Page 3 of Quarantined
"And now you plan to branch out on your own?"
I nod and take a sip of wine. Much needed.
"I am guessing it's a non-paying internship since Karen thinks gracing interns with her presence is the same as paying them an actual salary."
I nod again, truly hating this conversation. Loathing every admission.
Realization dawns on him as he cautiously continues, "With the COVID outbreak, you can't possibly work a part-time job now. So you will stay here. We are all camping out in here as well."
I don't respond. I don't have to. He made a statement that I am staying here. He didn't phrase it as a question.
Milo knows about my pride. He knows I'd never be here unless I was desperate. It literally took a pandemic, an apocalypse, end of the world, to get me back here.
From what Reid told me, Milo’s business has become a huge success. He created an app when he was in college. It took off, and it landed him on Forbes’ list of 30 Under 30 brightest entrepreneurs. As a result, he stays quite busy. He often travels for work. Whenever he comes back, he stays at the brownstone more than his condo in Soho. It's not a surprise that he chose to come back to the brownstone to stay here during the quarantine. He always liked being around his family.
Of course, it’s not enough to be rich and handsome. He also has to act like the prodigal son, which annoys the shit out of me. He'd rather hang out with his siblings, than party like a regular twenty-five old single man on the prowl. As a result, both of our families love him. Everyone loves him. Again, everyone but me. I know better.
A chill runs through me, as I remember why and how I know better. I am suddenly unnerved and claustrophobic. I feel lightheaded and I'm in need to compose myself. I am not in complete control and need to find an exit strategy quickly.
This run-in served its purpose. He knows I am back. He knows I will be living here while the government shuts everything down. Years have passed since I last saw him. By this point, I have to believe he has grown up and become a better man. Everything will be different this time around. It has to be, for my sanity.
With that resolution, I make up my mind to leave him be. I will only be around him once Reid gets back home from campus. All universities have already shut down due to the COVID-19 panic. Reid had to tie up some loose ends and is coming home later tonight.
I will avoid being alone in the house with Milo for the duration, as well as in the future. As far as I am concerned, this conversation is over.
"I am glad that's settled. I wish I could stay and catch up but I have to unpack. Thank you for the drink." I am shocked that my words came out coherently. I am almost shaking now, and my legs are about to give out under me.
Milo is still eyeing me as he takes a sip of his wine. I don't wait for his response or permission. I don't need it.
I put my wine glass down and turn on my heels. Without glancing back, I walk towards the stairs. My goal resides on the top of those stairs, my room, my sweet escape away from him. I have already installed a lock, in case he gets any funny ideas in the middle of the night.
As I am walking up the stairs, I feel a gust of air move behind me. Before I can turn, two freakishly strong hands come around my waist, hoisting me up the stairs. It all happens so fast, I don't even have a chance to scream. It registers with me that Milo moved from the island and followed me. He now has me in a hold, with my back held to his front.
I find my voice, and I let out a bloody murder scream at the top of my lungs. Milo is faster. By the time I am screaming, we have already reached the top of the staircases.
"You think you can waltz in here after four years, and give me the fucking cold shoulder," Milo growls as he walks with me in his arms. "You didn't think I'd know you moved back months ago and have been avoiding me. What the fuck, Raven!"
I freeze, momentarily forgetting to struggle against his arms around my waist. Of course, he knew I moved back. He played along to fuck with me. To humor me, so I'd think I am in control, till he can catch me off guard and get what he wants.
As Milo walks up the stairs, some of my shock subsides. I scream back at him, "What the fuck are you doing? I swear to God, you so much as touch me and I will go to the police. I will tell our families. I will tell everybody. I am not letting you get away with this shit anymore."
"Do it."
"What?"
Pure shock overcomes me. He wants me to go to the police and embarrass our families.
"Do. It." Milo enunciates each word through clenched teeth. "Do all of those things. When will you understand? I don't fucking care."
Before I can respond, he is already opening the door to his room and walks us inside, as I am still struggling and trying to hit him. Then I hear the familiar snick of lock sound, indicating that the doors have been sealed, and so has my fate.
I can feel a new wave of panic overcome me, as my whole body betrays me. I am shaking, but I refuse to go down. I reach for my back pocket, but the pepper spray is not there. I am mortified to realize that it dropped out, probably while he was manhandling me.
Fuck! Fuck!
I have to think on my feet. I try a last-ditch effort, appealing to his rational side.
"Milo, listen to me. You have to stop. Reid is just about to come home. He is going to hear me scream. He might be your brother. But he ismybest friend. You know he will kill you if he finds you forcing yourself on me. He will never forgive you. Your relationship will be…"
