I’ve never allowed myself to contemplate it too much. The last thing I need is to be dragged into her sadness. No matter how much it calls to me like a damn siren. But now, the more I think about it and how much it doesn’t make sense, I want to fucking know.
That has all the worst things possible running through my mind. Growing up in the world I have, where darkness isn’t a shadow; it’s a way of life. Where nightmares are real and actual monsters walk around this city and wouldn’t hesitate to hurt a girl like Zara…Thatall has me nearly losing my lunch before I’ve had a chance to eat it.
Assholes love to take something shiny and good like her and squash every bit of light from their souls. I was twelve when I first discovered the horrors of the world. When my father and uncles took down a sex trafficking ring that was operating in our city.
It didn’t take long for word to get back to my Uncle Gio, and although my family deals in the darker shade of life, we don’t trade in sex or people.
Pissed off at the thought of something sinister happening to Zara, I stomp my way towards the table, filling the empty seat on the bench, sandwiching her between me and Constance.
I wrap my arm around her shoulder and lean in. “P, you ran off so fast I lost you.”
Zara’s body stiffens. She turns to me with a smile on her face but I see the fire in her eyes. She’s annoyed. “Looks like you found me.”
“Always will,” I say, dropping my arm.
Before Zara can say anything else, more people arrive at our table, one of them being Cynthia. She sits next to James and kisses his cheek. He ignores her, and she clearly doesn’t like that.
Cynthia turns her icy fucking glare to me when I chuckle. She’s not stupid enough to say anything. Instead, she hones her gaze on Zara. “You’re new.”
“I am,” Zara replies.
“This table isn’t for new people,” Cynthia says.
I’ve never lost my shit at this girl, out of respect for my friend. But fuck if I’m going to sit here and let her be a bitch to Zara.
“Fuck off, Cynthia. I invited her,” Constance says.
“We don’t let new people in,” Cynthia repeats.
“Yeah, well, she’s with Ares, so take it up with him,” Constance retorts, making the entire table go quiet.
“Actually, I’m not with anyone, and you can take it up with me. But don’t worry. I’m leaving. There are way better ways for me to spend my lunch break than sitting with a bunch of bitches.” Zara stands and awkwardly steps over the bench seat.
“You know you’re a cunt at the best of times, Cynthia, but she’s off fucking limits to all of you. You see her, you turn and look the other fucking way,” I grunt as I jump up and follow after Zara.
My strides meet hers. “Where is the library?” she asks.
“Over here.” I point to the right and lead the way. “You know you can sit wherever the fuck you want. Ignore Cynthia. She’s just pissed because James dumped her stupid ass again.”
“I’m not bothered by her,” Zara says quietly.
I want to ask her what sheisbothered by. But I know if I do, she will shut down and lock me right back out. I’ve asked her why she looked sad before and she got so angry at me each time.
It’s her way of avoiding shit. To get angry and storm off. She doesn’t want me to know, but I’ll find out. Now that she’s in my domain, I’ll be seeing her every day. She won’t be able to hide from me.
Pushing through the doors of the library, I look around. I’ve been here a couple of times. I have a feeling I’ll be spending more of that time in here now, though.
“Thanks. You can go back to your friends,” Zara says.
I look over at her, contemplating what I should do. Leave her? Or stick around?
“Sure, have fun, P.” I smile and walk out the door, stopping until I see her walk farther into the library. Then I walk back through, following her at a distance.
I wouldn’t say I was spying, more… keeping an eye on her. It was an order from my uncle after all. Really, I’m just being a good soldier for the family.
Zara ends up right at the back of the library, in an empty study room. She looks around before opening the door and disappearing through it. What the fuck is she up to? I walk up and peer into the little window. Zara is sitting on the floor, even though there are perfectly good chairs in there. Her knees brought up to her chest with her arms wrapped around them. And then the first tear falls. She wipes it away before another one follows it. She’s fucking crying.
I knew she was sad. I know she has secrets, but seeing her cry is… It fucking hurts. I want to go in there and pick her up, hold her to me and give her promises of making it all better. Whatever it is.
