~Chapter 10~
I came to class after I finished with Dasha.
When I opened the door, I excused myself to the teacher and was able to enter the classroom.
All this time Cedric was looking at me, as were the Vale brothers who were sitting a little higher than Cedric.
I slowly walked to an empty bench, as far away from Cedric and the Vale brothers as possible.
A girl was already sitting there, leafing through her notebook without looking up.
"Hi," I murmured softly, so as not to attract anyone's attention.
She smiled at me briefly, without saying anything.
She simply… let me sit there.
Perfect. Exactly what I needed.
I sat down and took out my notebook, but my mind was completely elsewhere.
Cedric continued to watch me from the corner of his eyes, and Rowan and Otis were exchanging conspiratorial glances behind him, as if they already knew everything I was feeling.
I didn't look at them anymore. I closed my eyes for a few seconds, trying to calm myself down.
The girl next to me was quietly writing in her notebook, not commenting on anything.
She was the only one who seemed to be non-judgmental.
I took a deep breath and focused on the lesson, as the teacher began to speak.
But I knew I wouldn't escape Cedric's attention.
His gaze was there, constant. Too constant.
I tried to ignore everything and focus, but every step in the hallway before this class, every gesture he made, every exchange of glances with Rowan and Otis…
everything reminded me of the reality I was trying to hide: that something had changed inside me, and that nothing would ever be the same again.
When class was over, I quickly got up to leave first but someone grabbed my shirt, I turned around and I already knew who it was.
"What did he say?" Cedric asked and furrowed his eyebrows.
“Nothing,” I replied quickly, trying to get the shirt off my hand and move on.
Cedric stared at me, that look that didn’t seem to accept any kind of apology.
“Nothing?” he repeated, his voice lower now, almost threatening.
“Really nothing?”
“Yes. Really nothing,” I hastened to say, as I tried to move away from him.
He just frowned and followed me a few steps, saying nothing more.
Just then, the classroom door suddenly opened.
“Idris, please go to the office!” Tricia said, her tone firm but calm.
Cedric raised an eyebrow, surprised by the principal’s intervention, but he didn’t blink.
“I don’t have to go to the office,” I muttered.
“I have to,” Tricia said dryly. “This is something that needs to be discussed in private.”
Cedric clenched his jaw, and I felt the tension between us instantly increase.
I followed Tricia down the hall, Cedric following close behind.
Rowan and Otis exchanged quick glances before we stepped out, knowing something was about to happen.
I tried to focus on my steps, but I could feel Cedric following me with every step, almost clinging to me.
I followed Tricia into the office, and Cedric stood behind me, silent but with his gaze fixed and intense.
“Idris, please, keep the door closed just between us,” Tricia said, looking in Cedric’s direction and taking a step forward to stop him.
Cedric raised an eyebrow and smiled almost wryly.
“I’m not going to stand outside,” he said calmly, but his voice had a tone that didn’t allow for a reply.
Tricia blinked, clearly surprised, but she tried not to show it.
“Mr. Loxley… please wait outside. This is a private conversation.”
Cedric took a step closer, then another.
“No. I’m not leaving.”
His green eyes flashed as he looked at me.
It was clear he wasn’t going to follow instructions.
“Cedric…” Tricia said, her voice firmer now.
“I’m warning you. You’re not invited in.
”
But he didn’t blink.
He simply walked into the office, almost as if the door didn’t exist.
I could feel my pulse pounding.
Tricia paused for a second, visibly exasperated, then turned to me.
“Idris, let me explain what you need to do, but don’t pay any attention to him.
”
Cedric stood close to me, by the desk, his eyes fixed on my every move, and I could barely focus on Tricia’s words.
“You need to see a professional doctor,” the director continued, “and go home for good, they only had a week left anyway. Rest and figure out how you want to proceed.”
Cedric let out a short, almost possessive laugh.
“Home? But I…”
“That’s none of your business,” Tricia cut in shortly.
I sighed softly. “Okay… I understand.”
“Okay,” Tricia said, jotting something down quickly.
“You’re going home today. Cedric… try to stay calm.
”
Cedric smiled almost wryly and turned to me.
“Of course you are. But I’ll know where you are. Right?”
I turn to him and swallow hard.
"No way, motherfucker," I whisper and he stops smiling.
He takes another step. "Come on, Idris…
at least give me your number. I want to know if you're safe.
"
I clench my jaw and pretend not to hear.
I just don't want to see him again, I don't want him to know anything about me at home.
