He titled his head, processing the question then he became uncomfortable. “Violet-”
“Let me s-speak!” he bit his lip but kept quiet. “He t-told you where h-he was and- and you didn’t come t-till like three d-days later, D-Derek!”
A small, uncontrolled growl left his lips. “Benlyam, Violet. Don’t call me ‘Derek’, I’ve told you that.”
“You’re n-not answering the q-question!” I shot at him, which made me think of another thing.
“Trust me, honey. I wanted to leave the moment I heard but the King gave specific procedures. I had to send trackers to check the area, then wait for the King to come, then get my team ready. I promise you. You actually think I’d let you stay there with him?” he sounded heartbroken at the thought.
Don’t forgive him, Violet! Don’t fall for anything! You need answers!
“O-okay. Well, what a-about L-Lindsay? You n-never answered me why she was a-at the house,” I raised my eyebrows and his lips quirked up for a second at my attitude.
“That- that is hard to explain, Violet,” he shook his head, irritated at the thoughts, “at the time when you asked me, I didn’t know. But when I checked my phone the next day, I had text receipts, telling her to come over. I don’t remember texting that, so I don’t have a definite answer. Sorry, I didn’t tell you then, I didn’t want you to worry.”
I went to say something but his eyes lit up like he remembered something, then they filled with rage.
“I don’t know how much you retained from what he said, but Violet, I never meant to have that happen in my office. I wasn’t in my state of mind, I’m so sorry about it. There’s nothing I can do to make it up, but I didn’t mean to.”
“Did you… um- d-did you s-sleep with her?” I bit my lip, I was getting anxious for his answer. I don’t even know why I asked…
My eyes still got damp.
Benlyam frowned and kissed his teeth. He looked down as he nodded. “Violet, I’m so sorry. I would never and it wasn’t okay. I’m so sorry.”
“No-no, it’s f-fine. I a-also s-slept with-”
“Violet. Don’t you ever say that. You did not sleep with anyone, you were raped, taken against your will. It’s not the same,” he growled out and I swallowed.
…’Benny boy is practically infatuated with you! Took time to drug his drinks and mask the flavor!’…
I shivered as his voice ran through my mind. I hugged my body tighter and Benlyam noted that. He was drugged, it wasn’t his fault.
“A-as were you,” I whispered, “You were d-drugged. Against your will,” I frowned.
He growled out, “I’m sorry, Violet. You know I would never do that purposefully to you, not ever again. And I’m sorry, I should’ve been more aware.
…’I now owe a lot of witches.’…
“It’s okay, it’s n-not your fault.”
He just silently shook his head. He was in denial and I felt his shame.
“Is, um… is Z-zaxton okay?” I asked softly.
He took a deep breath and shook his head. “To be honest with you, honey, no. Now that you’re with us, he’s calmer but from what he told me, Sage is gone?” he questioned carefully.
“N-no,” I shook my head. “She’s just in s-shock? A c-coma. S-she took too many hits…” I swallowed back my tears at the thought of it.
He eyed my belly as his eyes flashed. He nodded while his brows met. He stood up, “Yo- just- I’ll be back,” he muttered as he walked into the bathroom. I couldn’t hear what he was doing, he could’ve just had to do his business, but it seemed so sudden.
He walked out a moment later, his face looked like he just splashed it with water a few times. I ignored it so he wouldn’t feel uncomfortable as he sat back down.
“I’m sure she’ll pull through,” it seemed he needed to tell himself that more than he needed to tell me. “She’s a fighter, like you. I’m here for you if you need anything, honey. Don’t hesitate to ask, please.”
I nodded as I unfolded my legs to lay down as my eyes started to feel heavy.
“There are some more things we need to discuss, but we can wait.” I agreed, shaking my head in approval, he nodded and gave a small smile. “If you’re okay with it, please tell me if you aren’t, I’m thinking about taking you home tomorrow?”
My heart swelled.
… Home…
I saw him give me a small smile. I nodded. My eyes shut as I focused on sleeping, I just didn’t want to wake up to him again. Sleep was important though.
Just as my body relaxed, my mind started to swirl, bringing up moments in the conversation. Moments that caused guilt to crawl up in me.
…’Is Zaxton okay?’…
…’No.’…