Page 40 of Betraying Him
It’s not my place to know these things, and it hasn’t been for a long time.
Hell, I’m not sure it ever really has been my place.
We used to know each other once, but now we’re nothing but strangers who do their best to avoid each other.
With no more words, I climb to my feet, and when he doesn’t move, I look down at him awkwardly.
Stupid tears fill my eyes, and it takes every ounce of strength I have not to let them fall.
Not to let him see.
Not to let him see how much I miss being near him, how much I miss talking to him, how much I wish I could forget him, butcan’t.
“Are you gonna be okay now?” I rasp, and he nods sharply, his eyes still piercing mine like he doesn’t know what to do with this entire situation.
He’s not the only one.
So, I do the only thing I can do—I turn and start to walk away.
My steps feel heavy on the pavement, and my heart crashes in my chest as the tears begin to fall.
I barely make it a few steps when I hear Harley call out my name, and I freeze. I want to turn to look at him, but I don’t want him to see the wetness on my cheeks or how I’m moments away from breaking down, so I just stand there, still as can be.
“I… Thank you, Sav.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and leave.
TWENTY-NINE
SAVANNAH
I hurryfrom the library toward my dorm, wanting to get home and hide behind my own four walls. Senior year started two weeks ago, and I already feel like I’m being buried by schoolwork, but that’s a good thing. Especially since I need a distraction after finding Harley in the alley last week.
Anything to keep me busy and take my mind off everything else is a good thing.
I can still hear my father’s voice in my ears, telling me I’m no good, telling me what he’s going to do to me…
“You’re fuckingworthless.Jesus Christ, what was the point of us even having you when you won’t do what you’re told?!” My father’s voice booms, echoing against the walls of the dining room.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this angry before, but I push past the fear and tilt my chin.
“I won’t do it,” I rasp, clenching my hands into fists so he doesn’t see the way I’mtrembling.
“You don’t have a choice. If you don’t want to end up in bed for a week, healing from what I’ll do to you, then you’ll do as I’ve asked and do itwell.”
My breath hitches, and the air coming and going from my lungs feels like ice as my brain whizzes through the possibilities.
Get beaten within an inch of my life or get close to another guy just to steal his family’s secrets… this time, I’d be getting close to themknowingwhat I was going to do. Hell. He wants me tomarrythe man, for goodness’ sake.
No. No, I won’t do it.
“I don’t care,” I say, the hitch in my voice giving away my fear, but that’s nothing new.
He’s used to seeing me scared of him. Of me being terrified.
“You can refuse, but I’ll get what I want eventually, Savannah. I don’t care how long it takes for me to…convinceyou to follow through on my demands, but you’ll do it in the end. I have no qualms about breaking you just to get what I want. I’ll shatter you into a million fucking pieces and mold you into what I want you to be, just you watch.”
His eyes are dark and fierce as they stare into mine, his anger turning into steely determination. He takes a step toward me, then another, and another until he’s only inches away from me before a sharp sting reverberates across my face as his palm meets my cheek.
