Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1) (2 page)

TWO

Caitlin

My first week of work flies by in a blur of coffee and muffins. I have loved every second of it. I’d become used to being isolated; now I’m just happy to be able to get back to the mundane things of life while having the freedom to do what I please, when I please. I’d become accustomed to needing permission to do the smallest things so it’s been hard letting go again, but I’m glad it’s finally happening. My job is great. Kiaya is cool, not as hyper as she first led me to believe, and fun. She’s always cracking jokes, mainly at a strange customer’s expense.

The other bonus to my job is the view. Many times a day, I see Mr. Hottie walking to and from his truck. I don’t know where he goes, and I don’t care. I know I’ll never get the courage to talk to him. The smile he always sends my way has me flustered enough. If I react like that after a smile, just imagine what would happen if I actually had the chance to talk to him!

By the end of the day, I find out.

It’s after five, and we’re getting ready to close up. Kiaya’s in the back washing up, while I’m cleaning under the counter in the shop.

“Caitlin,” Len says. “I’m heading home now. Say goodbye to Kiaya for me, will you, please? I’ll see you in the morning.”

“No worries, Len,” I say, as I lean under the counter, stretching to reach the bottom shelf.

I’m in my own world singing to myself, when I hear a deep voice say, “That’s a mighty fine view; don’t let me stop you, but I would love a coffee.” Considering I thought the shop was empty, this startles the hell out of me. I bang my head on the shelf and fall flat on my arse.

“Great, that’s not embarrassing at all,” I mutter to myself.

“Are you ok?” he asks, not even trying to hide the fact he’s thoroughly amused.

I feel the bruise already beginning to swell on my temple, and the pain radiating through my skull has my eyes filling with unwanted tears. I squeeze my eyes shut as I desperately try to hold the tears at bay. This situation is embarrassing enough, and I refuse to cry in front of this man.

“No, thank you for scaring the crap out of me by the way,” I scold.

“Hey, it’s not my fault you weren’t paying attention. You really should, you know? I could’ve been anyone.” His condescending tone really pisses me off.

“What do you want?” I snap, rubbing at my sore head. I look up to see who I’m talking to, and my mouth gapes open. Staring up at the customer, my arse stays firmly planted on the floor. I can’t help but groan into my hands when I notice it’s Mr. Hottie. He’s wearing a white tank-top, which gives me a great view of his large muscular frame. I’m close enough to see he has rich chocolate-brown eyes and tattoos covering both arms. I was embarrassed before, but now I’m utterly mortified. Why did this have to happen in front of
this
guy of all people? When I notice his smirk grow, my eyes narrow into small slits.

“Like what you see, babe?” he asks.

Getting up off the floor, I pull down my skirt that had ridden up my thighs a bit too far. “No!” I bark out, sounding like a spoiled child while folding my arms across my chest.

“That’s a good come-back.” He’s a smug arsehole! Agggghhhhhh! This guy may be hot, but he knows how to get on my nerves.

“What do you want?” I snap again.

“Um, well I already asked for coffee, so I think it’s obvious. Did you bang your head harder than I think? Do you need me to take you to the hospital?”

“Yes, well I got detracted, smart arse.”

My reply amuses him. “Well, I’ll have a black coffee and one of those muffins, please. Love your accent, by the way. Where you from? England, I assume?”

Now he wants to be polite and make small talk? Well, I’m not interested! I choose to ignore his stupid question. Of course I’m bloody English! While I’m getting his order together, he tries to chat some more, but I continue to ignore him. Eventually, he takes the hint and leaves once I hand it over to him. I know my behavior is immature and far beneath my twenty-seven years, but I couldn’t care less. He made me bang my head and fall on my arse!

