Dancing with the Devil || Book 2

63

Diya's pov
My phone glowed at 3:21am showing Nicole's name. Thankfully, my ringer was off. I was terrified of a round 2 with Elias.

It's me. Can we meet somewhere?

I stared at the message knowing instantly who it was. I wanted to leave but I was scared shitless. I don't know if it was because of anger issues I didn't know about or too many drinks at the party but Elias was being terrifying.
Not that there's really any excuse for his behavior....

I slowly typed through my squinted eyes.
"O k. Where?" Was all I managed without moving too much.

I'll walk to yours. Is that okay?

I felt my heart beat fast at the idea of seeing Theo alone. I shouldn't even play around with an engaged man because that would make me a fool...but it's not like Rebecca ever respected my relationship.

" yes " I replied.

I slipped out of Eli's arms- heading straight for the front door. As soon as I got onto the porch, I found Theo already standing in the dim moonlight with his hands in his pockets. I closed the front door, standing with my arms crossed at the top of the steps.

Although Theo stood on the ground, he still slightly towered over me.

"I admit I've been here longer than I should have. I can't stop thinking about you."

"How could you say such a thing when you're engaged?" I questioned lowly.

"I'm not. My media consultant is faking everything for my image....I've wanted to tell you that for so long"

I felt a wave of relief take over.

I stepped down from the porch, joining Athello under the night sky that shadowed him.

He stayed silent and something seemed off.

"What's that mark on your face?" He finally spoke, utilizing a different tone than before.

I touched my cheek but it burned like an open wound. Fuck, it must be bruised.

"Oh uh it's not imp-"

"-how did you get that mark? You didn't have that at dinner." Theo cut me off.

I felt myself choke up at the bluntness of the question. I didn't even realize I had a bruise let alone had any time to to come up with an excuse.

"I'm gonna ask you one question and you say yes or no. Understand?"

"Theo" I shut my eyes to stop my tears from escaping. All I could do was hope my tear ducts didn't betray me.

"Was it him?"

"Please" I pleaded with him. The last thing I needed was for him to get involved. I was dealing with enough as it was.

"I will fucking kill him."

Theo inched closer, holding my chin up to analyze my face.

"Theo if you respect me- please please please don't make a scene. I'm begging you."

I looked up at his soft expression that was filled with so much concern- remembering for a moment what it felt like to be in love with Athello Hendrix. Not that I ever forgot.

The stars danced in the background of our reunion and for a second, I swear I saw one twinkle in his dark eyes.

"Shit Diya. Fine! I won't make a scene... but you are NOT going to sleep in there, do you hear me? Come back to my cabin or I'm going into this cabin with you. your choice."
I could tell Athello was fuming but he kept his cool for my sake, which I heavily appreciated.

"ok ok. I'll go"

I wanted to argue that it wasn't his business but I was traumatized and way too terrified to sneak back into my cabin. I didn't recognize Elias earlier and I didn't wanna to take the chance that he may be awake. I just wanted to sleep.