"Really? You're not going to answer?
" Cedric says, his voice dropping.
I turn my back on him and slowly push the door open to leave the office, ready to leave.
"No."
He stays there, his green eyes fixed on me.
And even if I leave him behind, I know he's not going to leave that easily.
I reach my room and before I can close the door, Cedric barges into my space.
"Leave me alone, Loxley" I mutter and grab the gym bag that I fill with my clothes.
He approaches me and grabs me from behind by the waist.
"Cedric.
." I whisper.
I tense up and try to move away, but Cedric stays close, his green eyes fixed on me, almost defiant.
"Cedric… leave me," I say in a low voice, trying to free myself.
"Why should I leave you?" he murmurs almost resoundingly.
"I need to know you're okay."
I clench my jaw and try not to show how much his proximity affects me.
"I don't need you here."
He moves even closer, closing the distance until I can feel his breath close to my ear.
"Seriously, Idris… do you really want to ignore me?"
I close my eyes for a second, taking a deep breath, trying to regain control.
“Yes… Seriously.”
Cedric smiles slightly, but his gaze doesn’t change.
“Hmm… We’ll see.”
I try to push him away gently, but his hand remains on my waist, firm. It’s clear he’s not going to leave.
“Cedric, this is my space! Go away!” I say, my voice rising for the first time.
But he just laughs briefly and moves his hand slightly, not fully releasing himself.
“I can’t. I have to take care of you.”
I sigh and slowly put all the clothes I had in my closet into my bag.
Two knocks are heard on the door, and after Otis enters with Rowan.
"Hey..what are you doing?" Otis asks and sits on my bed.
"I'm leaving" I say simply and swallow the zipper, trying to get up a little but I bump into Cedric who is still standing with both hands on my waist and his head in the crevice of my neck.
"What...why??" Otis says disappointedly and gets up.
I look up at Otis and Rowan.
"I have work.
I have to go," I say shortly.
Otis raises his eyebrows.
"Work? Seriously?"
I turn my head to Cedric and try to get him to back off, but he smiles slightly and murmurs:
"Let me love you one last time, baby"
A whistle is heard and I look at Rowan who is laughing softly, next to Otis who smiles and looks at his phone from time to time.
"Done!" I say and manage to get out of his captive hands.
I pull a sweater over my blouse and grab the bag that I put over my shoulder.
"Today?" Rowan asks and I nod and leave the room.
I close the door behind me and take a few steps towards the exit. Cedric follows me, not blinking.
"Idris… at least your number," he murmurs, his voice calm but insistent. "Or at least the name of your pack. I want to come and have you taken to me"
I turn my back on him and try to walk past him without answering.
"No."
"Really?" he asks, almost in a whisper, but with that determination in his eyes.
"You're really not telling me anything?"
I pull my bags closer to me and pretend not to hear him.
"No," I repeat dryly.
Cedric sighs, but he doesn't insist anymore. Instead, his green eyes follow me until I disappear around the corner of the hallway.
I take a deep breath and realize that no matter how hard he tries, he won’t get anything from me just yet. And no, I’m not going to give him the satisfaction.
I go out and there's already a black car that I think is taking me to the airport, because who takes a child 4-5 hours home.
I get to the door, open it and put my bag behind me and I go in.
I look out the window at the academy that was my home for 2 or 3 weeks?
I don't know either.
I'm going to miss Otis and Rowan.
Otis the talkative one and Rowan the one who gets angry at everything Otis says
Principal Tricia, who had so many thanks from me when I had no more arguments and she continues the conversation with Cedric
But.
.. I'd be wrong if I didn't say that...
What I'm going to miss the most is Cedric's affection. My mate's
And even if I don't say anything now, I know that somewhere, behind his green eyes, he already knows how I feel.
And I don't have the nerve to say that.
The car leaves and when we are about 1m away, Otis gets out and waves to me. smiling. I answer him briefly but honestly: a small sign that, even though I'm leaving, I'm not forgetting anyone here.
---
(5 hours later)
The plane lands gently, and the vibration goes through my whole body. I clasp my hands in my lap, looking out the window at the city lights that are becoming clearer and clearer.
Home.
That word should calm me down.
But it doesn't.
When the doors open, I stand up among the others, taking my bag and leaving without looking back. Everything is automatic. Steps, control, exit.
And then… I feel it.
The smell.
My city. My pack
I stop for a second just before I exit. My chest tightens slightly.
I’m here.
When I get out, I see them immediately.
