Lost & Found
By
Cadence Michaels
Smashwords Edition
* * * * *
Lost & Found
Copyright © 2011 by Cadence Michaels
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Ayasha has loved Charan for years, but never thought that her dreams of having a relationship with him would come to pass. However, when he comes to her rescue during an attack, he unexpectedly returns her feelings, and the two begin a happy romance.
With a wedding and other plans for the future in the works, tragedy throws a wrench into things, leaving her pregnant and alone, her perspective groom married to another woman who is also expecting his child. They both try to live their new lives on these unexpected paths, unaware of the dangers awaiting them both.
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales
is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.
About the Author
Cadence Michaels was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and has traveled all over the united states as well she was an exchange student in high school where she spent a few weeks in Germany and Austria learning about new cultures and making new friends. She has always had a love for writing stories which has spanned from elementary, Jr. High on through High school and present.
Cadence Michaels attended Hickey College to pursue a career in computer networking but found that her passions lay elsewhere. She enjoys writing stories on paranormal romance and science fiction amongst other genres where the hero and heroines aren’t the typical knights in shining armor, but so much more.
She now divides her time between taking care of her adorable two cats and finishing up her full length novel series Natures child Book One The Awakening, Natures Child Book Two The Gathering, and Natures Child Book Three New Life, and Natures Child Book Four Destiny along with many other titles.
Email: michaels.cadence@gmail.com
Blog: http://michaelscadence.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CadenceMichaels
Chapter 1
Ayasha watched, fascinated as Charan played football, his muscles rippling and flexing as he ran down the field tackling the player who had just caught the football, knocking him hard to the ground and caught an elbow to the gut, his breath rushing out of his lungs in an umpf.
She watched mesmerized as he laid there, his chest moving rapidly as he tried to catch his breath, his beautiful tan skin glistening with sweat giving off a slight glow under the sunlight. She couldn’t believe they were playing without padding, not that she minded. Getting to see his body was a bonus.
“Idiots.” She muttered, shaking her head when the player Charan tackled got up from the ground and kicked him in the leg making him grunt in pain, then laughed.
Ayasha spotted her best friend, who happened to be Charan’s younger sister Bansari flirting madly with his best friend and business partner Alex. Bansari had the hugest crush on Alex, who happened to be five years older than their 17. She didn’t know why Bansari just didn’t give up. They were seniors in high school, yet none of the guys took them seriously, not that she wanted any of Charan’s friends. She just wanted him.
The first time Ayasha saw Charan, she had been about 9 and fell head over hills in love with him. She had finally gotten the chance to visit Bansari’s home and had met her 20 year old brother Charan for the first time. He was gorgeous, reminding her of Michael Greyeyes, a well know Native American actor, only handsomer.
At the time he’d had thick, long, midnight black hair falling to his waist, body leanly built with dark eyes, sooty eye lashes, heavy eyebrows, high cheek bones and a cleft chin
Ayasha thought him really beautiful and instead of playing with Bansari she had followed her older brother around the tiny house they lived in on the Cheyenne reservation. Bansari had gotten angry with her for ignoring her and Charan had finally gotten annoyed with her following him everywhere and had gone inside his bedroom, politely pushed her out of the way then closed and locked the door behind him.
“You know Ayashi, if you were just going to drool over my big stupid brother then you could have stayed home.” She had said in a huff folding her arms and turning her back on her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. Come on, let’s go play monopoly.” Ayasha told her grabbing her arm and pulling her towards her bedroom in the back of their house.
God it seemed like a million years ago since that day. He’d plagued her childhood, adolescence and now her late teens. She dated guys of course and developed strong feelings for some, but it never went anywhere. She always dumped them when they wanted to go beyond kissing and petting. She didn’t want to have sex with anyone but Charan. She was saving herself for him no matter how silly or improbable her actions were.
Her current boyfriend Dennis was coming up on his last leg as well. He kept trying to get her into bed. He just wouldn’t listen to her when she told him no time and time again. He thought her childish and immature for saving herself till marriage and kept telling her he was going to marry her once she graduated in a few months.
“Yeah, as if that’s going to happen.” She snorted.
Ayasha felt arms go around her waist and a hot breath against her ear. “Hey baby. Why are you standing here starring off into space talking to yourself?”
Speak of the devil, she thought turning around and wrapping her arms around his waist. She liked Dennis, just not enough to commit to him fully. She knew she wasn’t being fair to him or any guy for that matter. They were there to ease her life somewhat and to take up space until she could fill it with Charan’s presence permanently.
She wasn’t bad looking what so ever. She had a heart shaped face, wide spaced almond shaped dark gray eyes with long thick lashes, high prominent cheekbones, and full lips. She was tall and curvy with generous breast, shoulder length sandy brown curly hair that hit mid back when straightened and pale creamy honey toned skin. Everyone told her she was a knock out but she could care less if they didn’t help her snag the one man she wanted.
With a sigh she pulled Dennis’s head down to hers and kissed him deeply, molding her body to his, basically putting on a show for Charan, hoping he’d look their way. She wanted him to notice her, to see that she was an adult woman and not some kid.
