Page 73 of Wicked Tricks
He brought his fingers to his lip, touching the cut that had started to bleed. His eyes went dark, a total opposite of the warmth I had felt only moments before. For the first time since knowing him, I was scared of him.
“Whatever, Rome. If you can’t fucking admit it to yourself, then you’ll stay miserable forever. I know that this wasn’t just an act between us. You know it too. You’re just too fucking stubborn to see it. You may think you’re tough, and you, and everyone else in the world, may think that I’m weak, but I don’t believe it. I know what I want, and I’m not scared to say that I fucking want it. And that’s you, Rome. But fine, you keep everyone out forever and enjoy being alone.”
I swallowed hard, dropping my gun only slightly as his words stung a deep part within me.
He reached forward, snatching the gun out of my hands. He tucked it into the back of his pants, keeping an eye on me. I didn’t react, paralysed momentarily by his words.
He was right, he was fucking right.
The sound of cars racing and tyres squealing towards us startled me out of my train of thought.
“You fucking called back up on me?” I spat, pushing him away by his broad chest as I made a run for my car door.
“No, I didn’t,” he said as he followed me.
“Fuck off, Antoni,” I said, sliding into Bea’s car.
I just needed to leave.
Pressing the accelerator, I built up the revs of the engine - waiting.
As Antoni’s friends made it to the top of the mountain, I shifted and let go of the break, launching hard. The car showered Antoni and the other cars in gravel as I left them behind. I looked in the rear-view mirror, and saw Antoni run his hands through his hair as he watched after me.
I exhaled shakily, tearing my eyes away from his reflection behind me.
They didn’t chase me.
I assumed Antoni told them not to bother.
What would be the point?
Lilith’s were no longer a threat, nor a trustworthy ally.
Now, we would be nothing and would attract nothing but trouble.
I drove straight home, my posture tight and my eyes focused on nothing but the road. Coming to a stop at the side of the street, I parked crookedly on the side of the road. I would pay Bea back for the parking fine she would likely wake up to in the morning. I stormed inside the building.
I refused to cry.
Nope.
Rome Dawson would certainly not be crying over a man, especially this man.
Nope.
No.
The elevator arrived and I hurried inside, jabbing the button to close the doors as I noticed a young couple heading my way. The doors shut right in their faces and at that moment I didn’t care about being rude. Once I was alone and the elevator rose, I focused on my breathing. I exhaled deeply through pursed lips and looked up at the bright light so the tears trying desperately to escape would soak back into my head.
“No!” I willed myself with gritted teeth.
The anger I felt in my chest was wet and hot, and it was about to explode. I prayed and begged to a higher power for an empty house - I could not handle an interrogation from the girls right now.
I opened the door slowly, sticking my ear against it and listening closely. There was silence, so I assumed I was safe. I kicked off my shoes at the front door, trying to control my breathing. Only a few more seconds until I was in the safety of my room.
“It’s her!” I heard in a whisper voice, and the pure dread hit me, only antagonising my tears further.
“Ro, is that you?” Bea asked softly.