A figure leaning against the car, staring straight at me.
Damn.
“Finally,” Samuel says, pushing himself off the hood.
I stand still for a second, my bag clutched in my hand, staring straight at him.
Samuel doesn’t rush. He never rushes.
He just studies me, from head to toe, as if trying to read everything I’m not saying.
“You’re late,” he adds calmly, but his voice has that…
authoritative tone. Familiar.
I swallow and shrug my shoulders slightly.
“The plane.”
It’s not a lie. But neither is it the whole truth.
His gaze narrows slightly.
“That’s not what I meant. ”
Silence.
The air between us grows heavy. I feel it. I feel him. The pack. Everything.
And for the first time since I left… I can’t run anymore.
Samuel takes a few steps toward me and stops very close.
Too close.
He tilts his head slightly, inhaling discreetly.
And then he changes.
His jaw tightens.
His eyes darken.
“It smells… different.”
My heart skips a beat.
I tighten my grip on my bag.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.
”
But he knows.
Of course he knows.
Samuel raises a hand and, without quite touching me, stops his fingers a few inches from my neck.
“You know.” His voice is low now.
Dangerous. “Who is it?”
My breath catches for a split second.
Cedric.
I look away, trying to look indifferent.
“No one.”
Wrong.
Samuel laughs briefly.
Humorless.
“Don’t take me for granted, Idris.
”
He takes a step closer, his presence pressing right into my chest.
“You’ve been there for two or three weeks and you come back smelling like someone else?
” his voice drops even lower. ?You're a seeded beta, Piece of shit" He muttered and glared at me. "you can get pregnant ”
The air is cut off instantly.
His words hang between us, heavy, oppressive.
Not just hurtful, dangerous.
I freeze for a second, but not out of fear…
but out of anger.
I slowly look up at him.
“Are you done?” I say calmly, but my voice is sharper than I expected.
Samuel remains still, surprised for only a split second that I haven’t backed away.
His eyes fixate on me, trying to push me back into that corner I was in before.
But I’m not there anymore.
I take a step forward, stepping into his space this time.
“It’s none of your business,” I add, more firmly.
His jaw clenches. I see him. I feel him.
The silence between us grows even more tense.
Then… something changes.
There’s no longer just anger in his gaze.
It’s something else. Control. Calculation.
Samuel exhales slowly, runs a hand through his hair, and takes a step back, but not because he’s giving in.
Because he’s deciding something else.
“Get in the car,” he says coldly.
It’s not an invitation.
It’s an order.
I stand there for a second, but then I open the door without saying anything else.
Not because he’s convinced me… but because I know this conversation isn’t over.
Not even close.
—
The road is quiet.
Too quiet.
The engine purrs steadily, and the city lights pass by the window like shadows.
I keep my gaze fixed ahead, but I feel Samuel’s eyes on me every now and then.
Analyzing.
Searching.
When we arrive, the car stops abruptly in front of the house.
My house.
My pack.
But it doesn’t seem the same anymore.
I get down without waiting and grab my bag, but before I can take two steps.
.
"Idris."
I stop.
I don't turn around right away.
"Don't think it's over," he says, his voice calm but cold.
"This is where it begins."
I close my eyes for a second.
Cedric appears in my mind. His gaze.
The way he wouldn't let me go. The way he…
wanted me.
I swallow hard.
Then I enter the house.
—
The door closes behind me with a thud.
The smell hits me instantly.
Familiar. Strong. Oppressive.
The voices inside stop.
Footsteps.
Presences.
I'm not alone.
I tighten my grip on my bag.
"I'm here," I say simply.
But deep down I already know.
.. nothing will be simple from now on.
Samuel enters and slams the door, throwing the Audi keys on the table.
"Dad," he says loudly and my skin crawls.
The door is still vibrating slightly behind Samuel when that.
.. heavy, authoritative voice is heard from inside.
Pressing footsteps.
He appears.
His father.
His gaze falls directly on me and narrows instantly, as if my mere presence is already a problem.
"What's going on?" he asks shortly, irritated.
"Why are you yelling?"
Samuel doesn’t answer right away. He keeps his eyes on me.
Then:
“Him.”
That’s it.
His father’s gaze shifts to me again, analyzing me from top to bottom, with a coldness that makes my stomach clench.
“What are you doing here?” he asks sharply.
I roll my eyes, tired, and shift my bag more firmly onto my shoulder.
“I live here,” I mutter dryly, starting to walk past them.
Mistake.
Slap.