She would be 18 in a few short weeks damn it. Every time she flirted with him or touched him, though not inappropriately he always told her little girls shouldn’t play around with adult males unless they knew what they were getting into. What the hell was that suppose to mean? She was not a child, though he probably would always see her that way since he watched her grow up, her teeth falling out, the first time she got her period, which was horribly embarrassing, and her body developing and maturing. She was like a second sister to him and that really sucked.
Ayasha loved him to pieces as well as her best friend Bansari. They were her second family and she hoped that someday they would be her family in a truer sense. Sometimes she wondered if she was perhaps crazy to keep these emotions for as long as she had. She didn’t stalk him, smell his pillow, underwear or steal his things or anything crazy like that. She just loved him and thought about him all the time.
When she visited their house she spent time with Bansari, doing homework, listening to music, dancing and being silly. Though he didn’t live at home anymore he still spent the majority of his time there.
“What’s wrong with you?” Dennis asked against her lips.
Ayasha hadn’t realized she was no longer participating in their kiss. She pulled away and looked up at him warily. He looked angry and who could blame him. She was totally absorbed today. She looked over and caught Charan looking at her, an intense scrutinizing expression on his face.
Ayasha felt hard bruising fingers grip her chin and forcibly turn her head back around until she was looking up into Dennis’s chocolate brown eyes which were glacial at the moment. She tried to pull her face out of his grasp but with his arm still around her waist she found she couldn’t move.
“What the hell are you doing?” She asked cuttingly, glaring up at him.
“I’m trying to get your attention. Why the hell are you ignoring me? I told you I was coming here after work today. I hardly see you anymore. Why are you avoiding me?” he asked harshly
“Dennis, I’m sorry. My mind has been on other things alright. You are not the center of my universe ok.” She said yanking her head back trying to wrench her face free and still he wouldn’t release her but squeezed all the more tighter making her wince in pain.
“Do you want to break up with me? You are treating me like I don’t exist. You’re hardly calling me, you don’t pay attention to me when I am around and you don’t want to have sex with me. What do you want from me?” He yelled loudly, making a few people turn and stare at them gasping in shock at his vulgar words.
“I want you to let go of me. NOW!” she screamed, struggling in his grasp.
How the hell did this get blown out of proportion? It started with a kiss to get Charan’s attention and now she was struggling to get out of her boyfriends painful grasp.
Ayasha felt a tear slide down her face followed by another and a tiny sob escaped. She was horribly embarrassed. How could he do this to her in front of everyone? She turned and saw Charan coming towards them, his face set in a hard line.
“We’re going, now.” Dennis told her releasing her face and grabbing her arm pulling her after him, practically dragging her towards his car.
“Stop right there. Let go of her.” Charan yelled quickly making his way towards them.
Ayasha didn’t want him to get involved in her problems. “Charan, it’s ok. I’m ok.” She told him, her voice wobbly, vision blurry as she gazed behind her stumbling and nearly tripped when Dennis gave her arm another hard yank when she slowed her pace to speak with Charan.
Dennis opened the door to his compact and tossed her inside slamming the door shut then made his way around the car but was halted by one of Charan’s friends. Her door was yanked open and she found herself pulled up into strong warm arms.
“You are not ok. Your face is red as well as your arm and you’re crying. You are going to have bruises on your skin.” He said angrily, rubbing her jaw gently, leaving a tingling sensation behind.
Ayasha didn’t want him to comfort her. This was her fault. She owed Dennis more than this. It wasn’t his fault it was hers.
“Charan, I deserve whatever bruises I get from him. It’s my fault. Just let me go.” She told him quietly, pulling out of his arms and turning towards the open car door when she found herself turned around facing Charan’s angry gaze.
He looked at her shaking his head in disbelief. “It is never ok to be abused. What could you have done that was so bad that it’s ok for the person you’re in a relationship with to hurt you.” He asked giving her a gentle shake.
Ayasha couldn’t tell him that. She didn’t want to get into this here with so many people around watching the drama unfold. She glanced at Dennis who was still being held against the car by Alex, Bansari standing next to him giving Dennis a belligerent look.
She wanted to leave, to have some alone time with Dennis and work this out peacefully so that they could go their separate ways. This thing with Dennis was totally over.
“Look everyone, thank you but it’s ok. Seriously I’ll be alright. Bansari I’ll see you tomorrow at school ok.” Turning back to Charan she pulled away from him again and quickly got inside the car, closing and locking the door. She let the window down and looked up at him beseechingly. “I will be fine, please just let us go.” She pleaded.
He looked at her for a long time before finally nodding his head slightly. “Alex let him go.” Then he turned and addressed Dennis. “If I see one bruise on her more than what I already see right now your ass is mine. You’re 19 and out of school now boy so I can whip your ass and not have to worry about jail time.” He threatened smoothly.
Charan was nothing to joke about. He had served 5 years in the marines and now owned his own security firm. He was a giant of a man. Nothing like the 17 year old he had been when she’d first met him.
He had filled out completely. He was 6’6, with a thick neck, shoulders like a linebacker, huge biceps, lean trim waist and heavily muscled legs. He was shaped like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson from ‘Fast Five’ the fifth movie in the Fast and the furious franchise. His face was sharp angles, but beautiful with a broad forehead, midnight eyes, thick brows, aquiline nose and high cheekbones. His lips were a little thin but still he was beautiful, his Cheyenne heritage clearly defined. He kept his hair shoulder length now.
