Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“No, you didn’t,” I said calmly, knowing he was trying to get a rise out of me.
“Yes I did. I fucked her hard. She’s not like you, Addie. She has a perfect body,” he said heartlessly as he kept grinning.
“I know you didn’t fuck her,” I said again.
“Oh, look who’s calling my bullshit? How the hell do you know I didn’t fuck her? I’m fucking Daimon Evans! I fuck what I want, when I want,” he said furiously.
“Your mother died and this is what you a want to fight about? You want to fight about how big your cock is and how many women you fucked. Good for you, Daimon,” I bit out.
“I hate how you know me. I hate that I can’t ever hide from you,” he said angrily; his eyes narrowing as he looked at me menacingly.
He grabbed onto my arm and pulled me close; his breath reeked of alcohol. He glared at me and then threw me onto the ground, pinning me underneath him.
“So now what, Addie? If I can’t fuck anyone but you, how do you think this is going to end?” he threatened.
My heart ached watching him do this. I knew Daimon would never hurt me. He was doing this to hurt himself.
“Go ahead, Daimon,” I said calmly, giving him permission, looking up at his sorrowful face. “Do what you want. Ruin everything if you have to,” I said to him. Whether I liked it or not, Daimon and I had built a relationship and he was in the midst of taking it all away.
“Ruin what, Addie?” he said in pain, his eyes filled with tears.
“Us,” I breathed.
Daimon closed his eyes, his tears falling onto my cheeks, my wrists protesting as he still held onto them. He finally let go and fell on top of me. I felt the heaviness of his body as he melted into my embrace. I wrapped my arms around him and held him as he cried silently for his mother.
The Funeral
Deidra’s funeral was small, very small. Not many knew her and those who did were associated with Daimon’s father. I sat by Daimon in the small funeral home, filled with various white flowers, her favorites; lilies, tulips and roses. He stared at her dark brown casket. His eyes were red; the death of his mother hitting him hard. I understood his pain. I knew he would feel a void, but I would be there for him, in every sense of the word.
My father sat quietly behind us, only offering me a faint smile. Sofia had called Daimon, who was barely responsive to her, but thanked her for her kind words. Rafe had shown up and I finally felt like I could leave his side for a moment. I stepped outside to take some fresh air. The day was sunny and by all accounts would have been glorious.
“Addie?” I heard faintly. Darren had shown up, wearing his black suit. He quietly smiled as he walked over to me. “How are you?” he asked as he leaned in and kissed both my cheeks.
“I’m good. You?” I said sadly.
“I’ve been better. How’s Daimon?” he asked.
“Not the best,” I admitted.
“I miss you,” he said softly.
“Darren,” I warned.
“As a friend, Addie. I miss you as a friend,” he corrected.
“So I turn my back for just one second and this is what I see?” Daimon said angrily as he stepped down the stairs of the funeral home.
“Daimon, Darren came to see you, not me,” I stated.
Daimon only nodded as he came beside me, taking my hand, and entwining our fingers. He squeezed tightly. I sensed his unbridled fury that was just beneath the surface.
“Daimon, I came to give you my condolences,” Darren offered.
“Thank you,” Daimon said coldly.
“Look, man, I'm here because you’ve been my friend for over ten years,” Darren added.
“I know, but all I see is you wanting her, and I fucking hate it,” Daimon said angrily. I was disappointed in him. This was his mother’s funeral, but Daimon being Daimon, avoided feeling what he needed to feel.
“Whatever, man, I'm not here to talk about that. I'm here to see you and maybe I can take you out for a drink. I figured you might need one.” Darren extended the olive branch and I waited, wondering what Daimon would do.
“Not today, but thanks.” Daimon pulled me toward Ted.
“We’re leaving,” he said to Ted as he pulled me into the car.
“Daimon, we have to stay. It’s your mother’s funeral,” I implored.
“We’re going home,” he stated coldly.
“But Daimon—” I tried pleading.
“BUT NOTHING,” he turned and shouted. I sat there stunned, sinking slowly back into my seat as Ted drove us back to the penthouse.
****
We finally stepped into the penthouse, the afternoon sun shined softly through the front windows. Drako ran to us but stopped the moment he saw Daimon and how he stood ahead of me.