Chapter Twenty Eight

Brielle’s POV.

 I went to sit in my room, super annoyed. Why Rio had just tried to do that didn’t stick out to me, and I was annoyed. He had been acting so well lately, but it was when I had finally told him that he was a good person that he decided to act out? What was it with men?

 I shook my head, proud of myself for pushing him away, and I started putting together the money I had. I’d leave the clothes here. I came here with nothing but my clothes, and I’d leave that way. It wasn’t like anything I was being offered here, I wouldn’t be able get it by asking Zane or Lucien to do it for me.

 All the ease of mind that this place had offered me suddenly went up, and I was ready to burst into tears at this moment. I should have known that something was up when he was throwing this party for me. You don’t throw parties for just anybody. I wasn’t interested in him, so I would never encourage him to like me like that.

 There was a soft knock on my door, and I knew who it was.

   “Don’t come in, I’m busy.” I said, hating how weak I sounded.

 The door opened anyway, and Rio came in, looking down.

   “Brielle, I’m sorry.” He said.

   “Please leave.”

   “No, I need you to understand that I’m sorry. I thought you also liked me.” Rio said.

   “I do not like you, and I have never done anything to make you believe so. And even if I did, that doesn’t give you the right to try to kiss me, especially knowing that I have a mate. Do you not understand?” I couldn’t help the way my voice went up.

   “I do now, and I’m very sorry. Really.” Rio said, and came closer to me. He looked sincere, and reached out to hold my hand.

   “I’ve always seen you as a friend, and you’ve been so nice to me. I don’t want to think bad of you.” I said, and he nodded.

   “I understand. Painful to be friend zoned, but I get it. We’re very good friends.” He said, causing me to giggle.

   “Yes. Speaking of friends, you know Mara Toniette? You introduced me to her earlier today.” I said.

 He nodded. “Yes. I think I know where this is going, but I don’t want to sound judgemental.” 

   “We might be thinking in the same direction. Did you see the shoes of the man that she brought along?” I asked, and Rio’s eyebrows went up.

   “Glad to know that I’m not alone in this. I had to turn away to keep myself from laughing as they walked off.” Rio said.

   “I spotted them together elsewhere during the party and I couldn’t hold in my laughter.” I said, holding my sides as I thought about those hideous shoes that made squeaky noises as the wearer walked. 

 Finally, a breather. I had been so tense since that whole kiss situation happened, and here we were, laughing as if that never took place. I felt at ease.

   “But really, I truly am sorry, Brielle. I won’t do that unless I have got clear signals from you, alright? Forgive me.” Rio sounded genuine.

   “Fine, apology accepted. Just don’t do it again. I felt really uncomfortable, and I don’t want to be put in a situation like that ever again.”

 Rio nodded. We continued to talk about a lot of things for a while, and suddenly Rio’s face started coming in again. I wondered if he was tired and passing out in a weird way, but the way he looked at me when I leaned away caused me to realise that he knew exactly what he was doing.

   “What is wrong with you?” I snapped angrily.

   “What?” He blinked as if he didn’t understand.

   “Do you not understand basic rejection? We just finished talking about this! Don’t start acting clueless because you tried this earlier, and I made it clear that I didn’t want that. Please, get out!” I snapped.

  “Brielle… why are you being like this? I thought we were good just a moment ago. What is the switch you about?” He had the audacity to look confused, and my left eye twitched in annoyance.

   “Are you seriously asking me that? I don’t believe that you’re saying all these things with your head in place. You are crazy, Rio!” I snapped. “And if you don’t recall, I said that I don’t want to see you in here.”

 Rio got up and snapped. His angry voice was louder than I ever expected it to be.

   “No! What is your problem with me? I saved your life, brought you into my pack without making you go through the legal necessities just to make you comfortable, and even threw a party in your honour! What more do you want from me?” He asked with a voice so loud it scared me.

   “I never asked for any of that from you.”

   “Oh really? So now you’re just being an ingrate.” His lips curled into a sneer.

   “You’re reaching for whatever now, and I don’t remember saying that. I already made myself clear, and I want you to leave, please.” I looked at him, trying to not make it obvious that he was scaring me.

 Rio then laughed, cold and evil and he stared at me with malice in his eyes.

   “You seem to be forgetting something. I am the alpha of Eclipse pack, and I will do whatever I please with anyone and anything within my borders.” He said. I started moving back on my bed.

   “Rio, you’re scaring me. Stop this rough play now, please!” The way he looked at me made me know that I had to get out of here, and fast!

 I got up and started to make a run for it, but he caught me and threw me back down on the bed in lightning speed. My life flashed before my eyes, and I wondered what was going to happen. I never thought that things would get this far, but I was wrong. I was now face to face with a man who I was thought was the nicest person ever, and now, all I could see was a beast.

   “You think you can let me go? I’ll show you why you should not resist me, especially not after I have tried to be nice to you.”

 He brought his hand to my neck and squeezed hard on it, and all my attempts to remove his hand from my neck was useless.