The woman’s face crumpled. I didn’t afford her another glance.
“What?”
I turned at Carol’s gasp. “Your son was dealt a lousy hand and as a mother, I hope you’ll find it in your heart not to judge him for his mistakes. If you want me to explain, I gladly will, but I’m sure you got the gist of this story.” With that, I turned to Trent, not caring that Angela’s eyes threw daggers at me. “I’m sorry you had to find out about your father’s secrets this way.”
Trent smiled at me. “Not important, right now.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “I’d appreciate a ride into town, please.”
“Sia.” Drake neared me. “Don’t go, please.”
“I can’t.” It was the only two words I could manage without breaking down again.
“Let me drive you back then.”
I shook my head, and Trent stepped forward. “It’s okay. I’ll take her back home.” He patted Drake on the back with a gentle smile at me as though he understood his pain. “Let’s go.”
I followed him without looking back. Outside, I pulled in deep breaths, letting the cold air flow through my body as I waited for Trent to bring the car around. The door opened behind me. I knew without turning who stood there.
“Please, princess. I love you. Don’t leave. He squeezed my arms, drawing me back against his body. “I can’t lose you again.”
I forced myself to keep facing forward, knowing if I looked at him, I’d cave. “Please, Drake, don’t make this harder than it already is. You’ve got Rayden to worry about.”
“What about you?”
“I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. We all need time.” Every part of me wanted to sink back into the body I knew so well, aware I’d find the comfort I needed there. I couldn’t. It wasn’t fair to Rayden, to Drake, or me. I hiccupped on a sob and gulped for one more lungful of air before attempting to kill a part of me, knowing my next words would hurt him as much as it would me. “I can never love you. Not now. Not ever.”
Drake
IJERKED BACK LIKEshe’d slapped me, every inch of me shattering from the flagrant reality of Sianna’s words. Not giving me a chance to respond, she raced down the front stairs and climbed into Trent’s car. My throat went so dry that it hurt to breathe. Shards of pain radiated from my chest up and outward, shooting down my arms. Did I have a heart attack? It sure as fuck felt like one. Even as he drove off, I waited, hoping she’d change her mind, stop the car and come running back into my arms. Yet, the taillights grew distant with each impatient second, a savage blink of red in the horizon, taunting me like the devil’s hand that fate had played.
When I could no longer put off the inevitable, I dragged heavy feet indoors. My father’s voice, furious and indignant, boomed down the hallways. As I entered the living room, one thought floated through my head. Angela had once again reared her ugly head. This time, however, I’d not only aided her selfish idiocy but indulged in some of my own, creating the chaos I walked into. I glanced around the room, taking in my mother’s pained expression, my father’s stiff shoulders, Angela’s flushed features, and Tamara’s what-the-fuck look.
“Where’s Kyra?” I asked no one in particular. After what Rayden had gone through, I had no intention of letting Kyra witness the shit I knew was about to go down.
“Upstairs with Neha and Nicky,” my mother replied, her tone regretful.