                                                  ***

Mr. Hottie

I stand outside Betty’s needing to pull myself together before heading back to the gym. Scrubbing at my face, I can’t suppress the grin that’s forming. What the hell was that? That feisty English chick is something else. The last few weeks I’ve been aware she’s noticed me through the window, giving me that beautiful, but shy, smile whenever our eyes connect. But that display just then, that wasn’t some shy girl. That was one sexy, but pissed woman, and she intrigues me. I don’t want to leave it like that.

I couldn’t help but joke with her, not that she found it funny. After trying to make a little small talk and getting shot down, I quickly realized it wasn’t the best time. But now, standing here like a damned idiot, there’s something pulling me back inside.

I need to talk to her again. A couple of steps and I’m standing outside the door. Through the glass, I see her standing by the counter. She’s looking cute rubbing at her head, but she also looks pretty furious. My smile grows. The other server, Kiaya, comes out from the back, so I decide to come back tomorrow. I’m late for work anyway.

The gym’s only next door, so it’s not long before I’m entering through the huge doors. Roman, my brother, sits at the reception desk, looking at the computer screen.

“Hey,” I say, walking over to him.

Without looking up, Roman says, “You sure took your time. I thought you only went to Betty’s.” He lifts his eyes from the screen and begins to stare at me.

Oh no! That look tells me Roman finds something amusing, and he’s about to bust my balls for it. Always a glutton for punishment, I can’t help asking, “What?”

“What the hell has happened to your face?” I don’t reply, but groan instead. “Asher!” Roman calls.

“Yeah?” Asher says as he makes his way down the stairs. “You ok?”

“I’m fine, but look at him.” Roman snickers while gesturing with his thumb towards me.

Asher looks at me a moment, and then says to Roman as if I’m not standing here, “I don’t like it. Something’s not right about that. I’m scared, Roman. So scared.” Great, now both of them are giving me shit.

“Me, too. Will you hold me, Asher?” teases Roman. “It’s a mother fucking smile. On Ethan. In public. What’s this about? Are you happy? I don’t like it; it’s just unnatural.” With his comments, both guys burst out laughing.

“Shut up, you idiots. I’m going upstairs.” I start to walk off not in the mood for any more of their shit. It’s then I notice a silver BMW pull up outside. Damn! I’ll never make it upstairs in time, especially with my leg. Not sure if it’s instinct or panic, but I shove Asher aside while diving behind the counter. Roman looks down at me crouching by his legs.

“What the fuck, bro?”

“Nicola,” I hiss. “I can’t deal with her crazy right now. Don’t you even think about giving me away.”

“I’d never,” he says in mock disgust, but that evil smirk says otherwise.

I hear a pair of heels strut across the wooden floor.

“Roman.” Her sickly sweet voice grates on my nerves.

“Hi, Nicola. Always a pleasure. How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for your brother. Have you seen him?”

Roman scans the room. “Well he was around, but I don’t see him anymore.” He’s enjoying this.

“He had to go out and won’t be back until later,” Asher says. At least someone has my back.

“Well, when will he be back?” Nicola asks, her voice becoming high-pitched.

“Damn, Nicola. It’s not like he’s crouching behind this desk or anything. Do you see him around? He’s out. Anything else I can help you with?”

She gives an over-exaggerated huff. “Well, just tell him I was looking for him.”

“Will do,” Roman says, as I watch him salute her. I just barely manage to hold in my laugh.

“Coast is clear, you coward,” he says to me as the door shuts.

I cautiously peek over the countertop. I don’t trust my brother, but this time he’s right. She’s gone. I stand and stretch my limbs because they’re a little numb after being in such a tight space. “I owe you one.” Slapping him on his back, I walk up the stairs to my office. I need some peace and quiet to decide what to do next time I go to Betty’s.

                                                ***

Caitlin

Half an hour later we’ve officially closed for the night, so I say my goodbyes to Kiaya, and then head off in the opposite direction. Next to my work there’s a large bricked building used as a gym. On the outside it’s not much to look at. The bricks are painted white, and there are two large frosted windows on either side of the double doors. The sign above the doors reads
Kendricks’ Gym
. I’ve been walking past it to get to work, and each time I considered going in to inquire about training again. Kickboxing had pretty much taken over my life before Stephen, but I had to give it up. I miss the workouts like crazy, and having a regular routine again would be nice.

