Page 56 of Look My Way
“I told you. Door jam.”
“I don’t remember you ever having that problem before. Is it new?”
“Has my family tried to contact me?” I quickly change the direction of our conversation.
He stalls. “You already know the answer to that question.”
“I don’t think I do. Not the real one.”
He lets out what sounds like an annoyed sound and a short laugh. “What are you going on about? Where’s this all coming from?”
“I don’t feel like you’ve been honest with me.” I step back and he follows, looking dejected when I shove his hand away.
“Baby. I wouldn’t lie to you.”
“Where do you really go when you aren’t here? Is it to him? Because you can tell me.”
Something like confusion and hurt flashes in his eyes, not lasting long. “Who? And I only go to work and home lately. Seriously, baby . . . I don’t understand what—”
“Please stop with the whole baby thing.”
“Why was your door locked, Liam?” he says, face going stoic.
“I told you why.”
His nose flares. “Alright. You know I’m not in the mood to deal with all this. Work is stressful enough without coming home to you going through one of your crazy episodes.”
“Home? You don’t live here, Daniel, and I’m not crazy. I think you want me to think I am, but I’m not.” My voice trembles and his eyes lock on mine, anger causing the muscles to bulge in his cheeks.
“I thought you liked having me here. We’re getting married soon, which means what mine is yours, remember?”
“Oh really? So where’s my key to your place? Why don’t I ever get an invite there?”
His eyes narrow, and when he reaches for me again, I hit harder at his hand. He grabs at my wrist, twisting. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but maybe this is something we should bring up with the doctor at your next appointment. This behavior is scaring me.”
“You’re hurting me.” I try to retract my hand but he holds me harder.
“No, baby. You’re hurting yourself. You’re always the reason for your own pain. Things could be so much easier if you let them.”
“Daniel, please let go.”
“I’m not holding you anymore.”
I look down at my wrist and he’s right, his fingers are gone. When did that happen, and what’s this dizziness coming over me? “I feel weird.”
“Let’s get you to your room and we can continue this tomorrow when you’re more sound-minded.” He kisses the side of my head, shoving me toward the hall. I sway from side to side, not understanding where this sluggish feeling is coming from and why it’s hit me so hard. Did Zavier drug me again? He couldn’t have. I didn’t drink anything while he was here. Well, I drank a little water an hour before seeing him as I took my meds.
“Come on, baby. Let me take care of you.”
“No,” I scream in my head, but my mouth is thick like cotton on the inside, sticking together when I try to speak.
I walk with him, feet heavy, and he strips me down to my underwear in the dark. Oh no. What if he turns the lights on.
“My eyes hurt,” I push out.
“I’ll leave the light off. Go on and crawl in.” He lifts the covers and I do, burying myself deep in them.
“Night, sweet thing.” He kisses my head and shuffles around the room before the door shuts behind him. My mind races before slowing down and going blank. Everything goes pitch black. My vision and thoughts. Everything’s too quiet and then there’s nothing at all.
