“You–You're being messy. I don't get it…Yesterday–”
He chuckled – Violette heard a crack in her heart with this crispyinhumansound.
“And you still believe every word I say? I didn't think you were that naive.”
“Don't say it…” Her voice weakened. “You're cruel to me right now without a reason. Or if you have one then say it to my face.”
“I'm not cruel to you. I'm just saying you're free to go whenever you want.”
“Well, then I want to go with you inside,” she grew bolder.
“And I don't. I don't need you there, do you understand it? Or your little human mind can't comprehend what I'm saying?”
“Don't talk to me like this…” Her brows pulled together in a hurt expression he'd never seen before.
“Then just go, Violette. We finished our deal. There's no reason for us to see each other ever again.” The sides of his eyes crinkled.
Her name felt like vitriol from his mouth.
“Leave,” he repeated impassively.
“But why?” Her frown deepened. She couldn't understand this sudden change in him.
Dante fetched a sigh. “It's not safe here,” he finally confessed.
“What do you mean? I thought we figured out everything. You'll take the mask and?—”
He didn't let her continue. “And there's nothing more. I don't want anything else. Just you to leave and go back to your life while I'll go back to mine as it should be.”
Her heart skipped. She knew he didn’t promise her anything, it was only in her head but she couldn’t believe he didn’t think about them after the end of their agreement. She didn’t want to.
“If you’re playing with me, I don't want these games…” Her shoulders loosened.
“I thought you love games.” He smiled at her but this smile was too cruel.
“Sayyou are not serious, Dante…Please,” her voice let out a tremble. “What's wrong? Why are you acting like this?” Her starry eyes stared hopelessly at him as if in a plea to say it was all a joke. A very unfunny and cruel one. But she'd forgive him – she got used to his twisted humor.
“I'm just being myself,” he pressed.
“No, you're being the worst version of yourself and I want to know the reason behind it. Why are you pushing me away?”
“How many times do I have to tell you to leave?”
“Dante–”
“I want you to leave. Now,” he demanded.
“Stop saying that!” She was stubborn enough to fight him if that's what he wanted. “I don't believe in any of your words! Tell me the truth. I won't leave until then.” She fought tears coming closer with every word. But she wasn't about to back off – she wouldn't make a move until he's telling her the real reason for him being that strange and hostile. She didn't believe he wanted her to leave without a reason, not after that night.
His guard let out a crack and he heaved a sigh. “I don't think I can hold on when I take off the mask.”
“That's it?” Her eyes crinkled. “That's the reason? We talked about it. Everything will be fine. You won't hurt me, I know it.” And she truly believed in it, he could read it in her eyes.
“I can't predict allevents.” His gaze became even more miserable, like he knew something she didn't and it made her lean closer, her voice softened.
“Dante…” She reached her hand to his, but he pulled it away before she could touch it.
His gaze dropped. “Go away, Violette.”