The sound is dry. Strong.
My head turns to the side, and for a split second everything stops. The air. My thoughts. Everything.
Silence.
I feel my cheek burning, but I say nothing.
I don’t give him the satisfaction.
“I asked you something,” he says coldly, taking a step closer.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me.”
My jaw clenches, but I remain silent.
Because I know: this is not the time.
His father shifts his gaze to Samuel.
“And?”
A single question.
But the tone says it all.
Samuel crosses his arms, leaning slightly on the table.
“He’s changed.”
Silence.
His father raises an eyebrow slightly.
“For better?” he asks, almost bored.
Samuel doesn’t smile.
He’s not joking.
“No.” Pause. Then: “He smells like someone else.”
The air in the room changes instantly.
I feel him.
I see him.
Anger.
His father’s gaze falls on me again, but this time it’s not just cold.
It’s… disgusting.
“What did you do?” he asks quietly.
I don’t answer.
I don’t move.
I just stare at him.
And that makes him even angrier.
He takes a step toward me, his presence becoming oppressive.
“I sent you there for discipline,” he continues, his voice rising slightly.
“Not to come back like… that.”
I swallow hard, but I don’t give in.
Not now.
“It’s none of your business,” I say quietly.
Mistake.
I see him explode.
“It’s none of my business?
!” his voice suddenly becomes louder. “You’re in my house.
Under my name!”
He moves even closer, almost touching me.
“And you come here smelling like another male?” he spits out the words.
I feel my blood boil.
But before I can say anything.
“Maybe it’s worse,” Samuel interjects calmly but dangerously.
“Maybe it’s not just the smell.”
Silence.
Dad’s eyes narrow.
“Explain.”
Samuel takes his time.
He looks directly at me as he speaks.
“If it’s what I think…
” short pause. “…he could get pregnant. No?”
Total silence.
For a second, no one breathes.
Then.
.
“No.”
His father’s voice is low.
Dangerous.
“No,” he repeats, louder now.
He turns completely to me, and the anger in his eyes is…
another level.
“I wish I didn’t have a son like you,” he says firmly.
The words hit harder than a slap.
“I won’t accept this,” he continues.
“Not in my house.”
I clench my fists.
My breathing quickens.
But I don’t back down.
Not this time.
I slowly look up at him.
“Then don’t accept it,” I say.
Silence.
Dangerous.
Real.
Something new appears in his eyes.
Not just anger.
Conflict.
Behind me, Samuel says nothing.
But I feel his gaze on me.
Intense.
Calculated.
As if… the game is really just beginning.
I mumble curses in a whisper and quickly walk past them into the room.
"Don't come out of there, Undisciplined child!" Dad yells loudly, cruelly.
"Suck my dick" I say in turn and enter the room, locking the door with the key.
I put down my big bag and undress from the top, throwing myself on the bed too tired from all this nonsense.
I pick up the phone and call Maria.
It rings.
"This is Maria, your boss. What are you doing?
Why haven't you called Idris?" Maria says and from the tone she seems sullen.
"I'm home. Come to me and with a pregnancy test please" is all I say and I get a small 'ok' before Maria hangs up the phone call.
My phone falls next to me on the bed, and for a few seconds I just sit there, staring at the ceiling.
It's all too much.
Too fast.
Too… real.
I run a hand over my face and take a deep breath, but it doesn’t help.
I feel like his scent is still on me. Cedric.
I can smell him here, in this room that should be “mine.”
I curse under my breath and stand up abruptly, walking towards the bathroom.
The cold water hits my skin, but I don’t move.
I stand there, under the shower, my eyes closed, trying to wash everything away.
The academy. His gaze. His hands. His voice.
“Let me love you one last time, baby.”
I clench my jaw.
“Idiot…” I mutter.
But I don’t know if I’m referring to him… or to me
—
When I get out of the shower, I wrap myself in a towel and look in the mirror.
I look the same.
And yet… I’m not there anymore.
My gaze instinctively stops at my neck, at my collarbone…
as if I expect to see something there. A sign.
Anything.
But there’s nothing.
Just me.
I breathe lightly and pull my clothes on quickly, not feeling like doing anything else. Just then..
There’s a knock on the door.
I stand still.
“Idris.”
Samuel's voice.
I roll my eyes instantly.
"What?" I answer dryly, without approaching the door.
Pause.
"Open it."
"No."
Silence again.
I can feel the tension rising even through the door.
"It's not a request," he says below.
I approach slowly, but don't unlock it.
