Page 81 of Consumed By You

“He has told me some things, things he’s guilty for,” John says with a frown. “I know it may be past the point of no return, but he’s a good man who needs someone to fight for him. He can be a great man, Darcy. The best of them.”

The song is finished now and we’re not moving anymore. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Benjamin and Jasmine headed for us.

“Darcy, I think you have it in you to love him enough to fight. Think about it.”

“Couldn’t help but notice you talking her ear off, John,” Benjamin says when he reaches us. I see the worry beneath his features. He’s worried what John’s said.

“Just casual chitchat.” John pats his back, then places his arm around Jasmine’s shoulders and guides her back to her seat.

A part of me wonders if she knew why he asked me to dance. My mind is spinning in circles.

Fight for Benjamin’s love?

I’ve been doing that all along. What else can I do?

“What did he really say to you?” Benjamin presses as soon as they are out of earshot. I shiver when he puts his right hand against my back and he draws me close.

“That you’re a good friend to him.” I relish in the feel of his body against mine. “He loves you.”

He remains quiet for a couple moments and I’m totally and completely okay with that. I unwillingly dream of another time where things would be uncomplicated. A time where Benjamin could love me like I love him.

“What else?” he asks. “You looked particularly invested, Darcy.”

“Can you stop being so paranoid?”

“I’m not being paranoid.”

“Could have fooled me.”

He clenches his jaw, but doesn’t argue any further.

We dance in silence and I’m surprised when he doesn’t let me go for the next song. It’s slower. He slides his hand lower until he’s caressing the small of my back. Barely realizing I’m doing it, I lean my head onto his chest, completely content in his arms.

“Are you feeling better after what happened?”

I visualize the yellow bruises on my legs. “Yes, I’m fine,” I answer, not moving my head from the cozy spot on this chest.

“Have you heard anything from the cops?”

“Yes, they received a fine and six months in jail. They’ll be released in three on good behavior.”

Benjamin stops swaying abruptly and I sigh with regret.

“Repeat that, because I honestly don’t think I heard you right. You saidsix months?”

“Yes,” I whisper, looking up at him. He looks furious.

“How the hell did they pull that off? They are fucking sexual offenders!”

“Please, keep your voice down.”

“When did you find out about this?”

“This morning. One of the guys’ dads has a lot of money apparently. He already paid the fines for all of them.”

“This is ridiculous.” Benjamin lets me go. “Come with me.”

You should have kept your big mouth shut, Darcy! He was being all romantic and sweet and then you had to fuck it up.