The Assassin's Destiny

Chapter 12: Words said in a moment of passion are still true

Chapter 12: Words said in a moment of passion are still true

             Penelope

             He didn’t say it back. I mean, I didn’t expect him to, and I was so exhausted that I blurted it out without a thought. However, I can’t pretend that I didn’t mean what I said. I’m in love with him. Of course, I should have chosen a better venue to say it. Or even waited a while longer, but I can’t deny that I felt it. However, in the light of day, all I feel is regret. And it’s only worse because he’s not lying next to me this morning. Over the past several weeks, he has made sure to wake up next to me or wake me up before he goes, but he didn’t this time.

             Heart in my throat, I swallow down my trepidation, rise from the bed, and reach for my dress. I’m not sure that I want to be here when Argent comes back. I guess I’m not too old to take the walk of shame.

             Thankfully, I don’t run into Argent as I make my way to the front door.

             It has been two days since I’ve spoken to him, and I’m so on edge that anything could set me off. That’s when I decided that I need to confront him. Wanting to look composed, I slip into a blue, string tie, jersey dress that drapes down to my thighs and has an open back, and a pair of jeweled wedges that make my legs look miles long. Leaving my hair down, I put on some lip gloss and my jasmine perfume.

             As soon as I get to his house, I become nervous, but I don’t let it deter me. Isa lets me into the house without incident and informs me that Argent is in his office. Without knocking, I open the door and come face-to-face with another man. This man is gorgeous with dark hair, tanned skin, and a stylish beard. The breath leaves my lungs as I gaze nervously into his obsidian eyes. They narrow into slits as soon as he sees me. He’s about Argent’s height, but unlike Argent, this man looks less like a GQ model and more like one of those UFC fighters.

             “E-excuse me.” I try to move around him, but the man pulls me into his muscled arms. He has dark hair, tanned skin, a stylish beard, and a firm, muscled body. “Who are you? And what are you doing here?” He asks, his gaze roaming down my body appraisingly.

             Exhaling with frustration, I back away and push my hair roughly behind my ear. “Who I am or what I’m doing here is none of your business.”

             To my shock, the man produces a knife, pushes me against the wall, and presses the blade against my neck. “You’re very beautiful, so I won't kill you, but if you don’t f*****g start talking, I will cut you to pieces. Now, who the f**k are you!”

             My eyes widen with fear as I gaze into the man’s dead eyes. He definitely means what he says. “I’m here because I was visiting my boyfriend.”

             The man sneers in disbelief, which turns my fear into anger. It's enough that I’m confused about Argent’s reaction. I have to take a step back when the man lifts his hand and caresses a finger across my cheek. “And who would that boyfriend be, sweetheart?”

             Scowling, I slap his hand away and straighten my stance. “Who are you?”

             Instead of being insulted by my defensive tone, the man chuckles. “I’m the man who will cut your fragile little throat if you don’t answer me.”

             My face pales at his tone.

             “My boyfriend’s name is Argent, and he lives here. Can I go now?” I ask steadily.

             The man’s face darkens with suspicion. “Wrong answer, little girl.”

             I open my mouth to argue, but before I can, he puts the knife away and drags me back inside of the hallway.

             “Let me go, you asshole!” I struggle in his arms, but he’s unmoveable.

             Argent shows up a moment later, his face a mask of confusion. “What the hell are you doing, Rogue?” He asks the man.

             Rogue pulls me forward and waves his hand in front of me. “I found this girl sneaking around your house, and when I asked her who she was, she told me she was your girlfriend.”

             Argent approaches both of us and pulls me out of his friend’s hold. “She’s mine, Rogue. This is Penelope.”

             Not giving him another thought, I look at Argent and mutter. “We need to talk.”

             Argent’s eyes widen with surprise. “I’m sorry, Penelope, but I’m in the middle of something. You need to go.”

             I’ve never heard Argent speak so harshly. Taking a step back, I shake my head. “What’s going on, Argent?”

             His jaw pops as he gazes into his companion's eyes. “Look, we’ll talk later, Pen. I have an emergency to handle, and I can’t deal with you right now.” He mumbles gruffly.

             Tears glisten in my eyes as I gaze into his fierce expression. He looks angry and frustrated. “This won’t wait,” I mumble brokenly.

             He stares at me for a second before he releases a resigned sigh and mutters. “Rogue, give us a moment.” He asks the man, who quickly makes his way out of the door.

             Once he’s gone, Argent turns back to me. His hair is tousled, and he’s wearing all black.

             “Is it because of what I said?” I ask wanly.

             Sighing with frustration, he courses his hands through his hair and tightens his lips. “I…I can’t do this right now, Pen. Please, just let it be for now.”

             My lips tremble as I swallow down my pain. “Is it because I told you that I loved you?”

             His jaw clenches at my words, but he doesn’t respond. He doesn’t need to. I can tell from his expression that he didn’t want to hear my confession. He has shut me out.

             “Listen, Pen. I don’t want to hurt you. I just…” He blows out a breath. “I need time to process this. I want you, and the s*x is incredible, but I’m not sure about the rest.”

             I nod my head with a sniffle as I wipe a stray tear from my eye and move closer until our chests are nearly touching. He looks so cold and unreachable, but I can’t give up on him because I love him.

             Standing on my toes, I place my palm on his neck and kiss his chin. His body instantly relaxes. His expression is still sharp, but he looks less grim now. Leaning his head close, he nuzzles my neck and kisses my chin. “Just give me time, Little one.” His hands wrap around my waist with a satisfied sigh.

             “I understand, and I’ll give you the time you need. Just remember that I’m not looking to replace her. I just want you.” I mumble before I walk out of the door.

             Leaving is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Harder than anything I’ve ever felt because this time there’s a possibility that we’ll never be together again. What if he doesn’t love me?