The figure let go of the strange man and said in a low, threatening voice that I recognized,
"There's a special place in hell for monsters like you who take advantage of drunk girls at parties." River.
"I'm a dealer-" the man choked, “This is my job, man.”
"What youareis a predator, a piece of shit, and your mother's worst mistake." River scowled. He was angry, really angry.
"Si je te revois je te tuerai putain." River snarled bitterly.If I see you again,I'll fucking kill you.And then the strange man ran. He was gone.
"River, I—" I began to speak, but he cut me off,
"We're leaving." He commanded, and I didn't want to argue or fight him, not this time. Because he’s right, I need to go home. "Now."
And then we were in a taxicab. I was laying my head down on River’s lap, and his soft melodic voice whispered reassurance to me. I was not sure if I was dreaming or not because this couldn’t be true, could it? River didn't like me, and boys who don’t like you wouldn’t let you do this. I was gazing at the open roof of the car at the Parisian night sky, and then it began to fade away.
If he was talking to me like this, so patiently, so tentatively, so sweetly—
Maybe, just maybe he wouldn’t despise me forever, maybe he’d like me someday.
Chapter 6
La Tour De France
Part 2
KEOMIANDourotherfriends were in no state of mind to take me home, and River, who was the only one completely sober, led me back to my dorm room. I could barely walk, and I was starting to feel kind of dizzy...alright, kind of was an understatement. I felt like I'd gone one too many rounds on a merry-go-round. Alcohol was most definitelynotfor me, I mean, it's fun to have your inhibitions lowered, but I was already facing early regret.
"River, I can't-" I pled as we made our way up the long dark stairway, realising I couldn't climb the stairs even if I tried in this state.
He didn't say anything. He simply swept me off my feet like I was weightless, and I wrapped my arms and legs around him. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed; I felt like I was a bother and like I'd ruined his night, his first night hanging out with his friends again, all because I couldn't handle a few drinks.
"I'm sorry I ruined your night." I apologised, letting out a sigh, "Maybe there's still time for you to go back?"
"Don't apologize. You're drunk." He spoke, and I could feel his chest heave up and down as we made it to the top of the stairs.
"Do drunk apologies not count?" I questioned,
"Not in your case, no." he refuted.
"I'm such an idiot." I groaned,
"What youareis reckless. Do you understand what could've happened to you tonight? For fucks sake, Armani, I won't always be there?" He snapped, and I felt the reality of things begin to set in.
"Well, I don't want to imagine that." I responded and widened my eyes at the realisation of what I had just said, but went with it anyway, "My world would turn rather bleak without you there to pester me."
"What is it, you Americans say? Nice save," he mentioned below his breath, and my cheeks flushed.
"That strange man, he wanted to hurt me, didn't he?" I asked, my voice small.
"Worse, men like that ruin good things like you." He sneered, as he shoved open my dorm door and placed me gently on my bed like I were porcelain, and he thought he'd break me.
I had been many things in my life; talented, headstrong, determined and even beautiful, but nevereverdelicate. It was amusing to be perceived that way. I found a sense of comfort in it.
River stalked away to the bathroom, and I could hear the tap turn on. I got up and made my way in as well and sat on the edge of the tub.
"I'm sorry about your shirt too." I apologized, wincing at the blue drink that had spilt on him earlier this evening.
"You're full of apologies today." he mused,
