Ruthless

55

As I sat quietly, gazing out the window, the fleeting trees blurred my vision. My mind wandered freely with numerous thoughts detaching me from the present.

Then, out of nowhere I felt a weight settled on my thigh, pulling me abruptly back to the present. The unexpected contact sent a jolt through my body, nearly causing me to scream in surprise.

My head snapped down in my lap at the speed of lighting with my wide eyes. I saw Edward's hand resting on my thigh, his fingers relaxed as if it was the most natural place for them to be. The tension in my chest slowly eased, replaced by confusion as to why he was being so touchy all of a sudden. I still haven't forgotten what had happened earlier. I resist the urge to touch my lips.

My eyes darted to Edward, searching for some explanation or at least an acknowledgment, but he remained focused on the road. Edward was calm and indifferent, as if he hadn't just invaded my personal space. As if his hand belonged exactly where it was and that left me feeling unsettled.

Tentatively, I tried to lift his hand from my thigh without making a fuss. Edward's grip tightened, and he gave me a painful pinch adding to my bewilderment. My efforts halted since his command was clear.

"Edward," I called out, hoping he would take the hint and move his hand away.

But Edward acted as if I hadn't spoken at all. His attention fixed solely on the road ahead.

After a moment of silent struggle within myself, I sighed in reluctant defeat. Accepting that my attempts to do anything in any situation were futile unless he wants it. I turned my attention back to the window allowing myself to soak in the passing scenery once more.

I could feel his hand creeping closer to where it should be and a warm flush creeping up my neck. The lingering tension between us wasn't helping.

I found myself going back to what had happened not long ago.

It took a moment for my mind to catch up with what was happening.—to fully comprehend that Edward Black was kissing me.

Freaking Edward Black.

The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning, but my body remained frozen, paralyzed by the sheer shock of it all.

I wasn't kissing him back, nor was I resisting. I was simply frozen in place, caught in a chaotic swirl whirlwind of disbelief and his sudden passion.

I was so stunned that my lips parted, giving him unintentional access. His tongue quickly slid its way inside my mouth, exploring with a hunger that left me even more stunned.

Edward's hands were everywhere, tracing every curve in my body with a possessiveness that took my breath away if his mouth wasn't enough.

My mind screamed at me to do something but I couldn't move, couldn't think— making me trapped in a state of shock.

It wasn't until his hand moved to my breast, squeezing with a roughness that jolted me back to reality. finally snapped out of my daze. Instinct kicked in, and I pushed him hard, my hands shoving against his chest with all the strength I could muster sending him stumbling backward.

I must have caught him off guard because he looked taken aback then in a matter of few seconds I watched the surprise turn into anger. Edward then looked at me. The fury in his eyes pierce right through me, making my blood run cold and squeezing the air from my lungs.

"It's wrong... you're with Faith," I stammered, my voice shaking as I tried desperately to reason with him. thinking that my words would snap him out of whatever madness had taken hold of him, but instead, they seemed to fuel the fire in his eyes, making me realize how wrong I was. Instead of calming him his anger only grew. Edward's expression darkened with a menace with each passing second.

I could hardly breathe, the tension between us thick and suffocating.

I tore my gaze from Edward's furious eyes and without thinking, I wrapped my arms around myself in a feeble attempt to shield myself from the storm of Edwards wrath that was about to fall upon me like a rainfall.

The terror of what might happen made my stomach churn, but there was nothing I could do except brace for the worst. I just want to disappear so badly.

Before things could escalate further, the roar of multiple car engines shattered the tense silence, filling the atmosphere making me look up .

Something soft landed on my lap, startling me. I glanced down and realized it was my top, now crumpled across my lap. The realization clicked—I had been sitting here in just my bra till now. Before I could drown in shame Edward's voice cut in. "Wear it,"

I didn't waste a second. Quickly, I pulled the top over my head, my fingers fumbling slightly in my haste. As I dressed, the sound of approaching footsteps reached my ears.

I heaved a sigh running my fingers through my hair. Edward had insisted on driving himself, and to make matters worse, he demanded that I join him. I wanted to refuse seeing that his condition was still not stable and I didn't want to get in another accident, but I didn't dare argue knowing too well the end result. Instead, I kept my objections to myself and quietly climbed into the passenger seat.

*********

My eyes fluttered open as I slowly regained consciousness coming out of the slumber. I must have dozed off somewhere along the journey. Stretching my arms I blinked rapidly.

After I blinked away the sleep the first sight I was greeted by the muted gray of the car's interior and the first smell I inhaled was the familiar smell of leather.

A frown tugged at my lips and I scanned out of the car window only to the car parked in the long driveway with the grand estate at the end of it. I turned my head, expecting to see the driver, but the seat beside me was empty and Edward was nowhere to be seen

My teeth sank into my lower lip and my nose scrunched trying to piece together the situation. Why was I alone in the car? Why hadn't he woken me up when we arrived?

Judging by the position of the sun, it was clear we'd been here for at least an hour, maybe more. Why would he abandon me like this?

Was this some sort of punishment? His way of punishing me? Locking me to suffocate inside the car in the scorching heat.

With a thousand unanswered questions swirling in my head, I finally reached for the door handle. As I pulled it open, the cool breeze rushed in, wrapping around me like a much-needed embrace, and I couldn't help but sigh with relief.

My shoulders sagging as the tension drained away. The fresh air felt like a taste of heaven after the melting heat inside the car, where I had been sweating like someone locked in a cage with a hungry lion.

I stepped out, my legs slightly shook because of sitting in the same position for long.

Moving the sticking hair off my face I walked towards the mansion's entrance. The guard standing outside the door barely spared me a glance. His eyes glazed over with disinterest. It was just as well—I didn't crave his attention, nor anyone else's.

As I entered the house, the sound of lively chatter reached my ears before I saw everyone there, gathered in conversation. Their smiles warm and unguarded.

My eyes quickly found Edward and Faith. They were wrapped up in each other, Edward's arm draped protectively around her, his other hand resting on her swollen belly. Faith's face was glowing with undeniable happiness and had a huge smile; a smile so wide it could have lit up the entire room.

The sight of them sent a sharp pang through my chest. A burning sensation that made me feel like I was suffocating all over again. How are all these cruel people so happy in life while I was left to feel so utterly alone and miserable every time? Life is so unfair. Yes I will keep repeating it until luck is on my side.

Standing there on the threshold, I felt like an intruder in their world. A world where I didn't belong. The weight of my own loneliness pressed down on me, suffocating in a way that was far worse than in the car.

Without a word, I continued my way, not bothering to greet anyone. My footsteps echoing in the hallway which surely must have grabbed their attention. I didn't care if they found my ignorance offensive. To me, they were nothing, and I had no reason to pretend otherwise. Let them think what they want of me.