Page 81 of Unravel Me

Rhett flinches, but I tighten my fingers around his bicep. “Ignore him.”

“Bet Daddy’s real proud of you, bringing home literal trash,” Jackson said just loud enough for me to hear, but before Rhett can even respond, I spin around, marching straight up to Jackson. His eyes go wide as my fist makes direct contact with his nose.

I’ve never hit anyone in my life. But I'd be lying if I said I didn’t feel a drop of satisfaction as I pull back my hand and see the shock on his face; even as my hand screamed in pain.

“That’s for cheating on me,” I screeched, and before he could say anything else, I knee him straight between his legs. As he doubles over, I lean down to whisper in his ear. “He’s twice the man you’ll ever be.”

“What the hell is going on out here?” my mother shrieks, rushing across the front yard in heels. She glances over her shoulder, probably panicking someone will see something.

“You did this. You wanted me to get back with him?” I yelled at her, no longer caring who saw or heard me. She clutches her necklace.

“Lower your voice before you cause a scene, Audrey Diane Elson.” Her fake smile was long gone as she nearly trembled in her gold heels.

“No.” I shake my head, thinking about the reality here. “I will no longer make myself small just so you feel comfortable around me.”

Jackson groans, and my mom slaps her hand over her open mouth.

“My god! What the hell happened out here?”

“He got what he deserved,” I state clearly.

“You can’t go into the party like this,” she replied, pulling out her phone, probably to call my father, but I’m not waiting around to find out.

“I’m leaving,” I bite out.

“One day you’ll understand. This is for you, for the family,” my mom replies, eerily calm.

I stop in my tracks, turning around to face her.

“No Mom, see, that’s where you’re wrong. I will never understand. Because I would never choose money over love.”

This time, I refuse to wait for a response. Turning on my heel, I walk toward the car, Rhett close behind me. He heard everything, he sees my family for exactly who they are, but it doesn’t matter anymore. After tonight, nothing will ever be the same.

It couldn’t be.

A wave of dizziness and nausea circles back. It has nothing to do with the drinks on an empty stomach and everything to do with the man who is silently typing the resort address into his phone.

It doesn’t matter if I want to reach out and kiss him, thank him for saving me from Jackson, or apologize for the overwhelming regret eating me alive. I should’ve known better than to bring him here.

I should’ve continued to protect him.

We ride back to the resort in darkness and silence, giving me the pleasure of reliving the party again and again in my head. When we pull up to the valet, Rhett hands over the keys, and I catch a glimpse of fresh bruises forming on his knuckles. My hand doesn’t feel good either, but it’s nothing compared to the feeling in my chest, knowing he came back for me even after I hurt him.

I didn’t deserve him on the rooftop, and I don’t deserve him now.

Chapter forty-five

Rhett

Adrenaline pumps through me as I follow Audrey down the hotel hallway. We were supposed to return to a romantic setting. I even called ahead, asking the staff to bring a bottle of champagne to the room tonight, thinking we’d celebrate our first trip together in the ridiculously luxurious suite she treated us to. It was the least I could do.

I was going to show her just how much I loved her.

Instead, I'm sitting on the edge of the bed, trying not to reach for my cigarettes.

Audrey went straight into the bathroom as soon as we walked in. She looked stunning as we left this room only hours ago, and I had to control myself from pulling her back into the room and stripping that pink dress off one more time before the party. I’d decided it could wait, as she swatted me away with a mischievous grin, promising I'd get all of her when we got back tonight.

But now I'm wondering if I ever truly got any of her.