I rest my forehead on the door.
"I'm not interested.
"
From the other side, I hear a short sigh.
Then:
"Do you think if you lock yourself in here it's over?
"
I close my eyes.
"No," I say softly.
"But I don't want to talk to you right now either.
"
Silence.
Longer this time.
Then his footsteps move away.
—
I don’t know how much time passes.
10 minutes?
30?
But when the doorbell rings again, I know who it is.
Maria.
I get out of bed and walk to the door, quickly unlocking it and pulling it inside before anyone sees her.
“God, you look..” she starts.
“No,” I interrupt. “Don’t start.”
She stops.
She studies me for a few seconds, then sighs and pulls out a small bag.
“I got it.”
I look at her.
Then at the test.
Then back at her.
“Are you sure?” she asks more quietly.
I swallow hard.
“No,” I say honestly. “But I want to know.”
Maria nods slowly.
Stop joking. Stop commenting.
Just… she’s there.
“Okay,” she says. “Come on.”
—
The bathroom seems smaller now.
Much smaller.
The test is in my hand and for the first time…
I hesitate.
My hand trembles slightly.
“Idris…” Maria says from behind, more gently.
I take a deep breath.
“If it’s positive…
” I whisper.
I don’t finish.
I don’t have to.
Because if…
Cedric.
The father.
Samuel.
Everything.
Maria doesn't say "it'll be okay."
She's not lying.
She just puts her hand on my shoulder.
"We'll find out," she says simply.
I close my eyes for a second.
Then I nod.
"We'll find out."
The test falls from my hand.
I don’t drop it completely… but almost.
My gaze remains locked on it. On the two lines. Clear. Impossible to misinterpret.
Positive.
For a second, I can’t hear anything.
Not my breathing.
Not Maria.
Nothing.
Just… empty.
“Idris…” Maria’s voice comes slowly, cautiously.
I blink.
Once.
Twice.
But the lines don’t disappear.
“No…” I whisper.
A short laugh escapes me, but it’s empty.
Completely empty.
“No, no, no…” I repeat, shaking my head slowly, as if that could change anything.
I run my hands through my hair and pull at it, frustrated, panicked.
“I’m… I’m the worst person…” my voice trembles.
“How could I believe that? How could I believe him?!”
Maria takes a step towards me.
“Idris...”
“He said he used protection!” I raise my voice suddenly, my eyes burning.
“He said! And I… I thought he was an idiot!”
My breathing quickens.
I start pacing around the bathroom, aimless, meaningless.
“God… God…” I mutter, hitting my forehead lightly against the wall.
“What do I do now? What do I do?!”
Maria grabs my arms.
“Hey! Look at me!”
But I can’t.
I don’t want to.
“I can’t…” I whisper.
“I can’t do this… Maria, I can’t…”
My voice cracks
She pulls me into a hug, but my body is stiff, tense.
“Breathe,” she says softly. “Breathe, okay? You don’t have to decide anything right now.
”
“Yes!” I burst out. “Yes! Because if he finds out..”
I stop abruptly.
My eyes widen.
Samuel.
Father.
I swallow hard and move closer to her, lowering my voice to a desperate whisper.
“What am I going to do?” I ask, almost breathless.
“Maria… what am I going to do? Kick him out? Keep him? If Samuel finds out…?”
My hands are shaking.
“Or worse…” my voice drops even more.
“If my father or mother finds out…”
Just then.
.
a knock on the door.
I freeze.
Completely.
My gaze instantly goes to the door.
“Idris.”
Samuel.
His voice is low. Almost calm.
But this is worse.
Much worse.
Maria holds her breath next to me.
“Open.”
I don’t move.
I can’t.
“I know you’re there,” he continues.
“And you’re not alone.”
My heart starts to race.
He looks at Maria.
Panic rises in my throat.
“Don’t say anything…
” I whisper quickly to her. “Please…”
BAM.
A harder knock on the door.
“Idris.”
This time he’s not calm.
It’s a warning.
I take a step back, feeling everything come crashing down on me.
Maria grabs my hand.
Tightly.
“You’re not alone,” she whispers.
But I’m not convinced.
Because beyond the door…
It’s Samuel.
And if he finds out… It’s all over.
The door gives way.
Not with a loud noise…
but with that dry click that makes everything seem even more serious.
Samuel walks in.
He’s no longer angry.
He’s no longer knocking. He’s no longer raising his voice.
Just… he walks in.
His gaze goes straight to me.
Then to Maria. Then…
He stops.
