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She sets the plate down on the desk and whirls on me. “You put security cameras up outside my home.”
“He’s watching you,” I bite out. “I also installed a doorbell camera, so the next time he hits you, we can take the proof to the police.”
“I was getting to that,” she snaps. “But first, the cameras. It’s a breach of my privacy, Ben. How could you do that knowing what Zach has just done to me?”
“I’m nothing like that boy,” I growl, stepping closer. “I didn’t do it to make you feel like this. I want you to feel safe.”
“He’s not going to hurt me. He isn’t like that. He’s just upset right now.”
I shake my head in disappointment. “That boy has been obsessed with you since before you even realised he existed. Look at what he’s done whilst upset. Now imagine what he’ll do when he hits anger. You are still seeing him as the boy you knew. But he’s not that person anymore. I don’t think he ever was. He’s showing narcissistic behaviour and has done a good job in gaslighting you. You are so quick to blame yourself, and you have no reason to.”
“No, I’m not blaming myself for what he’s done. He did that. Not me. But I did hurt him and I can take responsibility for that.”
“Why, Imogen? Why? You did nothing to him.”
“Because I was in love with you,” she screams as tears slip down her cheeks. “He knew. And we got together because I thought it would help erase you from my mind.”
“I know. He did too. That’s on him,” I state, stepping closer.
“You don’t get it.”
“Yes, I do. Because we’ve had this conversation before. You wanted it to be more, but it never happened. Letting him do this to you is enabling his toxic behaviour. You need to get angry. You need to mourn your friend, because he’s no longer the person you knew.”
“You think I don’t know that?” she spits out. “And I am angry. I’m angry at my part. I’m angry at him. I’m angry at you. And I hate it. This isn’t me. I don’t let negativity outshine the positive. But I am.” She takes a breath. “I’ve already mourned my friend. I don’t hate him because I don’t feel anything for him. But you… You are supposed to be my friend. And you went behind my back and installed those cameras after I told you not to get involved.”
“I haven’t done anything. And trust me, I’ve wanted to. He put his hands on you,” I grit out, barely keeping it together.
I don’t tell her I drove to his house. Or that I saw him crossing the street and my foot flinched on the accelerator.
“Me being the key word in there. He did it to me. So I get to choose how to handle it.”
I step closer, my fingers gently brushing across hers. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Okay, I’ll leave it alone. But the cameras stay.”
“My dad asked questions about them.”
“What did you say?”
“He asked me this morning if I knew why you wanted security cameras. I told him I didn’t know, so I had to lie and say I forgot I asked you to install them.”
“I’m sorry you had to lie to him,” I utter.
She shrugs. “Just don’t put me in a position where I need to again.”
I lower my head, knowing that’s exactly what I need her to do. Before I ruffle feathers, I want to make sure that what I’m feeling for her is true, and not some infatuation for wanting what I can’t have. I want her to keep it from her friends and family.
Only for a short time.
Most importantly, if she ever gives me a chance.
I hear her soft intake of breath as I link my fingers through hers. “Ben,” she rasps. “You need to stop.”
“You want me. I want you. Why avoid the inevitable?”
She lifts her head to meet my gaze. “Because—”
