Chapter 45
Chapter Forty-Five
C hrissie stood abruptly, and before she had even thought it through, walked over to Lucian. He seemed startled at her approach. But it was time to take control. She couldn’t spend the rest of her life afraid of him.
She heard Rae’s chair legs drag across the floor, and knew they were just a few steps behind. That gave her confidence.
“You need to leave me alone,” said Chrissie, her voice low and strong.
“I’m just having a cup of tea in a café,” Lucian replied with a smile. “No law against that.”
“No, you’re following me. You came to my house and now you come here and stare at me. No more. You need to leave and never come back,” Chrissie told him. She could feel her voice wobbling, but drew strength from Rae, who was now standing next to her.
“I think you wanted me to find you,” said Lucian. “You always had such potential. I think you want to get back into the process.”
“No,” said Chrissie, her voice closer to a shout. “Leave me alone. If I ever see you near me again, I will call the police.” She took a step forward. “And if you say one more word to me I will scream.”
Lucian opened his mouth.
“Not one more word, you horrible little man,” said Chrissie.
“You heard her,” said Rae, their arms folded.
Lucian pursed his lips and glared at Chrissie. Her breathing quickened as she prepared herself for what he was going to do or say next. But she knew that whatever happened, she had to believe in herself.
Lucian looked around himself, and then stood, bringing himself close enough that Chrissie could smell the remnants of the lavender incense he loved so much. He sniffed. “The tea in here is rubbish anyway.”
He turned tail and walked out.
Chrissie was breathing hard as she watched him leave. Rae held out their hand and grasped Chrissie’s.
“You ok?” they asked gently.
“Yes,” said Chrissie. “Yes, I am.” She felt a smile form on her face. “I think perhaps I need a stiff drink, but apart from that, I’m actually good.” She walked back to their table. “I’ve never stood up to him before,” she continued. “I was so scared, but I knew I had to face him, to tell him no, not this time and not ever again. He doesn’t have control over me anymore.”
“Bravo!” said Rae, their face transformed by a broad smile. “I’m getting us some Prosecco to celebrate.”
Chrissie grinned. She felt shaky after the confrontation, but elated at the strength and power she felt. It was as though the last strings that had bound her to that man, to that group, to that time, had been severed.
She picked up her phone, and before she knew what she was doing, she was texting Nisha.