Page 72 of The Art of Being a Psychopath

Alex stood still for a moment, reading the letter again, then he crumpled it in his hand, making me lurch forward to try and stop him, but he was too angry to focus on anything other than how he was feeling.

“I swear to fucking God,” he seethed with his fists clenched. “That man will pay for this. They all will. I’ve had enough of people thinking they can do whatever the fuck they want. Of thinking they can fuck you over.”

He threw his head back and growled, then peered down at me and said, “I hate to do this, but I have to go. I need to do something to stop it all right now, otherwise I’m going to go insane. I’m so sorry to leave you like this, Emma. But I can’t stand by for another minute...”

“I’ll come with you,” I said, standing up, because I didn’t want to be left alone in his house and this was my problem. I wanted to sort it out.

But he put his hand up and told me, “No. Wait here. This is something I have to do on my own.”

“No way. I’m not going to let you walk out and play the hero while I’m left here like a bloody fool. This is my life. I’m in control. At least, I need to be. Whatever this is, I’ll sort it.”

He paced the floor in front of me, and I sat back down, giving him the time he needed to get his head around how he was feeling. My life could be a bit much even for me. He’d hitched a ride and discovered my rollercoaster was a death-defying journey with a broken track and fucked up wheels. And we were seconds away from falling out of the cart to the cold, hard floor below.

Eventually, he stopped pacing and stood in front of me, then he knelt down so he could look right into my eyes.

“I’m so sorry, and you’re right. I need to learn to stand beside you, not continually dart in front of you trying to take each bullet.” He hung his head for a moment, trying to find the words he wanted to say, then he lifted his head and gave me that penetrating gaze that made my heart flutter. “It’s just a natural thing for me to try and solve everyone’s problems. I’ve always been like that. Even as a kid. I find it hard to switch off, especially with you.”

“I’m so grateful to have you by my side. To have your help. Honestly, I am. But I’ve had enough for one day. Tomorrow, I’ll address the work issues. Mr. Gold is an asshole who acts before he thinks. But I’m sure I’ll be able to talk him round once he’s had the time to see sense. And that letter is bullshit, you’re right there.”

I wasn’t at all convinced that I could talk Mr. Gold round, but I felt like I had to say something to placate Alex and remove the deep scowl that was currently etched onto his face.

“Tomorrow, we’ll formulate a plan,” he replied, nodding to himself with purpose. “It won’t hurt to have my lawyers go through everything. I’ll do some digging and see what we can find out. But for tonight, please, treat this house as your own. While you’re here, I want you to see this as a second home. Choose a bedroom, explore anywhere you want. My house is yours. I mean that. Nowhere is off-limits. You’re going through enough. I want you to find some respite while you’re staying here.”

He reached forward, taking my chin between his thumb and forefinger, and he lifted my face to peer into my eyes.

I didn’t want to choose a room.

I didn’t want to explore.

I wanted to run as far away as I could and never look back.

But when he said, “I mean it, Emma. You’re not alone in this. You have me. And I’ll always be in your corner. Let me take on some of the stress. I want to be the kind of man you can rely on for anything. Please.” I knew I owed it to myself to stay and honour his wishes. For now.

I put my hand over his as he traced a gentle circle on my cheek.

“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without your help.”

His face softened, warmth glowing in his eyes, telling me he liked that. He liked that I was relying on him. That I needed him.

I hated that I had no other choice.

Or at least, that’s how it felt.

But it wasn’t his fault.

“You’re a good man, Alex,” I said, and I could see the pride rippling through him in response.

He stood up, walking slowly away from me like he didn’t want to leave.

“I’ll ask the kitchen to make us some dinner. You can’t go to bed on an empty stomach.” Then he left the room.

Who was this guy?

A man that was there when you needed him, helped whenever he could, looming larger than life in my tiny world.

“Where did you come from?” I whispered, thinking no one was here to hear me, now that he’d left.

But he hadn’t left.