Spark ( Book 3: Stronger Series )

24. Change

Something had changed in Darren. I didn't know what caused it, but I suddenly gained a little more freedom. I could now walk in the woods, and I could do it without the watch of my guards. I was only allowed an hour every day, and if I were a second late from emerging from the trees, it would be taken away. I was so grateful for his "gift" to me that I'd thanked him myself without prompt the entire morning. He seemed to appreciate the rewards of his generosity as well while I found it odd that I could reward him so easily for one good deed after six months of bullshit. But it was my method of survival. If I showed him how happy I was when he treated me well, then I hoped he would favor the response and do it more often. If he could condition me, then I would do the same with him.

I did find it odd that he never brought up the conversation I'd had with Sid—the one I knew he'd been listening in on. Maybe he didn't want to admit that I was right. That he didn't want me obedient all the time, and that he wanted me to fight him. That he missed it. But he never budged, not even at the idea of his mother, and what I obviously thought of her and how she handled her situation with his father.

I had to wonder if it wasn't smarter that she had persuaded Darren's father to purchase her rather than someone she knew nothing about, someone who might take pleasure in simply killing her instead of someone who took pleasure in simply having her. Had Darren's father loved her? Had he cared about her? I hadn't even thought to ask of his demise. Had he been killed, too? Does anyone die of old age in this life?

I wanted to understand more of the world Darren lived in and the rules that governed it. But I didn't know how much information he would share with me. He still liked to keep me in the dark with just about everything. I think he liked me blissfully ignorant of the darkness he dealt with every day, but at times, it was hard not to see it reflected in him. I'd notice on certain days he'd come home with blood on his shirt, smelling like gunpowder and completely bury himself deep inside me like it was his fucking sanctuary. And afterward, he'd shower all the death off the both of us, carry my exhausted ass to bed, and tuck me into his side for the rest of the night.

I still hated the man with every fiber of my being, but when the rare moments came that he was gentle and almost loving, I couldn't stop myself from diving headfirst into the comfort he provided me. He was always so stern, intense and brooding, yet somehow, he was still capable of leaving it all at the bedroom door and showing me a softer side that existed only for me. Of course, that was only when he felt like it and if I deserved it.

Before he'd left for the day, he gave me one of his Rolexes so I would know when my hour was up in the woods. The damn thing was so big; it fit around my fucking forearm, not to mention it felt like a damn weight strapped to my arm. I tried to reason with him that I would likely lose it, but he warned me of the consequences if that happened. He promised to replace it with my own at dinner.

That day, I'd spent most of my time outside, jogging in the water and walking back waist deep as I had with Holly. Every moment I spent training, I couldn't help but think of her and remember how pissed off I still was at her death. It shouldn't have happened. I should have done better at keeping her safe from Darren's suspicions. She might have annoyed the hell out of me, but she got me back on my feet, and she didn't deserve to die.

When I decided to venture out into the trees, I made sure Darren's stupid watch was wedged tightly against the muscle of my forearm before I left Clive and Owen on the patio. It was 12:30 p.m., so I had to be back by 1:30 p.m.

I jogged through the trees, observing every single thing I could of the landscaping. I passed the hammock and small stream Darren had brought me to so long ago, the memory of him pushing for info about my dad suddenly pissing me off as I strolled past. Eventually, I finally came to the clearing and found a nice shady spot where I could sit. Closing my eyes, I quieted my mind and meditated for a while. It was hard to meditate in that house when so much darkness and cruelty surrounded me. I was glad Darren was giving me a reprieve from it all.