I took the time alone to finally wash my makeup off and reapply a fresh face. I’d been in desperate need of a cleanse, and it gave me a distraction from obsessing over what was being said downstairs. No matter Keir’s reasons, I still thought I had a right to be present for the conversation. It was my damn life in the balance.
The instant a knock sounded on my bedroom door, I was on my feet. “Come in!”
Dad looked like he’d aged ten years since I’d seen him an hour earlier. I rushed over and wrapped my arms around his middle.
“I’m so sorry, Daddy. I’m so sorry.”
“Shhh, there’s nothing to be sorry about. If there’s anyone who should apologize, it’s me. I never imagined …” Pain carved away the usual confidence from his voice.
“None of us did.” I pulled back and peered up at him. “No one wants to think someone close to them could be capable of something so … horrendous.”
“I’m just glad you’re here.” His eyes danced across my face as though reassuring himself I was unharmed. “I only ever wanted the best for you. Sometimes it’s so hard to know what that is.” His brow furrowed and lips parted like he wanted to say more, but then his mouth clamped shut.
“I know, Daddy,” I whispered.
I could only imagine the guilt he felt. He’d introduced me to the Wellington family and encouraged me to date Stetson. Dad wasn’t afraid to take responsibility for his actions—that’s what made him so popular among the people—but I hoped he didn’t try to shoulder too much of the blame.
He forced a withering smile. “Keir seems to have a plan, though he hasn’t shared all the details with me.”
“What did he tell you?”
His brow furrowed as his gaze dropped. “He said he wanted to tell you himself. That it would be better coming from him.”
“Should I be worried?” My attempt at levity fell short.
Dad tucked my hair behind my ear. “You tell me, kiddo. How do you feel about Keir Byrne?”
The question felt odd. “What do you mean?” Why was he asking about Keir?
“Do you think he’s a decent enough man? I assume you went to him for help because you trusted him on some level.”
“Well, yeah. It’s hard to explain, but we had this strange sort of connection from the moment we met. I didn’t tell you at the time, but Keir was already in the house that day when you came home. He’d broken in.”
Dad gaped at me. “And you didn’t say anything?”
“I know, and that’s exactly my point. I can’t explain it, but I didn’t want him to get in trouble, and I know he’ll do what he can to protect me.” I looked at him pleadingly. “It’s not like it’s forever, though. In a few months, it’ll all be a distant memory.” I wasn’t sure I believed myself, but I hoped my reassurance eased Dad’s conscience.
“You’re right.” He nodded, then stilled. “Have you talked to Stetson about any of this?”
“No. I can’t imagine he has any idea what his dad is doing, and I’m not sure it’s my place to tell him.”
“Then you two haven’t broken up?”
Was that hope in his voice? A wave of weariness made my entire body feel as though it had been cast in lead.
“No, we haven’t.”
Dad’s brows met in a hopeful peak on his forehead. “Well, then. He’s sure to understand when the truth comes out. You’ve already faced so much, sweet girl; I’d hate for you to lose him, too.”
My answering smile was sickly at best. “I’m sure everything will work out for the best.” My voice betrayed me, growing weak and wobbly.
He hugged me close again, then pulled back. “I’d say we could both use a distraction. How does a movie sound?”
“What about work?” Dad was practically a workaholic and had been almost as long as I could remember.
“Work will be there tomorrow, trust me.” He winked just like he used to do when I was little. I clung to the tiny reminder of happier times.
“Sounds like a plan.” I wasn’t sure how we’d handle explaining all this to Mom, but I’d let him worry about that. I could only take on so much, and I was barreling toward that limit at lightning speed.
I knew Dad had told Mom the next day when she could hardly make eye contact. She wasn’t the best at handling adversity. Mom was generous and loving and wonderful in so many ways, but when things got rough, she didn’t cope well.
I tried extra hard over the next two days to smile and be reassuring. She tried extra hard not to be around. In some ways, her escapism was a blessing. I didn’t have the mental energy to be strong for both of us.
Keir brought over a ton of my clothes and other necessities from my apartment on the morning of the third day. The thought of how much school I was missing made me nauseous. I’d contacted my professors and told them I was sick, but that excuse would only get me so far. I had no idea how long Keir planned to keep me sequestered. I prayed his packing wasn’t an indication of the length of my sojourn at my parents’ house because that would mean I might be there for months. Three large suitcases. Denial kept me from fully unpacking any of them.
When I finally decided to at least glance through them and see what all he’d brought, things only got more awkward. Laying on the very top of the first bag I opened were all three of my vibrators. I stared, eyes round and stomach bottoming out.
