Babes Stripping For Love

Keegan didn’t understand what was happening. He was suddenly faced with Lexie who he recognized as Mara, the beautiful young woman that took months for him to forget. She was too young for him back then, he had told her so. Hell, if he was to be honest with himself, he would still compare other women to his sweet innocent Mara, had been since he could remember.

Years ago, Mara had told him about her family issues. He knew it was bad, but he was young and stupid. Driven by his need to prove himself to his parents, he left her with her problems. He decided to focus on his study and football scholarship. He knew that she was special, and some nights he allowed himself to fantasize about what could’ve been between them.

But now he was regretting his decision.

“Tell me everything,” Keegan demanded when he got her into his car and she told him where her son was.

“You don’t have to do anything, just get me to Harley’s school.” She gave him the address. It was more of a house than an actual school. Lexie had found the perfect small nonprofit daycare with an early education system that was perfect for Harley.

“Mara…”

“I go by Lexie now, look, you don’t have to pretend that you care. I just… I just need to get to Harley. I’ll be out of your town by tomorrow.”

Keegan could hear the slight tremble in her voice, he saw how she took a deep breath and wiped the tear trailing down her cheeks.

He respects her wishes and keeps quiet. For now.

“I’m okay, everything is okay. I just need to get to Harley and pack up. I’ve made plans.”

She was definitely going to run, Keegan thought. He wished he had kept an eye on her after he went back to college. He didn’t anticipate that it would get this bad. She was afraid. She mentioned a son, maybe it was her husband or her boyfriend. He cursed at himself but let her out of his car the moment they arrived at the address.

“Come on Harley,” It took less than five minutes for Lexie to get her son. The little guy looked adorable with his cute boyish jeans and t-shirt ensemble.

“Hi, I’m Harley,”

“Hi Harley, I’m Keegan. I’m a friend of your mom.” He held out his hand and the little guy shook it proudly.

She thanked Keegan and gave him another direction to her apartment. It took only another twenty minutes and they finally arrived at her apartment. There was no parking lot. But Keegan insisted on parking by the side of the road. “I will escort you into your unit. I need to check the inside or Charlotte will tell Seamus then I’ll be in trouble.” Keegan explained with a wink trying to keep the situation as friendly as possible. He kept his voice low, not wanting little Harley to pick up on her anxiety.

“Lexie, why do I have to go back early?” Harley asked with a whiny tone, the moment they reached inside the cramped apartment. He sounded disappointed about having to cut his school day short.

The place was tidy. Modest was a bit pushing it. The walls were peeling, the paint job looked like it was done over ten years ago and Keegan was suspicious of the very thin window panes. They didn’t look insulated, he could already imagine how cold it would be in the winter. Hell, Keegan was feeling the draft as he passed to check the locks on the windows.

Keegan looked in the closet, checked all the window locks, then continued to the bathroom. The man even checked under the bed, making Harley follow him around like he was trying to be the good little helper.

“What are you looking for Keegan? Did you lose something?”

“Nah, your mom said she was scared and I’m here to check for Boogeyman. But now that you’re here I’m sure you’ll take good care of her huh?” Keegan kneels before putting his hand on Harley’s shoulder. The kid grinned at him.

“You sure? But my sister is the bravest…”

“Your sister?” Keegan raised his question carefully.

“Oh-oh…”

When Lexie heard it she gave a deep exhale. “Okay, you catch our lies.” She pulled Harley close for a hug, telling him that it was okay. That Keegan is a good friend of hers and their secret is safe with him. “Harley’s real name is Cody and he is my little brother. Half-brother.”

Keegan’s mind went back to when they talked about her family. He seemed to remember that she hated her stepdad a lot, and there were times when she told him that the man would look at her in a bad way and that was why Keegan took her out on their little outings, to help her cope with her days.

“I love my old name. Cody. My mama gave me the name. But Lexie said we can be Christopher and Robin when we move next because she doesn’t think that Pooh is a good name for a boy.”

Harley’s train of thought made him chuckle. “Yeah, I think you’re not chubby enough to be Pooh, and who would want to walk around with a shirt and no pants?”

Harley giggled and told Keegan that he wouldn’t want that.

“Harley, why don’t you watch your cartoons while I make some snacks? I need to talk to Keegan for a minute.”

“Okay, will Keegan stay and have dinner with us?”

“I will if your sister says it’s okay, buddy,” Keegan replied, cutting her from telling him otherwise since Keegan did want to stay. He wanted to help. He wanted her safe. Both of them.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

“Okay!” Harley grins then skipped his steps all the way to their small living room area before settling down on the battered couch and reaching for the remote.

“He’s not my son,” Lexie said as she moves to the kitchen to turn off the stove. She continue making their coffee and what looked like a chocolate drink for Harley.

“I heard, so is this why you’re planning to move?” Keegan rested his back on the kitchen counter waiting for her to explain further.

“Two years after you left, my mom passed away. She was a victim of domestic abuse. My stepdad, Cody’s dad, hit her with an empty liquor bottle so strong that it shattered and she bleed out. When I arrived at the house Cody was on her, hugging her, all bloody and messy. My stepdad was so drunk that he fell asleep near her lifeless body.” Lexie’s hand trembled after she manages to pour the hot water for their instant coffee and chocolate drink for Harley. Keegan helped her with the kettle and put it back on top of the stove.

“I was eighteen and Cody was almost four. When the police came and finished doing their thing, I was told that I should wait for the social workers and since I was eighteen it was okay for me to care for Cody while they sort out their paperwork. But I could wait. I couldn’t take the chance that my stepdad was going to go back and he’d hurt either of us. So I fled with the money that I’d been saving up. I had wanted to run away for a while leaving Mom with her new family. But not long after Cody was born the abuse started. When I saw the little defenseless baby, I know I have to protect him. I cared for him from day one. He’d been like my precious baby, though he’s my little brother.”

“And now?” Keegan pressed for more answers when he thinks that Lexie started opening up.

“Now we run. I heard from my nosy neighbor, Mrs. McNally, that my stepdad was back. He was released on a technicality and now she said that he’s on probation. She also said that he didn’t look happy when he saw that the house was empty.”

“Don’t run. Stay at my place. I will help you sort things out.” Keegan put his hand on hers, wanting her to take his suggestion knowing that he could not forgive himself if anything happens to her.

“Why? Why would you want to help me?”

“Because now I can. And will help you. I’m… I’m sorry for leaving you all those years ago. I wish I didn’t, but I was young and you… you’re so much younger than me.”

Keegan saw the change in her expression. His feelings ran deep and he felt like he was suddenly his young self again. Though this time he knew that he could help her. Being one of Braddock’s most trusted men, he was the best at his job. He was sure that he could help her now. He was already planning on how to get her stepdad back behind bars. This time, he wanted him to stay there, for the rest of his life.