Page 177 of Cerulean Truth
"Did something happen?" His tone now carried a note of alarm.
Oh, for heaven’s sake.I simply didn’t want to fight.
"No." The monosyllabic response hung between us in a feeble attempt to shield myself from the impending storm of questions and arguments.
James stopped our training, his glare transforming into one of intense fury directed at me.
"Did he hurt you?" he demanded growling, his voice full of unspoken threats, his words heavy with the implication of Julian's potential involvement.
"What? No! Why would you think that?" I gasped in disbelief. I knew he was fixated on Julian having an ulterior motive but he was really losing his mind!
"Godsdammit!" he hurled, unleashing his frustration by smashing his fist against the wall. As he turned back to face me, I instinctively jerked backward.
His eyes widened, and he whispered, "Are you scared of me?"
There was a tremor in my voice as I quickly responded, "No."
His demeanor shifted from anger to anguish, and I struggled to read the emotions flickering in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to… I would never hurt you, I hope you know that," he said, his voice trembling. I swallowed but couldn't find any reassuring words.
He sighed, frustration evident in his every breath. "What are you doing to me? I have never… I don’t lose control over my anger, ever! And now, since you…"
I couldn't help but laugh in bitterness. "Oh well, thank the gods you reserve that charming behavior only for me then."
"It's not just you! It's you and me and him and this whole situation!" he growled.
"Why does that make you so angry?" I questioned, trying to make sense of the swirling emotions.
"Because you're acting strange," he spat. "Ever since he's come here, you've been acting strange."
"You think that's because of him? It's because of you, you moron!" I snapped in frustration.
"Me? Why me?"
"Oh, I don't know, James, maybe because we constantly fight but never talk about it? We kiss each other, and we never talk about it. We cover up everything from attempted murder toabduction, and we never talk about it. You almost died in my arms and we never talk about it!"
"You want to talk about all that? Fine, let's talk about it all then, let's see how you feel, what you want, tell me everything!" he snapped in response.
"You're such an ass," I growled, my frustration boiling over.
"How am I an ass? You wanted to talk about it; let's do it then!"
"Fine, let's talk! We kissed. A few times now even. How do you feel about that?" I crossed my arms, challenging him.
"Great," he answered evasively.
"Really? You feel great about it?" I asked sarcastically.
"Yup, great."
"Just great?"
"Fuck, Emma, just say what you want me to say?" His impatience showed, and the tension between us escalated.
“I don’t know, maybe something holding a little information, like, ‘it was horrible, and I wish it never happened’ or ‘it was awesome, let’s do it again sometime,’ just something!"
But he didn’t say anything; instead, he maintained his focus on my face, as silence lingered between us.
