Breathe in. Breathe out.

I fill my lungs with as much air as possible before releasing it and doing all over it again. This breathing exercise has been accustomed to doing for the past five years anytime anxiety creeps up into the back of the spine.

I startled everyone including myself when I threw the drink in Eryx's face while we were at Sammy's Burgers. Rather than feel resentful and apologetic for embarrassing him in public, I felt a sense of relief. Any other woman who has been petrified of Eryx and his wraith, but I was not the type of woman who wallowed in fear.

I learned to welcome the darkness, something that was not a part of me before Eryx came into my life. While in Fountain View I was able to hide the darkness through my profession. Constantly working long hours to distract myself because I was married to a monster and would exhibit some of his attributes over time.

Eryx viewed me as his better half, the innocent and pure part of him that he lacked in his chaotic life. But after the night I stabbed him in our bedroom, there was a shift that occurred within me. I had nightmares of that night, my screams of hatred towards him, his pleading for me to stay out and he would take care of me and his yells echoing off the walls as I ran down the stairs leaving him to fend for himself.

I never felt guilty about leaving him. I could see in his eyes that he still loved me, but rather than give in to him, I was going to fight him until he would have no choice but to relinquish me. I finished my food and pushed my empty tray toward Eryx signaling to him that I was ready to go. Zolani takes hold of my hand, helping me to rise from my seat.

I was emotionally exhausted in less than 24 hours. Zolani took notice of my stress and placed her arms around me as we began to walk towards the exit of the restaurant.

"I am here. You do not have to hold in your fears anymore. Release it", Zolani whispers against my ears. I nearly collapsed to the ground but she caught as we sat on the sidewalk and tears spilled down my face.

I lean my head against her shoulders.

"I wish you would have told the truth about Eryx. I had to find out everything from his friend, Arsenio".

I thought I was protecting Zolani at the time, but suddenly I realized I was being selfish and not allowing her to see me be more than vulnerable about Eryx.

"I'm sorry, Eryx is just a topic avoided talking about to anyone. I tried my best to tell as much as I could, but it was just too painful to share everything".

I look off into the parking lot and notice two enormous guys standing in front, leaned against a black SUV. They have not moved from their spot since we have been seated on the ground. I immediately know that they work for Eryx. Zolani takes notice of the men and her back stiffens. I place my hand over her lap. "It's okay they will not harm you. They work for Eryx". Zolani frowns and looks back at the men who stare back at us with neutral expression. "I do not know how I could get used to this. They are walking around with guns".

I make eye contact with Zolani. "It is best to ask if you do not need to see anything. Trust me, I had to learn the hard way". Zolani's facial expression shifts from fear to a solemn one. "I am sorry. Do you think we will be able to go back to Fountain View".

I quickly shake my head. "I'm afraid not at the moment, my friend. I am sorry I have dragged you into my mess with my husband".Zolani sighs, "If anything I have been quite entertained. How often do you and Eryx argue because of the way you two have been carrying on".

I roll my eyes and laugh for the first time since I've been here.

"Will you stop. That man unnerves me. It is already bad enough that he dragged me back here". Zolani raises her eyebrows. "He didn't drag you here. He carried you in his arms". I push her shoulders. "You are not helping Zo. You are supposed to be on my side".She then laughs.

"I am on your side. Just so you know it was Arsenio who found you", I gasped at the discovery of the truth. "Why am I not surprised? Arsenio is a trained hacker so why did I not think of it as him discovering my whereabouts to begin with". Zolani then smirks.

"Maybe a part of you wanted to believe that Eryx found you on his own, which he could have, but maybe he was too distraught to do so". I do not believe that whatsoever. Eryx rarely has allowed me to see him cry.

Why would I believe he has spent the majority of these past few years depressed over my absence? Rather than having more time to ponder on the thought, Eryx takes hold of my hand releasing the embrace between Zolani and I.

I groan in irritation. "Do you ever get tired of being a complete asshole?". He nods toward his men before he looks down at me. "I will never grow tired of wanting you my Cherie. Get used to it".



Ugh, it's 1am and I wrote this chapter. Being that I am sleepy I'm glad and went ahead and wrote it. Make sure to vote for this story.