Lib Novel Page 54
He turns on his heel and walks out of the bar. As the door closes behind him, I sink numbly into the chair.
My fingers drift across my swollen, bruised lips, my chest feeling hollow and empty.
Regret.
That’s what I saw on Alex’s face.
He regrets kissing me.
Chapter 11
Sophia Hope
I always thought I was a smart person. Level-headed. But I’m beginning to realize that when it comes to Alex Stone, my brain doesn’t function the way it should. It’s almost as if I can’t think straight or use logic where he’s concerned.
As I finish cleaning up and putting everything away, my body is simply moving on autopilot. My mind is blank, and I’m scared to let myself feel any emotion because I know what it would be.
Pain.
Hurt.
Humiliation.
Alex wanted to prove a point, and he proved it.
I’m starving by the time I reach my apartment, but I don’t have any desire to eat. I just drag myself to bed, pulling the covers over my head and not even bothering to change out of my work clothes.
Why?
I curl onto my side in a fetal position, hiding from the world under my blanket.
Why is he doing this to me? Why can’t he leave me alone?
I haven’t done anything to him. So, why is he punishing me like this?
Stuffing my fist in my mouth, I finally let myself feel the storm of emotions that has been building up inside me. It’s one thing to despise me or think I’m not good enough. But to toy with me as if I don’t have feelings?
The sobs that spill out of me are wretched sounds, muffled by my fist. My heart is broken.
I don’t know when I fall asleep, but when I wake up, the sun is shining into my eyes through the open curtains, and there is a loud, consistent, banging coming from my front door. My face and eyes feeling swollen, I stumble to my feet and make my way over to the door. I unlock it and see Elsa standing outside.
I stare at her, not knowing what to say, too tired and broken to ask her what she wants. Turning around again, I just walk back into my apartment, heading toward my bedroom.
“Not so fast.” Elsa grabs me by the back of my shirt, stopping me in my tracks. “Couch. Now.”
“It’s too early for a lecture,” I complain, my throat raspy.
However, I’m not used to disobeying this terrifying woman, and I sit down in the armchair, folding my legs underneath me. Rubbing my hands over my face, I wonder what she wants. It’s very rare for her to show up at my apartment like this. When I look up, she’s in the kitchen.
“Did I forget to lock up?” I ask slowly, my head not entirely there.
“No.”
“Have I done something wrong?”
“Not yet.”
Sighing, I bury my head in my hands. I can hear Elsa moving around in the kitchen. I don’t even care to ask what she’s doing in there. Right now, I find it hard to care about anything.