Artificial Mates - Chapter 69

“Don’t stare at me with that stupid with that face. I was only joking,” Lyla burst in a fit of laughter. “Don’t you know, I’m totally against fakes. I’ve got standards, Lili darling,” she laughed as she went to my closet, opened it and gazed at my neatly arranged shelves. She pulled a short and a pink top making a mess out of Grant’s efforts. I felt a sting thinking about how Grant acted coldly.

“Lend me your bathroom, I didn’t have time to freshen up. Those small showers on the shuttle was a nightmare,” Lyla stepped in without waiting for my answer. “Are new the toothbrushes in the same place?” her voice was muffled behind the door. “Ok, found them,” gushing water soon followed. I sunk on the seat next to the little office with a sigh.

“What the heck am I doing?” I muttered to myself. The knob of my door slowly twisted and I gazed on Demos’ worried face. It was definitely not the time for serious talk. He peeked at the closed bathroom door then back at me.

“I know you don’t want to talk. But can you please listen to what I have to say?” I simply nodded too tired to articulate. He gave me a tight smile and went on, “are you still thinking about going to work?” his brows furrowed together. I’ve completely forgotten about it. I quickly check the time on my bracelet. There was still early, I could make it on time to the platform if I hurry.

“Please, don’t,” his pleading voice pulled me to reality. I raised my head to find him closer to the desk. I was a little scared Lyla would find him here. My eyes darted from him to the bathroom door. “Liliane, I’ve been out there. I’ve seen it all. It will turn nasty in no time. For once, trust me,” he sounded awfully convincing. I opened my mouth but the squealing sound of the tap made me pause.

“Lili, do you want to grab some coffee and breakfast on our way to level 23? Whatever plan you have with those two can surely wait, right?” it was followed by clothes rustling and footsteps. My eyes met Demos’ rich copper colored gaze.

-Liliane, I won’t be able to protect you out there.

Lyla busted out of the bathroom spilling hot air with a vanilla scent. Definitely using the guys’ shower gel. Why was she doing everything to piss me off? I ran a hand through my hair to conceal my exasperation.

“Ready?” she flashed me her brightest smile. Was she doing it on suppose or was she really clueless? When I looked up Demos was gone, the door to the living room left ajar.

“Lyla, ” I said with a sigh as I got to my feet. She was already crossing the room to the exit. “Lyla!” I shouted louder. She sprung around with wide eyes. “Would you listen for once!” she stared with utter shock.

“You can’t just walk into my life…when you dumped me, your best friend and ran with your boyfriend to god knows what shit hole and expect me to greet you with open arms. I know we went through a lot together,” I caught my breath afraid I might suffocate from all the pain bubbling inside me. “B-but you can’t stomp all over me and think we can take up where we left off,” her expression slowing shifted from surprise to anger. She marched quickly towards me. I was about to back off, however, I heard a voice whisper inside my head.

-Don’t move, it’s only intimidation.

I rose my chin to meet Lyla’s menacing frown. It took her aback that I wasn’t scared of her. A light flashed in her eyes and she looked away. Was it hurt? Was it something else? I couldn’t pinpoint it.

“I’m knew you were jealous of me,” her words felt like a slap across the face. “I knew you were jealous of our relationship. You think I didn’t see how you were staring at Timi with l.u.s.tful eyes. You’re that gloomy little girl who pretends she’s all innocent but deep down you’re full of darkness. you can’t be happy for anyone, you whine, you’re selfish,” each word cut deep, yet she didn’t stop. “I had to go, you’re a toxic person. Whatever happened to you I just hope your little friends can fix that. I wouldn’t count on it though,” she turned and stormed to the living room. I nearly collapsed on trembling legs. I rested a shaky hand on the chair for support.

-Liliane? Are you ok?

“Out of my way piece of shit,” shouted Lyla. A loud scream rose seconds later. I rushed to the living gasping. Demos was holding Lyla’s wrist as she was pulling her suitcase.

“Apology to her!” Demos said through gritted teeth. She struggled against his iron grip without results.

“Let me go, or I’ll call the police,” she warned. Demos smirked at her.

“What do you think I am?” A holographic image appeared before him with his ID and title. Lyla ceased her futile resistance. Her arm fell limply on her side. “Apologize now, I’ll not repeat myself or you’ll arrest you for trespassing,” his voice was calm but with deadly intent.

“Demos that’s enough, let go of her,” I ordered him, which he completely ignored. He glared at Lyla. He shook her wrist when she didn’t compile to his demand. It tore more painful cries from her.

“Demos!” I shouted with a surprisingly unsteady voice. Lyla looked up, tears welling. Eyes filled with hatred.

“I’m sorry,” she spat. She snatched her hand from Demos and rubbed the already bruising area. She slowly turned to her suitcase that had tumbled on its side.

“I’m so very sorry for you…” she threw over her shoulder followed by a slamming door. A heavy silence followed her exit. I had trouble to breathe. I had trouble to think straight.

I just lost something…

Something essential…

Something I’ll never get back.