Page 21 of Save Me

“I’m sorry,” I mutter, my hand instinctively clutching at my chest, desperately trying to steady my breathing.

“You have nothing to apologize for. Let me take you home, alright?” he says gently, exiting the car.

The door behind me opens, and I spin around to see him holding out his hand, a lifeline amid my turmoil. Hesitantly, I reach out and place my trembling hand in his.

“Breathe, baby. Just breathe,” he coos, his voice a soothing melody as he opens the passenger door for me. Sliding into the seat, I quickly fasten the seatbelt, clasping it tightly in my hand until my knuckles turn white. Deep, steady breaths fill my lungs.

He settles into the driver’s seat, his silence speaking volumes. Leaning over to the back, he retrieves my pants and places them gently on my lap. His sincere smile is tinged with concern, a silent acknowledgment of the pain I’m experiencing.

I feel stupid. I had wanted this, craved this intimacy, and yet I pushed him away. Guilt washes over me,unsure of how he must feel after what just happened. I thought this was what I needed.

Fuck you, Zavier.

Chapter 16

STARLET

Staring at my reflectionin the steamy mirror after a refreshing shower, I furrow my brow at the sight of my damp hair. Once, I adored its unique color, but now, it only reminds me of Zavier and his professed love for it.

After spending an exhausting three hours convincing Argent that I’ll be alright on my own and urging him to check on Adrian, I called Chloe and asked her if she wanted to have a girls’ day with me. Unsurprisingly, she agreed.

A sudden knock on the door echoes through the silence of the apartment. Giving myself one last glance, I make my way to the front door.

I feel my heart swell with warmth as I open the door and am met with Chloe’s radiant smile, followed by a tight hug. “Hey, Star. You look good,” she exclaims happily. I muster a dry chuckle and reply, “If only I felt as good.” Concern fills her eyes as she takes a seat on the couch. “You still having nightmares?” she asks.

“Yep, but it’s gotten a lot better.” I lie. It hasn’t. The reality is, the nightmares have only intensified, vividly replaying the horror of being tied to a pole in Zavier’s basement. But I choose to keep it to myself, not wanting to burden her further.

“So, what do you want to do today?” Chloe asks, clapping her hands together. I contemplate for a moment before admitting, “Um, I was thinking of getting my hair done.”

Her smile widens in excitement. “Say no more. Maybe we can grab a milkshake at The Diner if you’re up for it?” she suggests as we step out of the door. “Of course. I would love to see everyone,” I respond, mustering a genuine smile.

“I can’t get over how good you look, Star,” Chloe exclaims, her voice filled with awe, as we step into The Diner. I couldn’t bear to look at my old copper hair anymore, so I made the bold decision. Goodbye copper, hello brown.

“Thanks, Chlo. I feel like a different person,” I confess, a genuine smile spreading across my face. It’s incredible how changing my hair color has transformed my entire outlook.

I feel in control. I feel powerful.

As I walk further into the diner, a sudden burst of voices startles me, causing my heart to race. “Surprise!” The entire place is adorned with vibrant balloons, and a massive banner stretches across the top of the front counter, proudly declaring ‘Welcome home Starlet'.

Overwhelmed with joy, tears well up in my eyes as I gaze at the crowd of people who have become like family to me during my time working here. Withgratitude in my heart, I scan the room, exchanging smiles with each familiar face.

And then, my eyes meet Argent’s. He stands at the back of the diner, alongside Adrian, Demitri, and Bobby. A breathtaking smile graces his lips, causing my knees to weaken. “It was allhisidea,” Chloe whispers into my ear, nudging me forward. Argent planned this? For me? I never would have expected such thoughtfulness from him.

As I approach him, overcome with emotion, I reach out and gently grasp his neck, pulling him closer. Our lips meet in a tender kiss, “Thank you,” I whisper against his mouth. A mischievous smirk dances on his lips, and he pecks me softly before replying, “Anything for you, baby.” Pulling away slightly, I notice his gaze fixated on my new hair color.

My smile falters, and I feel a twinge of regret for the change. But then, he reaches out, delicately tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Your hair looks beautiful, little star,” he murmurs, his words washing over me like a soothing balm. Relief floods through me, and I offer him a shy smile, feeling my cheeks flush with warmth.

After greeting everyone and showing my appreciation, we find our way to a cozy booth. Chloe and I settle beside each other while the three boys take their places across from us.

As we get comfortable, our server's sweet, soft voice captivates my attention. “I’m so happy to see you, Star,” she says, her words tinged with genuine warmth.

“Sage? You’re all grown up.” I state as we lock eyes. She’s one of the sweetest human beings and probably one of the most beautiful humans, inside and out. Chuckling, she offers me a radiant smile.

“Yeah, I’m graduating this year,” she announces, and I’m taken aback. It feels as though I’ve missed so much. The thought fills me with a pang of sadness, but I quickly push it aside.

“Do you know what you want to do after?” I inquire. She returns my question with a warm smile. “I’m going into criminology,” Her answer makes me realize. I haven’t even had the chance to finish myowndegree. That asshole took everything from me. After our brief conversation, we all decide to order milkshakes.

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