Dennis gulped, paling slightly and hopped inside the car the minute Alex released him, started the car and peeled out of the park like a mad man.
*****
Charan watched until the car was out of sight. He couldn’t believe what was happening here. This was the first time he saw Ayasha with one of her boyfriends and he didn’t like it one bit. He couldn’t understand his feelings towards her, but seeing her kissing that young prick had made something inside him shift and when he saw him put his hands on her, hurt her and made her cry he wanted to kill him.
Ayasha had always been like a kid sister to him. He watched her grow up from a little tyke into a beautiful young woman. He found himself thinking about her quite often and didn’t like it.
He knew she used to have a crush on him when she was younger which was natural. Hell he’d had a crush on one of his friend’s older sisters growing up. Things were changing now though, and he couldn’t explain it to himself. Seeing her with another man was really bothering him and it shouldn’t.
Dennis was lucky there were other people around or he would have beaten the shit out of him. He still might if he saw anymore bruises on her face or body. No matter what she said she didn’t deserve to be beat on. What the hell was she thinking anyway, claiming it was her fault and that it was ok for him to put his hands on her? It was never ok for a man to put his hands on a woman, no matter what she said or did.
Bansari came rushing over and stood in front of him, her hands on her hips, wearing a huge scowl on her face. “Why did you let her go with him? He was hurting her Char.”
He frowned down at her. “You saw her. She wanted to go. I can’t stop her from leaving Bansari.”
“You don’t understand anything do you? They were fighting because she’s in love with you. She’s always loved you and the guy’s she dates, they know that she doesn’t love them and it always causes her problems in the end.”
“What are you talking about?” he asked stunned.
Ayasha couldn’t still have feelings for him after all this time. He had only been back here for a little over a year, having spent the last 5 years serving his country and the last year getting his security company off the ground.
Bansari knocked him on the side of the head. “You big dummy she’s loved you since we were kids. She only dates these guys because she can’t have you. Did you get a good look at her boyfriend Dennis? Who does he resemble?”
He thought about the boy. He was tall like him, with dark hair and eyes, his features were sort of similar to his own and he was slightly gangly. “Well I’ll be damned.” He said as realization washed over him. He hadn’t paid attention to the kid’s looks at all.
“You need to go after her before she does something stupid Char.”
“What do you expect me to do? She’s a kid for Christ’s sake.”
But for the first time in his life he wasn’t seeing her as a child, but the beautiful young women that she was and the fact that he desired her made him all the more hesitant.
“You idiot, she will be 18 in a few short weeks. She is not a child, neither of us are.” She said irritably looking at Alex with a look of longing on her face.
He glanced at Alex who had his head averted but he could see Alex looking at his sister out of the corner of his eye. Alex had feelings for his sister. He knew that but Alex would never make a move on her. She was still in high school and underage just as Ayasha was.
“I can’t Sari. She will be ok. Call her if you’re worried.”
Bansari shook her head angrily glaring up at him, then turned on her heel and ran to her truck opening the door and hopping inside then slammed the door closed with a loud bang. She started up her old pickup truck, revving the engine then tore after them driving erratically.
Awe damn, he thought rolling his eyes in annoyance. “Hey guys I need to go after the brat. I’ll see you all later.” He called over his shoulder heading towards his Bronco. He caught sight of Alex coming after him and stopped quirking a brow when he stopped in front of him.
“Can I come to? I’m worried about the girls.” He said shyly looking at the ground, his hands in his pocket.
Interesting, he thought. Alex wasn’t worried about both girls, only one. He didn’t mind though. He slapped him on the back. “Come on man.”
Charan got inside his vehicle and turned on the tracking device he had implanted on his little sis truck then took off after her hoping she didn’t have an accident in her haste to get to Ayasha.
“I like your sister, but don’t worry. I won’t act on those feelings. She’s to young.” Alex told him glancing out of the window.
As if he had to tell him that. He looked at Alex who had pale blond hair, blue eyes, shorter than him but had a body similarly built to his own though slightly leaner. He was a pretty boy type. They had served in the marines together and when his time came to an end they both came back here to South Dakota and started up C&A Security that specialized in protection, selling and setting up security and software for homes and businesses. So far they were doing pretty well.
“I know you like my sister and I respect the fact that you aren’t going to act on those feelings just yet. Once she turns 18 you can have a relationship with her, but I will tell you one thing. You had better be serious about it. I don’t want her hurt, but also I think you will be good for her and keep her grounded. She is very high-strung.”
He nodded his head. “Thanks man.”
Charan found his sisters location a few miles away, the car unmoving. He drove for a few minutes before turning onto a fast food lot where he saw a small crowd gathered, mostly of women with their children and two teenage boys.
Charan turned off his car and hopped out running through the throng of people, coming to a halt when he saw his sister on the back of Ayasha’s boyfriend Dennis screaming for help. She had one arm around his neck while the other was on his forehead yanking his head back trying to pull him off of Ayasha who stood there struggling to breath, then he saw her go lax, her eyes closing as Dennis squeezed the life from her and he went after him.
