Entering the apartment building, I go toward the elevator this time rather than take the stairs. I expect Chase to go in the opposite direction, not to follow me, but he does, right into the elevator. As it starts it climb, he goes to the panel and presses the “stop” button.
I’m fighting tears as it is.
There’s no way I can do this.
It’s too much. Too raw and I’ve not got up enough walls. I need them firmly back in place right now.
Suddenly, he’s right in front of me, cupping my face, tilting my head back to look into my eyes. I let him. What else can I do? There’s no hiding, trapped in an elevator. Now I wish I’d taken the stairs.
So stupid.
“What is it, Faye? Talk to me.”
“I can’t.”
you can. I’m right here. I’m not
sob, I can’t help it. “The man I sold myself to. I can’t
His lips brush mine.
hundred percent mine. You sold yourself to me. No one else. To me. Whatever it is, you
as
or what to say. Everything is so
inside my head. I’m not using her to hold me back.
say. The words come out of my mouth before I
“What?”
I can’t make it stop. This is the secret I’ve
away. Kerry attacked me. She hit me. Screamed at me. She told me they were in love. That I’d ruined her life by doing it and she was going to make
says. He doesn’t let go of me, but he wipes the tears away, and then his arms are right around my body, holding me tightly. He kisses the top
I sob.
from my stepfather, all of it, I just break apart and shatter. Throughout it all, Chase continues to hold me.
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