Page 38 of Consumed By You

My heart’s beating a million times a minute in my chest and I can swear my blood is boiling. I’m not even sad he just said that.

“I’m flying back to New York. I will see you on Thursday at the office.”

His expression is menacing and I have to resist the urge to giggle as I stomp off to my room to pack. Shit, I’m too fucking drunk. I grab my suitcase, opening it wide.

My door opens and I tense, sensing him standing behind me. I prepare for harshness.

“Darcy, I shouldn’t have…don’t go,” he whispers behind me, and I whirl around, staring at him, wide-eyed. He just apologized. Mr. Boss Man justapologized.

He swoops in on the moment, moving closer to me. “You’re right, I am an asshole.” He warily brings his hand up to run it through my hair and, unable to resist, I revel in the pleasure of his hands on me again.

“I-I should have told you where I was going. That was inconsiderate of me,” I apologize. He remains quiet. “Ben, don’t be scared of me,” I plead, pulling him closer.

We were fighting a minute ago and now, leaving him is the last thing I want to do.

“Why do we have to change anything? Monogamy doesn’t work, Darcy. Can’t we just—”

I step back, putting at least a foot of distance between us, feeling betrayal, anger, sadness all wrapped in one. “What? Just screw me and other women at the same time? What happened to you that you’re so afraid to commit? Would you be okay if I slept with other men while being with you? If I left your house after you’ve been at me all night to moan another man’s name the next day? No thank you, Benjamin. I’m good.” I resume packing, ignoring him. He hasn’t moved.

“I’ve never had to deal with this before, Darcy.”

“I know, and I’m sorry if I’m being difficult, but I can’t be with you if you’re with other women.” I stand my ground even though the vulnerability in his voice makes me want to turn around and kiss all his insecurities, all his worries away.

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Because why?” he insists.

I chuckle darkly with a hint of disbelief and pivot to face him. “Because I’m falling for you. Because even knowing that I’m not good enough to satisfy you alone hurts.”

There I said it. God bless alcohol.

His stony eyes fix on me, unflinching, blind to the offer before him. I bite my lip, trying to hold back the tears as the seconds pass, turning into minutes, and he still doesn’t say anything. Unable to take staring at him any longer, I whisper, “Please go,” my voice thick with tears.

He does, shutting the bedroom door gently, and my attempt to hold back my emotions fails miserably.

***

I zip up my luggage, the dim morning light sneaking in through the curtains. I don’t even remember falling asleep last night, but all I want is to leave this place and get as far away from this man as I can so I can think clearly and attempt to function normally again.

My phone rings.

“Hello?”

“I’m outside, ma’am,”the rough, Spanish-accented voice of the cab driver mumbles.

“I’m coming down.” I end the call and pick up my suitcase.

Here we go.

Opening the door wide, I stroll into the living room in my old ripped jeans and a red t-shirt. My heart skips a beat when I find Benjamin in a suit on the couch, readingTheSeattle Times. He looks up expectantly, his face revealing nothing as his eyes travel over my casual attire and luggage. “You’re leaving?”

“Yes.”

“Dimitri can take you to the airport.” He returns his attention to his newspaper, but his forehead is crinkled with what? Anger? Sadness? Confusion?Indifference?

“I already called a cab, thank you. And thank you for letting me stay here. It’s a beautiful hotel.” I manage a tight smile but he only observes me, unmoving like yesterday.