*****
Ayasha realized her mistake the minute they pulled out of the parking lot of the park. Dennis was upset, the most she had ever seen him. He kept yelling obscenities and banging his hand on the steering wheel. His eyes were over bright and flashing with fury.
“Dennis I’m sorry you’re hurt. I didn’t mean to make you upset. My mind has just been on other things. That’s all.”
“Yes, on some other guy! I know you Ayasha. You stay with a guy as long as he doesn’t try to get you into bed but the moment he does you start pulling away. I’ve watched you all throughout high school and heard the rumors. You know what you are. You are a tease you fucking cunt whore.” He told her turning his car and pulling up onto a fast food parking lot.
It was true, she did date guys up until the point when they wanted to have sex then it was time to break up. She told guys up front that she wasn’t interested in having sex nor did she want to get too serious so they already knew what to expect.
Dennis was such a bastard. Just because he couldn’t get his way he wanted to call her out of her name and hurt her. Charan was right, she didn’t deserve this after all. She had always been up front telling the guys she dated that there wouldn’t be any sex, that she didn’t want a serious relationship, just someone to date and hang out with and when they tried to get more serious with her she ended it. It was as simple as that.
Ayasha wasn’t going to take this crap from him or anyone else. She was so tired of the drama. After this she wouldn’t date anyone else until she knew for sure there was no chance of a relationship with Charan. Once she knew one way or another she would go from there.
“I am not a tease nor am I a whore. I told you from day one that I didn’t want to have sex and that our relationship would be more platonic than serious. If that is what you wanted then you should have went with someone whom you knew you would get what you wanted. I want to break up with you. This is not working. We want separate things in life. Besides I do love someone else. I have always loved this person and I’m just bidding my time until I can be with him. You are nothing but a distraction for me.” She told him bluntly, coldly, putting it all out there in the open.
“I thought I could make you see reason. I love you god damn it! Why are you doing this?” He yelled reaching over and pulling her into his arms, his mouth crashing against hers painfully making her grunt in pain, then he shoved his hand up her skirt groping at her. She felt her bottom lip stinging, tasted blood and realized he had cut her lip with his teeth. When she felt his hands breach her underwear she fought him wildly, punching him in the head, slapping him, yanking on his hair until he pulled away from her to cover his face and she quickly exited the car.
“Ayasha where do you think you are going? You are mine!” He bellowed from the other side of the car then jumped over the hood and came after her.
She turned to run but he was already there pulling her back and threw her up against the side of his car, hands clamping tightly around her throat. She screamed before her voice was cut off by his hands squeezing her throat. Her heart sped up in fear, her eyes widening in shock. What the hell was he doing? Was he trying to kill her?
“Help me!” she screamed, her voice rough.
Ayasha looked around the parking lot spotting a woman exiting her car with a small child in her arm across the lot. Obviously she hadn’t heard her since her back turned.
“If I can’t have you no one can.” He told her cuttingly, squeezing her throat tighter.
“No.” she rasped out clawing his hands.
“I love you. How can you do this to me? I’ve always loved you.” He told her, his voice hysterical as he slammed her against the car again and she felt icy hot pain on the right side of her back fanning out to encompass her whole back and the breath was knocked out of her.
Ayasha kicked Dennis in the leg with all her might and his grip loosened, but not completely as he hopped up and down on one leg and that’s when she saw Bansari come out of nowhere and rushed Dennis, pounding him on the back screaming at the top of her lungs for help. His hands loosened further and she gulped in more mouthfuls of air. People started gathering but didn’t do anything. They just watched.
Bastards why aren’t you helping me she thought panicking.
“You bitch. You think it’s ok to treat men like toys and then just throw them away like trash.” He yelled then turned and shoved Bansari away knocking her to the ground before turning back to her. “I love you Ayasha, you are mine. I won’t let you go.” He yelled, his hands gripping her throat, tightening once more. She saw Bansari get up and hop on his back again trying to yank his head back to loosen his grip.
“Bansari, help me.” She cried weakly knowing she was inches from losing consciousness and her life.
Bansari was looking at her worriedly, tears streaming down her face, sobs hitching in her throat. She turned towards the crowd of people screaming for help again but still no one moved, though she did see a woman on a cell phone talking, looking upset, her hands moving agitatedly and she hoped it was the cops.
Ayasha started panicking when her vision began to fade, eyes closing, her chest aching, burning from lack of oxygen. Just when she thought she would die she found herself released, sliding to the ground, lying on her side. Her face hit the ground hard creating a stinging pain on her right cheek and forehead. She was coughing and gasping for breath when she found her body quickly lifted from the ground and held in strong sturdy arms. She looked up into blue eyes and frowned.
“What’s happening?” She asked roughly, her throat painful and raw.
She heard a grunt, and the sound of something slamming against a car from somewhere behind her. The sickening crunch of something being pounded then nothing as she passed out from pain and shock.
Chapter 2
When Ayasha opened her eyes she found herself lying on a firm bed, an I.V in her right arm and the beep of a heart monitor was the only sound in the room. Looking around the room she noticed a dresser directly in front of her against the wall with flowers and a huge window to her left with the shades open and the sun shining brightly throughout the room making it feel peaceful.
