The Bad Guy

by Celia Aaron

Her energy was like gasoline in my veins, powering me up for some mysterious purpose.

The spark lit an inferno. It blazed up and promised destruction for anything that got between us. She was mine. Even if I had to steal her.

I followed. There was no other option with Camille. Wherever she went, I would go too. We were forever.

“It was obvious at the gala. He spoke for you, but your voice was the only one that I needed to hear. You knew what you wanted to say, but you fell to the background to soothe his ego. That’s not who you are. The sun doesn’t reduce its heat to assuage the frigid moon.”

“You’re the reason. I can assure you I’ve never said a poetic word in my life until I met you.”

His kiss was more brand than anything else.

“I’d never hurt you.” He pressed the heel of his palm against my clit, rubbing it in slow circles. “You know that.” I did. He was capable of any number of horrible things, but I knew in the depths of my soul that he would never harm me.

I loved how quick she was. Loved. That deep feeling, the one that shot fear and excitement through me in equal measures, roared back to life. And there was nothing else to it. Not really. The simple truth had been there all along. I loved Camille.

“I think we both know you love my psycho.” Shit, did I just say love?

I resolved to stay awake until she came to bed, and then I’d tell her I loved her. Because I did. So much so that the thought of losing her was the one thing that pierced through all my cold calculation and caused a slow bleed deep inside. Without her, I would die.

“I’m going to set you free.” Just saying the words ripped me apart. She stepped back and stared up at me. “Don’t taunt me.” “It’s not a taunt.” It’s my death sentence.

“But why?” “Because I love you.” I leaned down and kissed her, tasting her for what could be the last time. Tangling my fingers in her hair, I slanted my mouth over hers, taking more than I should, but damned if I could stop myself. She clutched the lapels of my coat as the pilot started the rotor.

Step by step, I gave up what I wanted more than anything else in my life.

Something deep inside me fractured, and the fear of never seeing her again brought me to my knees.

I watched the sky for a long while as the chill wind blew past. It didn’t bother me, all the warmth I’d ever had was long gone. She’d taken my heart, my soul, with her.

She was everywhere and nowhere.

She appeared behind my lids, her eyes glittering as she laughed and turned to run. I chased her. Would never stop chasing her.

Take you to the Amazon and set you free in the trees while I wait for you on the ground. Give you everything you ever wanted.

“You aren’t the bad guy after all. Psycho? Yes. But you’re the hero of my story.”