Keir Byrne had seen my vibrators and wanted me to know it. What did it mean? What had he thought when he first saw them?
For the hundredth time, memories of him fucking me senseless flooded my mind. I couldn’t believe I’d let that happen or how desperately I craved more.
I clutched my favorite butterfly toy in my hand as a tingling anticipation rippled beneath my skin. Sex was the very last thing I should have been thinking about. My freaking life was in danger!
It’s not so unreasonable. And besides, what else do you have to do? You’re trapped here.
That’s when I noticed what was packed beneath the toys. My dance clothes. He’d packed every single piece of dance gear I had—sports bras, tanks, leggings, tights—all of it. He even had both pairs of my lyrical shoes at the bottom, and there was a note inside one.
I want to see you dance again. Just for me.
My heart skittered haphazardly.
There might have been others watching the last time, but even then, I’d been dancing only for him. Not that I’d admit it aloud. He probably just thought it was hot, but he didn’t realize dance meant so much more to me. Dancing was an expression of my soul. The one outlet I allowed myself. Giving him that part of me meant so much more than he could know.
I selected a tank and shorts and went to change. With my mind turned toward dance, I could think of nothing else. The one silver lining about returning home was the dance studio my parents had built for me in the basement. I had twenty-four-hour access to the perfect wood flooring, adjustable lighting, and a wall of frosted glass mirrors. Down there, I could escape the myriad of questions running circles in my head and simply feel the music.
I danced for two solid hours.
It felt incredible—so relieving that I even had the capacity to handle a text that had come through from Stetson.
Stetson: I know you said you’re sick, but I’d like to come by. I’m getting worried.
I sat on the ground cross-legged and typed my response.
Me: Mom and Dad insisted I stay with them, so there’s nothing to worry about. I’m already feeling better.
I was desperately curious how much he knew. Had his father or Hannah told him I’d been by the other day? He’d never mentioned it. We’d texted some about superficial things. I hated stringing him along, but I also felt shitty about breaking up over text. Considering how unexpected it would be, even a breakup over the phone would be unnecessarily harsh. Stetson was just as much a victim in all this as I was.
Stetson: That’s good to hear. You need for me to talk to professors or anything?
Me: I’ve emailed all of them. It shouldn’t be a problem, but thanks!
Stetson: K, get some rest. I’ll come see you tomorrow. 😘
Me: 💗
I wasn’t sure if Keir would be okay with Stetson coming over. I made a mental note to ask as I set my phone on the ground and lifted my gaze to the mirror. I’d never liked mirrors, so my parents hadn’t questioned when I’d asked for frosted glass in my studio. The effect was perfect. I could see the flow of movement without any distracting focus on details.
Like now, I could tell my hair was probably a mess in an auburn pile on my head, but I couldn’t see enough to stress over it. I used a small magnifying mirror to apply my makeup. That was it.
Who hates mirrors but wears makeup religiously? It didn’t make sense to most people, which was partly why I’d stopped trying. Other girls couldn’t relate to me, which made me a loner in school. As I got older, I learned to better mask my irregularities, but I was still that messed up girl underneath it all.
Stop, Ro. Stop right now. Negative self-talk is beneath you.
I huffed, not sure anything was beneath me.
My phone dinged. I turned it over, surprised when it wasn’t Stetson.
Keir: I’m taking you out tonight. Wear something nice.
Going out was the last thing I’d expected. Wouldn’t it be dangerous? What if someone I knew saw us?
Me: Would this look like a date??
Keir: Yes.
Me: What about Stetson? I can’t be seen going on a date with someone else.
My phone rang.
“Hello?” I answered with a question because even though I knew it was Keir, I wasn’t sure why he needed to call.
“Tell me you’re not serious.”
“It’s not a joke. I technically have a boyfriend.”
“Not anymore, you don’t.” His voice was a silken tongue lapping at my core.
I closed my eyes briefly and demanded focus. “But he doesn’t know that. I haven’t officially broken up with him. Finding out from someone else would be cruel.”
“That piece of shit doesn’t deserve your kindness. And besides, my cock’s been inside you. That means he no longer exists.”
I was stunned. That wasn’t the impression I’d gotten when he’d been so distant after we had sex. Hell, I hadn’t even stayed in his bed that night. Granted, I’d offered to sleep in the guest room, but he hadn’t argued. This man was so damn confusing.
“I … don’t know what to say.” My voice trailed off, unsure how to continue. “I didn’t realize…”
“Now that you do, try not to forget. I’m not at my most reasonable where you’re concerned. Dinner will be nice, cocktail appropriate. I’ll pick you up at seven.” The phone clicked dead.
