cigarette ends | ✎

xxi.

"I don't think I've mentioned him, but this is Theodore, my ex." Emilia fell right into the role, placing a hand on my chest. I didn't miss the way that her psychotic ex tracked the movement.

"And why is he here?" I asked, turning my tone colder.

She tilted her head, hair cascading down one shoulder. "He tracked my phone."

My jaw ticked. "I think that calls for a restraining order, don't you think, darling?"

"Who are you to speak?" the dickwad spat. But he knew I towered over him by at least 5 inches, and I could nearly taste his fear.

I smiled, but it was practically just a baring of teeth. I offered my hand for him to shake. "Her boyfriend," I lied.

Theodore had the audacity to look surprised, flicking his gaze between Emilia and I and to where she clung onto me. "You two are together?"

"Is there a problem?" Emilia blinked innocently at him.

Her ex crossed his arms over his chest then moved to walk out of the hotel. But not before muttering, "Filthy slut."

I saw fucking red.

My fist was flying before I could even fully process it. The punch landed with a sickening crunch, right in his nose.

I grinned as I saw the blood trickling down his face.

I'd expected him to retaliate, so I wasn't surprised when his fist connected with my cheekbone, sending my head to the right.

"What the fuck, man?" Theodore grunted, holding his nose protectively.

I narrowed my eyes at him, throwing another punch to his eye. He stumbled backward, gripping his entire face.

People were gathered around us now, but I didn't give a fuck. All I saw was him. All I knew was that he was going to fucking pay for what he said.

I walked over to him, gripping his jacket collar and lifting him against the wall. He hung limply; there wasn't any fight left in him even though I'd only punched him twice. Pathetic wimp.

"Don't speak to her like that," I said, my tone dangerously soft. "Don't you ever call her that name again. Do you hear me?"

Hatred burned in his eyes, but he nodded.

"And if you even try track her phone or contact her again..." I leaned closer. "I will break every bone in your body until you're screaming for mercy. I will eviscerate you."

When fear finally crept into his gaze, I dropped him to the floor, turned, and grabbed Emilia's arm. "Let's go," I told her, walking her back to the elevator.

She was quiet the whole ride up and even when we got into our room.

"Are you alright?" I asked her.

"I..." she began, then slumped as she sat onto our bed. She finally met my eyes. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For standing up for me. For punching him." She smiled weakly up at me. "He deserved it."

"He absolutely did deserve it. And don't thank me. Anyone would've done the same." I slid off my shoes and joined her on the bed. "So, tell me about him."

She sighed, laying down onto her pillow. I did the same as she began speaking. "He was my first and only boyfriend. We grew up together in the same orphanage and we started dating in junior year of high school. Our relationship was perfect up until I went to Harvard, and he went to a state school here in California."