I freeze in the middle of the living area, begging my frozen brain to think of an explanation, while trying to keep my eyes away from the sideboard.
The room gets quiet gain, and I exhale when I realize that it was a false alarm. “I’m doing this for Marcel,” I whisper to myself to get rid of my guilt.
“You still here,” he sighs when he finds me in the kitchen, dishing up for him.
“There’s no need to be rude, I just want to ensure that you eat.”
I glance at him, in his black pajamas, his almost dry hair tousled, and my senses get bewitched by his scent, which smells like a mixture of wood, leather, citrus and something sweet.
“You smell good,” I blurt out. “It’s not too strong, but it’s...I don’t know how to describe it.”
“Thanks?” He smiles weakly. “It’s just a lotion. Willow, I told you to keep your distance. I don’t want to put your life in danger again.” He sits on the barstool, and I hand the plate to him.
“Luckily, my life is not in danger. Mike is not all that bad.”
“He won’t be as nice as he was next time,” he takes a spoonful of the food, and his eyes widen.
“Am I such a terrible cook?”
“It reminds me of... Childhood.”
“Oh?” I release the breath I wasn’t aware I was holding.
He nods. “It reminds me of my mom. You made it almost like she used to.”
“Thank you,” I feel my cheeks burn.
“You know, I always have lentils in the house for Jessica. Whenever she can stay for a few days, we always try to recreate the dish and we always get it wrong. My dad never allowed me to spend time in the kitchen, and Jessica was our mom’s tasting expert.” He chuckles. “But she never paid attention to the actual cooking, and she was still young when our mother...”
He shakes his head, sadness and longing in his eyes. I feel the urge to hug him, but I push it away.
“I’m sorry,” I manage to say.
“It’s fine,” he retreats to his shell, the longing in his eyes gone in a second. “I appreciate the meal, but I need you to leave.”
“What is the business between you and Mike? After what I’ve been through, don’t you think you at least owe me that much?”
“Just drugs.”
“Drugs?” I raise my eyebrows.
“Not those kinds of drugs. You know I have pharmacies and I created a few medications, so he also owns some pharmacies and he wanted my medication at a reduced price.”
“Is that so? That’s the only reason he kidnapped me?”
“Yes, he wanted the drugs at a very, very low price and I refused.” He murmurs.
“Then why are you not looking at me?”
“I’m exhausted,” he says dismissively.
“Leo, I need closure. But I guess it doesn’t matter how many times I’m going to ask you or beg you to tell me the truth.” I swallow to get rid of the lump in my throat. “Are you really willing to continue playing this game of lies? You lied to me and comforted me over and over again.”
He opens his mouth and then closes it with a sigh. I huff out of his kitchen and I pick up my bag in the living area, my eyes darting to the sideboard for a second.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say to him in the kitchen.
“Willow...”
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I repeat before walking out without waiting for his response.
I head to my dorm room on campus to cook for Chloe, and I find Liam sitting on my couch. “Did you do it?” Liam eyes me expectantly.
“I, I panicked. I’ll do it tomorrow.”
“What?” He roars. “How could you panic!?” He throws his hands up. “It seems like you forgot what he did. He caused you pain.”
“No, I would never forget.”
“Leo needs to be stopped. More families are going to suffer because of him.”
“But we can’t send him to prison in his state. Can’t we wait for him to get better first?”
“Are you in love with him?” The accusation in his tone is unmasked.
“That’s not fair, Liam. You know I love you.”
“Then, if you are not in love with him, why can’t you do something as simple as this?”
“You call this simple? My conscience doesn’t call it simple.”
“He threw his conscience in a bin when he got money out of other people’s misery,” he raises his voice.
“Why are you putting so much pressure on me? This almost feels like it’s more about you than my family and Marcel. You are determined to destroy Leo.”
“I’m doing this because I care about you!“
“No, you are determined to make this happen. It doesn’t make sense. You never even stopped once to ask if I’m okay, or if I’m healing,” my voice breaks.
“But I’ve always been here for you. Haven't I?” He raises his eyebrows.
“Then, if you are really here for me, stop putting pressure on me. I’ll do it when I’m ready, emotionally.”
“Wow!” He chuckles bitterly, running his hand through his hair. “The power of Leo’s dick.”
“Get out,” I breathe.
“You are mad because I told you the truth? We both know this isn’t about your feelings, it’s about Leo.”
I try to push him, but his feet remain firm on the ground. “Get out!” I scream. “I hate you.”
“There is no need for you to do this, I’m leaving.” He lets out an exasperated sigh.
“I don’t see any movement of your legs. Are you trying to teleport?”
“You know you are going to come running back to me before the end of the day.” He says as he walks out.
“Wanna bet?”
His lips part, as if he is about to say something, and I slam the door in his face.