Chapter 120

***Kenya.***

***March, few months earlier***

***"Levi Ruthford emerged winner of the primary elections for the democratic party, Saturday, two days ago. Party members are confident he would deliver the agenda of the party, to New Yorkers, when he eventually emerges the winner. They seem confident right, Lynn?"***

Anchor man, Caleb turned to his partner.

They laughed and gave breakdown of the votes. I muted the channel, heading to heat up my left over meat loaf of two nights ago. I just woke up from my nap of hours ago, after work.

At 7pm, I was really hungry.

After warming the food, I kicked back, watching my latest favorite soap; *Mi Corazón Es Tuyo Para Siempre.*

My bell rang and I reluctantly rose to answer the door. Hank, all dressed in white short sleeved shirt and grey slacks. I shuddered at the sight of him. From fear and not desire.

You see after our first date, I accepted to keep seeing Hank. I had felt elated, dating such a man. I hadn't even thought twice. Andrea had doubted him, but I had reassured her.

So we continued dating. Not getting intimate. Taking things slow on my request, which he willingly accepted. Surprising me, because I had thought he would find my request old-fashioned. Rather, he had agreed.

Usually we went to eat at the restaurant he worked. Each staff had a discount whenever they ate there. And we always did. It grew boring by the second week, as we continued dining there.

By the third week, I had suggested we went to other restaurants. He had immediately flared up loudly, stunning me to silence.

We had been outside my apartment complex, when that happened. The night, chilly, with some of my neighbors passing by. Sparing me furtive glances. He matched into his car, driving off.

I had been shaken to the core that night.

Humiliated and terrified, I had climbed up to my apartment, shutting the door. Afraid he could come back. The fury I had seen in his eyes, bewildering me.

The next morning, I called him, attempting to apologize. For what exactly, I had no idea. But I had wanted to apologize nonetheless. He hadn't picked nor returned my messages. I had felt disappointed, because I had come to like him. However, I couldn't go visit him or anything, knowing I had never been to his apartment.

That was weeks ago. Now he was standing in my doorway. He had never come up to my apartment even though he knew the number. I had pleaded against it, because I was afraid of being alone with a man.

"Can I come in?" He asked, his tone low.

He had this apologetic look. I briefly considered his request and hated myself, the moment I allowed him enter.

This was his first time in my apartment, yet he didn't even look at it with any appreciation. I frowned. Quickly dispelling the disappointment, I felt.

"I'm sorry about that night. I should have called or something, but I still felt angry at you. Always telling me don't do this, do that, in this relationship." He bluntly confessed.

I didn't know what to make of his confession. I wasn't telling him what to do. I was only trying to wait out on the right man.

And if he was the right man, he wouldn't be offended, right?

I was shocked to see him here, by the way. And I wasn't sure I was comfortable with it. I was wearing pink cotton shorts and a white 'H. Kitty' shirt. Braless beneath the top.

I saw his eyes flick to my breasts, and I grew self-cautious. There was this unfathomable look in his eyes and it gave me mixed feelings.

"It's fine, Hank. I willI think we should just stay away for now. Perhaps it can't work out between us." I was stern.

He looked hurt and I regretted my decision. But it was for the best. I had seen girls hurt in such relationships. Guys like this, complaining about flimsy issues.

They hurt you one minute and come back to apologize. It was narcissistic and somewhat abusive. And it was always advisable to leave such a relationship.

"You don't mean that, Kenya. You're just upset," he said, inching closer.

I shifted back. He didn't stop. He continued, until he was in front of me. I was scared. I didn't know why he was standing there, just staring at me. He closed the space between us, tilting my chin. My eyes gazed into his.

"You don't mean what you said, because we have never done this." He looked at my lips and slowly lowered his to mine. He was taller and easily towered over me, taking me in.

I hesitated at first. Then, he shifted his fingers into my top and I melted into his arms.

Hank smelled of cinnamon and other spices. I liked that. Intoxicating. His fingers toyed with my nipple, trailing it. Pinching. I moaned deeply, encouraging him further. He pressed himself into me. Kissing me. I shuddered. I was against a wall, and he pressed me closer. He started slipping his fingers into the waistband of my shorts.

His fingers brushed against the front of my panties. I gasped, alarmed.

*No, this was not happening. He was going far. We were going far.*

I tried pulling away, his kiss grew insistent. I grew frantic. I struggled to break free. But he held me tight.

"HankHankPlease stop." I moaned.

I tried pushing him, but he pressed closer. Grounding himself into me.

I cried out.

I was confused. I didn't understand my body's reaction, why I was reacting this way.

He dipped his fingers into my panties, roughly. I cried out. His kisses, rougher.

"You're wet, Baby." He moaned.

With all my might, I shoved him off. Running to the door, opening it.

"Get out of my house, Hank, this minute, or I'll scream!" I threatened.

My anger, his deception. He walked out.