Lessons

“Darina!” Nico’s voice lashed out and had me freeze in my steps. I was on my way to my room and halfway up the steps.

“Come here.” He beckoned to me to follow him to the lounge. The way he looked at me like I was something despicable at the sole of his shoe, it made me cringe, made me feel small.

“What game are you playing, Darina? Huh? Do you think I’m stupid?” He paced around me like an angry lion, circling his prey.

“I wasn’t…”

“Shut up!”

The words hit me like a physical slap, and I stumbled forward, hugging my arms to my waist, keeping my shoulders hunched. I closed my eyes against the tears that threatened to spill from them. No use and trying to explain myself to him, he wouldn’t listen.

He walked away, leaving me standing staring at the Persian rug at my feet. I heard him calling Katherina to bring him a drink.

“Come here, Darina.” He was seated on one of his leather chairs, looking like a cold and angry king the way he sat there, arms on the armrests and his legs planted firml