Eight

I hit send onwhat has to be my fiftieth text to Luci and that is not including the voicemails I've left. It crossed my mind to drive my scooter over to his house and demand he speak to me face to face. But I don't think my heart could handle it if he turned me away in person.

Stupid. A fucking moron.The only words that can describe how fucking thoughtless and harmful my words were at the bar. I was just agreeing and trying to pacify the girls because I didn't want to get into anything with them right there. Not when I knew my man was going to be showing up. What I didn't expect was for my ‘friends' to press the issue relentlessly. Luci showing up and overhearing was devastating.

If I feel so heartbroken about it, I can only imagine what he's feeling since the words were about him. I palm my forehead hard, releasing a deep sigh. Fuck, this is a mess. I'm falling apart over this guy I only met a few weeks ago. How did I fall so hard, so fast, for someone like him? That's an easy question to answer because Luci made it so natural to fall for him. He's thoughtful, kind, funny, and sexy as hell.

Flopping back on my bed, I decide to try calling him one more time. I mean, he has to at least be listening to my messages, right? I pull up his contact and hit call. It rings and rings until finally the voicemail picks up. "This is Lucius, you know what to do."

"Hi, Luci. It's me, Marley, again. I don't know if you're getting these, listening to them, or just instantly deleting them. Honestly, I deserve the fucking delete button. I was an ass. Not intentionally, but an ass all the same. Fuck. I hope if you listen to any message, it"s this one." I blow out a breath, close my eyes, and pour my heart out. "I was stupid, Luci. My friends showed up at the bar and, as I was waiting for you, they started giving me hell about seeing you. I didn't want you to hear their hurtful words, so I asked them to come outside. My intentions were for you to hear nothing they had to say because nothing they said was true or a reflection of my thoughts and feelings about you."

A tear escapes the corner of my eye and trails down my cheek. Ignoring it, I continue to say what I need to. "You heard me saying nothing, which is just as bad as agreeing with them or saying the things myself. Guilty by association. I just wanted them to shut up and leave, so I could go back and wait for you. I did, however, say you were just a summer fling, only some cute guy to have some fun with, which is such a lie."

Fuck it, if this is the last chance I have at telling him how I feel, then I'm going to do it. I wouldn"t be able to live with myself if I didn't tell him everything. This way, the ball is now in his court. "You may have started off as a summer fling. I mean, come on, the dark and silent dude sitting at my bar resisting what I think is irresistible charm? Then you kissed me and I was done for. Nothing else mattered. I just wanted to know more about you. Taste your lips one more time. These last few weeks have been nothing short of incredible. So incredible, I found myself hoping you didn't leave at the end of summer. That this could be something real. Fuck, Luci. Do you know what I'm trying to say? I love you. I am wholly, uncontrollably in love with you, Monster or not. Please, call me back. I know we can get past this, and I swear, I'll never tone down what you are to me or let anyone dim your light, Lucius." A sob leaves my throat and I quickly hang up and throw my phone on the bed next to me.

I need to meet with my friends and set them straight. I will never stay silent or belittle my feelings to satisfy others again. The consequences are too great and this hurts like hell. I pull the blanket over me, rolling over to grab my phone once more and pulling up a picture of me and Luci down on the beach at his uncle's house.

We had taken an evening swim and afterward sat in a lounge chair together as he ran his fingers through my hair. I turned, straddling his lap, and caressed his ears, knowing what it did to him. His huge cock hardened instantly under me, causing him to groan. "I want you, Luci. I want you to own me, mark me as yours," I whispered.

He shook his head. "You know I won't. Not yet, at least. I don't want to hurt you, baby, and your tiny body would rip in half if I fucked you. However, I can do other things," he teased.

Before I knew what was happening, he had me pinned beneath him as he pulled my swim bottoms off me, tossing them in the sand beside the chair. He sucked my clit into his mouth and a noise that sounded almost like a whinny came from him. I bit my bottom lip, staring at him. I love what my body, what I do to him. He licked, sucked, and nibbled at my pussy like it was the best meal on earth and my pussy clenched around nothing, forcing me to whimper. He slid three thick fingers into me, fucking me roughly as he continued to feast on my cunt. I came on a scream, riding his face, back bowed off the lounge chair.

As I lay there, coming down from my high, trying to catch my breath and slow my racing heart, he climbed back over me and kissed me gently. "See, that was worth it. Soon, baby, I'll make you feel so good with my monster cock buried inside you. I just don't ever want to hurt you."

Thrown out of my memory by a gut-wrenching sound. I look around to see what the noise is, only to realize it's me. Sobbing as I stare at the picture I took of us together after he devoured me on the beach.

* * *

My head is pounding as I open my eyes and look up at the ceiling of my bedroom. I must have passed out from the exhaustion of crying. Grabbing my phone, I unlock it, praying there is something, anything, from Luci. My heart splinters again when there is nothing; no call, no text, just fucking silence.

Fine, he needs time, or maybe he's just actually done with me. It's not fine, but I can't force his hand even if I want to. So instead, I force myself up and out of my bed. I can't fix things with Luci, but I can set a few things straight for myself. Leaving my room, I step into the connected bathroom, reach in the shower, turn the water on, and undress. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror; I cringe.

My hair looks like a horde of rats has taken up residence in it, huge dark bags sit heavy under my eyes, and my skin looks greasy as hell. Jesus, Marley, you're a hot fucking mess. Minus the hot.

Stepping into the shower, I lean my head back, allowing the water to drown my sorrows. I grab my shampoo, lathering my hair until I look like the Michelin man. Rinsing it out quickly, I do the same with the conditioner, washing my body and shaving while it penetrates the rats' nest on my head.

