Page 34 of Scars of Silk

He chuckles again. “At least you aren’t crying now. What are you going to do about your dad?”

“I don’t know. Part of me wants to run away and never see him again.”

“But you won’t.”

“I can’t. The price is too high.”

Eli pauses for a moment. “I’m thinking the price is always too high to pay.”

“Go home.”

“Believe me, I want to.”

“So, go home.”

We hang up and I stare at the ceiling for a long moment. The refrigerator hums in the background, but I know it’s empty. The whole place is empty.

Jumping up, I grab my keys. My mind isn’t sure where it wants to go, but I have a feeling I know the direction it wants to head in.

Nine

Dan

The TV is flickering blue-tinged lights across the room. It’s dark outside and I’ve got the curtains drawn. Maybe because I don’t want people knowing I’m watching The X Factor and secondly, I’d rather Vinny didn’t know I was home.

I don’t know. Maybe I overreacted this morning. Maybe he’ll never know it was me. Well, not me per se but you know what they say about guilt by association. After Sienna left, it only took me three minutes to discover she’d cleared out Dad’s cabinet in his en suite. My nerves rattled like a rusty chain until I looked in the mirror and saw the state I’ve got myself into. The fact a complete stranger, a one-night hook-up has put herself on suicide watch had a powerful impact.

I need to fight this. I’ve got to.

Three times today, with my senses painfully awake, I’ve had my phone in my hand to call Faith and tell her I’m sorry. Sorry for being an arsehole, but also sorry for not being a good friend.

I’ve sat in the armchair staring at the couch we slept on the night of Dad’s funeral. I can tell myself for all it’s worth it was the best night of my life… but was it? Two broken people breaking things even further.

It takes a few moments for me to focus on the hum of a car outside. My pulse spikes which is total overkill.

Trying to keep my groaning to a minimum as I stand up; the bruises, cuts, and hell knows what else making every part of me hurt, I edge to the window. Pushing back the curtains just a millimetre, I stare out into the wintery gloom. Outside, a silver Mercedes idles against the curb, lights off, but the engine still running.

A grin smirks its way across my face and I turn for the door, heading out barefoot onto the cold pavement.

I tap on her passenger window making her jump, before ducking my head down lower to peer through the window. Jesus, is she crying?

What is it with chicks turning up here crying? Faith always did it, and now this hot-headed brunette is taking it up. Maybe it’s me?

I open the door and lift an eyebrow, choosing to ignore the wash of emotions that flood out. She wipes at her face and shudders a breath. “You know, you’re killing the ozone out here with the engine running?”

Her lips curve a little. “I haven’t decided if I’m coming in or not yet.”

“Well you’re here, so I’m thinking you are more decided than you give yourself credit for.”

“I’ve booked into the Metropole down the road.”

“Nice. I hear it’s got a good spa.”

She turns then. Her eyes are red-rimmed, her skin pale beneath her dark hair. She’s shadows and moonlight all at once. “Want to come with me?”

I laugh and shake my head. “Darling, I’ve got a whole house right here.”

Her dark-green gaze falls onto my face and I cringe at the way it eats into me, like she’s reading a flipping poster on a wall. “Don’t you ever just want to get away?”