Page 46 of My Dark Divine
A smile of my own forms, and as our eyes meet, the world seems to disappear. All the overwhelming emotions I felt just moments ago fade, replaced by an unexpected sense of peace that settles deep within me.
He clears his throat, breaking the moment, then refocuses on curling my hair while I, with trembling hands, try to salvage the mess on my face. My skin is red and swollen, and I can’t help but wonder why he isn’t laughing at me. He doesn’t seem to even notice.
Strand by strand, he curls my hair, his fingers dangerously close to the hot tool. A flicker of worry passes through me, but he grows more absorbed in the process with each second, oblivious to the risk of burning himself. It feels surreal—like I’m watching a side of him that no one else has ever seen, something hidden deep beneath his usual tough exterior.
“You can take it higher,” I suggest, trying to distract myself from my thoughts. “Wrap it all the way to the roots.”
“And burn your scalp?” he replies, raising an eyebrow. “No thanks.”
I chuckle. “You’re not following the tutorial correctly. She’s curling it from the top.”
“Well, guess what? I’m doing a pretty good job without it. She talks too fast, and it’s overcomplicated here.” He pauses. “Or maybe you don’t trust me?”
I sniff, and, to my surprise, manage to form a response. “I do.” Our eyes meet again, and I can see that the weight of my words affects him as well.
Trust. Something that doesn’t fit in the same box with us.
“I just… I want it to be perfect.” A lie. I couldn’t care less how it turns out. The fact that he’s doing this willingly means more than anything. But I can’t let my guard down entirely. I need to stay in character, to push his buttons just like always, becausethat’swhat we do.
“It already is,” he says, ignoring my attempt to provoke him. “It looked perfect even without the styling. I don’t get why you put so much effort into it.”
“I look better with waves. They draw attention away from my flaws.”
He laughs, the sound low and rumbling. “You’re so nervous that you’re just making things up now, aren’t you?”
I blink in confusion. “What?”
“What flaws, Venetia?” His voice sharpens with a stern edge. “Do I really need to spell it out? You’re flawless.”
An unexpected surge of energy floods through me, my heart bound by something invisible. My breath quickens, warmth spreading across my cheeks, leaving me feeling like a blushing tomato.
It’s as if my mother’s voice takes over, echoing through me every time I talk about my appearance. These thoughts, these insecurities—they’re hers. But West sweeps them all away effortlessly, as if they’re nothing, reducing the beliefs I’ve clung to for years to dust. He doesn’t need to say much—just a few words, and I’m undone.
And it terrifies me.
It terrifies me because it makes me feel safe.
Flashback
Age 15
Ithink I’m in love with Zayden. It’s been a few months since we met, and with each passing day, my feelings for him deepen, transforming me into someone I never thought I’d become. I can’t stop thinking about him. I find myself constantly imagining new ways to make him happy, to nurture his love for me.
And I’m certain he feels the same way about me. When we meet, a big smile lights up his face, his expression softens, and his voice changes as he begins to talk to me.
How could that not be love?
These past months have been perfect, beyond anything I ever imagined. I never thought someone could care for me the way he does. It didn’t take long for him to completely consume my thoughts. The dates he planned, the attention he’s given, and all the sweet things he’s said… they’ve made my heart melt for him.
I’m not ashamed to admit how obsessed I am with him. It’s funny how my mother’s words make sense now—she always warned me that I’d forget about my studies and career plans once I fell in love. Nothing else seems to matter when I’m with him. One smile, one laugh, one touch of his lips on mine—it’s all it takes to make me forget the world.
For the first time, I feel truly happy. It’s as if every responsibility I once carried has disappeared, and I can finally just follow my heart.
Life has never felt so good.
This morning, Zayden called and promised me a surprise. No matter how many times I tried to get him to spill the details, he insisted I wait.
I’m nervous. My hands won’t stop shaking, and I can’t control the smiles that keep flickering across my face. I trust him with my life. I know he’d never hurt me, and whatever he’s planned will only make me the happiest person in the world.
