𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 [18+]

- 30 -

The car ride back felt like an eternity, the silence between Val and me hanging heavy in the air. He navigated the winding roads effortlessly, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel, while my mind raced with thoughts of what had transpired.

I stared out the window, watching the trees blur by, my heart a tangled mess of emotions. I didn't know what to feel anymore.

This man forced himself into my life and did things to me that I could never imagine. But after everything, I still didn't know how to feel. I was spiralling—confused, numb, and scared.

As we approached my house, I felt relief and dread. The familiar sight of my childhood home brought a wave of nostalgia, but I knew that stepping inside would force me to confront the reality of what had happened.

God knows how this is going to work out.

Val pulled into the driveway, the gravel crunching beneath the tyres. He turned off the engine and leaned back in his seat, a smug smile on his lips. "I'll see you soon, baby girl."

"No, you won't."

The bastard ignores me.

He then leans forward, grabs my throat, pulls me closer and covers my mouth with his. I melt into him. The kiss makes my thighs clench; his tongue effortlessly swirls with mine. I hate it.

When he pulls away, I shove the car door and stumble out to get the fuck out of there. I couldn't stay in the same as him.

The porch creaked under my feet, and I could see my mom and Penelope waiting for me. Mom was staring at me, her face etched with worry. Penelope was glaring daggers at the car behind me - at Val.

As I reached the top of the steps, my mom rushed forward, wrapping her arms around me tightly. "Zara, baby! You're back!"

I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I melted into her embrace, the warmth of her body a comforting balm against the cold chaos swirling inside me. "I'm sorry, Mom," I whispered, my voice shaky. "I didn't mean to worry you."

"Where were you?" Penelope's voice struck through, her arms folded.

I pulled back slightly from Mom, glancing at Val one last time. He was still sitting in his car, watching like a fucking hawk. The moment our eyes met, a shiver raced down my spine, and I quickly looked away as I turned to face my family.

"I was... with Val."

Mom's brows knitted together, "Yes, baby, he called us. But you never told us you were staying the whole night!"

"I didn't think I'd be gone so long," I mumbled, the shame creeping in. "I just... lost track of time."

"What do you mean?" Pen's sharp eyes shifted behind me and then to me again, "Did something happen?"

I had absolutely nothing to say. I was spiralling. Literally. Just as I was about to open my mouth-

"Good evening, Mrs. Lincoln," he called out, flashing my mom a charming smile that made my skin crawl.