THE PSYCHOPATH

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Over the next few weeks, we saw each other more often, and our bond grew stronger.

We talked about everything from our favorite movies to our deepest fears, and Elijah made me laugh in a way I hadn't before.

He is patient and kind, and I find myself looking forward to our time together.

But every time I think about Selene, the fear resurfaces.

I haven't told Elijah anything that happened when I was with Selene, and the secret feels like a weight around my neck.

Selene is out of town for work, which gives me the perfect excuse to avoid anything related to her.

Yet, I know it is only a matter of time before I have to face the music.

One evening, as we sit on his couch watching a movie, I feel the tension in the room thicken.

I know what is coming and brace myself for the conversation I have been dreading.

"I need to tell you something," I began, my voice shaking slightly.

Elijah looks at me, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "What is it?"

"It's about Selene," I say, my eyes drifting to the floor.

"I don't know how she'll react when she finds out about us."

He takes my hand, giving it a comforting squeeze as his brows furrow in confusion. "Why would she say anything? I know she kept you for a while because she's crazy, but she won't be upset or anything."

I can't tell him; he is her friend, he won't believe me.

But I can't shake the feeling that this isn't going to be as easy as he makes it sound.

Selene always acts impulsively, and she has a fiery temper when it comes to things she wants.

The moment of truth comes sooner than expected; Elijah's phone rings, and he picks up when Selene's voice comes, sending chills down my body.

"Hey, I'm outside, mind opening the door?" she says, her voice normal.

My heart skips a beat.

Elijah walks to the door, my stomach in knots.

"Hey," Elijah says as he looks at Selene, who hasn't noticed me yet.

The moment her eyes meet mine, my blood runs cold in my veins, unable to move.

Her gaze lingers on me for a second as she walks towards me, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Surprise, surprise," she says, her tone coated with jealousy as she looks at me, and Elijah speaks.

"Ladies, I'm gonna get drinks, be right back." Her eyes still on mine as I gulp in fear. "Sit down," she says as I instantly sit on the couch; she already figured everything out.

Guess there's no need to explain.

As she sits across from me, I feel like a bomb is ticking down to zero.

Selene looks great as usual, but she isn't speaking, at least not to me.

I expected more of a reaction from her than just a stare.

Elijah comes back with drinks as I feel a little relief; Selene's eyes follow his movement as he sits next to me.

"So, what's new with you?" Elijah asks, as Selene's gaze drifts to my neck and her jaw clenches when she notices the faint marks from Elijah's stubble.

She talks about her trip, her job, and I feel like she doesn't give a shit.

I take a deep breath as I silently watch both of them talk, too scared to speak.

Elijah's phone rings once again as he walks outside to talk, my heart sinking in my chest with the thought of being alone in the same room as hers.

"You're dating him?" Selene's voice is cold, and I feel a stab of fear.

"I didn't mean for it to happen," I say, my voice trembling. "It just did."

I watch Selene's expression shift to cold. The silence that follows is deafening.

Selene's eyes search mine, looking for something she wasn't sure is there.

"And how do you feel about him?"

I take a moment to gather my thoughts.

"I... I don't know," I admit.

"But I care about him, and I think he cares about me."

The words hang in the air, heavy and uncomfortable.

Selene takes a sip of her coffee, her eyes never leaving mine.

"End it before I do it myself," she says finally, her voice full of hatred. "Because if I did, one of you is going to be dead."

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