Page 70 of Between Passion and Revenge: Part One

Keeping my eyes fixed on the faucet, I avoid my reflection in the mirror.

I’m a murderer now.

I close my eyes and grip the quartz countertop, the water still spiraling down the drain. I expect to feel a lot more from what I did Thursday night. I anticipate some surge of guilt over taking alife and search for a sense of morality that would demand I turn myself in and confess my crimes.

But what Ishouldfeel isn’t there. I feel nothing about the fact I killed a man becausethatman would have hurt Shae if I hadn’t been there. He would likely have done worse.

And for him even thinking of it, he deserved to die.

So yes. I’m a murderer. But that’s just a matter of fact. Nothing more.

And for Shae? I’d do it again in a goddamn heartbeat.

I turn off the taps and lift my head, looking in the mirror.

Do I seem different? Can anyone see me and tell something happened that fateful night at Velour?

I turn left, then right.

There’s no difference.

No difference except everything is clear now. Shae Rivers is mine: my obsession, my desire.

Mine.

Later, I’ll evaluate why I’m so damn drawn to her…why I’m so fixated with everything Shae Rivers. But right now, I’m following my instincts.

And if I’m really fucking honest, I’m following my heart.

I shower quickly to wash off the sweat and cum, and step back into my bedroom with a towel wrapped around my waist.

A notification flashes on my cell, and I pick it up with a weird feeling sitting in my chest.

It’s okay if you get tied up today and can’t make it.

The corner of my mouth lifts.

Is that your way of uninviting me?

I push send and stare at my screen as text bubbles appear and disappear.

Not at all!

I just didn’t want you to feel obligated.

Not that you feel anything in particular about dinner.

More text bubbles appear and disappear before she stops typing altogether for a full minute.

I want to be there, Shae.

More bubbles, more silence, and then:

Okay.

Pure energy surges through me when I put my phone down and strip my bed after I’m dressed.

My phone beeps again, and something in my chest jumps as I pick it back up, ready to go back and forth with Shae.

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