– You can't stay here anymore – Victor broke the heavy silence that had hung in the car since we had started driving.
– What? – I asked, tearing my gaze away from the façades of the roadside buildings we were passing at a speed that was definitely too high for a residential area.
– I don't want you to live here any longer. I won't allow it... – he trailed off when he saw my raised eyebrows.
– You won't allow me? – I asked, watching him carefully.
– I don't want that wannabe ex harassing you in my absence – he quickly corrected himself.
He glanced at me for a second before focusing on the road ahead again.
So many counterarguments to his ridiculous idea flooded my mind that I didn't know which to choose.
– You're overreacting – I concluded briefly.
– No, I'm not – he objected. – This afternoon, we'll pack your things and move in together. There's no reason to delay.
The little creature inside me clenched its tiny fists, and I raised my eyebrows even higher.
– I have to move immediately because you say so? – I asked, not quite believing what I was hearing.
Victor braked sharply in front of a pedestrian crossing, jolting me in my seat.
– Paulina, that man is unstable – he announced in a deadly serious tone, tapping his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel as the pedestrians crossed. – He's stalking you. I don't want him getting close to you.
– He won't get close because I won't let him – I declared with absolute conviction. – And besides, now he's also afraid of you – I added, winking at him conspiratorially. – I'm safe.
– I'm not leaving it like this – Victor declared, moving forward the moment the last pedestrian's foot touched the sidewalk on the other side of the street.
– Of course – I murmured, unable to suppress a smile.
– What's that supposed to mean? – he asked, eyeing me more closely than before.
I barely held back a burst of laughter at his puzzled expression.
– Nothing – I shrugged carelessly, stifling the rising giggle. – It's just as sure as Christmas in December that you have to do something. You wouldn't be you if you didn't do... something – I added, emphasizing the last word.
– You think that's bad?
– I think you worry too much about trivial matters concerning other men – I replied calmly. – He's not the first disappointed guy in my life. He'll get over it, and I'll handle him.
– You didn't handle the late-night calls – he growled, giving me a meaningful look.
– I didn't say I didn't handle them – I shot back immediately, wanting very much for him to stop treating me like a helpless damsel in distress. – I ignored them.
– Clearly without success – he muttered under his breath.
– You're so stubborn – I snapped.
– I'm concerned about you – he replied in that tone of his, so convinced of his own righteousness.
I struggled to keep from rolling my eyes.
– Don't you think that's a bit of a toxic concern? – I suggested, giving him a pointed look.
– How can concern be toxic? – Victor frowned. – Is it wrong that I want what's best for you?
– I'm saying that what you think is best isn't always what's best for me – I clarified, but from his expression, I could already see that none of it was getting through to him.
– I'll take care of it – he muttered and pressed the accelerator harder.
YOU ARE READING
Butterfly's Year
Romance" - We are in a church, - I remarked sensibly. - Absolutely, - he agreed with a pleasant purr that vibrated between my legs. - Your parents are standing right there, - I whispered, discreetly pointing to his mom and dad standing in front of the alta...