Ayasha picked up the bed remote and pressed the button to lift the mattress into a sitting position and winced as a sharp pain shot across the right side of her back and side. She touched her chest and felt some kind of wrapping around her chest and ribcage through her gown. Moving her gown forward she looked down her dress at her body and saw some type of white cloth like tape material wrapped tightly around her ribs.
“What the hell?” She said looking around the tiny room trying to figure out what the hell happened and why she was in a hospital bed.
Ayasha glanced at the door when she heard it begin to open and watched as her mother walked slowly inside, a look of relief flashing across her face when she saw her sitting up in bed.
“Honey, are you alright? How are you feeling baby? I was so worried about you.” She told her, walking quickly across the room and taking a seat on the side of the bed and pulled her into a tight hug, releasing her quickly when she gave a small cry of pain.
“Mom, what happened to me? Why am I in the hospital?” she asked, leaning slowly back against the bed then took her hand giving it a quick squeeze not wanting to lose her comforting touch.
“You don’t remember what happened?” She asked her worriedly, her brows furrowed in confusion.
“No, I don’t. Please tell me what happened.”
“Dennis attacked you. Bansari and her older brother saved you. He’s in jail right now facing assault charges. You have a slight concussion and a fractured rib.” She told her, her voice laced with anger.
Ayasha lay there thinking back and suddenly a memory flashed in her mind, Dennis and her arguing, him pulling over in a restaurant lot and attacking her. She remembered Bansari trying to pull him off her, blue eyes then nothing.
“My god.” She said looking up at her mother, shaken. “He tried to kill me mom.” she whispered hoarsely reaching for her still tender throat.
“The police want to take a statement from you honey. They have been here every day waiting for you to wake, though I have to tell you he probably won’t face jail time since it was his first offense. It’s his word against yours. He says you attacked him first and he was defending himself.”
“I did hit him first when we were in the car because he forced himself on me!” she shouted regretting it instantly when a sharp pain assailed her throat and chest.
“Calm down sweetheart. I understand. I know you wouldn’t hit someone without a reason, but it’s still your word against his. Apparently people saw you kick him and he claimed he had his hand on your throat to keep you from attacking him.” She told her dropping another bombshell on her.
“I kicked him because he was choking me!” she told her angrily, throwing her arms up in agitation then winced and got angrier. “This is ridiculous, I am the victim here and you mean to tell me that he may get off for this.” She screamed, upset at the unfairness of the situation.
“Well what he says is weak though because everyone saw him attacking you regardless.” Her mother told her rubbing her leg gently.
She was the one lying in a hospital bed with a headache, her ribs tapped and her throat on fire yet he was being treated as if nothing happened. Yea he was in jail now but it appeared he was going to get a slap on the wrist for almost killing her.
“This suck’s mom.” she snapped, rolling her eyes in irritation, a solitary tear rolling down her face.
Her mom wiped her tear away, leaned forward and kissed her cheek before pulling away and cupping her face gently. “I know. I am so sorry baby. We are going to file a restraining order against him. He won’t come near you again sweetheart.”
“Where is dad?” she asked looking towards the door.
“He’s working but he was here with you all day yesterday and night and will be here later after his shift.”
Her father was a department store manager for Sears at their local mall and was always working it seemed. Her mother was a wedding planner working part time at a local firm.
There was a knock at the door and she looked over just as two officers entered the room. They introduced themselves then took her statement and left. A doctor came in shortly after to check on her after which by that time she was drained and wanted nothing more than to sleep.
“Honey, I’m going to go home for awhile and get some rest now that you’re awake and I know that you are going to be alright. Your brother should be getting off the school bus pretty soon. We’ll both be back later with your father.” She told her bending and kissing her on the cheek then getting up from the bed and walking out of the room.
She closed her eyes dozing almost immediately. When she next opened them she saw Charan sitting in the chair next to her bed looking down at her face with an intense angry expression. She wondered what his problem was and asked him out right.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” She asked him with a slight frown.
“I am looking at your face and neck and trying to stop myself from leaving here, finding that bastard and killing him.” He told her pointedly.
Ayasha saw her face in the mirror when she went to the bathroom earlier. The right side of her face was badly bruised and swollen with cuts on the side of her forehead and cheek from hitting the ground. Her neck was still slightly puffy and bruised terribly as well. She looked awful and felt worse.
“Why should you care and why are you even here?” she asked flippantly.
Ayasha didn’t understand what he was doing here. He never showed her this much attention. He always treated her like a child, ignoring her for the most part. If it was pity he was feeling then she would rather he ignored her altogether.
Charan looked taken aback by her tone and words but after a moment seemed to come to a decision of some sort. He leaned forward in his chair until his lips were inches from hers then kissed her softly. She lay there stunned for a moment, not sure what to make of this new development. But after a split second of indecision she decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and melted under his kiss, moaning in disappointment when he pulled away from her.
“I am here because I care about you. I realized the other day when I saw you kissing him I didn’t like it one bit. I also realized that I have feelings for you and I want to be with you. But we have to wait until you graduate from high school.” He told her, brushing her hair behind her ear.
