Page 111 of A Dash of You

I don’t realize the tears running down my face until I feel them. So much for not showing weakness.

He jerks my head back more, and the pain climbs over my scalp. “Do you understand?”

The loathe I carry for this man is astronomically heavy. My nostrils flare in disgust and anger, but I’m powerless.

This man will end my new life regardless so here goes nothing. I bring my arm back before releasing my fist on Jason’s jaw, just how Logan taught me and he stumbles back, shaking the stars from him. A shooting throb remains on my hand, but damn did that feel good.

He holds his face in an agonizing pain and his roaring yell echoes off the walls. I make a run for it. But here I am as I whip open the door, coming face to face with another man who blocks my path and Jason, after righting himself, grabs me from behind. It should be the sting from his grip on me that has me wailing but instead, it’s the devastation that rips me apart. Knowing that I am going with him.

“There will be no fucking games. Let’s go.” His voice in shambles as he tries to regain composure. At least I can gain some satisfaction from the way he winces with me in his imprisoned arms.

He pulls me to a stop and forces me to spin in his arms. His grip tightens my jaw. “Fucking kiss me.”

Nausea swirls around in the pit of my stomach, but he doesn’t give me a choice. His mouth crashes into mine. It’s not like Logan’s kiss. Not powerful, in a sense, like my body becomes weak. Aching with desire at his touch. No. This is repulsion. He’s a monster especially since I know that blow hurt worse than he lets on.

He breaks apart, still holding my face captive. “You’re fiery tonight. I missed you.”

I cockishly smirk. “I wish I can say the same about you,” I spit in fury.

He smiles. “Don’t worry. It’ll all be back to normal soon enough.” He steps away, allowing me to breathe slightly, but I find myself on the verge of a panic attack.

The outside is spinning, and my head turns foggy.

Jason grabs my arm, pushing me inside his blacked-out Cadillac, forcing me from the place I call home. From the memories I never want to forget. If I never get to see Lana or Logan again, I will die. I just know it. I can’t live with Jason again. I won’t survive it.

Jason’s scent fills the back seat as he scoots in next to me. Heavy cologne mixed with a cigar. He adjusts himself in his seat, subtly rubbing his jaw with labored breaths. He can try to mask his pain, but I know it’s there.

“Everyone will be excited to see you.” He lays a grimy hand on my thigh, and I swallow back the bile.

They’ll be excited only if he orders them to be. I stare out the backseat window, realizing my body is slowly becoming numb. Numb is good.

Tears silently fall from my eyes, stinging the open cut on the way down. This is it. My fate.

And I’m already dead.

Time stood still the entire way to the mansion. When the car stops, our driver gets out and opens Jason’s door.

It was hours of painful torment. Sharing the same space as Jason for that long, made me wish I could open my door and throw my body out onto the streets.

The night air hits me, and I breathe in, savoring it. I am numb and aware of what awaited me inside. There would be no more baking at the coffee shop. No more talks and laughs with Lana. No balcony meets with the man who showed me how a relationship was supposed to be. Who, with one touch, made me feel the most alive I had ever been.

The immediate pain in my chest slams into me like a ton of bricks. Nausea swirling, threatening to rise from the pits of my stomach. The worst part? I’m unable to do a damn thing about it. This is and will forever be what my future holds.

Jason leans in, peering into the car, holding out a hand for me to take. “Come, darling.”

I wanted to smack his hand away. Well, I’d like to do worse, like take it, squeeze and twist until I hear bones crack. But instead, I scoot over, and place mine in his, letting him guide me to his side.

I am slowly dying as we make our way to the front door of the mansion. Before entering, a cherry red Ferrari parked on the side catches my attention, and I pause with recognition.

Motherfucker had eyes on me this whole time.

Inside, it smells the same. Rich and sterile.

Audrey, the main housekeeper, scurries quickly to greet us. Her surprised yet sorrowful eyes meet mine. I liked her. She was good to me. It’s not like we had a tight relationship, but we shared a few small talks in the mornings at breakfast. After all, it was always just me. Jason is always off on business during the days.

She does a small head bow, then locks eyes with mine. This time, they flash with pity. “Miss, Sora. It’s good to see you’re back. May I take your things?”

Next to me, Jason fixes his suit discussing something with one of his men who keeps side eyeing me in between takes.

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