Page 95 of Elicit (Decadence After Dark)

“Where are you going?” I swallow the knot of emotion prickling in my throat.

“To live with Marcus.”

“Marcus?”

“He wants a house pet. I think I can handle that for a while.”

“Let me guess. He offered you money and cars and jewelry?”

“Doesn’t sound so bad right now.” She looks everywhere but at me.

My sadness deepens. Jenna deserves so much more. She deserves someone to love her for the amazing person she is, not just what her pretty face and body have to offer. Which is all Marcus is interested in.

“I wish you would stay.” I step closer to her, linking my fingers with hers.

She can barely handle looking me in the eyes. “I can’t. Not while he’s here,” her voice strains.

As much as I hate it, I understand. I was so desperate to escape the man who abused me, I killed him. Jenna hasn’t reached that point, and I pray she never does.

“I’m going to miss you.” I hug her tightly, biting back my upset. Inhaling her strawberry scent one last time.

“I’m going to miss you, too,” she sniffles.

“I’ll be here if you need me. For anything.”

“Thanks.” She squeezes the life out of me.

Don’t let go. Don’t let go.

“Promise me one thing,” I request.

“What?”

“Ne pas avoir peur d’aimer, même si ça fait mal.”Don’t be afraid to love, even if it hurts.

“That’s a big promise.” She laughs through her tears. “But I’ll try.”

“Please try.” I pull away and wipe away her tears. “I love you.” I kiss her sweetly. A goodbye embrace.

“I love you, too.” Jenna tries to smile as she holds my wrists.

“Finish school. Study your French,” I urge.

“Je promets.”I promise.

“Good.”

“I have to go.” She releases me a little too easily.

I let go reluctantly, my voice nonexistent.

I stand on the top landing of the marble staircase and just watch as Jenna and Jett wait for her car. The separation anxiety is starting already, and she hasn’t even left the house yet. In my heart I know this is right. I just hope Marcus treats her well and allows her to find her way.

My tears drip as she walks out the door and disappears into the back of a black limo.

Jenna was my first real friend and my first real heartbreak.

Love does fucking hurt.

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