CHAPTER 09_ Respecting Boundaries

I drifted back to reality, my memories releasing their hold on me as I  reluctantly sighed. My body felt heavy, weighed down by the remnants of Bryan's touch. Every joint ached, still stiff from the tension.

Eva's concerned eyes met mine, filled with unspoken questions. I knew she saw the bruises, the physical evidence of Bryan's torment. But she didn't pry, she didn't ask the questions lingering on her lips.

Instead, she enveloped me in a gentle hug, guiding me toward the couch. "Let's get you comfortable, okay?" Her soft voice soothed my vulnerable nerves.

Eva handed me a steaming cup of tea, her eyes filled with empathy. "Drink this, Quinn. You're shaking."

I wrapped my hands around the warm mug, letting the soothing aroma calm my soul.

As Eva helped me settle in, my phone’s jarring ringtone pierced the silence. I stared at the device, paralyzed and unresponsive. The screen displayed Bryan's name, taunting me. 

Not even a minute to myself? I sighed.

Eva picked it up, hesitating for a moment before answering. "Hello?"

I shook my head vehemently, signaling I didn't want to talk.

"Eva speaking," she said, her voice firm. "Quinn's already fallen asleep. Can I take a message?"

I felt a surge of gratitude, knowing Eva would protect me from Bryan's reach.

But…Eva handed the phone back to me, her eyes filled with concern. "Quinn, I think you should—"

I hesitated, knowing Bryan's persistence. His voice was low and menacing on the other end.

"Quinn, if you don't answer, I'll come over immediately," Bryan warned, his words dripping with urgency.

My heart sank. I couldn't face him, not now.

With trembling hands, I took the phone. "What do you want, Bryan?" My voice was stern, barely above a whisper.

"I want to talk to you," he replied, his tone softening.

"You already had your chance yesterday," I said firmly, trying to hide the quiver developing in my voice.

Bryan's anger simmered, his irritation bubbling up. "Snap out of it."

"I made myself very clear yesterday," I insisted.

The silence was palpable before Bryan spoke again.

"Quinn..." He drew out my name. "You will know how to choose," 

His words sent shivers down my spine, his voice laced with mystery.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

But Bryan remained silent.

The line went dead.

-—————————

Days blended together seamlessly after the last encounter with him. For once, I could get my life back on track_School, friends, familiar routines and repeat. I had finally left Bryan’s world behind.

But then, his constant appearance on the media disrupted my calm. His face appeared on every screen, confident and charismatic.

Interviews, business deals, and charity events showcased his versatility. 

He was literally everywhere.

Meanwhile, the night club pulsed with its usual energy. Bryan never showed up but Jasper became a regular. His presence stirring uneasiness every time he showed up.

I was to deliver drinks to Jasper’s VIP room tonight, my heart racing with memories of the previous incident. 

As I stepped into the room, I took a deep breath and focused on pouring drinks with steady hands, avoiding eye contact. 

The tension was palpable, and I sensed the others in the room growing uneasy under Jasper's intense gaze just as I was.

I kept my eyes downcast, concentrating on the task at hand. The murmur of conversations and clinking glasses faded into the background as I worked. It wasn't until I finished pouring and lifted my gaze that reality hit me: the room was empty.

Jasper's piercing eyes locked onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine. I felt trapped, alone with him in the silence, unsure of what to expect.

As our eyes met, I saw a flicker of awareness in Jasper's gaze. He sensed my fear, and his expression softened. 

"Don't be afraid, Quinn," he said, his deep voice low and reassuring. 

But his words only made me more uneasy. A man that disoriented me the last time talks about fear. My subconscious scoffed.

"They left on their own. He continued.

“You're Bryan's woman, I won't do anything to you." 

His words were meant to comfort, but they only heightened my unease.

“Bryan’s woman”. The phrase echoed in my mind, stirring up emotions within me.

I tried to brush off the feeling, focusing on my task. "The wine is already poured, so I'll just go ahead and..." I trailed off, attempting to make a swift exit.

But Jasper's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around my wrist. I felt a jolt of electricity at his touch, and my heart skipped a beat, but his grip was strong yet gentle, a mystery that really left me confused.