Page 21 of The Enemy

“You never did have any class, Tate.” I shrugged him off and began to walk away.

As I did so, my stupid traitorous eyes wanted one last look at Neo. He looked pissed. He was grinding his jaw. His hold on his date was firm, almost possessively, and something about it had my stomach in knots.

I’ve never had anyone want me with that kind of intensity…hell, I don’t think anyone has ever wanted me at all. I shook my head and kept walking. A few seconds later, Martin was right on my heels.

“That was intense,” he voiced aloud the obvious.

“They’re dicks,” I spat.

“Neo’s not so bad.” He had the nerve to defend him.

I stopped walking so I could look Martin in the face. “Were you not there?”

“Yes, and you left before you could see him kick Tatum and his little groupies out.”

My anger lessened just a fraction.

“What?”

Martin didn’t speak. Instead, he pointed to where Neo, his date, and Wes stood by the bar and watched as Tatum walked out with the two women.

I had to hold my tongue before I let my thoughts get the best of me.

“He didn’t do that for me. He did it for his image. Grandfather would have a fit if he saw those two girls at his party.”

Martin didn’t seem convinced. Instead of following him back with the others, I opened the door that led to an empty corridor. It was too cold to go outside without a jacket, but I needed a breather.

I needed somewhere safe where there wouldn’t be any prying eyes. The hallways had the light muted, and the noise from the ballroom didn’t transfer over. The soundproofing worked a little too well because, in those silent moments, your demons would scream the loudest.

Tears pricked my eyes, and I wondered if there was a limit to being strong. Was there a point when your body demanded you let out those feelings inside of you that were drowning you?

Ever since my mother passed away, I’ve felt like I’ve been trying to stay afloat and was failing miserably.

There was nowhere to sit down, but the hallways had nice, thick carpet. Although it was gross and tacky, I didn’t think twice as I let myself slide down the wall and just sat down. I wanted to make myself into a little cocoon, but my dress would not allow it.

Instead, my legs were stretched before me and crossed at the ankle.

I closed my eyes and focused on breathing, and when I felt some tears leak out, I didn’t bother to wipe them. It was always easier to fall apart in the dark, for your sins didn’t shine without light. A few minutes later, I jolted when a body slid next to mine.

My eyes sprang open and widened upon seeing who was next to me.

Neo’s face was carefully blank. His jaw wasn’t clenched, nor was he scowling or smirking in mirth at me. His eyes wereanother story. Since the place was dimly lit, and there wasn’t much space between the two of us, all I could see was him. His shoulder brushed mine, and his smell was intoxicating me. For someone who wanted nothing to do with me, he was making sure all I could think of was him. His eyes were unguarded while he looked at me like he had seven years ago.

One second passed, then two, and I couldn’t make myself speak. I was drained. I should have cared that he was here with me, but maybe like those seven years ago, hallways had become our time-out, a taboo we could not speak about.

I opened my mouth, ready for another verbal sparring, but Neo was lifting his hand before a word could come out. I noticed two things: a black-and-gold Patek Philippe watch that used to belong to my grandfather and a handkerchief.

If you had told me yesterday that Neo would be wiping away my tears, I would have laughed in your face and called you crazy. With each tear he wiped away, a part of me cracked. How was it possible that the person who was responsible for taking everything away from me could also make it better?

Neo took his time as he wiped away the tears he had a hand in causing.

“Nice watch,” I said bitterly as he began to pull away.

Venom constantly dripped from my tongue whenever he was concerned. I was ready to have the first word and the last.

“Gerald said it was a Riviere right for when one starts at the company,” Neo added without malice. His tone was soft, and I almost forgot what that sounded like.

“I know,” I said, breaking our eye contact and looking straight ahead.

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