Page 73 of It Never Was

I can't do this.

My head grows dizzy, a ringing sounds off in my ears as I twist away from his touch. Ready to turn around to run in the opposite direction.

I can't do this.

His rough hand wraps around my arms before I am able to get a step in, "Get. Back. Here." His voice sounds distant now with the sound of my own pulse pounding through me.

My eyes snap closed and curl my head down. My gut dropping, knowing what will happen next. His fingers burn as they deepen their hold on my skin, but I try not to react. My palms start to sweat, my breath hitches. I still can't make out his words, the deafening ringing has taken over. I keep my eyes shut, but that must frustrate him even more because he shakes me while hissing in my face, "Look at me when I am talking to you!" The bite of his nails drag a pitiful whimper from me.

"What do you think you're doing?" Willow's voice boomed through the empty lobby. My gut hits the floor.

Devon's touch is gone from my arm in an instant, but the burn still radiates on my skin.

All I can think of is how much did she see? How much did she hear?

"Nothing. I'm catching up with my girlfriend." His voice now masked with innocence.

He knows better than to lie to Willow. Of the few people in my life, she can see right through it. She tosses her lunch on the empty counter. Rushing to my side in the process. "Are you okay Rye?" Her hands land gently on my shoulders, her eyes looking me over.

"I-I'm fine." Is all I can muster out under my breath as I keep my eyes to the floor.

Embarrassment and shame flood through me. I never wanted anyone to see me like this. To witness Devon's demons when they were at play.

And the sad part was...all I keep telling myself is, at least that's all he did in front of Willow.

"You need to get the fuck out of here, Devon."

"And why would I do tha—"

"Did I fuckin' stutter?" She takes a step-in front of me, her arms folding protectively over her chest, "And don't call her your girlfriend, we both know that's bullshit."

I can feel the air shift as they stare off, daggers shooting between each other.

"You have no clue what the fuck you're talking about, Willow."

"I know enough." She spits back, "How dare you fucking touch her."

"All I did—"

A cough cuts the tension but only a fraction "Ahem—" I spin on my heels to see Paul standing directly behind me. "You heard her the first time now, didn't you?" His gaze locked on Devon. "I know your listening skills are lacking, so let me tell you instead." He stepped around, blocking Willow and I from Devon's pathway. "You need to turn around and walk out of my coffee shop, boy."

I can't see Devon from around Paul's wide figure, but from the way Paul straightened his form even further I can tell Devon's response isn't what he wanted.

"Sir."

"Don't. Sir. Me." Paul practically growls. A shiver rolls through me, "It wasn't a request. Leave."

Devons side steps peaking from around Paul. My eyes catch his in the process, a cold sweat beads on my chest as his eyes burn through me. I can sense the darkness boiling in him. The need to let it out on me is at its tipping point, but with Paul and Willow defending me he can't. Paul matches his sidestep just as fast as Devon takes it.

The moment was a split second, but in that time, I can feel my legs needing to run, the overwhelming need to hide is taking me over.

You fucking idiot. You'll pay for this. You know you will. You always do. You know he won't let you get away. The bitchy voice shakes through my mind.

"Did you hear me?" Paul's voice boomed louder than I have ever heard him speak.

"Yes." I can hear Devon mutter through his teeth.

Panic sets in.

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