The sky is heavy. Swollen with humidity.
The stars don’t shine out here. Not in Rosefield. Here, they hide.
I grit my jaw, forcing pressure through my teeth to drown out the throbbing heat radiating through my thigh.
No one saw. But even if they did, no one would do anything about it.Footsteps on the gravel cause my heart to jump, then Benny steps into view, hands tucked into his jacket pockets like he doesn’t want to scare me.
“You hurt?” he asks, voice low and etched with concern.
“I’m fine.”
He gives me a look. “You don’t lie very well.”
“Then don’t ask things you don’t want the answer to.”
That earns a smirk—but only for a second. It fades fast. He watches me like he’s trying to put apuzzle together.
“How’d you know my name?” I ask. Anything to change the subject. “Back there. I never told you.”
He looks down. Kicks gravel with the toe of his boot. “I asked Brian, the drummer. The second I saw you.”
My stomach twists. “Why?”
“Because I had to know,” he says. “Had to have the dance. Even if it was stupid. Even if I knew it would piss him off.” He doesn’t say Jacob’s name, but it hangs there. “Bri told me you’re off-limits, said you’re Sheriff’s girl,” Benny adds. “Doesn’t matter, I know sadness when I see it.”
“You don’t even know me. Why risk upsetting Jacob? Do you know how?—”
“I know enough.” He steps closer—not too close.
I glance away.
“The Sheriff’s a real piece of work,” he mutters.
“You don’t know him,” I snap—too fast. “People in this town talk a lot.”
Why am I defending him?
“Yeah,” Benny says. “And none of them mention the way he grabs you under the table in plain view of half the town?”
That one lands.
“Why are you even out here?”
“Becauseyouwalked out. And I couldn’t sit there pretending I didn’t see what I saw. Needed to see you were alright….” There’s a pause. Then, “Let me guess,” he says gently. “You’ve got a thing for men in power?”
I whip my gaze to him, anger rising. “Excuse me?”
He lifts both hands. “I’m asking. Not accusing. Believe me, I get the appeal—someone strong. Someone who can protect you. Keep things in control. Especially when the world feels like it’s falling apart.”
I say nothing. My insides twist with the truth he's edging towards. I'm with Jacob partly because of his badge, his power. It wasn't my choice, but I’ll never let Benny know that.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” he adds, softer. “It just… it kills me to see women being hurt by fucking bullies who call themselves men,”
I fold my arms defensively.“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He sighs, taking a seat on a low concrete pillar beside the dumpster. Then, unexpectedly, he offers a hand. “You don’t have to say anything. Just… sit with me for a minute.”
A part of me hesitates, torn between staying guarded and accepting the comfort I crave. Something gives way. I take his hand. He gently guides me onto his knee, his arm resting around my back—not possessive, but steady. I remain stiff, fighting my instincts… then slowly lean into him, just enough to sense his warmth through the fabric of our clothes.