Oh my god is this really happening she thought, excitement bursting in her heart. She wanted to get out of this bed and dance around the room, scream and shout her joy to the heavens that she had finally gotten her long awaited wish and yet something was dampening her joy. There was a question she needed answering first.
“Charan, I have loved you for so long. I have always dreamed of being with you someday and thought it would never happen because you always treated me like a child. I hope you aren’t saying these things because you pity me. It would break my heart if that was the case.” She told him sadly, biting her lower lip feeling insecure.
He stood up from his chair, leaned down and placed his forehead against hers looking her in the eyes, his lips a breath away from hers. “I think you have known me long enough now to know that I would never do that to you. I want to be with you because I finally see you and realize that I do in fact love you. I realized the reason I spent so much time at home is because I knew that you would be there. Why I am always coming to your basketball and softball games in school when even Bansari can’t play a sport to save her life. I have loved you for awhile now but knew that I couldn’t do anything about it so my subconscious kept my real feelings sealed behind a mask of indifference.”
She wanted to cry. She couldn’t be any happier than she was right now. “I love you to.” She told him before closing her eyes and drifting off again.
Ayasha was released two days later from the hospital and was surprised to see Charan, Alex and Bansari enter the room with her parents and little brother. Charan had visited her many times over the past two days playing games with her, watching TV and just hanging out keeping the boredom at bay.
He would lie on the bed with her, his arms around her making her feel safe and secure. She needed that with Dennis being released and his charges being dropped down to a misdemeanor. She needed him to feel safe now more than ever.
Charan, Alex and Bansari followed them home, Charan insisting on carrying her into the house and into her bedroom where he laid her gently on the bed. She snuggled down into her soft mattress sighing in pleasure then winced as pain sliced through her rib. That was getting so tiring. Though her rib was fractured it still caused her pain. The doctor told her it should heal within 3 to 4 weeks. It caused her pain when she moved a certain way, took a deep breath or sneezed which she had done once in the hospital and thought she would faint from the sharp bite of pain.
Ayasha turned slowly, lying on her back looking up into his smiling eyes wishing she could kiss and hold him.
“How are you feeling sweetheart?” her father asked, frowning down at Charan when he didn’t move immediately.
“I’m fine dad. Really.” She said for the millionth time, yawning hugely.
Her dad had been asking her that every five minutes since she had gotten the crap beat out of her.
“Glad to hear it, now I think everyone needs to leave so my girl can get some rest.” He said looking around the room at her friends.
Charan turned to her father giving him a measuring look. “Mr. Flynn may I speak with you about something important?”
Ayasha looked at them both, already knowing what Charan wanted to talk to him about. He wanted to ask for his permission to date her. She hoped her dad would agree. Everyone in her family knew how much she loved Charan. She had been sprouting off about him since she was six.
Her dad looked at him curiously but nodded his head in agreement and followed him out into the hall.
*****
They walked down the hall of their ranch style home towards the sliding glass doors that would lead outside to the backyard. Once he was standing on the back walk he turned to Jonathan Flynn who was looking at him curiously.
“Mr. Flynn-“
“Call me Jonathan.” Her father told him quickly.
Charan smiled and nodded, “Jonathan, I know that you don’t know a whole lot about me and I am hoping to change all that. I want to ask your permission to see and date your daughter. I realize that I am quite a bit older than she is and have already explained to her that we won’t date seriously until she’s 18 but I wanted to have your blessing. I want to see her as much as possible and that would entail spending a great deal of time in your home.” he finished putting it all out there.
Jonathan looked at him for a while, his eyes dancing, mouth quirking in a half smile. “I see she’s finally got you huh. I don’t have a problem with you dating Ayasha. I know she has nursed a crush on you for quite some time. She is a mature young woman and I trust her not to do something stupid. Just promise me you will not break her heart or I will kick your ass young man.” He said in all seriousness, his amusement from a moment ago forgotten.
“I can definitely promise you that. I would never intentionally hurt her ever. I just realized my feelings for her over the course of the last few days. You don’t mind if I stay over a little longer do you. Perhaps join your family for dinner this evening.”
Jonathan slapped him on the shoulder, “That’s fine son. You can keep Ayasha company while we get everything ready for supper. I was thinking barbeque. Well if you would excuse me while I go check on everything.” He told him, then walked past him back into the house.
Charan stood outside for a few more minutes then walked back inside the house and headed to Ayasha’s room. She was lying on her back half awake talking with Bansari about getting her school work for her and keeping her informed of test and other things that would be going on in the next couple days. Her face brightened when he walked into the room. He couldn’t believe it took him this long to see how he felt about her, then again he had only seen her as a kid, but now he saw her as a woman, a beautiful one at that.
“Ayasha when is your birthday?”
“Hmm, about three weeks away, give or take a day.” She smiled reaching for him.
He walked across the room sitting on the bed next to her taking her hand and kissing it. “And your graduation?”
“Four months away.”
That was good, really good. In three weeks she would be an adult and in four months she’d be completely free of anything binding. He couldn’t wait to move forward in their relationship.
“So what did my father have to say?”
Smiling down at her he winked. “It’s all good. He trusts you to be smart and he trust me not to break your heart. Don’t worry it’s safe with me.”
