Love Games

Fifteen: The Secret Unveiled

After securing the new lock in the morning, I feel a wave of relief and heightened security.

Dave may not be dangerous, but his unpredictable behaviour makes me nervous.

I quickly get dressed and head off for my afternoon shift.

I also take a gun that looks like a real one.

I clip it on to my belt.

As I enter the bookshop, I am gripped by an unusual tension. I try to shake it off, but it remains, unsettling me.

I drop my things in the back staff room and go to the entrance to unlock it. Back at the cash desk, I organise the order of events.

I look up as the bell rings.

"Dave," I say aloud when I see him.

"What's with the constant stalking? What's so urgent?" I reply sarcastically, though I wish he'd just get the message.

Call me crazy, but I once thought I had found the love of my life in this man. It feels like I've been lying to myself.

"We have to talk," Dave insists.

"We've talked. It's over. I don't want you, Dave,' I say louder than I intended, grateful that it's just us in the shop.

"Well, if you don't want to listen to reason, let me warn you - stay away from Jack. You have no idea who he is or what he's capable of," Dave says, trying to touch my arm before pulling back.

"Who are you to tell me what to do with my life?" I retort, my heart pounding furiously.

But I thought I knew this man.

"Believe me, I know what I'm talking about," Dave insists.

"You're hiding something," I turn away, rolling my eyes.

"What are you hiding? What do you want?" I reply, getting more agitated.

"Sarah, I did something stupid. Really stupid. I gambled away all our money and had to borrow from Jack. He wanted collateral and that was you. I thought I could pay him back," Dave confesses.

I want to hit him.

"What? What did you do?" I ask, even though I heard every word.

"Jack won't let you go. Ever. And he'll do anything to get you. Anything,' Dave answers solemnly.

The truth hits me hard.

"Why do you think we never went public? Because Jack was waiting for the right moment to meet you and claim you. You're his," Dave continues and my head spins.

I gasp for breath.

What have I let myself in for?

What's wrong with me?

Who have I let myself in for?

"Just go," I manage to say. "Get out before I do something I regret.

"Sweetheart, don't be like this," Dave pleads, his slimy demeanour even more obvious.

"I don't ever want to see you again," I reply firmly, pushing him away. He staggers, clearly unprepared for my strength.

Rage surges through me, threatening to erupt.

"This is the last time you'll ever see me. Do you understand? The last time," I say, my hands shaking as I resist the urge to push him again.

"Don't touch me. You're despicable. I thought I'd found a good partner, but obviously I'm wrong," I let my anger boil over uncontrollably.