Dark Love: A Darker Shade - Book 2

6

She was frozen in shock as he spoke.

"I don't know why you keep doing this but the fake image you keep presenting is completely unnecessary. The reason I was on your neck in school was that I knew you needed the pressure. If I had not been a kind of a thorn in your flesh, you would have been sloppy with your classes and finally end up a dropout. That probably is something you will eventually regret. Then who would you blame? Your parents? Sure, but in the end, everyone is responsible for what they turn out to become based on the choices they make."

"Please stop..."

"I have not finished talking." He interrupted coarsely and she fell silent but her heart was vibrating with tension and denial as he continued. "It is clear that somehow, all you want is attention but life is too short to spend it working hard to present a false image of yourself. I still see you as someone special, but don't you ever seek me out to use me again. Because the next time you try it, I will ensure that it does not end in your favor. Always remember that you never really knew me, hence, you can never guess what I'm capable of."

He broke off the embrace, releasing her. She remained frozen in place and refused to meet his gaze. Her eyes had filled with tears, which were running down her face. With a finger, he lifted her chin and forced her to meet his smoldering gaze.

"Goodbye, Elizabeth." He said "May our next meeting be normal and more pleasant. If you'll excuse me, I'll go sort things out with the waiter."

He stepped away from her and headed back towards the direction of the restaurant. Zee tried to fight off her tears as she found her footing and hastened towards her car. She didn't want to completely break down out there in the parking lot of the hotel. Several people were about the place and she didn't want to draw attention to herself in her current state. She quickly got inside her car, placed the bottle of wine he had gifted her on the passenger side, and turned on the car and air-condition.

Zee sat back in her seat and let herself cry. It was the first time she was crying brokenly in a long time. His words had cut deep into her skin like a knife. She loathed it but he had spoken the truth. Indeed, the truth was a bitter pill to swallow. She had lived this life for a long time and she didn't think that she would be able to change. She had no idea where to start. She was not even ready to do that. This was who she was now.

After crying her heart out, she began to feel the heaviness leave her chest. It was good to cry sometimes. It did have its way of providing relief and she was feeling somewhat relieved. With that feeling of relief came thoughts of the last dare. She had performed her dare. It was over and it was time to move on. She was free and she could not wait to share the good news. Who better to share the good news with other than her best friend, Inara?

Zee picked up her phone and dialed Inara's number. It seemed like Inara had been waiting because the phone had barely begun to ring before she picked it up. Zee hoped Lemuel was not close to her. That husband of hers could be such a killjoy as far as she was concerned.

"Hey Zee, I've been expecting your call."

"Is Lemuel there?"

"No. He's at work."

"Great."

"Yeah, so what's up?"

Zee knew what she was asking. "I couldn't bring myself to do it." She said solemnly.

"Oh, Zee," Inara said, disappointed. "What is wrong with you?"

Zee started laughing.

"You're pulling my legs? I should have known." Inara said excitedly. "Tell me. How did it go?"