She yawned shifting on the bed and wincing when she brushed her side accidently with her arm.
Every time she hurt he wanted to strangle Dennis. He had told that bastard that if he had hurt her he would pay and so he had. If only the police hadn’t shown up he would have done a hell of a lot more.
Luckily he wasn’t arrested for assault. Once the ambulance got there and got a look at Ayasha he was vindicated, as well as his sister who had tried to save her friend all on her own because the people standing and watching did nothing.
Bansari should never have been put in the situation where she had to play protector. He would protect Ayasha now.
“I think I am going to sleep now you guys.” Ayasha told them getting comfortable on the bed, her eyes closing, her breathing evening out. The pain pills they gave her made her extremely tired.
Bansari walked over and gave her a kiss on the forehead promising to give her a call later then left the room with Alex who bid them both a goodbye.
Charan took off his shoes and crawled over her on the other side of the bed and wrapped his arms around her, snuggling close, deciding to take a little nap along with her until dinner was ready. He wanted to spend as much time with her as possible since he had a busy next few days and wouldn’t see her much.
He awoke to someone gently shaking his shoulder. He looked up and saw Jonathan Jr., Ayasha’s 8 year old brother peering down at him with a frown.
“Why are you in my sister’s bed?” he asked with a scowl.
Charan smiled at the little boy. He looked totally different from his sister. Where her skin was pale creamy honey toned his was light brown with yellow undertones, where her eyes were gray his were light brown. Where her face was heart shaped his was oval with a slightly jutted chin. She had long sandy colored hair and his was more a dark auburn brown and straight to her curly. His lips were also fuller than hers. They both had long thick lashes, almond shaped eyes and high cheekbones. He was a handsome child though. Their parents were blessed with two beautiful children.
“I was tired and fell asleep, besides your sister and I are going out now.” He told him sitting up in bed, yawing and stretching his arms widely.
Jonathan cocked his head to the side, a stupefied look on his face. “Going out where, can’t you see she’s still sleep?” he asked, scratching his head.
Charan laughed at him, reached over and ruffled his hair. “She is my girlfriend.” He corrected.
He watched the little boy’s face fall and a look of horror came over his features taking a quick step back. “Ewwh you have cooties. Don’t you know girls give you cooties?” He asked horrified.
“No I didn’t. What are cooties?” he asked innocently, keeping his face blank, trying to play along.
“Hmm.” Jonathan lifted his head looking up at the ceiling scratching his chin, a look of deep concentration on his face. After a few minutes he looked back at him. “I’m not real sure what it is exactly but it makes boys sick I hear. You might lose an arm or a leg.” He told him shaking his head, looking at him sadly.
Charan tried not to laugh, this kid was too much.
“Your mom and dad are together and he didn’t catch cooties and I have had girlfriends in the past and I didn’t catch it.”
“You probably got your cooties shot then. I got mine a couple weeks ago when I got a shot at the doctors. I’m sure that’s what it was. Anyway mom told me to tell you guys that dinner is ready so wake up Ayasha and bring her to the kitchen.” He said leaving the room with his hands in his pocket blowing air and sometimes actual whistles between his lips.
Charan looked down at Ayasha’s sleeping face. God she was beautiful. He wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. He had the rest of his life for that though. He was ready to settle down and knew that he had found his perfect mate in Ayasha. He would definitely have to place a bit of space between them if he didn’t want to become intimate with her.
He was the type that loved fast, hard and long lasting unless the other person did something to screw it up or he was too busy with his company. He was dumped often because he wasn’t showing enough attention to his partner which is why he hadn’t dated in a long while, then again Ayasha might have had something to do with that. Once he was in a relationship it was hot and heavy. There was no slow and easy with him so this would be a test of patience.
“Hey Ayasha, wake up baby.” He said taping her face gently to wake her.
She opened her eyes to tiny slits looking up at him with a puckered brow. “Charan what, what are you still doing here?” she asked rubbing her eyes groaning and letting her arms fall to her side, a grimace of pain on her perfect face.
“Your father invited me for dinner so I stayed over. I have to carry you to the kitchen so that you can eat then later I will give you a massage before I leave. How does that sound?”
“It sounds good.” She said smiling up at him, happy he was still here.
*****
True to his word Charan carried her into the kitchen, ate dinner with her and her family, sat watching TV for an hour or two before he took her back to her room and gave her a long gentle soothing massage. His hands were magic on her tense, sore muscles.
Before he left he promised that he would come visit her in a day or two. He was going to be busy setting up and installing security software on two finance companies computer systems and setting up a security system in a few residences.
Charan was very hands on in his company. She wondered why they didn’t just hire someone to do all that for them. The company definitely earned enough.
After he left that evening she lay in bed thinking about the past couple days. She couldn’t decide if she was dreaming or if this was all real. How in the world could this happen, Charan and her dating, promising to meet up and spend time together?
If this was a dream she prayed that she would never ever wake up. Her wish at long last had come true. The twinge in her ribs let her know this was reality. She closed her eyes with a smile on her face realizing that tonight she wouldn’t have to dream anymore.
Chapter 3
Ayasha sat at her kitchen table the next morning doing her homework when the front doorbell chimed. She wondered who that could be. Both her parents were at work and her little brother was at school along with everyone else she knew.
