Page 4 of Through the Fire
He rears back like I actually did punch him and stumbles. His mouth opens and closes and a plethora of nonsensical words tumble out.
Before he can do any more, I open my door and get in. I press the start button and my engine purrs. My seatbelt clicks into place, my mirrors show all is clear behind me, and I tap on my playlist when the screen syncs up.
Tove Lo blares from the speakers and I set the car in reverse. Before I back out I look over to where Roman still stands. He’s just staring at me, practically unblinking. He isn’t angry or sad. He just looks defeated.
I watch as his chest rises and falls with each deep breath. I can see it in his eyes that he doesn’t want me to leave, but I don’t have it in me to stay.
So with that, I back out and watch as the headlights illuminate him until I turn the wheel and drive off.
Chapter Two
Luna
“Ithink we need another drink,” Dani, my best friend and unofficial therapist, says.
“No Dani, I don’t think I should have anymore.” I sip down the last dredges of my vodka and cranberry. “I should probably get home soon.”
Dani flings her head in my direction, her long blonde hair whipping like a lasso and her brows arch.
“Like hell you’re going home. He’s pissed and you not answering his calls and texts has only made him angrier. I will not allow you to go home to that ticking time bomb.” She turns her attention back to the bartender to order another drink.
I hope it’s water.
“D, be serious. I’m sure he’s angry but probably passed out by now. It’ll be best if I go home. I’ll just sleep in the guest room.”
I feel my phone buzz for the umpteenth time this evening. I start to ignore it like I had all of the other times he texted, but decided to check it.
Roman: I’m worried. Are you okay? Where are you? Please answer me.
Huh. It doesn’t feel so great when the shoe’s on the other foot.
Me: Now you know what it’s like to worry about whether your spouse is dead or in jail or in your case, screwing some whore.
Roman: Luna, I swear! I didn’t do anything with her. Please just come home. Please.
I stare at his last text, wondering if his last words were those of actual worry or just a ploy to get me home and argue some more.
“Um, no. You can stay with me. I’m not letting you go home to that asshole. I will not be woken up by the hospital calling me because he slapped you into a coma,” she says, reading our text exchange over my shoulder.
“Oh my god. You’re ridiculous. Roman hasneverraised a finger to me. He’s pissed but he’d never hit me. Ever. Do you hear me Dani?” I snatch her hand from midair and tug her to look at me.
She pulls her gaze my way and I see the incredulous look on her face. She doesn’t believe me but it’s the absolute truth. If I told anyone if Roman ever hit me, it'd be her.
“Fine,” she concedes. “He doesn’t hit you but he’s still an asshat and you’re not going back there tonight. I mean it Lu. This shit between you two has to stop.”
I feel the lump build in my throat again. My lips press together and give her a slight nod and drop my eyes to my lap.
“Oh babe. I’m sorry,” she coos and wraps her arms around me. “It’ll be okay.”
I sniff and swipe at my tears. “I don’t think so, D. I think this might be it. I can’t…I can’t do it anymore. It’s just too hard,” I hiccup.
“Lemme ask you a question.” I look at her and wait for her to continue. “Do you still love Roman?”
I nod and clarify. “I do. I love him. The problem is that I don’t know that I’minlove with him any longer. I don’t think I love him enough to keep fighting.”
She nods her head and continue to rub my arm.
After a moment of silence she says, “why don’t you come stay with me. Just for tonight. I think you both need a little time apart. then tomorrow you can go home and talk after you are both rested and calm.”