Before I have second thoughts, I walk through the double doors, and I’m pleasantly surprised by what I find. The reception area is to the left; the rest of the room is open. The right side is full of exercise equipment, treadmills, bikes, things like that. At the back is a boxing ring, and an area with some punching bags and speedballs. All the walls are exposed brick with an occasional wooden beam. 

I make my way over to the reception desk where there’s a good looking guy with sandy blond hair long enough to curl around his ears. He looks more suited to a surfboard than a gym.

“Hi, welcome to Kendricks’ Gym. I’m the manager. My name’s Asher; how can I help?”

“Hi, I’m Caitlin Riley, and I work next door at Betty’s. I’ve been living here for a few months now and think it’s about time I enrolled back at a gym.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place then,” he says with a smile on his face. There’s something about this guy. I get shy with new people and situations, but Asher puts me at ease immediately. “What is it you’re interested in doing?” he questions.

“I was wondering if you have kickboxing classes. I took some lessons back home a few years ago.”

“Well, you’re in luck then. Roman, one of the owners, is starting a beginner’s class tomorrow night. It’s held upstairs if you’re interested.”

I have a lot to learn, yet I’m far from a beginner. However, I’ll take anything right now, so I happily accept. After filling out the paper work, I say goodbye to Asher, agreeing to come back the following night.

Finally, I make my way home, heave my weary body into my chair, and stare into space.  It’s so quiet here. It’s always the same when I come home at the end of the day, and I can’t help but feel lonely and really sad. Joining the gym will be good for me; I may even make some new friends. I decide to call Beth back in England because she’s my rock, my person, my bestie. Hearing her voice always makes me feel better.

”Hey,” I say once she answers.

“Hi, Caitlin! I’ve missed you soooo much.”

“Me too!” It’s great having free access to Beth again.

“I’m glad you called. I know I’ve been promising for a while, but this time I mean it. I’m coming to visit you soon! Well, that’s if you still want me to come.”

“WHAT?!” I scream. “Are you joking? Please don’t be joking. You’ve been talking about coming here to visit for months. I was beginning to give up all hope. When are you coming?”

“One question at a time. I’m not joking, Caitlin. I really miss you, but I’m not sure yet. I gave my boss some dates, and he’s going to get back to me. I’m just checking to see if you still want me to come.”

“Of course I bloody want you to come!”

“Well, that’s sorted then.  I’ll find out when I can get the time off, and I’ll let you know, ok?”

“Yes!” I’m so happy; I can’t stop smiling while I tell her all about my day until I get to the embarrassing incident with the hot guy at work. Of course she finds it hilarious, but my head and I are still quite sore about it. Coming off the phone half an hour later, I’m feeling much better, but I just can’t seem to get Mr. Hottie out of my head.

THREE

Caitlin

“Yep, you heard it correctly. I landed right on my arse,” I say to Kiaya the next morning once the shop has quieted down. Kiaya is doubled over laughing so hard that I wouldn’t be surprised if she peed herself. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” 

“Ok, ok, I’m sorry,” she replies while wiping the tears from her eyes and trying to subdue her grin. I can’t help but chuckle, too.

“That’s so funny! Sorry, but it is. I wish we knew who the guy was though. You should’ve gotten his number.” 

“What? Yeah right, I bet he thinks I’m a great catch.”

Kiaya’s face turns serious now. “You’re a catch, Caitlin.”

“Yeah, right.” I mean, I’m ok. I wouldn’t call myself beautiful or a catch. My brown hair is just below my shoulders, and my eyes are blue. I’m not overweight, but not skinny either. I’m also tall at 5’9”. My tummy has a few stretch marks, so you’ll never see me in a bikini—definitely not the type of girl Mr. Hottie would go for.

