"But two years of time and attention doesn't make up for what a jerk I was to her in high school and college. She didn't want to date men. She didn't have many friends. Just me. And back then, I didn't do right by her."
I look up at him, studying his face. "You are very sensitive," I say slowly. "Funny. I have known you almost all my life and I never suspected that."
Rio says nothing. Just shrugs.
"You are actually a very compassionate person," I add.
"I try," he says, looking up at me with a sly grin. "On a blue moon."
I pull my hand back. The air suddenly feels heavy with things unsaid. It feels like the right time to have some real talk.
"Did you ever wonder why I have avoided you these last few years?" I ask.
He picks up a fork and fiddles with it instead of meeting my eyes. "Yeah. I figured you had your reasons."
"You tried to rape me."
Rio drops the fork. It clatters loudly against the china.
Then he looks up at me, a wild, uncomprehending look in his black eyes. "What?! When?!"
"Four years ago," I say, my voice trembling slightly. "When I fell asleep in your dorm room. I woke up and you were on top of me."
"That night?" The color drains from Rio’s face. "We discussed it. You made a surprise visit. Why would I know it was you in that bed?"
"Then who were you expecting?"
"No one!" he insists, leaning forward. "Look Maddie, girls used to sneak into our room every night. Steve and I were hot guys in a popular band that played all over town. Who was I to turn them away? Especially if it was what the girl wanted."
When I don't respond, he speaks again.
"I remember being drunk. I saw blonde hair on my pillow. I thought you were a groupie waiting for me."
He leans forward, his eyes intense. "But the second—the second—you screamed, I stopped. Didn't I?"
I hold his gaze. The memory is fuzzy with panic, but he is right.
"You stopped," I admit. "But you scared me, Rio. You terrified me."
"I was a disaster back then," he says, his voice rough. "Young, stupid, full of piss and vinegar. But Maddie, you have to believe me. I had no idea it was you. My best friend's little sister? I never would have touched you."
He looks me dead in the eye. "I am sorry. I never meant to hurt you."
The anger I have been holding onto for four years deflates, leaving something softer in its place. He wasn't a monster targeting me. Like Antoine said, it was just a misunderstanding.
My hand finds his again. This time, he turns it and gives mine a gentle squeeze.
"Think you might consider forgiving this bad boy rocker?" he asks, his voice low and hopeful.
Rio's thumb brushes my knuckles, warm and steady.
"Maybe. If you ask nicely."
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I hear the orchestral swell. Couples around us get up to go to the dance floor. But I am too focused on looking into the eyes of my bad boy prince.
Buzz.
Rio’s phone vibrates on the table, shattering the moment like glass.
