He didn't even acknowledge what she'd said about me, the cruelty she'd hurled in my direction.
Just a cold, flat warning.
I watched his back as he rushed out the door.
The burning sting on my cheek had gone numb.
Sleep was no longer an option.
I changed into clean clothes and was about to start packing when Victor knocked on my door.
His face was blank. Expressionless.
"Go make her some calming herbal tea. She's shaken up."
I paused. So this was it. His version of an olive branch. The most generous gesture he believed himself capable of.
Before, I would have jumped at it like a child handed a scrap of candy. Whatever he asked, I did. If he said one, I'd give him ten.
But now, I just shook my head.
"I can't. I have things to do tomorrow. I need to rest."
I closed the door.
A long silence followed.
Then a violent kick slammed against it.
"Make it or don't. I gave you a chance and you threw it away. Don't come crawling to me later, because there won't be a next time!"
His footsteps faded down the hall.
I smiled bitterly to myself.
"There won't be a next time."
After I turned him down, he took Alice and stormed out, the front door crashing shut behind them.