Volatile: A Black Diamond Novel by J.R. Gray

Author:J.R. Gray [Gray, J.R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: GrayBooks
Published: 2023-07-24T23:00:00+00:00

SIXTEEN

Royal

We’d barely interacted for a week, but today, when we walked back into the bungalow, he was different. Something had come over him, and it was like I’d woken to a demon in Aspen’s body. Even the way he carried himself was different. If I believed in aliens, I would have thought they’d kidnapped him.

We were done for the day, and our normal routine was to go eat together in silence, catch a class, or sit in silence while we read, but nothing prepared me for the skirt he walked out in. He’d gone back to the little forest green one from that first night.

“I’ll be back later.”

I understood the shift. This was war. I knew in the back of my mind the truce had been temporary, but I foolishly thought maybe we could repair our friendship or something. He’d done his makeup, and sweat glistened on his skin.

“Where are you going?” I said through my teeth when he didn’t engage me.

“To the bar.” He hadn’t shown interest in that place the entire time we’d been here, and now he was going looking like that?

“Why?”

“You don’t want me. Someone will.” He moved to shove past me, but I slid with him, not letting him pass.

“Here? Another patient?!” I couldn’t believe what he was saying. Was this another way to push my buttons? Or was he done?

“Or staff member. I’m not picky. I need to blow off some steam.”

Rage took ahold of me, and I was not responsible for my actions. Maybe I needed the anger management, but that thought was fleeting because I wouldn’t let him leave this goddamn bungalow.

I didn’t know what was going to happen, but it wouldn’t be out there. I couldn’t bear it. I’d burn this entire island to the ground before I let anyone else touch him looking like that.

Mine.

As insane as it was.

“Get out of my way.”

“No.”

“What’s your problem? You don’t control where I go.”

“You’re my problem.” I shoved him back when he tried to use force to get past.

“What the fuck did I do?” Aspen searched my face like I’d have any sort of rational answer.

“Why are you trying to go out like that?” I said, hearing how unhinged I sounded.

What the fuck was wrong with me? I’d really lost the plot, but I couldn’t stop myself either. I knew he’d end up fucking someone if he went out looking like that, especially with the mood he was in. I knew him well.

“You know why.” He said it like he relished the fact, confirming it so easily, and it made me angrier.

“No.”

“You’re not my father.”

My jaw hung slack. “I’m not saying—”

“No? You trying to be Daddy, then? Is that what you want?” The words carried so much spite.

Horror struck me, and it left me speechless. Not because I was opposed but because I didn’t know what had come over him. “I wasn’t trying to restrict you.”

“No? You’re sure acting like it. But I’m happy to defy my father, and you don’t get to control me because you’re still bound by the limiting beliefs of yours.

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