Page 52 of My Merciless Don

I needed to speak to James.

Looking again at Marco, I let the second part of my decision percolate. Did I really have to leave him in order to find myself? But even asking the question gave me the answer. I wanted him too much, so much so that I would be willing to make compromises that were perhaps not very practical to keep him.

I need to go.

I could feel my heart breaking just thinking the words. Still, it had to be done.

Slowly, I put one foot out of the bed, watching him carefully, willing him not to wake. I put the other foot out and got to my feet. I was completely naked, my clothes scattered all around the room. Creeping around like a cartoon character, I picked up my shirt, my sweatpants, my bra and panties, before making my way out of the room. My sneakers were somewhere near the door.

I dressed quietly in the living room, before picking up my shoes and slipping out. I hit the elevator button holding my breath to see if it would work without Marco's DNA. Thankfully, the doors opened, and I slipped inside, bending down to wear my shoes. I took the elevator right down to the basement, before walking out into the street.

It was a beautiful day, the sky was blue and clear, the sun shining benevolently, barely any smog in the air. I had never felt so miserable in my whole motherfucking life.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

AUDRY

Iwasn't really paying attention to where I was going. In fact, I was quite done with thinking for the day. I wandered around looking for a coffee shop. I knew what the overall plan was, but at the moment I just wanted to give my heart a chance to break in peace, and without any witnesses. And maybe get some consolation cake.

I found a coffee shop with outside seating and sat down, watching the traffic go by. A waitress came up to me to take my order.

“Yeah, I'll have a black coffee, with chocolate fudge cake if you have it.”

She smiled at me and nodded before going back into the café. I continued to stare at nothing, trying my best not to think. The urge to get up and go back to Marco was strong.

Just what is it you think you'll find if you look?

I had no answer.

The lady brought my order, and I looked up with a slight smile. “Thank you,” I said.

I picked up the cup and took a sip. The coffee tasted like ash in my mouth. I didn't bother to taste the cake. The food was in to-go containers, So I just picked them up and walked away. The street was relatively quiet, it being early on Saturday morning. I figured I could walk a few more blocks and then take an Uber home.

I wasn't too eager to get there because then I would have run out of reasons not to think about what I had done. I was already second guessing myself and I wasn't sure if I should or shouldn't take that as a sign that I was doing the wrong thing.

A black van suddenly stopped beside me. I turned, frowning and wondering what the driver was up to. The back door opened and a man jumped out. He grabbed me by the elbow and pulled.

“Ack!” I screamed as he hustled me into the back of the van. “What the fuck?” I exclaimed loudly.

Someone else in the van slapped my face. “Shut up!”

I did, but only because I was in shock. I had no idea what was happening or who these people were. I opened my mouth to demand that they explain what was happening, but decided not to.

This was not a situation I could argue my way out of. I didn't know what kind of situation this was. I leaned back, staying quiet and still and try to take note of everything around me.

There were three people in the back of the van with me, all of them armed. Their faces were covered by balaclavas, they had on combat boots and protective armor. Whoever they were, they fancied themselves to be some kind of militia.

I had no idea what this kind of person would want with me.

Did they pick the wrong person?

I could imagine that whoever was their leader would send his minions out after some girl who rejected him. Maybe he thought he'd impress her with his off the grid living.

“You've got the wrong girl,” I said hoping for some reaction. All three men ignored me. “Who are you after? Give me a name.”

No one said a word.

“My name's Audry. Are you after a girl named Audry?” I persisted.

---