Page 23 of The Blue Rose
“No, it’s fine, I’ll try it,” I say curtly.
Asshole.
With a satisfied smile he sits back and he starts to talk about himself. I don't even listen to what he is saying, I’m too busy thinking about Aster. If he was here, he'd probably be giving him the same death glare he gave to that asshole bartender. If I didn’t punch him, I’m sure Aster would have. If he was here, I wouldn’t have to sit here smelling cigars and bourbon, instead I’d be smelling sandalwood and mint, and be staring at green eyes, instead of blue.
What if he really is here?I wonder if he would save me from this dreadful date? It was going well, until he ordered for me. That was a douche move. Who does that? I thought assholes only did that in movies.
When our food arrives, Tyler finally shuts up. At Least he’s letting me eat in peace. Another minute of hearing his whiney voice, and I swear I was going to plunge my fork into the side of his neck.
The waiter places down a plate of tortellini, covered in a creamy sauce, with tomatoes and spinach surrounding it.
Tyler watches me, excitement sparkling in his eyes, as I go to take a bite. I pause to look at him, and he ushers me toeat it, with a wave of his hand. I hesitantly bite it, immediately annoyed at how good it is and how right he was.
He smiles smugly, “It’s good, isn’t it? I knew you would like it, it’s never not worked.”
I look up at him mid chew, wanting so badly to plunge my fork in his neck, and walk out of the restaurant, but I don’t want to waste this delicious meal.
Instead I smile, gripping my fork, and nod at him, taking another bite as Tyler launches into another story about his frat brother.
Can someone please kill him?
After we are done, he goes to pay the bill and walks me outside. “Where did you park?” He asks, looking both ways as we exit the building.
I nod my head in the direction of the parking garage. He looks towards it “I parked the other way, so this is where we part. I had a lovely evening, until our next date.” He takes out his phone, and starts typing, smiles, then puts it back into his pocket. “I’ll text you tomorrow and we can get something set up.”
First, he’s going to order for me, tell me other people like it. Then not walk me to the car, and is probably texting another girl right in front of me. If that smile was any indication, I’m right on the money. Guess the gentleman who pulled out my chair was just a front.
I roll my eyes, turning to go, without giving him a response, but Tyler grabs my arm and stops me from leaving. “Don’t I deserve a goodnight kiss?”
I snatch my hand away, utterly pissed, but before I can lay into him, I see Tyler being grabbed by the throat, and slammed against the wall by a very pissed off guy. “Touch her again and I will break every single one of your fingers.” The mystery man says in a threatening voice.
Recognizing the voice, I see Aster, pinning Tyler to the wall as if he weighed nothing at all.
I knew it was him standing across the street. I knew he was watching me.I want to be mad, yell and scream at him for ghosting me. Then showing up like the villain he is, to break Tyler’s neck, but I’m not. I am over the moon to see him. The butterflies in my stomach are going crazy, I feel like my heart is about to jump out of my chest. The way Aster is squeezing Tyler’s neck, makes me softly touch mine, wishing his hands were around my neck instead.
Remembering he pretty much ghosted me, I go to walk away, shocked by the sheer audacity of him, when his voice stops me dead in my tracks. “Don’t you dare go anywhere, little lamb, this douche,” he tightens his grip around Tylers throat. “Owes you an apology for how he treated you tonight. Then I’m going to walk you to your car and make sure you’re safe.”
I cross my arms, the only defiant way I can show I’m pissed, but still listen and stay put. Aster thrusts Tyler towards me forcing him to his knees, and whispers in his ear, “Now beg for her forgiveness, or you’ll be begging me for your life.”
Tyler looks up at me, fire blazing in his blue eyes with fear. He grates his teeth and grinds, “I’m sorry, Serena.”
By the way he’s saying it, I can tell he doesn't really mean it. Plus, he’s being forced to. He looks pissed that he’s being submitted to do what he’s told, when he’s the one usually bossing people around. You can tell who a person is based on how they treat their mother, and wait staff. The way he spoke to the waiter, you could tell it was a power play he thought I’d be impressed by. Being controlled right now has to be killing him, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.
Aster grips his hair, knuckles turning white in the low light, “For what?”
Tyler says through his teeth, “For being a douche at dinner.”
Aster pulls his head back, making Tyler look him in the eyes. “If you are not sincere, and sayspecificallywhat you’re sorry for, your life ends tonight.”
I’m shocked and a little turned on at the sincerity in his voice. Never in my life did I think I would be okay with anyone harming someone else in any way, but here I am watching it all unfold before my eyes. Unable to look away, I stand captivated at the sight of Aster making Tyler beg for my forgiveness.
What he is doing is wrong on so many levels; I know, but how can something so wrong, look so right? He is awakening something in me and I don’t even feel sorry for Tyler.
The thoughts I had back at the table, about the fork, and now feeling immense joy in his pain. Literal pain I’m watching him go through. Since meeting Aster I thought Jessica was the only one changing, but I am too.
I have a sadistic side, and I kind of like her.
He thrusts Tyler's head back towards me, his head flopping around like a puppet. Tyler looks at me with watery eyes, desperation in his gaze.