The test.
Left on the ground
Time… seems to be breaking.
Samuel doesn't say anything anymore.
He doesn't frown.
He doesn't raise his voice.
He doesn't react.
He just… stares.
Fixed.
As if he doesn't understand what he's seeing.
Or maybe he understands too well.
I can't stand it anymore.
Everything I've held inside me until now…
gives way.
A short sound escapes my chest and then.
. I cry.
Not elegantly.
Not silently.
But brokenly.
I cling to Maria as if she’s the only thing keeping me standing and I hide my face in her shoulder.
“I can’t…” I whisper through my tears.
“I can’t do this…”
Maria holds me tight, one hand on my head, trying to calm me down.
But her gaze lifts to Samuel.
And it changes.
It becomes hard.
“Look what you did,” she says sharply.
“You came quickly too!”
Samuel blinks.
As if he’s only just now coming back to reality.
“I…” he begins.
But he doesn’t continue.
His gaze falls on the test again.
Then on me.
Then on the test again.
His breathing is heavier now.
He takes a step.
Then another.
He approaches the bed… and sits down.
Slowly.
As if any sudden movement would break something.
His elbows fall to his knees, his hands hanging between them.
He’s still staring into space.
Or maybe… not quite into space.
Trance.
Complete.
The room is silent, except for my jerky sobs.
Maria doesn’t say anything anymore.
Me either.
And Samuel…
He just sits there.
With his world collapsing in silence.
My crying subsides… but it doesn’t stop.
It gets slower. Harder.
The kind of crying that takes your breath away.
Maria still holds me, but I can feel her attention divided now. Between me… and him.
Samuel hasn’t moved.
He hasn’t looked at us.
He hasn’t said anything.
He just sits there, on the edge of the bed, staring into space…
or maybe at something only he can see.
A few seconds pass.
Maybe minutes.
I don’t know.
Then
“…since when?” His voice is low.
So low that I’m almost sure I heard him right.
I freeze.
Maria tenses slightly next to me.
I don’t answer.
I can’t.
Samuel slowly looks up.
He looks at me.
There’s no anger there.
That’s the part that scares me the most.
“Idris,” he says again, more clearly now.
“How long have you known?”
I swallow hard.
My voice won’t come out.
But I force it.
“Now…” I whisper. “I know now, you idiot…”
His eyes stay on me.
He searches for something.
Lies. Truth.
Anything.
Then his gaze falls back to the test.
He takes a deep breath.
He leans back, leaning on his hands, staring at the ceiling.
“…ok.”
One word.
But nothing is okay.
Maria steps forward, slightly protective.
“This is not the time to start..”
“I’m not starting anything,” Samuel interrupts.
His tone isn’t high.
But it’s… sharp.
Tired.
Real.
He slowly stands up.
Now he’s actually looking at me.
Direct.
“One person, Alpha?” he asks.
My heart skips a beat.
Cedric.
The name gets stuck in my throat.
I don’t answer.
But my silence says it all.
Samuel closes his eyes for a second.
His jaw tightens.
Then he opens them again.
And for a moment…
even I see it.
Not anger.
Not just.
Something else.
Fear.
“Dad mustn’t find out,” he says suddenly.
I look at him, surprised.
Maria does too.
“What?” I whisper.
“He mustn’t know,” he repeats, more firmly now.
“Not yet.”
The room fills with another tension.
Different.
Colder.
More calculated.
“Because if he finds out…” he continues, looking toward the door.
“It won’t just be talk.”
A shiver runs down my spine.
I believe him.
Completely.
Samuel runs a hand over his face, frustrated.
Then he looks back at me.
“You have two options,” he says.
Maria tenses up instantly.
“No..”
“Leave me,” he says curtly, never taking his eyes off me.
Then, more quietly:
“You keep him… and then things get complicated. Very complicated.” Pause.
My breath hitches. “Or…” He doesn’t finish right away.
And that’s worse. “…or not.”
The words fall hard.
Final.
Maria shakes her head, nervous.
“You’re not going to pressure him to decide now!
”
“I’m not pushing him,” Samuel replies.
“I’m telling him the truth.”
Silence.
I feel trapped.
Between them.
Between me.
Between everything.
I clasp my hands, looking down.
“I don’t know…” I whisper. “I don’t know what to do…
”
Samuel doesn’t answer right away.
He just looks at me.
And his voice, when it comes…
It’s not harsh anymore.
“I know,” he says softly.
And somehow…
That hurts the most.