“Are you happy? With Dad, I mean. With all of this.”
I take a sip of my terrible coffee. “That’s a complicated question.”
“I know. But I need to know you’re okay. That he’s not…I don’t know. Forcing you into something you don’t want.”
“He’s not forcing me.” I set down my cup. “At first, yeah, I felt trapped. But now? I chose this. I chose him.”
“Even knowing what he does?”
“Your dad is a lot of things. Dangerous and ruthless. But he’s also protective and loyal and loves his family more than anything. I see that. And I want to be part of it.”
Alexi nods slowly. “Good. Because if you ever changed your mind, I’d help you leave. Just so you know.”
“You’d help me leave your own father?”
“If you needed it, yeah.” He drains his espresso. “But I’m glad you don’t.”
We finish our coffee and head out. The sun is brutal, and I’m already regretting wearing black.
“Car’s this way,” Alexi says, leading me toward the far end of the lot where Ledger’s SUV is parked.
Then I see him.
Mason.
He’s standing near a silver sedan about thirty feet away, and he’s looking right at me.
My stomach drops. “Alexi.”
“I see him too.” His voice changes. “Keep walking. Don’t stop.”
But Mason is moving toward us. He looks terrible. Thinner, like he hasn’t been eating. His hair is too long, and his shirt is wrinkled.
“Savannah.” He calls my name like a prayer. “Please. I just want to talk.”
“Keep walking,” Alexi repeats, positioning himself slightly in front of me.
“Just five minutes,” Mason says, getting closer. “That’s all I’m asking.”
“She doesn’t want to talk to you.” Alexi’s hand goes to his pocket, and I know he’s reaching for his phone.
“I’m not talking to you.” Mason’s eyes stay locked on me. “Savannah, please. I need to explain.”
“What do you want, Mason?”
“Don’t,” Alexi says quietly.
“I just want to talk.” Mason stops a few feet away. “I need you to understand what happened. I need you to hear me out.”
“You slept with my best friend. What’s there to understand?”
“It was a mistake.” His voice cracks. “The biggest mistake of my life. Lizzy seduced?—”
“What the hell, Mason?” My fury begins to boil. “You admitted it wasn’t the first time with her. Remember?”
“She seduced me.”
I laugh. “Of course. It’s Lizzy’s fault. Not yours.”
