Page 66 of Cruel Promise
“Which part?” A lot happened in such a short amount of time.
I nudge her into motion, leading her to my Escalade. The sooner we’re away from here, the better.
The drive back to my place is filled with an uncomfortable silence. More than once, I part my lips, intent on breaking it. But what do I say?
I claimed her in front of everyone and announced our relationship without knowing what we are. Only that I’m unwilling to give her up. I still need to clear the air on the stuff about Tamara. Make sure Kasey understands there was never anyone else. I fucked up. I’ll own that.
And now I have a half brother I didn’t know about. One that she did.Fuck.She should have told me. I don’t know how to feel about the fact that she didn’t. How long has she known?
We both fucked up, and yeah, maybe I’m more than a little pissed. But more than that, I’m fucking relieved. I don’t have to lie anymore. To play the twisted game ofLifemy parents have set out for me. I accepted DeAnde’s offer before leaving the restaurant, and now my mother knows it. Soon enough, she’ll inform my father, but it won’t make a difference.
I’m free.
TWENTY-ONE
KASEY
“You going to talk to me, baby girl?” Dominique asks as soon as we get to his place.
No.
Jumping out of the car, I head for the sidewalk. My place is only a few blocks away.
With his hands around my waist, Dominique draws me close, his breath warm against my ear. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Home.”
He shakes his head and turns me to face him.
“You’re coming inside with me.” It’s not a question.
“Aaron—“
“Isn’t here.” He points toward the empty driveway. “Come on.”
Reluctantly, I let him drag me inside while nervous energy skitters beneath my skin. The back of my neck burns and I tug Dom’s jacket off, suddenly overheated.
Leaving him by the door, I walk over to the kitchen and pour myself a glass of water.
Dominique follows me. After downing half of the glass, he takes it from my fingers and sets it aside on the counter. I avoid his eyes as Dominique looks down at me before tipping my chin up with his knuckles, forcing me to meet his gaze.
“You’re acting weird.”
“No, I am not.” His hand spreads to cup my cheek and I jerk back before moving around him. I can’t think when he touches me, and there is a lot I need to think about.
“Yes, you are.”
“Am not.”
“Are too.”
“Am not.”
“Are too.”
God, he is infuriating. “Will you let this go? I need”—I suck in a shuddering breath—“space.”
His jaw flexes as he clips out one word. “Space?”
