46 ??What is it that you want now??? (2/2)

”Well,” I continued, ”He also warned me to stay away from you or else he'd beat you up.” My fists clenched at the words and my tongue felt too heavy to work again.

Leia flinched. And just like that, my heart was in splinters. I took an involuntary step forward; to do what I wasn't sure. At that moment I just wanted to put my arms around her and hold her close to me. I wanted to inhale her scent and tuck her somewhere deep into my heart.

”Zayn,” Leia whispered, doe-eyes wildly running over my face.

I knew she read the hunger in my eyes. I was starved for comfort. For someone to just once tell me I could be strong enough to face this cruel world. To tell me that I meant something to them.

This is about her, Zayn. Don't make this into another one of your pity sessions.

”What are you thinking about?” The voice was breathy. It seemed like she was unable to keep the question inside her.

I shook my head with a little huff. ”Nothing, sweetness. Nothing at all.”

Leia's shoulders hunched. I realised too late what I'd said.

”I'm married, Zayn.”

As if I needed a reminder. ”And you need to end it,” I said it with a conviction I most definitely did feel. ”He's toxic, Leia. The bas—guy—threatened to hurt you. Can you believe his nerve? He stood in front of me and warned me about hurting my Leia. I thought he was a changed man. Otherwise, I would've never let you stay with him.”

”It wasn't your choice,” she muttered. ”I wanted to stay with him.”

I was seriously losing my control. I tramped forward, stopping only a few inches from her. ”And now? What is it that you want now?”