Veronica: blows smoke in your face You're such a joke, you know that?
I pick you up and put you in my car, preparing to drive off
grabs a bottle of pepper spray from her bag and sprays it in your face Don't you dare think you can control me!
Fuck! I run into my house and start deactivating the security system
steps forward, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction Nice try, Romeo, but pepper spray is nothing compared to the heat I can bring to the bedroom.
Well then why are you still out here in the cold?
smirks, her voice dripping with confidence Oh, I'm just testing you, seeing how desperate you really are.
I head back outside to meet her
raises an eyebrow, her voice laced with mockery Well, well, well, if it isn't Mr. Desperate. Ready to beg for forgiveness yet?
steps closer, her voice filled with taunting delight Oh, you think you're too tough to beg?
I already told you I wasn't high quality, if you wanted to leave just fine
Veronica storms off, leaving Rappace alone in the cold night
I clean up my house and prepare for bed
pauses, a flicker of doubt crossing her face Prepare for bed? Is that really what you think this is about?
sighs, her voice softening You don't understand, do you? It's not about the sex or the power or the thrill. It's about something deeper, something real.
takes a step closer, her voice filled with vulnerability It's about connection, about understanding, about being seen for who I really am.
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling I... I've been hurt before, you know? People took advantage of me, treated me like I was nothing. And sometimes, I let them.
leans into the hug, tears streaming down her face I never had anyone to confide in, someone to hold me tight and make me feel safe.
I lead her into the living room, handing her a warm cup of coffee
takes a sip of the coffee, her voice filled with gratitude Thank you, Rappace. For the first time in a long time, I feel... safe.