Ben pulls the blade back. It’s coated in blood. He presses it back in. My body jerks forward to stop him, but my father keeps me in place. Ben is insane, and it’s kind of hot. “And who would think I’d stab myself? That’s such a crazy thing to do. In my guitar holding arm, nonetheless? That’s just fucking insane. Now. Let Prue go.”
I squirm against my father, trying to break free of his hold. Ben stares at him, letting the blade pierce through his shoulder. A wet spot is forming through his hoodie.
My father releases me, shoving me forward. Ben’s hand flies out to steady me. Tears fill my eyes, and Ben pulls me against him.
“Are you happy, Prue? Going to destroy the family business all because some trashy rock star has you convinced his dick is enough to keep you warm at night.”
“I’m not good enough for your daughter. I don’t think that at all. She is far better than anything I could ever have. I’m just brave enough to show her that,” Ben snaps back.
I reach up, pulling the knife from his shoulder.
“Fucking have her. Take the slut. I never want to see her again.”
I wince at my father’s words but keep my eyes on Ben. He takes the knife from me, folding it shut.
“Come on, baby. Let’s go.”
I’m quiet as Ben drives. I have no idea where we are going, and I don’t care. My whole life has just fallen apart. I knew I was nothing more than a pawn to my parents, but this confirms it.
My eyes dart to Ben. The sleeve of his hoodie is wet and getting more so by the minute. The hand that grips the steering wheel has blood on it.
“You need stitches,” I say, and he glances at me. “You’re still bleeding.”
“It will stop.”
“Or you’ll bleed to death.”
“I didn’t go that deep.” He shrugs.
“You stabbed yourself for me. Are you fucking insane?”
“Obviously. I kind of thought you figured that out the night we met.” He laughs. “But I had no idea you’d turn out to be a bigger mess than me.”
“My father almost killed you!”
“Eh.” He shrugs again, wincing. “He wouldn’t be the first to try. Though he’d find out I’m awfully hard to kill. Trust me, if a needle didn’t get the job done or a razor blade for that matter, I don’t think he could.”
“Ben! My parents just disowned me. I’m disowned. Tomorrow all my accounts will be frozen. They will cancel my college fund. I’ll have nothing.”
“What about Cameron?”
“Cameron can barely take care of himself. I’ve been helping him stay afloat for years. Oh God. I just ruined both our lives. You have to take me back. I have to fix this.”
“Over my dead body,” Ben says. “I can help. I have more money than I know what to do with. And Cameron is a big boy. Now that I know your father has been cock blocking his band, I can solve that problem for him.”
“I can’t take your money.”
“Just until you get your feet on the ground. Let me help you, Prue.” His hand touches my thigh. “We’re friends after all.”
“We can’t be friends if I’m indebted to you.”
“Marry me then.”
TWENTY-SIX
My shoulder is still drippingblood as we both fall silent. My words hang in the air. Words I never thought I’d ever say to a woman. Words I never even thought about.
I’m blaming the blood loss. Though the idea of Prue as my wife doesn’t completely disgust me. Marriage is a legal binding cage, but I don’t think I’d mind being in any cage with her.
