Chapter 202
I'm Done
The rest of the day passes in a blur while I try my best not to think about my
mother.
Of course it doesn't work. I might not be actively talking about this morning, but it's in my head, regardless.
Jake's still locked away in his office,no sign of him, no word. The only thing we get is a
text around dinnertime.
J: Don't wait for me.
So we don't.
Aiden and I order pizza. We sprawl on the couch, slices on paper plates, a dumb movie
playing on the T.V.. He's laughing at the screen like it's any other night. Like nothing's happened. Like the world hasn't cracked open beneath my feet.
I haven't exactly told him anything, because if I say it out loud, it becomes real.l don't
want to talk about it. He thinks Zaid is feeling sick and Jake is too busy with work things.
His hand rests on my thigh, his thumb brushing soft circles against my skin.
Usually, it's comforting.
Tonight, it makes my stomach twist.
I smile at him once when he looks my way, but it feels thin. Fake. It's a lie I can't quite
keep up.
He fucked me good earlier, and it helped. It numbed me for a while, but now everything is
rushing back in.
Heavier. Hotter.
I feel like I'm suffocating under it. My heart is in my stomach. Everything hurts. I want to
cry, but there are no tears left. Just this dull, hollow ache echoing in my chest.
check on Zaid," I say
a soft smile and kind eyes.
1/4
I'm Done
nothing's wrong. Like I'm not bleeding under my skin. "Okay, baby," he says, turning back to
than I need to, dragging
when I reach
heart drops. That tiny click feels like a punch to the chest. He never
1. it.
I wonder how angry he is
door creaks open
unreadable.
before all of this,
Just stares at me like he's waiting for me to
doesn't even
rub my arms, suddenly feeling
say no, his dark eyes taking
point.
finally gives a stiff nod and
slowly. The air in his room feels heavier than usual.
across
I know he
choke on. I realize I'm going to have to
first.
pizza if you're hungry. There's still some left
kitchen-"
do you want, Alina?" he interrupts,
my arms around myself and sigh, licking my lips to prepare
2/4
I'm Done
About earlier."
voice is quiet and I lift my eyes to his, finally able to look
his hands into his
missed you,"
of anger passing through his eyes before he swallows
do this," he
turns cold. My
eyes locking onto mine, and for
Everything he's holding
like a makeshift bandage. Then as a weapon. As a way to show me that
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