Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 16175 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16175 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
“You never asked me about my scar, kitten.”
His right hand reaches for mine, and he interlaces our fingers.
“I figured you’d tell me when you’re ready.”
“My dad came home one night a whole lot drunker than usual. Drunk is his default state so that was saying something. I kept quiet and stayed out of his way, something I learned to do. That night, I forgot to wash my plate because I just borrowed comics from my friend and I couldn’t wait to read them. When Dad saw the dirty dishes in the sink, he lost it. He slammed me against the glass table in the living room.”
No.
My vision gets blurry, and I have to blink rapidly to stop the tears from falling because once I start, I know I won’t be able to stop. A soft, shaky exhale escapes my lips, and I delicately brush away a single tear that slides down my cheek.
And here I thought living with my father was hard.
I can’t even begin to imagine a young Theo living in daily fear and walking on eggshells in his own home.
My father’s words wound me and leave lasting marks on me, but how does Theo feel seeing an actual reminder of his pain?
He notices me and squeezes my hand. “It’s okay, kitten. I’ve moved on.”
“Is this why you’re quiet and keep to yourself most of the time?”
He nods. “You know, in foster homes, it’s every kid for himself. You don’t show weaknesses or reveal your feelings. Your secrets have to remain just that—secrets. You stay out of everyone’s way. Be invisible. That’s how most kids survive. That’s how I survived. I got lucky with the Tates. Not everyone ends up with a foster family who actually gives a damn about the kid.”
“I wish I could be as strong as you.”
We roll to a stop at a red light, and Theo turns to face me. He takes my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “I’m strong enough for both of us, and I’ll never let anyone hurt you, kitten.”
He takes my mouth in a searing kiss, and my body immediately wakes up. We still have a few seconds before the light turns green, so this kiss is hurried and demanding. When he demands entry into my mouth, I open up for him, letting his tongue clash with mine.
When we hear a honk, we break apart and Theo continues driving. He takes my hand again and brushes his lips across my knuckles.
Yup. This girl’s definitely in love with this guy.
Theo eases the car to a stop, and he helps me down before going back to find a parking spot. He doesn’t want a valet touching his car, so I step into the marbled lobby alone. Even all the way from here, I can hear faint traces of live music and lively chatter. So it’s that kind of party alright.
I plan on waiting for Theo so we can go inside together, but someone grabs my arm and twists me around.
I wrench my arm back and massage my elbow, already sure it’s going to bruise. When I lift my gaze, I’m not exactly surprised to find my father looking like he’s one second from murdering me.
He throws me a flinty stare, hands on his waist. My father is a walking time bomb. Anything can set him off. Maybe he and Theo’s father can take anger management classes together and discuss whether their kids are the problem or them.
Dad’s brows knit together, and he’s huffing, his breaths shallow as if he’s trying to rein in his fury.
What have I done this time?
“Hi, Dad.”
“You’re late! Do you want to make an entrance? I told you repeatedly not to embarrass me. And what the fuck are you wearing?” He’s pointing an accusing finger at me. His voice is hushed, but it’s clear to anyone watching he’s reprimanding me for something.
Before, I used to wish the ground would swallow me whole. Unfortunately, he’s done this so many times I only want to get it over with.
I can’t stop myself from flinching when he steps forward. He has never hit me before, but then, there’s always a first time. So I mentally brace myself even if I know he won’t cause a scene at a public place where his friends and colleagues can see.
“She’s not late. It’s still 6:45.”
Theo’s voice is deep and cold. Even from his tone alone, it’s easy to tell my father won’t be able to push him around that easily. Unlike me.
Relief comes in a deluge, and the knot in my belly starts to unwind. He’s here. Theo’s here. I’m safe. There’s no way he’s going to let my father do something to me.
“Who the fuck are you?” my father hisses. He’s so close that his spit lands on my cheek. I will my hands not to wipe it.