To Love Irrevocably [18+]

Chapter Thirty-Eight

"Love?" I whisper, my heart pounding hard in my chest. "You love Seren?"

The man raises an eyebrow. He can't be bothered to hide the amusement on his features as he faces me. The laugh that leaves him is mixed with a scoff, showcasing just how funny he finds me. Still, he's not taking me seriously and I just don't know why.

"What do you know about love?" And just like that, his facade falls. No longer is he disguising a nefarious attitude behind amicable words. I'm getting the full force of his dislike of me behind the sneer and forceful look in his eyes. "I mean... how much can a child really know? It truly baffles me that women nowadays would rather be with a little boy than a man."

I gulp as I listen to him speak. He's being open about insulting me, but as always, I'm unable to stand up for myself. It would be different if he began attacking Seren or my family. Though, why would he come for the woman he loves? Or people he's never even met before? He wouldn't, so I'm the only one getting the brunt of his anger.

Shaking his head, he lifts his glass and takes a hearty swig. Once he swallows, he lets out an exasperated breath and sucks his teeth.

Everything is background noise. Cheering from half drunk men fades away. The song Seren dances to which is a remix to a popular pop song—slowed down to be more sensual and fit her dance. Even her dancing isn't enough to distract me right now. All I can focus on is this man and his insulting words about how I'm too young to have a proper experience on life.

Clearing my throat, I purse my lips. Heat trails up my neck and across my cheeks until I know the tips of my ears are red. "How old are you then?" I'm proud of myself for being able to speak without stuttering.

When he regards me, it's done with a raised eyebrow. I suppose he didn't expect me to speak at all and just take whatever he had to say. Perhaps if this was months ago, before I ever met Seren. Not now, after having her in my life. She may not know it, but she's taught me so much by just being her unapologetic self.

"Far older than you are," he mutters, though it doesn't answer my question. Sighing, I resign myself to not know the answer. That's fine. It doesn't really matter.

"I know plenty of people don't respect me because of my age." I clear my throat again and shake my head. "And I know that I'm not experienced like Seren... and I guess like you, too. But that doesn't mean my feelings are any less than yours or anyone else's."

A boisterous laugh surprises me. Maybe I expected more respect for speaking up or a different reaction, but amusement is not one. He lifts a hand to rub his jaw, rubbing the dark facial hair on his face. For a moment, I wonder if I should start growing my facial hair out too.

As soon as the thought comes, it goes. My mother taught me that I shouldn't be ashamed of who I am. Even though I am most of the time, I can't help but apply those words here. It sounds very conceited, but at the moment, I have an older man who's jealous of me. I must not be doing too bad.