We hear the bell over the door ring, alerting us to customers. I turn to see Donnie making his way through the door. Donnie is Len’s nephew, and he visits Betty’s most days. He has Down’s syndrome, and I’ve become really fond of him in the short time I have known him. He’s always so happy to see us and will stay for a while before he goes to his work. 

“H-H-Hi, Caitlin,” he stammers.

“Hi, Donnie.  Do you want your usual?”

“Yes, yes, please.”

“Go and sit with your Uncle Len, and I’ll bring it over.” Smiling, he joins his uncle, who’s seated in his usual booth. The happiest I ever see Len is when Donnie visits.

When I take the drinks over, Len says, “There’s no one else in the shop, Caitlin. Why don’t you sit with us for a while? You don’t mind do you, Donnie? You, too, Kiaya,” Len shouts across the shop.

I take Donnie’s nodding and grinning as a
yes
, so I slide into the seat of the red booth opposite the guys. The bell rings again, and when I notice who it is, I become flustered. It’s Mr. Hottie. Just great! His eyes find mine, and he smirks as he makes his way across the shop to us, still keeping eye contact with me. Just one look and he has me frozen in place; I don’t think I could move if I wanted too. Now turning his attention to Donnie and Len, he shakes their hands. Mr. Hottie then shouts his order to Kiaya and slides in next to me. Glancing down at my name badge, which is conveniently placed on my boob, he looks back to me with raised eyebrows.

“Caitlin.” That smirk is long gone now, but his eyes stay intently focused on mine. A loud cough brings me out of my stupor.  I look up to see Kiaya with Mr. Hottie’s order in her hands. She gives me a look full of mischief when she mouths, “Oh my god! Mr. Hottie?”

I have to stop a nervous giggle from escaping my lips. Luckily, he hasn’t seemed to notice Kiaya because his gaze remains fixed on me. It should be uncomfortable, but if I’m honest, I like his attention. I, of course, would never let him know that.

“Here you go, Ethan. I hope it’s ok.” Great, she knows him, and on a first name basis!

“Thanks, Kiaya. I’m sure it will be as you made it,” he says with a wink.

This time I can’t stop my laugh from flying out of my mouth. “That’s not cheesy at all,” I snicker. All eyes turn to me, apart from Donnie, who is oblivious to the scene around him. Len looks confused, like he’s missed something. Kiaya silently laughs behind her hand. Ethan, well, I’m not quite sure what look he’s giving me, but it’s pretty intense. It doesn’t take me long to work it out though, as he gently brushes his finger up my thigh. My instinct is to expect pain after an intimate touch, so I involuntary flinch. My knee bucks up against the table and scares the life out of poor Donnie, who lets out a yelp. I’m going to be black and blue if I keep this up. First my head, then my arse, and now my knee. My face feels so hot; I know I must be scarlet.

“Sorry Donnie, something made me jump,” I say as I desperately try to hide the fact I’m a little shaken.

“That’s ok, Caitlin,” Donnie reassures.

“So, what exactly made you jump?” Ethan says, his tone challenging as he raises one eyebrow.

I’m not about to admit the truth, and he knows it, so I try to change the subject. “Kiaya, I better come help you now. Excuse me, everyone.” I need to get away from this guy before I embarrass myself, although I know it’s too late because the damage has already been done.

“No, no, it’s fine, Caitlin. You stay there and rest; you seem to have had quite the startle. You didn’t get burned by something HOT did you?”

I glare at her. Bloody friend she is! I’m glad she’s finding it funny. All eyes are on me now while I sit there squirming. A few awkward moments go by before I hear the tinkling of the doorbell. Never in my whole life have I been so relieved to see customers as I am right now. It appears a day-trip from a retirement home was dropped off right outside the door.
Phew
.

