Page 56 of King of Clubs

“Don’t you dare touch me!” I hissed through gritted teeth, the acidity in my tone shocking the both of us. If I didn’t know him so well, I wouldn’t have recognised the anger which briefly flashed in his eyes or the way he was actively trying to keep his voice calm. This was a side of me he hadn’t seen before, and I knew instantly he didn’t like it. Even if it was a ruse – he didn’t know that.That's right, the dynamics have shifted, Lucas. The cafe was busy enough that if I screamed there were people who could help, and it was with that thought that I pushed my shoulders back.

“You’ve changed,” he voiced, narrowing his eyes while feigning a softness to his tone which was so forced that I wouldn’t be surprised if it gave him a stomach-ache.

I didn’t warrant his words with a response. What was I supposed to say to that anyway? Thank you? Because it damn sure felt like a compliment given the weak and timid person I’d been when I was with him.

“When are you coming home? You just left, Marls. You left me.” His voice was pleading but I knew his anger was simmering just below the surface, ready to boil over.

It was always the same. Always my fault.Hewas the victim despite the bruises and broken bones he inflicted upon me.

Sighing, I gestured with my hand to two spare seats near the window, so we weren’t lingering in the middle of the cafe. If I gave him a couple of minutes, maybe I could walk away without a scene and a little closure might be good for the both of us.

Unlocking my phone, I ordered an Uber to arrive in five minutes and flashed him the screen briefly, mindful not to broadcast my destination.

“You have three minutes before I leave. I have an appointment,” I lied, maintaining eye contact despite the flurry of nerves coursing through my stomach.

“I miss you, Marlee. I-I’m sorry. Please come home. I’m not the same person I was,” he whispered, averting his gaze. He never had been good at apologising and even now I knew he wasn’t sorry. He just never thought I would leave, never believed I would have the courage.

Glancing at my phone, I saw that my ride was now two minutes away. Taking a sip of my coffee, I closed my eyes for the briefest moment before mustering every ounce of courage in my repertoire.

His eyes were bloodshot, and strands of unwashed hair poked out from under his hat. He was dishevelled and it made me sad. Was I so blinded by my loyalty to him that I never realised how much of a mess he had become? Standing here now I was disgusted. Disgusted at him for thinking it was appropriate to treat me so poorly and at myself for allowing it to continue for so long.

But I was a psychology graduate and all jokes aside, had come too far to go backwards.

“You’re right,” I answered, holding my hand up when I saw the flicker of pride in his face, so used to me agreeing. “I have changed,” I added, lifting my chin a little higher, reflective of the confidence I now had. “I’m going home now. But that is no longer a place I share with you. Because I deserve better. I deserve better than being told howdisgustingI am. HowuselessI am. HowuglyI am. I deserve better than being told no one will ever love me,” I spat, the words purging from me.

“And while you were right that I have changed, you were wrong about the rest of those things because I’m not disgusting, useless or ugly. And people do love me. Plenty of people and their love is healthy andsafe,” I emphasised, allowing the tears to fall because they came from a place of strength, and I wanted him to see them as I stood. Walking away from him towards my now waiting Uber, I heard his footsteps and braced for what I knew was coming. He tugged my sleeve, and I turned back ripping my arm away, repulsed by the desperation in his eyes.

Two older men in suits standing on the path stopped their conversation to look at us, and that was all I needed. Reaching for the door, I turned back to him with a newfound resolve.

“We are done, Lucas, and you need to accept that.” I didn’t look back as the car drove away, certain he would still be standing there, the anger oozing from him like invisible embers desperate to ignite.

Instead, I lent my head back against the seat, taking deep calming breaths and allowing the tears to fall freely. He didn’t hurt me. I was safe and I wasn’t going back.

I found the courage to tell him it was over. The strength I lacked for so long. And for a second time I left him and it was that epiphany which allowed a small smile to crease my face as the traitorous tears continued to stream down my cheeks for the me I was leaving behind. The me I was finally able to say goodbye to along with all the pain she suffered. I saved myself and again, I chose me.

Marlee

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Okay,” I said with an over-exaggerated lip pout, “What can I get for you, sir?”

I leaned towards Seb batting my lashes while trying not to squeal with excitement. It was incredible being on this side of the bar and the fact we had the place to ourselves, a true perk of being on a date with the owner, was extra special.

“What’s your specialty?” He asked with a surreptitious grin.

“Hmmm,” I scanned the shelves skim-reading the bottles, recognising approximately three of the hundreds on offer. “I mean I really loved those passion fruit drinks your staff were serving the other night but making them… yeahhhh,” I looked to the side with a grimace, “probably not a strength of mine.”

“How about I teach you?” Standing before I even replied Seb came around to join me on this side of the bar grabbing glasses, a chopping board and various other items. I leant against the counter watching as he effortlessly organised the bench, lining the bottles in size order, the knife lying adjacent at a perfect angle.

“I would love that.”

“Okay, we will start with the preparation and basics and then move to the cocktails.”

“Probably for the best,” I said with a grin. “How long have you owned the place?”

“A few years now,” he answered, gesturing for me to cut some lime while he did the same with the passion fruit. “I worked here when the previous owner had the place and it kind of fell into my lap. Made a few changes and have been here ever since.”

“Like this?” I asked, pointing at the lime and when he nodded, I continued. “You have all of your shit together, don’t you? It’s impressive,” I scrunched my face not attempting to hide the way I admired both how sexy he was and how bloody put together his entire life seemed. I considered myself organised but a man with structure and method was hot as fuck.

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