There’s a permanent burning sensation in my stomach as I stand across the road from Byrne Enterprises.
Lifting my eyes, I look at the impressive building where I thought my dreams would come true. My gaze locks on the top floor, and I try to make out any movement behind the windows, but it’s too high.
What am I going to do?
I can’t remember how many times I almost called the police since yesterday afternoon.
I can’t risk Mom’s life. God only knows what Finn is capable of.
The realization that there’s no one I can go to for help hit around midnight. It was staggering.
I’m alone in this nightmare.
Lowering my eyes, I try to force a smile to my face, but it threatens to dissolve into tears. I swallow hard on the hopelessness and fear swirling in my chest.
I’ve never felt so tired before, as if all the life has been drained from me. Finn can do anything to me, and there’s nothing I can do to stop him. And I have to pretend I freaking like it.
God.
I shake my head, unable to fathom that man touching me and just allowing it to happen. Yesterday it was a kiss. What will today bring?
Closing my eyes, I suck in a fortifying breath of air before crossing the street. The threat of Finn killing my mother tightens its restraints around my heart with every step I take closer to the entrance.
How am I going to get out of this mess?
Will resigning be enough to get rid of Finn?
Probably not.
I don’t have enough money to run with Mom, and I can’t leave Dad behind.
Shit.
My breaths speed up as I reach the entrance. My eyes dart around, feeling like I’m being hunted.
Breathe, Kiara.
Entering the building, I don’t have a single ounce of strength to smile. Before I can reach the reception counter, Denise’s eyebrows furrow with worry. “Hey, still not feeling better?”
I nod, swallowing hard on the lump in my throat. “But I’ll be okay.” I hope.
“You should’ve taken the day off. I can manage alone.”
I contemplated calling in sick but don’t know how Finn will react. I don’t want him coming to my apartment.
“Don’t worry. Want some coffee?” I ask to change the subject.
“You sit down. I’ll make us some.”
“Thank you.” Taking my seat, I place my bag in the lower drawer. As Denise heads across the lobby floor, Liam and Will come in. She pauses, a bright smile curving her lips. “Morning, Mr. Byrne.” Then she turns her smile to Will. “Mr. Gillen.”
“If Liam wouldn’t fire me, I’d tell you how pretty you look today,” Will compliments her.
Watching their banter does nothing to lift the dark cloud hovering over me.
As I glance away from Denise, it’s to lock eyes with Liam. Frowning, he walks closer but stops a safe distance from the counter.
It’s only then I remember Denise telling me he doesn’t like being touched.
And yesterday, I ran face-first into him without apologizing.
“Sorry for plowing into you yesterday,” I quickly get the apology out of the way.
“Do you feel better?” he asks, his eyes inspecting me way too closely.
I force a numb smile to my lips. “Yes. Thank you for asking.”
Liam stares at me for a moment longer, then asks, “How was your first month here?”
Amazing until Friday.
Do you know what your brother is doing?
“Good,” I murmur with zero excitement in my tone. “I’ve learned a lot.”
He nods, his eyes narrowing on me. “You don’t look well. I’d rather have you go home if you’re sick.”
Sitting up straighter, I shake my head. “I’m much better. It was just something I ate.”
Liam glances at Will and Denise, and when the internal line rings, I startle, and Liam’s head snaps back to me. With his eyes on me, it feels like the ground’s going to give way beneath my feet as I press the answer button with a trembling finger.
“Kiara speaking.”
“My office. Now.”
Oh, God.
“Yes, sir,” I breathe, fear trembling through me.
The second I end the call, Liam asks, “Who was that?”
“Your brother.”
His left eyebrow lifts. “What did he want?”
“He wants me to go to his office.”
Liam locks eyes with me, and it feels as if he’s trying to pry all my secrets from me. “Stay and do your work.”
But…
Cautiously, I nod, then watch as Liam walks to the elevators.
Shit. Who do I listen to?
Should I call Finn and tell him I can’t come to his office?
By the time Denise comes back with two steaming mugs of coffee, I can’t even bring myself to drink the beverage.
A cold sweat breaks out over my skin, and I feel weak from all the worry.
“Aren’t you going to ask?” Denise’s voice pulls me from the fear-induced trance I keep slipping into.
“Ask what?” Did she say something I didn’t hear?
“About Will and me,” she chuckles, the sound light and free.
“Oh. Of course.” I wipe my hand over my forehead. “Has he asked you out yet?”
Denise begins to nod, excitement shining from her. “We’re going to dinner on Saturday night, which means I have to buy a new dress.” She reaches for an envelope, and opening it, her face lights up again. “Oh, happy first payday.”
Right. I didn’t even check my bank account.
“Thanks.” I do my best to smile. “Congrats on your date.”
Denise beams again, then she starts to ramble about Will and every detail she likes about him. I only listen with half an ear, trying to get some work done while worrying my butt off about Finn.
