The Secret Billionaire

Chapter 8

ERIS

"I don't know what to say,"
"You don't have to say anything. I wanted to tell you how I felt because it was driving me crazy,"
"I've never been on a formal date, thank you," He looked a little hurt that I didn't express my feelings the same way, but I didn't want to rush things.
"Your ex never took you out on a date?"
"Let's keep the ex-boyfriend and secret boss on a topic for a different day,"
"You mean there will be a second date?" He smiled. He rarely does it, so I appreciate it every time he does. I got a notification from my phone and quickly looked down.
"Do you need to get that?" He asked, and I shook my head. Ding. I laughed nervously. "Go ahead," He let go of my hand, and I frowned. I checked my phone and felt my heart drop when I read the message.
I just spoke with Stacy. She said she was staying home tonight. From Darius.
Shit, I forgot to tell her to cover for me. I didn't think he would call her.
"Everything okay?" I looked up and turned my phone around.
"Y-yes," My voice was shaky. "I feel fatigued. Do you think we can go already?"
His face went serious, and he stood up. He grabbed my hand, and we walked out of the restaurant. I think I just ruined our night. Ding.
I just stopped by to make sure you were okay. Where are you? From Darius again.
Was he at my place? What if he is still there? He'll find out I lied to him, and he could hurt me. I blew him off to go on a date with another guy. When we broke up, I thought I wouldn't have to deal with this anymore, but he is still here. He is still ruining my life.
"Where do you live?" Nathan finally spoke up. I looked up, but he didn't take his gaze off the window.
"I can walk," I looked down at my phone, and he sighed.
We arrived, and he helped me out of the car. He stood there looking down at me.
"Eris, you're shaking. Is everything okay?"
I faked a smile and nodded.
"Of course! Why don't you go inside, and I'll start heading home? I'll text you as soon as I get there," I laughed nervously, and he shook his head.
He turned around and headed toward the door. He looked back at me, and I waved at him to keep going.
"Text me as soon as you get there," he repeated, and I nodded. He finally stepped into the building, and the smile faded off my face.
What was I supposed to do? Do I call Stacy? I didn't want to get her more involved with this. I didn't want to get home because I was scared he would be there. Ding. Another message.
I want to know you're safe. Call me as soon as you're home. From Darius.
That means he wasn't at my place. I made my way back home and to my apartment. I rushed to close the door behind me, and I sighed. I texted Nathan that I was home and sat down on the couch. I took off my heels and coat.
"I told you to call me when you got home,"
My heart jumped out of my chest when I heard the voice. I sat up and saw Darius leaning on the kitchen door frame.
"Who did you text? If you had the chance to text someone, you should've called me. I told you I wanted to make sure you were safe," He walked over to me, revealing himself in the moonlight. His hair was a mess, and his eyes were red. I've seen him like this before. He's been smoking and probably drinking as well.
"I-I'm sorry. I wanted to get comfortable before calling you,"
"Where were you?" He stood a few feet in front of me.
"I went out for dinner. I got hungry,"
"Not with Stacy. I called her," He flicked the cigarette in his hand. "So, I'll ask again, where. were. you?" My heart began racing as he made his way closer to me. He almost stumbled over his feet.
"You know what's funny?" He ran his hand through his hair and laughed. "I came to your place to check on you. I waited for you. I sat by the window to see when you got home. You know what I saw?" He was now standing right in front of me. His words were slurred. "I saw another man's arm wrapped around you while you got out of his car!"
I winced as he raised his voice. He bent down, his face close to mine. I could smell the alcohol on his breath.
"You lying bitch," His hand came in contact with my cheek so hard I fell to the side. I let out a cry as I held my face in my hands. He grabbed my neck to force me to look up at him. His grip was tight. I was having trouble breathing.
"I told you I wanted you back. I told you I loved you. You don't get to go with someone else after I confess my love for you!" He grabbed my arm and stood me up. "You are mine. Only mine,"
"If you wanted me, you wouldn't have cheated on me," I said through gritted teeth. He shoved me down, and thankfully I had enough time to catch myself before my face met the floor.
"Maybe if you were better in bed, I wouldn't have cheated on you," He jolted my arm up and placed the cigarette on my arm. I pushed him off and kicked his stomach. He fell to the floor, and I got up. As I tried to run away, he grabbed my leg, and I fell face-first.
"Oh no, where do you think you're going?"
He flipped us around and started kissing my neck, which was already in so much pain from his grip on me.
"Eris, I love you so much," He said. I kicked my leg up to his crotch, and he groaned. I pushed him off and finally got up. I ran out of the apartment and down the stairs.
"Eris?! Don't think you're going to run away from me! I will find you!" I heard him yell after me. I ran out of the building and looked around. People were looking at me weirdly. I probably looked like a crazy person. I wouldn't doubt it.
"Shit," I mumbled to myself. I forgot to bring my phone.