She got up slowly from the table and made her way to the front door.
“Who is it?” She called out, walking into the front room and going over to the window next to the front door, moving the curtain to the side and peering out, her breath catching in her chest when she saw who it was.
Dennis stood there looking angry, his wrist bandaged along with his nose and sporting two huge bruises under his eyes, a bruise on his forehead and a split lip.
“Open up Ayasha, I just want to talk.” He called out.
“No! No way you ass! Last time we talked you broke my rib and gave me a concussion. I have a restraining order against you now leave or I am calling the cops.” She yelled taking a step away from the door reaching for the cordless phone, turned it on and dialed 911.
“Ayasha open this damn door you bitch. Look at what your new boyfriend did to me. Do you really think I have the strength to do anything to you? I just want to talk.” He called out.
She heard the operator come on the phone asking what her emergency was.
“Yes, operator my ex boyfriend is here. I have a restraining order against him. He beat me up a few days ago and broke my ribs. Please help me.” she cried keeping her voice low so he wouldn’t hear her.
“Let me in now!” He yelled, banging on the door with enough force to trigger the silent alarm. She heard the beep beep activation which would alert her parents, the police and Charan.
“We are sending an officer over now. I want you to get somewhere safe where you can hide.” She said urgently through the phone just as the glass in the window shattered making her scream in fright.
Ayasha turned and ran down the hall as quickly as she could, tripping over one of her brothers toys crying out in pain as her ribs glanced off the phone in her hand when she fell on it and prayed that she didn’t completely break it this time. She ran into her little brother’s room and straight into his closet where there was a lock on the inside of the door. She grabbed his bat and huddled down in the closet, her breathing ragged causing pain in her chest so severe that she blacked out.
When she opened her eyes next she heard her name being yelled loudly throughout the house. She panicked at first, thinking it was Dennis but then she heard other voices calling her name as well.
She also heard the operator yelling through the phone for her. She picked it up placing it to her ear with a shaky hand.
“Hello.” She whispered through the phone, her voice barely audible.
“Oh thank god. I have been calling out to you for the last 15 minutes. Are you ok? Are you injured? I heard you scream earlier. Where are you now? Officers and paramedics are on the scene.”
“I’m sorry. I fainted. I tripped and fell hurting my ribs in the process. I’m in the closet in my younger brother’s room.” She told her gasping for breath as she shifted in the tiny closet.
“Open the door, you’re safe now. The police caught the intruder.” She told her.
Ayasha unlatched the lock on the door and opened it slowly peering out just as two officers came into the room followed by two paramedics.
“It’s ok, you can come out now.” One of the officers told her opening the closet door further, reaching in and taking the bat from her hands while the paramedic came over and helped her out of the closet and onto the gurney.
They took her pulse and respiration, next checking her ribs, deciding she needed to go to the hospital to have new x-rays. They gave her a shot for pain that made her sleepy and an oxygen mask because she was having trouble breathing due to her anxiety and pain..
Ayasha was just about to be loaded into the ambulance when Charan’s truck came to a screeching halt. He hopped out of his vehicle and ran over to her, his face a mask of worry.
“What happened? I caught the page that the alarm went off at this location and came straight over.”
Just as she was about to answer him her father pulled up and right behind him was her mother. They were all standing around talking at once trying to get answers.
“Excuse me, are you the parents?” An officer asked coming over to the group.
“Yes we are.” Her father said pulling her mother to his side. “What’s happened to our daughter?”
“Apparently a Dennis Willis tried to get inside. He broke the window and climbed inside the house. We apprehended him a few minutes later. Your daughter fell and hurt herself trying to get away. We found her hiding in the closet of your son’s room.” He told them.
“We really need to get her to the hospital. She might have a punctured lung or possible internal bleeding.” One of the paramedic’s told them.”
They all quickly moved to the side so she could be loaded into the ambulance.
“I’m riding with her.” Her mother called jumping in beside her grabbing her hand trying not to get in the paramedic’s way as they hooked her up to an I.V.
Ayasha was exhausted by the time she made it home later that night. She had been put through a battery of test, blood work and x-rays. They found that she did in fact fracture her rib a bit more but not a complete break thanks to the good lord.
It would now take her about 6 weeks to heal instead of the 3 to 4 they had predicted. They wanted her on complete bed rest for a week and a half before she could get up and return to a more normal routine. They didn’t want her muscles to stiffen up and would be sending over a physical therapist twice a week for the first week and once the second to keep her in good health.
Dennis was locked up for breaking the conditions of his restraining order as well as breaking and entering. He would be locked up for awhile now at least, she hoped.
How could she have dated him for as long as she had and not realize what a complete psycho he was? Seriously she needed her head checked.
Her parents were upset and beside themselves with worry for her safety. Charan was sending someone over to the house when no one was there to act as her bodyguard when he couldn’t do it himself.
Though Charan told her father he didn’t need to pay for the guard her father had insisted on it. He said it was only right that if he provided his daughter with a bodyguard from his company then he, her father should pay for her protection.
So here she was a few days later with one of the Cheyenne Indians from his tribe, who worked for his security company in private security hovering while the therapist exercised her legs.