Page 27 of My Bloody Valentine

I take a deep breath, squeezing Amelia’s hand. “He’s into some really fucked up stuff.”

“Like kinky stuff?” She raises an eyebrow.

“No. Well, yes, but...” I run my finger around the rim of my coffee mug. “It’s more than that. His... hobbies. The things he does for fun. They’re not okay.”

“What, like furry conventions?” She tries to lighten the mood.

“I wish it was that innocent.” My voice cracks. “I can’t tell you details. Just know that I had to get away when I found out.”

“Shit.” Amelia sits back, studying my face. “Is this something we need to report?”

I shake my head quickly. “No. No police. I just need to stay away from him.”

“But you liked him.” It’s not a question.

“Yeah.” My eyes burn. “That’s the worst part. The way he made me feel... God, Amelia, I’ve never experienced anything like it. But the darkness in him...”

“Sometimes the most dangerous men are the ones who make us feel the most alive.” She squeezes my hand again. “You did the right thing, getting out.”

I nod, throat tight. If only she knew how right she was. How close I’d come to falling into that void with him.

“Want me to stay at your place for a few days?” she offers.

“No, I’ll be fine.” I force a smile. “He won’t hurt me. That’s not... that’s not what this is about.”

“You sure? Because you look terrified.”

“I’m more scared of myself than him,” I whisper. “Of how much part of me still wants...”

I trail off, unable to finish. Unable to admit how much I miss him.

“You need a distraction,” Amelia declares, draining her coffee. “Let’s hit that new Thai place tonight. My treat.”

“I should really work on those reviews...”

“When’s the last time you ate something that wasn’t takeout or...” She catches herself before sayingchocolate. “Come on, their pad thai is supposedly amazing.”

I manage a genuine smile. Trust Amelia to know exactly what I need. “Okay, but I’m buying. I owe you for being MIA lately.”

“Deal. And maybe after we can grab drinks at—” She stops at my expression. “Or not. Movie night at my place instead?”

“Perfect.” Something normal.

We spend the next hour catching up on everything I’ve missed while wrapped up in Adrian’s web. Amelia’s latest art show. Her sister’s pregnancy. The neighbor’s noisy new puppy.With each mundane detail, I feel more grounded, more like myself.

But even as I laugh at her stories, part of me whispers that I’m lying to myself. That I’ll never be the same Maya who walked into Adrian’s boutique that first time. He’s changed and marked me in ways beyond the physical.

“Anyone home?” Amelia gestures with her hand, trying to get my attention.” You disappeared on me again.”

“Sorry.” I press my lips together. “Just thinking about deadlines.”

She gives me a look that says she doesn’t believe me for a second but doesn’t push. That’s what I love about Amelia—she knows when to probe and when to let things lie.

“Seven tonight?” she asks instead. “I’ll pick you up.”

“Sounds good.” I stand, gathering my things. “Thanks for... everything.”

“That’s what friends are for.” She hugs me tight. “And Maya? Whatever this darkness is you’re afraid of? It’s not you. You’re one of the good ones.”

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