Laughing, Kiaya says to Ethan, “You better let her out now.” Her help is better late than never, I suppose. Although, if the chance to get her back ever arises, she’d better watch out, friend or not.

Ethan stands so I can slide out but doesn’t move far from the table. His position forces me to squeeze up against his very firm, beautiful body in order to pass. Believe me when I say it takes all of my willpower not to feel every contour of his muscles with my now sweaty palms. By the look on his face, he knows exactly what I’m thinking. The smirk is long gone, and he won’t take his eyes off me. Dipping my head down to break the eye contact, I say
bye
to no one in particular and walk off with a giggling-like-a-school-girl Kiaya. Dragging her with me, she whisper shouts, “That’s Ethan Kendricks!” Like she expects me to know what that means. “He’s co-owner of the gym next door, the gym you’ve just joined.”

I stop in my tracks, “What!?” I say a little louder than intended.

“You’ve joined my gym?” Great! He heard us, nosey bastard.

Spinning around and seeing the amused look on his face, I can’t stop my mouth from opening, and I say in as sexy a voice I can muster, “Yes, I’ve heard it’s a good place to get really hot and sweaty.”  My bravery doesn’t last as I run off behind the counter to hide and take orders.

I feel Ethan’s eyes on me for the next half an hour before he leaves with Donnie, but not before he drops some money in the tips jar. Ethan winks and says, “Thanks for the great service, Caitlin.” What an arse!

I learn later from Kiaya that Ethan has taken Donnie under his wing. Donnie works at the gym, cleaning the equipment and helping out with whatever else is needed.

“I’m bloody glad the lunchtime rush is over. That was hectic, and my back’s killing me.” I hopelessly attempt to rub at the sore patch but fail, as unfortunately, I’m not that flexible. 

“It’s dead now, girls. You can both take your break now. Grab something to eat and drink,” Len calls across the shop. My new boss rocks.

“Thanks, Len,” we both say at the same time.

“Jinx!” we shout at each other.

Laughing, we grab some lunch and take a seat. We don’t sit with Len because he’s occupied with the horse races, as usual. We know better than to bother him when he’s trying to win money.

“So, Kiaya, I have been meaning to ask you about your name. Do you know what it means?”

“I have no idea; my parents think it might be Japanese, but I don’t know for sure. I have researched it but can’t find it anywhere.”

“Really? If it’s that rare, where did they hear about it?”

“My mom was watching a film when she was a teenager and heard it. She said she knew right there and then if she had a daughter, it would be her name”.

“What was the film?”

Chuckling she replies, “
Willow
.”

“
Willow
, that sounds familiar?” Thinking for a moment I suddenly remember it. “Is that the film about the dwarf who has to save a baby?”

“Yep, that’s the one. I’m named after his wife.”

“So you’re named after a dwarf in a really bad film from the eighties?” Now we are both laughing.

“Yep, I don’t mind; I really love my name. The only bad thing is how my mom spelled it. It’s how it was in the film, but when people see it, they never know how to pronounce it. It would have been better to spell it how it sounds,
Ki-ah.
”

“I see what you mean. I admit I wasn’t sure when I saw your name badge. It’s really nice, though.”

“Thanks, Caitlin. Soooo,” Kiaya drags out.

I’ve just taken a mouthful of my sandwich, so I mumble, “Mmhuh.”

“Ethan Kendricks is Mr. Hottie. Who would have thunk it?” I wondered when she would bring Ethan back into our conversation.

“Well, if that’s his name, then yes, he’s Mr. Hottie.” I don’t hide the hint of sarcasm in my tone. “What do you know about him?” I ask, now trying not to sound eager.

“Not too much really. He co-owns the gym with his brother. They were both in the army. I think Ethan does a lot of charity work for injured veterans. From what I’ve seen of him, he’s a nice guy.” She blows on her coffee then takes a sip.

“Oh right.”

