I dropped onto the sofa the moment I got home, completely wiped out. Didn't even bother to turn on the lights.
Then suddenly, the doorbell rang, sharp and insistent. I instinctively looked toward the door, heart lifting into my throat. I've always been independent, yeah, but I'm still a woman living alone, and after hearing all those horror stories out there...
I stayed frozen for a second, debating what to do. The doorbell kept buzzing non-stop. Gritting my teeth, I grabbed a broom with one hand and twisted the doorknob with the other. The second it creaked open, a tall shadow slipped inside. Without thinking, I swung the broom hard, eyes shut.
A hand caught my wrist mid-swing. "Are you insane?"
I shuddered. Theodore stepped around me, stormed inside, and yanked the broom out of my hand, tossing it aside. He curved two fingers under my chin, lifting my face.
My eyes, still swollen and puffy from crying, met his as he stared down at me.
He was so close, towering over me, then-without warning-he leaned in and kissed me.
My eyes flew wide open in shock, but before I could even make a sound, he bit down harshly on my lip. There was nothing gentle about the way he kissed. Every move was rough, deliberate, punishing. My tears started falling again, but he didn't let up.
My whole body went weak from his kiss. He pulled me firmly into his chest. As soon as we were pressed that close, it felt like a surge of electricity shot straight through me.
Just when I was starting to lose myself in the moment, he abruptly let go. His eyes were colder than ice as he stepped back and spit out, "What, you enjoy being forced? Pathetic."
That snapped me back fast.
The expression on his face-mocking, smug-hit me like a punch in the gut. I shoved him hard, tilting my head up, trying my best to look defiant. "Yeah, sure, I'm pathetic! So what? You knew that already-why'd you even come back? This place is too cramped for someone like you. Get out!"
My words clearly pissed him off. He spun around and clamped down on my wrist, his face clouded with fury.
He wrapped an arm around my waist, spun me around, and pinned me up against the door. His breath was hot against my neck as he whispered, "Say it... I wanna hear you say it..."
When his hand yanked open my shirt and grabbed my chest, I didn't even hesitate. With all the strength I had, I slapped him across the face. A loud smack echoed, and I felt the sting on my palm.
"Are you out of your mind? This is my place! If you want a woman, go find someone else!"
He froze for a moment, then grabbed my chin hard. "Natalie! Cut the act! Pull this manipulative crap with some other guy. I'm sick of your games-got it?"
I took a shaky breath and glared back at him, brows drawn tight. "You're full of it! What scheme exactly have I pulled on you? Honestly, if you're doing all this because you blame me for pushing you toward marrying Isabella, then fine-but let me tell you, I'm not gonna let that wedding happen. Don't get too comfortable."
His eyes narrowed, like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What are you plotting now? Let me say it clearly-I won't let you mess around with my marriage. Don't even think about it."
I shot him a sarcastic smirk, clearly provoking him. "Then let's wait and see. I've got a little show planned-I'm pretty sure you'll find it very entertaining."
"She's your sister!"
"She isn't!"I shouted, my voice sharp and loud enough to make him freeze for a second. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to calm down, then said more evenly, "Look, you don't need to worry. After this, I'll stay out of your life. I don't even really know you. This whole mess between us was just one giant misunderstanding. So just go."
But instead of backing off, his face got darker, like he'd just snapped. His tone was like a wild animal's growl. "Why should I believe you? Maybe this is all just some twisted game you're playing to get me hooked."
I almost lost it. "Are you serious? I don't care if you believe me or not!"
He sneered, voice full of mockery. "Even if you're not one of Clifford's people, don't think I can't see through you. That innocent act, those tears? I've seen it all before."
His words were laced with contempt. I couldn't help but think back to Graham nearly assaulting me. That feeling boiled over in my chest like I might explode.
What the hell did I do in a past life? No mother's love, no father's care-always being used and hurt. Vivian, Oliver... and now even Theodore had to step on me like I was nothing.
Snatching up the broom off the floor, I swung it at him with everything I had. "I don't even know who the hell Clifford is! Get out! I don't ever want to see you again, you jerk!"
He took a couple of hits before grabbing the broom and shoving me hard. I lost my balance and fell back, landing on the floor with a thud. Pain stabbed through my wrist where it was already hurt, and tears sprang to my eyes from the sheer sting.
Theodore's face was pure ice, his stare sharp and filled with fury, like a demon straight out of hell. "I despise liars. I don't care who else you've manipulated, but if you try to mess with me..."
I tilted my head up to meet his glare, defiant even in pain.
"I'll make you wish you were dead."
*****
The next morning, I woke up on the cold floor. Walking to the bathroom, I stared at myself in the mirror-puffy eyes, messy hair, collar all askew. There were faint, blotchy kiss marks on my chest.
Marks left by Theodore.
When did it start? When did everything-my body, my mind-get wrapped up in him? His presence lingered like a scent that clung to my skin and refused to leave, sinking in deep enough to suffocate.
Just as I stepped out of the bathroom, my phone rang. It was Lucille, and the second I picked up, she practically screamed at me. "Natalie! What kind of friend are you? Something that major happened and you didn't call me? You were kicked out by that deadbeat Hubert and didn't even tell me? If you've got the guts to hide this, then don't ever show your face to me again!"
I winced, rubbing my ear from the verbal assault. "Okay, okay, my bad! Where are you? I'll come find you right now and beg for forgiveness."
She huffed, "Outside Graham's office. With his wife."
I shot up from the couch like it was on fire. "What the hell are you guys planning to do?"
Her laugh was low and chilling. "After what that bastard did to you, even his wife can't stand him. I'm not letting him off easy. Meet us there-one hour."
Twenty minutes later, I rushed to the door, and just as I was about to bolt, I noticed a white plastic bag on the floor. I paused, picked it up and looked inside-Arnica Gel, gauze, bandages, cotton, scissors... every kind of wound care item you could think of. And on top of it all? A bowl of abalone porridge, long gone cold.
I blinked, remembering last night-Theodore might've come back after he left.
No one else had been here. No one.
Could it really be him?
My mind went blank. I stood there frozen, unsure what to do next.
Just then, my phone buzzed again. A message from Lucille: [Where are you? You coming?]
I shook my head, snapping myself out of it. After checking the address she gave me, I left the medical supplies and porridge on top of the trash bin outside the door and rushed down the stairs.
