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I easily forgave hih It was hard not to after the wonderful tiht, who very aveand whispered in my ear, "I'm really happy for you, honey"

I'm happy for me too

Will be ht

There is no doubt inready to face an incredibly hard few hours To sit at a table with my rapist--a man who is so vile I want to scratch his eyes out and castrate hi if I have the mettle within me to pull off such an act

I should be able to do it The first feeeks with Beck,but a superb perforave way to feelings and eenuine toin theto keep the purity of my relationship with Beck, I need to stick to eance and pour my efforts into a relationship with a man I've come to care deeply for In reater if I e to pull this off

The doorbell rings and it startles me No one ever comes to Beck's condo unless it's for a delivery of sos delivered to me I've received countless flowers, candy, and even a set of naughty lingerie that he received the benefit of that one night when I greeted hi it

In fact, I' there's probably a bouquet of daisies and freesia waiting on the other side, probably an unnecessary apology fro on me today

S roo on the hardwood flooring I pull the door open, expecting the s Jonathon Townsend

He stands there casually, both hands tucked into the pockets of an expensive pair of black dress pants His suit jacket is unbuttoned, showcasing a pristine starched white shirt underneath, sans tie and unbuttoned at his throat

His eyes pin ives me a smile that falls somewhere between licentious and bland "Hello, Sela"

My fingers tighten on the knob and I resist the urge to slam the door in his face I s past the dryness in my throat, willhere?"

"Knew Beck was at work He said you were taking a cab to the restaurant, so I had ured I'd offer you a ride We still have to swing by and pick up my date, of course, but she's just a few blocks down"

The roo in a car with this man, but I can't think of a sane reason to decline his invitation It would be utterly ludicrous forit would serve would be the fact it would make a very clear statehtest bit worried about hurting his feelings, I also don't want toany onize hih on all of us tonight

And besidesI pro to let him know that I fear him Because I don't I detest and hate him Loathe him so much that periodic flashes of murder will still pop within my mind I know Jonathon is the type of man who likes to intimidate women It makes hioing to help him do that

So I take a deep breath and decide the sooner I get this evening started, the sooner it will be over, and I can do this for Beck

"Letfrosty and not the least bit grateful, so Iof me"

I turn to the foyer table, pick up the black clutch I bought this weekend with some of my own money It ht with aze lowered, clearly having been staring at un were in my purse, so I could pull it out and shoot hi a bullet in his brain

His gaze coives me a sheepish smile "Sorry"

Not sounding the least bit apologetic

I don't respond but brush past hi the door shut behind me

I'm silent as we make our way down to the lobby and I' next to an open door of a limousine with his hand extended to help entleive ain as I get in, which ensures the sier continues to froth and bubble within ht to put a pack of Tums in my purse

JT thankfully takes the seat opposite of s spread slightly and his hands resting on his thighs He looks at ly, and says, "I don't think you'll like my date, or have much in common with her"

I blink in surprise, his voice sounding aloof and with airs typical of so I cock at eyebrow "Oh, why's that?"

I'ht curl to his lip, and while his voice is h, his snub is clear from his words "It's just she's from money Very old San Francisco ree froe You tould have nothing in common"

And in this moment, it's clear to , and an abuser of women and his friends, but that he clearly doesn't like me at all In fact, I'd even say there's a level of jealousy within his voice that speaks to his concern that I ainst him