Page 68 of Consumed By You
“These books you read, they fill your head with silly notions that the world has to revolve around your partner, that they are all that matter. It’s just not true. There are more important things in life than love.”
Like what?
“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, resting his hand on my back. I move away from him.
Removing his hand from my crawling skin, he sits up slowly. “I do want you, Darcy. I want you more than anything. Doesn’t that mean something?” he asks, his voice desperate.
“Please, just go,” I choke out, pressing my hand to my heart.
“Darce,” he whispers, reaching out to touch my cheek. I have no doubt he can feel the tears that have escaped, but he doesn’t remove it.
Don’t let him see you like this, Darcy. You’re stronger than this.
I take in a brave breath and shift so I’m out of his reach. Sitting up, I wipe under my eyes quickly, forcing the other tears that threaten back into my skull.
“Please go,” I say as sternly as I can. My lip trembles and I fear I’m going to crack before he makes it out the door.
God damn it, just fucking go!
He sits, just staring at me. He doesn’t even look like he’s breathing. He finally stands to leave but halts, his hand on the doorknob. “Who will take care of you?”
“I’m fine on my own. I’ve been doing it for some time now.” I manage a small smile, but he doesn’t return it. He walks out, shutting the door firmly behind him.
Goodbye, Mr. Scott.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Kevin stirs the broth on the stove, probably still taking in all I’ve said in the past hour. I take the plates that Benjamin washed this morning and set them on my small oak table. My mind is going through a never-ending cycle of flashbacks from today, recounting every move, every word that was said. I can still feel his hands on me, smell him on my sheets. Is he thinking about me? Is he regretting what he said? Will he come back to me?
Perhaps he’ll change his mind. But I know him. He’s stubborn. Even if he did love me, he’d never admit it.
“Wine?” Kevin asks, reaching in the fridge. I’m not used to him being here, but I like it. I never have anyone over.
Because I push people away. But not Benjamin. I never wanted him to leave.
“No, I think I’m gonna stay away from liquor until the sting subsides. You have some, though. I need some tea.”
I mechanically go through the steps to make my favorite brew, forcing myself to think of other things, like my job, and the police interviews I have in the morning.
“How’s Marilyn?” I ask as he sets the bowls on the table.
“She’s worried about you. She’s gonna call you tomorrow, but she told me to tell you that you can have as much time as you need before you come back…if you want to even go back.” He places the French bread down and takes a seat at the table.
“I’m going back,” I tell him confidently, knowing I have no other option.
“You sure you can?”
I nod and sit down with my cup, sipping carefully. “I’m sure.”
“You’re a brave one, babe.” He runs his hand through my hair, attempting to comfort me.
“Thanks.”
He sips his soup, talking of the many things that are going on in his life, and I suspect he’s trying to get my mind offhim,but it doesn’t work.
I wonder if Benjamin’s in his large, emotionless apartment. Is he sleeping? Is he playing music on his piano I’ve never heard before? Is he out? Is he kissing someone? Is he caressing her face? Skimming her lip with his thumb? Is he making her shiver? Forget her own name?
Where is he?
