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Pain rips through my chest, and I bite the inside of my cheek. I encouraged him to pick someone else, but I never thought he’d actually do it. Dante doesn't belong to me. He's free to indulge in whatever he wants. I'm assuming it was consensual, since he's not like the others around here. It still hurts, though. I wouldn't blame him for seeking pleasure from somewhere else. He certainly isn't getting it from me.
The blood drains from my face when I realize what he's trying to say. Of course, he wants to move her in here instead of me. I’ll have to move back to the closet. No more showers. No more bed. No more Dante. I became complacent with him and now I’m kicking myself.
"I can understand why you'd be concerned with me going back on my word. I told you I would tell you what I know, and I'll continue to do so," I say, staring at his shoulder.
He tilts his head until our gazes meet, and I swallow hard. "What? I wasn't worried about that. She told me to tell you—"
"I'd rather not hear it. What did you do with Grant?" If I have to worry about him fucking with me again, I'd rather be prepared this time. No more having my head in the clouds, thinking Dante's presence will protect me. He won’t be around anyway.
"I let him go like you told me to last night. He might have a few bruises matching yours, though."
"I wish you wouldn't have done that, but I suppose it can't be helped. Where did you put my pajamas? I'll move the rest when I get back from the Pit. Anything else?"
The old shorts and tank top are the only things I’m really concerned with. The rest of the clothes can burn for all I care. Those pajamas are the only leftover from my old life. The one where I was more than a phantom with the tiniest sliver of will to live.
His eyes narrow and his arms drop to his sides. "Move them where? Seriously, Aelia, you're all over the goddamn place lately. I need you to listen. The girl said another one is coming. Something bigger than before. Rachel wants to see you, I think."
"Wait, you didn't sleep with her?" The question pops out before I can think better of it.
I slap my hand over my mouth as if I can force the words back in. I don't even fucking care. That's the lie I'm going with at the moment. I'll examine my feelings later—or never. Never is good. Nothing good can come from deciphering some deep-seated feelings I harbor for a man who only wants me for the information in my head.
He explodes, throwing his hands up. "Why the hell would I sleep with her? For fuck's sake, Aelia. Is that what Grant told you?"
"What does Grant have to do with any of this?"
"He has everything to do with this. You're pulling away, freezing me out, and refusing to talk to me."
"I'm refusing to talk to you because you don't give a damn about anything other than what I can get you," I scream, gripping my hair and spinning around.
I can't face him. I was doing so damn well keeping shit to myself, but he just kept pushing. His arms wrap around me, body leaning over mine. I bend, whether to get away from him or something else, I don't know.
He guides us to the ground, pulling me into his lap. I sink my teeth into my arm, forcing the tears away. I've cried more in front of Dante in the last couple months than I have in years. As he rocks back and forth, fingers running through my hair, I bite harder.
"Aelia, stop." He wraps his hand around my wrist, pulling it from my mouth.
His thumb brushes over the marks I've made. Dipping his face, he presses his lips against my skin. Goosebumps erupt across my flesh, but he doesn't stop.
"What are you doing?" I whisper.
"This is called comfort. Eventually you’ll have to let me in," he murmurs into my skin.
I tug my arm, but he doesn’t let go. "I have to leave."
"No, you don't. Or I'll go with you. Either way, I'm not letting you go. Two weeks of fucking hell, most of it my fault." He shudders, nuzzling my neck. "I'm not letting you go yet."
"You can't come with me. They won't talk to me then. I have to go, Dante."
"I didn't throw out your pajamas. They're in the top drawer. I wouldn't get rid of them."
He nibbles my earlobe, then kisses the sensitive spot behind it. Relief floods me all while my mind slowly shuts down. I don't want to go. All the hurt and resentment flows away while he holds me. I'll give him hell for it later. Or maybe I won't. Weariness still weighs me down despite some of the things I said. There's too much built up.
"I'll be back. I promise." I crawl from his lap, expecting him to stand with me, but he stays put. "And don't have that scary guy follow me."
"Jag? He's harmless. I mean, not harmless, but he won't hurt you. I brought him for you."
I grab his hair, forcing his head back, and he grins. "Did you just say you boughthim for me?"
He rolls his eyes. "Brought, angel. I brought him to guard you when I can't. Told Jenkins it was for my own protection."
