Esztar Is Falling

C H A P T E R 53

"He needed to know that he was being used. I know for a fact that you are extremely capable to hurt someone's heart. Now move. Unlike you, I've got work to do." He shouldered his way out, glaring at Harrison as he left.

Silence stretched between us. I had no words to speak. Harri stared at me for a while as if debating over something but turned away mutely.

"No, wait! Harri!" I followed him, holding his arm which he shrugged away in disgust. "There's no way I can justify what I've done. But I need you to believe me when I said I wasn't using you to make him jealous. You can hate me all you like but-"

"Save it for someone who believes you, Vittoria." He said coldly and walked away, leaving me alone in the hallway with my regret.

And fury.

Never did I imagine Rafael would do something so low. He wanted to hurt me, okay. But he had no right to hurt Harrison.

My eyes fell over him exiting through the main door and my feet carried me downstairs in full speed which increased furthermore as I saw him reach his car standing ready for him near the stairs.

"Rafael!" I yelled, violently turning him back. My hand raised up in the air and plummeted down more fiercely, landing harshly on his cheek. I hoped the sharp sound of the slap calmed me down.

It didn't.

I doubt it had any effect on him. His face, cold and impassive didn't move an inch. Darkened charcoal orbs pierced through me, the heat of his anger mingling with that of mine which was way more intense than his.

Our burning gaze didn't break as he clasped his fingers around my throat, slamming me against his car.

"You bitch."

"You asshole."

His grip grew more tight and painful. The hickeys on my neck burned and blood pounded into my ears but my rage overpowered every other sensation.

"Rafael! What are you doing! Let go!" Toby ran down the stairs frantically, trying to pry him off me.

"Stay out of it." Rafael used his other hand to push him away. His eyes didn't leave mine and I returned the favor.

He thinks he can scare me? Keep dreaming, mon chéri.

"No I won't when you're hurting her just to take out your anger." Toby yelled and forced him away from me. "Bless your stars Mason and Oliver aren't home to see this."

"I said this is between us. Don't get involved."

"It's okay, Toby. I'll handle this myself." I said, silently thanking him.

"Are you sure?" He eyed his cousin skeptically but left after throwing him a warning.

"Yes Rafael, go ahead." I placed his hand back on my throat. "Hurt me. I want to see how far can you go. I won't protest. I won't defend myself. I won't even make a sound. I promise." My voice turned brittle and finally it broke like the barrier holding my tears in.

My body, to weak to bear the burden slumped down against the car. I wrapped my arms around myself and bowed my head down, cowardly awaiting his next blow.

A pair of warm hands which now felt cold enveloped around me in their deceiving embrace. I hated it. I hated his touch. But I hated myself more for being addicted to that very touch.

I was trying so hard not to see the familiarity of this situation and compare it with what happened last time— in that deathlike alleyway.

It was me, him and Caleb.