Page 77 of Downfall

Six years ago the mere sight of one would have made my heart leap. Six years ago he would bring one with him every time we met, like a calling card.

But what it means now is that he was here. Right outside my door. Did he follow me? Has he been watching me this entire time? How the hell did I not notice? Was I so stuck in my own head I was oblivious to everything around me?

I let out a bitter laugh. It’s so very me isn’t it? I do what I think is necessary to protect myself and yet all the while, all I’m really doing is causing more harm.

Bella whines at my heels, I’d promised her a walk and she clearly is feeling short changed as we stand on the threshold not going anywhere.

“Come on.” I mutter stepping over the offending article and leading her out, figuring I’ll deal with it later. Once I can figure out what moves to make.

* * *

I burn the rose.It feels satisfying. Cathartic almost. As if I’m burning the very soul of that man himself.

But as I watch it turn to ash it does nothing to alleviate the feeling that he’s here. That he’s been here. And that at any moment he could return.

I glance around, seeing nothing but the fading light between the trees. Beyond it I know my security are stationed around the perimeter.

And yet…

I feel restless.

On edge.

I eat another homemade dinner. I cuddle Bella and try to watch TV but nothing is distracting me. As the memories whirl in my head I think I snap, forcing myself up, forcing myself to get out, to escape these four walls and pretend that I’m not a total headcase.

I put on a nice dress, I slap some concealer under my eyes to hide the dark bags I have, and I make sure Bella is watched. That Mae is with her so she doesn’t get lonely.

And then I slip out into the dark across to the Bay.

The bar is rammed. The music is blaring. Bodies are heaving on the dance floor and you can practically smell the pheromones in the air.

I make my way to get a drink ignoring the people who double take at me.

“Here she is, the Merry Widow herself.” Tyrone says as I spot him.

“I’m hardly a Merry Widow.” I reply.

“No? Paris’s millions not enough for you?” He says.

I roll my eyes clicking my fingers for the barman’s attention and order a vodka tonic.

“So why have you chosen to grace us all with your presence?” Tyrone asks.

“I’m allowed out.” I state. “What’s your excuse?”

He smirks glancing around. “Scooping out the competition.”

I frown. “What competition?”

He jerks his head to the corner that’s packed with Montagues. Like they’ve all come back out of the woodwork.

Roman is there, as is his sister and his old friend Benvolio. There’s a crowd of groupies around them like they’re some sort of fan club.

“Jesus.” I mutter before glancing back at Ty. “You know you’d be stupid to do anything.”

He grins. “Maybe right now, but you know what they say, keep your enemies close.”

I shake my head taking a long sip of my drink because god knows I need it now. “How long have they been here?”

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