Page 18 of Dark Torment

OLIVIA

Why are men disgusting?I thought maybe, just maybe, Jeff was different because he seemed nice in our short exchange. But I was wrong.

He’s just as much of a pig as my brother and father. He just tries to manipulate the woman into complying with his needs.

“Are all men pigs?” I blab, not even thinking as I throw my head against the seat of Shelby’s car.

“Pretty much.” She shrugs, giving me a quick glance. “There are nice ones out there, but I don’t think they live around here,” she sighs out, shaking her head. “What happened tonight?”

I groan. “I went on a date,” I point out, and she scoffs.

“Yeah, knew that already. Why did you go on a date, though? And why was I called to come rescue you?”

How do I explain to her that I went on a date because Ben tried to destroy me again? If I tell her, she’s going to get even more pissed off at him, and I’m beginning to think she may actually murder him at some point out of best friend duty.

“Let’s just say my brother got under my skin, and I made a rash decision.” I wince, knowing she’s going to lose it.

“What did that scummy piece of tarnished trash say this time? I fucking knew he was going to set you off when you left the shop the other day. I’m going to rip his damn balls off before I choke him with them. Such a piece of fucking work.” She’s rambling to herself as she vents, and I let her.

She’s not wrong. My brother is a complete asshole, but he seems to set her off more than anyone else I know. She says it’s because I’m too nice, and one of us has to stand up to the dick-weasel.

“He was just being Ben. My profile, that you so nicely created without asking, came across his friend’s profile, and he didn’t like it,” I huff out before changing the subject. “That’s all I’m going to say on the topic of my brother because I’ve had a crappy night and I just want to go home and sleep.”

She makes an annoyed sound in her throat before turning the car onto my street.

“Fine, then tell me what the date did to have you calling me?” she barters, and I know I need to give her something.

“He touched me without asking. When I tried to leave, he called me a prude, and then grabbed my arm before the stranger from the shop stopped him,” I explain, still trying to process why he was even there.

It was like he came out of nowhere when I needed help the most. I hadn’t even realized there was anyone around us, not that I was paying that close of attention.

“He did WHAT?!” she shrieks, looking over at me.

“I’m not repeating it,” I mumble, feeling self-conscious.

“I can’t believe he touched you without asking. It’s not like you’re the type of person that gives off lustful vibes.” She winces. “I didn’t mean that as a bad thing. I just meant you’re not like me. You’re a girlfriend girl, you know?” she asks, giving me a side glance.

“I know you didn’t mean anything by it, but I need you to delete that profile. Please. It’s just too much for me to handle,” I admit.

“Why was the guy from the shop there?” she asks as she pulls up in front of my house, and I shrug.

“No clue. Probably out for a walk or something, I guess? I wasn’t really paying attention to anything other than messaging you and getting away from the botched date that we will never mention again, by the way.” I give her a look, and she holds her hands up.

“Fair enough.” She looks thoughtful before turning back to me. “What did he say to you before you got in the car?” she questions, and I actually smile.

“That he’s going to come back next week to try filling out those adoption papers again.”

She groans. “I’m sorry, okay! Most men don’t care if I flirt a little, he was just touchier than I anticipated.” She sighs. “Such a shame, too. All the hottest ones are so uptight.”

I burst out laughing, shaking my head as I open the door and get out of the car. “I think he was just stressed out. You said he was taking some time off for his health, right?” I ask, and she nods.

“Yep. He’s some uppity lawyer for the District Attorney’s office in the city. Jonathan, whatever his last name is, seems to be a big deal. Makes sense why he has a huge stick up his ass.”

“You’re something else, you know that?” I smile at her. “I’m going to bed, but let me know when you get home.” I give her a pointed look, and she salutes me.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Bye.” I shut the door and head to my house, unlocking the door before stepping in and securing the lock inside.

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