Chapter 69: Chapter 69

"Oh," James muttered, his tone soft and confused.

I avoided his gaze, not wanting to see the look on his face. He must have so many questions, so many thoughts. I didn't know where to begin explaining it all to him. I didn't know if I wanted to tell him everything going on.

"Should I leave?" He asked quietly. "You have a visitor."

He paused, then added, "Your ex, I mean."

The tone of his voice told me everything I needed to know. He was hurt, and I could feel the jealousy in his words even though he must be trying to hide it. I didn't know what to say.

I swallowed hard and finally met his gaze. He had a blank look on his face, but I knew it was a facade. I knew he had a lot going on in his head.

"Actually, I didn't have plans to see him. I have no idea why he's here," I explained.

James said nothing, and I hated the silence.

"You can stay if you want," I added, feeling the need to fill the void.

James ran through his hands through his hair, looking away from me."I don't want to stay," He said.

"You can - "

I tried to object , but he cut me off.

"Don't worry. Damn, I'm not even sure if I can hug you or not," James uttered, his voice filled with frustration. "I will hug you anyway."

James wrapped his arms around me for a while. "Take care of yourself," He told me, releasing me from his grip.

I watched as James walked to his car, his footsteps echoing in the parking lot. Then, he drove away.

"Now, what in the world is the devil doing here?" I thought to myself, crossing my arms over my chest.

I stood rooted to the spot, staring at the car but unable to see inside. The tinted windows kept Romeo hidden from view. I could feel my patience wearing thin as I waited.

Was he trying to mess with me? Obviously, he was here to see me. Why else would he sit there, making me wait like this?

I decided that if he didn't come out in the next minute, I would go inside my house and pretend I'd never seen his car.

But as I was about to turn away, my phone beeped from my pocket. I pulled it out and checked the screen.

It was a message from Romeo. What game was he playing? Why would he send a text when I was standing right here?

Romeo - Come inside my car.

I re-read the message, my anger growing with each word. Who did he think he was, telling me what to do like this? He did not even give me a heads-up before coming here.

I was about to head inside when a thought occurred to me. I should give him one last chance to see me.

I quickly typed out a response: "If you want to talk to me, come over here. If not, I'm going inside,"

My thumb hovered over the "send" button for a moment, and then I hit it.

I thought he might be stubborn and refuse to come over, but I was wrong. The car door opened, and he got out. Well, he was desperate to talk to me.

I hated that I had butterflies all over my stomach as he walked towards me. Why was he affecting me like this? And, Why was he dressed in all black? The last time he wore an all black outfit, it was a disaster. I still regret what happened between us. I would not let history repeat itself.

With each step Romeo took towards me, my heart beat faster. I hated that he had this effect on me. I didn't know why I couldn't control myself. I clenched my fists as he finally stopped in front of me. His eyes bored into mine, and I forced myself to look into his eyes. I had to be strong. I couldn't let him see that he was affecting me.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I could not let him win this time.

Romeo shoved his hands into his pockets, his gaze still fixed on me. "So, we're going to have a conversation standing out here?" He asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I shot him a deadly glare."If you're not okay with that, I'm happy to go inside my house," I uttered.

He shook his head, his fingers raking through his hair. "What's with the attitude? You even gave a one word reply when I asked to see you in school. I just wanted to talk to you. I had to come all the way out here to see you," He rambled.

My eyebrows furrowed. "Why are you acting like you're doing me a favor? I don't care if you're here or not," I blurted out.

My words hung in the air, and for a moment, we just stood here, neither of us speaking. I could feel the breeze on my skin, and I shivered slightly.

I added hastily."If you have nothing to say, please let me know,"

Romeo reached out to hold my hand, but I drew it away. He tried to smile, but I could see the hurt behind it.

"You won't even let me touch you," He muttered softly. "Are you dating him?"

"Who?" I asked back, though I knew exactly who he meant.

"The guy who left in the car just now," He replied.

"Yes," I lied, hoping it sounded convincing.

Romeo chuckled softly. I frowned, trying to figure out what was so funny.

"You are dating him, and yet I was in your bed a few days ago," He blurted out.

His words cut me deep, and I felt my hand start to raise on its own. I wanted to slap him for what he said, but before I could even make contact, he caught my hand in his.

"No," He said, his voice low and gentle. "You're not going to hit me again."

I dropped my hand, feeling the fight drain out of me. He was right. He told the truth. I was the one who had been stupid. I was the fool who let him on my bed.

"It won't happen again. What happened a few days ago won't happen again," I uttered, swallowing hard. "I'm with James now."

His eyelids dropped. "This was a mistake. I should not have come here," He blurted out.

He turned to leave, and my heart sank

.

"Wait!" I called out. "Don't tell me you came here just to tell me shits."

Romeo stopped, and he turned back.

"I actually came here to talk to you. I thought we could have a proper convo," He paused , biting his bottom lip. " I thought maybe we could work things out."

My mind was racing, but I couldn't find the words to say. I was stuck in an endless loop of thoughts.

Romeo sighed and started to walk back to his car. Still, I didn't say anything and he drove away.