“Tyler … please-” He pushed me away, not listening to me.
“Go.” He ordered and leaned on the wall, lighting up his cigarette.
I stood there motionless, crushed under the weight of his words which made my heart burst anytime from apprehension.
“Go.” He repeated, I stumbled back and ran to the bathroom.
I took a few deep breaths and washed my face, I changed my clothes, applied makeup to build a facade.
While Tyler continued to watch me from behind and my hands were trembling by his presence. I tried to apply my lipstick but couldn’t.
He sighed and came closer, my breath hitched, I quickly turned to him, He took the lipstick from me and grabbed my jaw without a warning.
I shivered ferociously, panting at the effect of his presence, He began to apply the lipstick while warning me.
“Make sure these reactions don’t get out of this room.” He finished, giving me a glare.
“Don’t you dare to act like this in front of anyone.” He warned, my heart pounded hard.
All I could do was to give him a nod and move away from him.
He motioned me to leave.
With an exhale, I walked out, putting up an unaffected affectation which is so flawed as dismay was written all over my face.
“H-Hey…” I forced out a smile and hugged Rufus. We talked for a while and dinner time came.
Tyler sat beside me this time, not on the head’s chair, putting his hand over my thigh which made me motionless and lost.
We were having dinner and I was so lost, all on my mind was the tension of Tyler’s hand over my.
His hand slipped inside the dress, touching my skin. I straightened my back, quivering and trying my best to not show.
“Tyler…” Rufus called him.
“It’s been a while since Candice came home. Can I take her with me? Don’t worry, I won’t take her to Father, we will be at my apartment.”
I stopped, knowing what happened now, Tyler would never let it.
“No, She is not going anywhere.” He replied casually, eating his food. “Why?”
“Because she is grounded.” Tyler replied and I could feel the storm wrecking in my mind.
“What?”
“Yeah, for leaving without telling me.”
I detest how his voice came out as if nothing happened while my core could feel the trepidation thrown upon me.
“And you Candice? Do you want to go?” Rufus asked as they both turned their attention to me, breaking my lost moment.
I shot my head up, speaking in a softer tone, “Huh? I.. uh.. Um.. Yes-”
Tyler’s grip on my thighs tightened, indicating to me about my next words.
Which could literally shatter the little sanity I have left in his presence and I changed my sentence quickly, “Y-Yes? What were you saying?”
“Do you want to go with me?” Rufus asked again.
“Rufus.. I..” My heart skipped a beat when I took time to reply and his hand began to move upward.
My breath hitched as I hurriedly said, closing my legs, “No, I don’t want to go anywhere.”
I panted as my grip tightened on the fork and knife.
“Why are you panting?” Rufus asked.
“I am fine…” I said with a nervous chuckle, not looking at him.
“I think you should rest, Candice.” Tyler said but I know he ordered me to leave before I lose my sense.
I quickly got up, “I am tired Rufus. Bye.” I said.
“Can- Candice!” He called me but I left.
I paced around the room, losing my senses, pulling my hair in frustration. On the verge of breaking, nothing scared me more.
My whole being was trembling by one touch of the person who has explored my body and now this one touch evoked limitless consternation in me.
‘Please don’t be like this Tyler… Please. Not anymore.’
I was so lost in my exasperation that I failed to notice Tyler entered and was standing behind me. I turned and bumped into him.
“Tyler…” I breathed out, maintaining a fair distance with him.
“You are the one you call Rufus, aren’t you?” He asked deadpanned and I couldn’t lie.
He grabbed my arm and pulled me close, “Y-Ye-Yes.” I barely replied.
Under the ambience of his presence, my voice cracked.
“Why?” He hissed, holding my arms possessively with the wrathful gaze as I almost cried.
“I.. I…”
“To take you away, isn’t it?” He scorned and all I could was to give him a nod.
Lowering my head, “Yes…”
He gripped my jaws, forcing me to look at him, voice extremely low but unbearably malevolent.
“Do you think anyone could take you away? Etch it in your mind, nothing in this universe could take you away from me, Candice.”
“Tyler please… at least have mercy on my condition.” I whispered.
“That’s why you are able to speak or else…” He growled, tightening his grip.
To see I am about to cry, he pulled me close, pressing his body against mine, brushing his lips over mine.
“I dare you to cry.” He scowled.
My eyes widened in horror as I shook my head no.
“Hmm? You wanted to, now do it.”
He murmured, his eyes holding my senses captive as all I could was to do as he said and after trying so hard a tear rolled down my cheek.
He pushed me away and left for the bathroom. I sniffed, wiping my tears, not wanting to face his assertive demeanor anymore.
I laid on the side, covering myself with the blanket, trying to let these thoughts out of my mind.
I sensed Tyler coming out, I shut my eyes more, holding myself tightly. He laid beside me.
I remained motionless, feeling him removing the hairs from my face. I felt a pair of lips on my forehead as he pulled away, kissing my forehead.
I tried not to react but it was too hard.
“I could never hate you, I love you so much.” He whispered and moved away from me. I slowly opened my eyes and saw his back.
I know you could never dare to hurt my sentiments. I pulled his shirt and asked in a croaked voice.
“Then why are you doing this, Tyler?”