Finishing up, I step out and wrap a towel around me. I wipe my hand on the mirror so I can see myself, and while I still look like a miserable bitch, I look clean. Walking back into my room, I dress in a cami and short set, comb out my hair, and throw it up in two quick braids.

I go out to the living room, find my laptop, and sit on the couch, opening my email. No second thoughts or chickening out. I click the dean of students' contact and type.

Hello, Dr. Palmer.

My name is Marley Davis, and I wanted to express my interest in being a liaison to the new students entering the college this coming semester as part of the hybrid program. I can give tours, mentor, or just help educate others on the acceptance of the program. Sorry, my response is late. I have been busy with work this summer and forgot to reply when you emailed asking about interest in such a position.

Sincerely, Marley.

I click send and let out the breath I was holding while typing. It may not fix my mistakes, but I won't let another Monster feel how I made Luci feel. Knowing that's the easier task I gave myself today, I groan and grab my phone. Finding the text thread I want, my fingers fly over the keyboard.

Me- Hey, ladies. I need to meet with you and clear the air.

Stacy- What did I miss? Scoopies at 2?

Me- I'll be there. The rest of you better be too. This is important.

One by one, the other girls reply they'll be there, but want to know what's going on. I'm not saying shit until I see them in person, so they can't back out before they hear what I have to say. Two is only thirty minutes away, so I better get my shit and get moving.

I grab my keys, phone, and cross-body fanny pack, and search for my shoes. Finding a pair of sandals, I slide my feet into them, not giving a shit if they match my outfit. Leaving the house, I lock my front door and make my way to my scooter. I slam my helmet on, straddle the seat, and turn the key in the ignition.

I take one last deep breath before I kick the kickstand up and accelerate onto the road. Ready or not, girls, here I come.

Stacy got to Scoopies before me, so we each grab two scoops of cookie dough in a cone and find a table that will fit all of us. Slowly, the other girls trickle in, order, and come sit with us. "So, what is so important? You've never called a meeting like this before." Posey licks her strawberry cone as she looks at me.

"It's about the other day at The Rusty Piranha. About what I said about Lucius," I tell them, my voice firm and unwavering. I will not back down or let them know my stomach is in knots and my heart feels like it could sprout wings and fly from my chest at any moment.

"Okay, what about that freak?" Mindy smiles, throwing her hair over her shoulder.

"He's not a freak and if you call him that again, our friendship is over. I might also be inclined to slap the rude off you." I stare her down, my eye twitching slightly.

She puts her hands up in surrender. "Okay. Lord, Marley. You told us it was a summer fling, just some fun, and now you're threatening one of your besties. What the hell?'

"That was a lie. Lucius was on his way and I didn't want him to hear the mean things you were saying. I didn't want to cause issues with you guys, so I said those things to get you to leave quickly. Instead, I hurt the guy I like. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm in love with him," I tell them, and I can feel the tears welling in my eyes again.

"Oh, Marley. He seemed nice when I met him. Hot as fuck, too. You know I don't care about the whole not human thing," Stacy consoles me, wrapping an arm around me and caressing my biceps.

"But he's half horse. I mean, he literally has big ears, two horse legs with hooves, and a fucking tail, Marley. A tail!" Dahlia spits and I whip my head to the other end of the table and glare at her.

"Dahlia, I'd watch your fucking mouth if I were you. One more word like that against my centaur and you'll leave here on a stretcher. He won't even speak to me because of what he overheard. I hurt him by trying to save face with you. But your friendship isn't that important to me if you can't accept who I love, or don't have the same values as me. Monsters exist, we've known for years, and in a few short weeks they'll be at CSU, so fall in line and accept they're real beings with very real feelings, or feel free to leave me alone and forget I exist," I snap at her, my chest heaving as I yell at her.

"That goes for me too," Stacy purses her lips as she cocks her head to the side.

"I'm sorry, Marley. I don't know if I can be all in like you with Monsters. But I won't be a bitch and I'll be open to the possibility of making a Monster friend or two," Posey smiles at me and I wink at her.

"Okay, I can stop being a bitch. I've actually always been curious about Monster men or ladies, but I was worried about what others would think." Mindy giggles. "And I'm sorry I called Lucius a freak. If I see him again, I'll apologize to him personally."

Dahlia scoffs, pushing her chair back, and standing up. "I'm out of here. Stacy, wait till your boyfriend hears you're on the Monster train."

"I dumped his ass last night, so, by all means, go tell him," Stacy smirks.

Dahlia storms from the ice cream shop with two of our other friends trailing behind her. No skin off my back if they don't see the value in all life, not just humans.

"So, what do you say we blow this popsicle stand and do some shopping for the first day of classes?" Posey interrupts and I throw my head back in a laugh.

"Yeah, I could use the distraction. I've called and texted Lucius and he won't speak to me. Maybe you guys can help me brainstorm a plan to get him back. Or at least to make him listen to my apology." I murmur, taking a few deep breaths so I don't start crying again.

"Deal! Let's go!" Stacy yells, standing up and pulling me up with her. I walk arm in arm with her and Posey, with Mindy holding Posey's other arm as we exit the shop.

We're laughing at how ridiculous we probably look, but don't care, when I see Luci's uncle's truck pass us with Luci in the passenger seat. He doesn't even notice me, or if he does, he doesn't show it. I, however, notice him and the luggage in the back of the truck.

He's leaving. I… I…can't breathe. My chest feels like it's cracked open and my heart torn out. I collapse to the sidewalk, tearing up my knees in the process, but I don't care. The pain inside me is far worse than some scrapes. The dam opens and I sob right there in front of Scoopies with my friends circling me, trying to console me.

So this is how it feels to have a broken heart.