Page 67 of Primal God

My cheek is throbbing so badly that I’m feeling kind of woozy.

“Sitting would be nice.”

He takes my arm, leading me back down the path that we came until the picnic tables come in sight. A couple passes us, and I don’t miss that both of them look back at us, whispering after they pass.

Adam sits first and I sit across from him.

“Look, today hasn’t gone like I wanted. At all. I just wanted to show you something that I was into while getting to know you.” He runs his hand over his face. “I know I’ve mentioned that my dad isn’t my biggest fan, and all I’ve ever wanted to do is make him proud.”

“I understand that, but I don’t know how that affects me.” I exhale. “All I did was ask if I could give you a nickname. Adam, youhitme.”

Saying the words unleashes emotions I think I’ve been too stunned to process.

“Babe—”

“Don’t call me that!” I stand. “I want to go home.”

“Lili, don’t be like this. I said I was sorry.”

“That changes nothing.” I take a step away from him. “Are you going to take me home or not?”

“Please, just hear me out. We can clear this up and?—”

Shaking my head, I walk away from him.

“Lili!”

Reaching into my purse, I dig out my phone and dial without thinking.

“Hello?”

Hearing Dimitri’s voice unleashes more emotions, and a soft sob escapes my lips before I can stop it.

“Lilith? What’s wrong?”

“Can you—can you come get me?”

“Of course. Where are you?”

I glance over my shoulder to discover that Adam is stalking toward me, and the look on his face terrifies me.

Dimitri says, “Lilith! Where are you?”

I end the call, backing away from Adam.

“Adam, you’re scaring me. Please stop.”

My phone rings, but I don’t answer it. Not when Adam is still coming toward me.

“Lili, you’re overreacting.” He comes to a stop in front of me. “I promise I can explain everything. Just give me an hour. Please.”

The wild look in his eyes has me nodding.

Even if I call Dimitri back, he won’t be here for at least an hour. If I call the police, it’ll likely take them at least twenty minutes. My mind races. Maybe if I let him talk, he’ll calm down and I can go without another incident.

“Okay. Okay, let’s talk.”

He nods. “Thank you. I just need to call my dad. He’ll be able to explain everything.”