Between the Lines

27

Her stomach churned as she tried to yank away from him again. Her heart pounded so hard that it seemed to be beating in her throat.

"Hey," he said, voice soft but dripping with arrogance. "You're not gonna pretend like you didn't enjoy it when I used to give you attention?" He was grinning now, his smirk widening, as if he thought she was still the same person who had once believed every word he said.

Her hand trembled at her side, desperately searching for an exit, for anything that could pull her away from the nightmare of his touch. She didn't want to start having flashbacks, but the memories flooded back, the jealousy, the control, the anger. She couldn't believe how dumb she was.

"Vincent." Her voice was barely a whisper, the words tangled in her throat. "I need you to leave."

But he just laughed. It wasn't a warm, loving laugh. It was mocking. "This a public place."

The pain hit her like a punch to the stomach, and without thinking, she snatched her arm out of his grip and rushed for the door.

She didn't care if people were staring. She didn't care about anything other than getting away.

The cold night air hit her face as she rushed outside, her chest tight, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps. The rain fell hard in the streets, soaking her instantly.

Her phone, shaking in her hand, was the only thing she had. She reached out for it, dialing Kennedy's number. But as the phone rang, her fingers went numb, and she saw the call decline.

Her body faltered as the panic attack hit her full force. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed against a lamppost, clutching her chest as her vision blurred. The world spun around her. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't think.

"Kennedy... please..." she gasped, barely able to make a sound. She was suffocating, barely being able to breathe.

Suddenly, through the blur of rain and tears, a figure appeared, rushing over to her. It was Darius.

She didn't have the strength to fight or question how he had found her. He was just there, lifting her up and pulling her into his arms, getting her into his car, out of the rain. His hold was strong, but gentle, like he wasn't going to let her break.

"Kimora..." His voice was calm, the concern in it clear. "I've got you. What's wrong?"

"T-take me home please."

She could barely comprehend what was happening, but his arms around her felt like safety. She cried into his chest, the world still spinning as he held her close, whispering words of comfort, telling her everything was going to be okay. He didn't try to rush her, didn't push her away like everyone else would have.

He just held her. "Peach try to breathe in and out slowly." He said as his hand remained on her back.

The drive to her house was quiet, save for the sound of her soft sobs as Darius drove steadily. Every so often, he would glance at her, his gaze filled with concern, but he didn't ask any questions. He just let her breathe, let her recover.

When they arrived at her house, Darius didn't make any move to leave. He waited, watching her, as she continued to struggle with her breathing. He wasn't leaving her like this. Not now.

"I'm sorry." She sniffled as she tried to catch her breath. "I-It was my ex."

"Shhh it's okay. Let's get you inside." He said, helping her out the car, walking over to the door with her clinging to his arm. She was starting to calm down a bit so, he didn't want her to get into the story and begin hyperventilating again. As he knocked nervously, the tears came back as she began crying again.