Thrones
. He even bought the books on his Kindle, mainly to know who dies next.

I did have one nightmare last night, but I didn’t wake up screaming. That was a good thing. I wouldn’t even know how to explain it to Oliver.

I tapped my pen on the page. I really didn’t want to explain anything like that to him. I stared out the window.

It had snowed again last night, and the black Escalade’s tires were almost covered. It looked like a winter greeting card.

My stomach growled. and I realized that I hadn’t eaten all day. Oliver had been bringing me food, but he hadn’t today. It wasn’t like I couldn’t go down and do it on my own.

And then an idea hit me. I scooted out of the nook and practically skipped down the stairs to the kitchen.

When I reached the bottom, the first thing that I noticed was that Oliver looked stressed as he stared at the computer screens.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” he hung his head.

“Are you sure? Because that didn’t sound convincing.”

He gave me a sideways grin. “Just trying to figure this out. What are you doing?”

“I’m going to make us dinner.”

“You are?” He gave a fake shocked voice.

“Don’t sound so shocked,” I yelled at him as I opened the fridge.

I found a pack of chicken, and I knew I was going to make my favorite meal. Plus, it was really easy to make, and I knew the recipe by heart.

“May I ask what’s on the menu?” Oliver asked, leaning against the doorway.

“Nope, let’s say it’s a surprise” I grabbed a few pots and started laying everything out in front of me.

“What if I don’t like surprises?”

“Ha,” I shook my head. “Then this is going to be a long ride; I’m full of them.”

“Now, that,” he walked over to me, “I want to see,” he smiled.

“Go play on your computer.” I pushed on his shoulder. He chuckled, but he did leave the kitchen.

I began to create my masterpiece. Well, I cooked, and I’m not sure if that was the same thing. I rustled everything together, and the smells made my mouth water. I whipped up a salad and garlic bread to go with the meal.

“Hey, it’s done. Do you want to set the table?”

“Sure.” He quickly jumped up and grabbed the items to set up the table.

It felt like a normal night. It didn’t feel forced; I hadn’t felt pressured into cooking. I looked over at him and watched as he fixed a glass of water for each of us. He strategically placed the plates and silverware on the table. He moved fluidly around and he looked like he was enjoying the chore.

I shook my head and focused on the task I was doing. Oliver took the salad bowl from my hands along with the bread. He gave me a small smile before turning away. I picked up the chicken alfredo and followed him.

“This looks good,” Oliver murmured over everything, taking his seat at the head of the table.

“Thanks.”

“I didn’t realize how hungry I really was until I smelled you cooking.” He piled his plate with the food.

“Thanks.” I said again, diving into my salad.

We remained silent as we ate. There really wasn’t much to be said. Oliver couldn’t talk about Unit and I had nothing to contribute to the conversation.

“Where did you learn to cook?” Oliver finally asked.

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. Should I tell him? Might as well.

“Your mom.”

“What?”

“Your mom would come over a lot and cook for us, and she taught me. My sister is better at it, though.”

I looked up at him, and I could see his shocked expression. I knew that he was going to ask for more details, but I wasn’t sure if I could answer them truthfully.

“I didn’t realize that.” He went back to eating and I thought that I was off the hook. “What was the first meal Mom taught you?”

I smiled at the memory. “Mac and cheese.”

He moaned. ”That’s my favorite. Why did Mom teach you?”

I stilled. I didn’t know where these questions would go. “I guess she was being nice.”

“That’s one thing that she is.” Oliver nodded. “I have always wondered if I would ever be that kind.”

“You are.” I told him without thinking.

He looked at me.

“What?” I snapped. “Do you think I’m incapable of paying you a compliment?”

“I didn’t say that.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “I was taken aback, that’s all.”

I didn’t answer him, but resumed eating. We didn’t speak again throughout the rest of the meal.

Chapter 13

Day 27 of 90

I jolted up from bed, panting, and soaked in sweat. The nightmare was still fresh in my mind. The sad truth was that it wasn’t a nightmare; it was a memory.

I crawled out of bed and slowly walked into the bathroom. When I flipped on the light, I saw my reflection. My skin was ashen, my eyes puffy and bloodshot. I had been crying.

I shook my head, trying to rid my thoughts of the memories. I washed my face and lay back in the bed. I tossed and turned, but there was no comfortable position for me.

I jerked the covers off. Maybe something to drink would help. I got back out of bed and quietly crept down the stairs and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. The cool liquid felt refreshing as it traveled down my throat.

I thought about the past couple days. Oliver had been glued to his computer. Apparently, his new client was very demanding. I’ve spent my time writing in my journal and watching way too much reality TV.

I’d cooked dinner every night, and we actually talked. It was mainly Oliver talking about work, his time in college, and his family. Even though I knew his whole family, there were some stories that I hadn’t heard before.

The Thomas’s loved the outdoors, especially coming up to the cabin. They also had a family fun night every Sunday night where they had played board games together. Mrs. Thomas had tried to continue the tradition as the boys got older, but it only happened occasionally.

I sniffed and wiped the tears away. Actually, I hadn’t even realized I was crying. I finished off the water and went back to the bedroom.

I curled up in the nook with my journal and pen. I couldn’t stop the tears as I thought about what my life would have been like if I had grown up like Oliver.

But my nightmare was at the forefront.

Day 27

The nightmare/memory is still fresh in my mind. Even though it happened so long ago, it feels like yesterday.

I was six, and it was my first day of kickboxing. Dad had already informed me that I’d better not screw up, or he would punish me.

Like that was some new revelation to me.

Nonetheless, he and Mom explained the equipment to me and began with basic punches and moves. It seemed easy enough, until Mom shouted, “Do it for real, as if we’re in battle.”

A matched couple might have been equal, but not parents and children, especially a young child. I wasn’t sure why Mother Nature chose one and not the other.

It didn’t matter because one swift kick to the side of my leg and I was on the floor, hitting my head hard.

It was the first (of many) concussions.

Mom yanked me up by my ponytail, screaming how worthless I was. To this day, my eyes still burn at that memory.

They both started yelling at me and pushing on me like I was a Ping-Pong ball, and they were the paddles.

I don’t remember how long it went on, but eventually the headache and dizziness took over and I passed out. But I could still hear my parents telling me how worthless I was.