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It’s terrifying.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I already explained it to Octavius. Whoever sent the video wasn’t me.”
“I don’t give a fuck. Your existence alone endangers my best friend, and what endangers him endangers all of us.” I wince when his grip becomes tighter, pain shooting up my arm, and my free hand clenches, ready to punch him. “Think very carefully about your loyalties, Isla.” He pushes me away, and I stumble a little, catching my balance easily as I lean on the barstool, watching him in shock and confusion because, what the hell is that supposed to mean?
What loyalties? He speaks as if I’m part of their world and should not betray them when I’m just an outsider they all treat like shit!
Even Callum’s friends, who do questionable things if the news reports are anything to go by, were more welcoming than these four!
He fishes inside his jacket and takes out a golden envelope, and I blink when he extends it to me. “Here. Consider it a gift.” I grab it before the action even registers in my mind. “But if you tarnish it, it will be your death warrant.”
What does that even mean? Why is he acting like some kind of psycho capable of killing people?
Rubbing my elbow, I open my mouth to say something but think better of it and instead rush outside, hoping to catch Penelope before she leaves and so I can apologize.
And give her Amalia’s file.
Frigid air grits me when I step out of the club. The wind whooshes over me, and I gulp some oxygen into my lungs. I welcome the coldness sinking into my bones, temporarily replacing the panic swirling inside me.
Looking around, I don’t find Penelope, and I wave my hand, catching a cab ready to go to her hotel, when my phone vibrates inside my pocket, and I fish it out.
I’m at the hotel. Will see you tomorrow.
Two emotions swipe over me at reading Penelope’s message: surprise that she got to her hotel so quickly and relief that she’s all right and Remi didn’t damage her.
Sure. I’ll bring you the file first thing in the morning.
A cab honks, and I glance up to see the driver rolling down his window and motioning for me to get in. Hopping inside, I say, “Hi,” and rattle off my address while he blasts music loudly.
I lean my head on the window, watching the scenery around me and hoping for the oblivion to take me tonight so I won’t think.
Rejection and threats, danger and fear…I’m used to it all and will not lose sleep over it, even if I find Florian’s behavior weird.
You were a great lay, kitten. Now get the hell out.
A single tear slides down my cheek, and quickly wiping it away, I roll down my own window and order myself to forget.
Forget about a man who ended up being just like everyone else.
Casting me away when I became inconvenient, but then again…I can’t blame him.
When you chase after a man, I guess you’re nothing but an easy lay.
* * *
Steam trails after me as I get out of the shower and snatch the towel, wrapping it around me and wiping away the mirror to watch my reflection.
I sigh at the various marks marring my skin, a sign of obsession and possession, except the man who imprinted them on my flesh did so in the heat of the moment, and it has nothing to do with the above state emotions.
“You’re an idiot, Isla. What’s so great having a man obsess over you anyway?” I huff, although even I can hear the lie in my voice as obsession doesn’t seem so bad if it implies something like what Giselle has with Callum.
I’ve officially lost my mind.
Drying myself off, I put on my pajamas and head to the kitchen, ready to munch on some pasta, and my growling stomach agrees with the idea when a soft knock echoes through the space.
Despite the disaster that’s my life, I open the door, grinning at the boy waiting for me, pressing his blanket to his chest. “Hey, kiddo,” I greet him, and at my nod, he enters. “Are you hungry?” I shut the door as his mother moans loudly, shaking my head.
How you can be willing to sleep with a man who beats you and kicks out your kid is beyond me. I know he isn’t forcing her because she’s an active participant and even gushed about his dick to our prostitute neighbor.