Kiaya narrows her eyes and holds me in her gaze. “Hmmm, what’s going on with you?”

Looking down at my sandwich as I take a bite, I say with my mouth full, “Nothing.”

Kiaya leans back in her chair, folding her arms across her chest. “Bullshit.” I nearly choke on my food. “I know we haven’t known each for that long, but you can talk to me.”

The genuine look on her face takes me aback. I’d forgotten what it’s like to have daily, face-to-face chats with friends. Since I’ve been here, the only person I can classify as a real friend is my neighbor, Grace. Kiaya’s question has me thinking back to the first time Stephen attacked me.

Stephen was adamant I wasn’t to have friends. The first time I went against him on this matter had been one of the most terrifying times of my life up to that point. I’m sorry to say, there have been many more since. That was when the abuse became physical. Before that, he’d only made demands and shouted at me until he got his way. When he became really angry, he’d stamp his feet like a little boy. My counselor has said the reason why this attack affected me so deeply was because I hadn’t expected it, and it completely changed the dynamics of our relationship. I wasn’t scared of him at that point, only slightly wary and not fully understanding of what he was capable.

Beth asked me to go have coffee at her house. I didn’t ask Stephen for his permission. That was my first mistake that morning. When I mentioned my plans for the day, he forbade me to go, shouting and getting in my face. I agreed, assuring him I wouldn’t, but once he left for work, I left too. I was so cross at how he had spoken to me. How dare he? It was only coffee at a friend’s house for goodness sake. I was determined to go; he wasn’t going to stop me.

I was only gone for an hour. When I got home, I was surprised to see Stephen’s car in the driveway. I had been so naïve, rolling my eyes and thinking here we go again, another lecture. When I walked inside, there was no lecture; he only asked me one simple question, if I had been to Beth’s. When I nodded, something changed in his expression; it was something sinister. Taking large strides, he closed the distance in no time at all and punched me in the side of my head. The force made me fall backwards, but the wall prevented me from going down. I was in complete shock that he had put his hands on me. My hand covered my sore skin rubbing at it, not that it helped to dull the ache. He moved forward, but I put my hand up stopping him in his tracks.

“You come any closer, and I promise you, Stephen, I’ll call the police,” I stated, feeling proud for standing up to him. No man was laying a hand on me. Well, that’s what I thought. His hand shot forward so quickly that I had no time to react, and he closed it tightly around my neck. He brought his face in so close I could smell his breath. I wish I’d smelled alcohol on him because that would be an excuse to why he was acting like this, but no, all I could smell was mint.

“You will not be calling or seeing anyone without my permission. I say who you see. I say when you leave MY house. I say what you can do and when you can do it. You are MINE. I control you,” he said through gritted teeth. With those last words, he punched me in my stomach twice. I doubled over, winded. While I was still bent, he grabbed fistfuls of my hair then began to drag me through the house. It was hard to breathe as I gasped for air. I screamed and cried out in pain, clawing at his hands to free myself from his iron-clad grip. Pulling me into the spare room, he threw me to the floor in a heap. As he pulled his belt from his trousers, he said to me in a calm but chilling voice, “You will stay in here and think about how you should behave. I have certain expectations, and you need to meet them.” He then proceeded to beat me with his belt, relentlessly whipping at my body. I lay there trying to cover myself from each lash, but it was no good; every blow hit its mark. I lost count at eight. When he finally left, I heard him lock the door making me his prisoner.

I don’t know how long it took me to move my beaten body again. I couldn’t stop shaking for hours. He didn’t let me out until the following morning. I’d been in there since noon the day before. I’d not been given any food or water. That was not the worst of it, though. There was no toilet in there, and after I had banged on the door for what felt like hours, I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and I finally wet myself. The next morning was humiliating, the look of disgust on his face as he pinched his nose and told me to take a shower. The violence after that terrible day never stopped, and needless to say, I always did as I was told after that.