Why do I feel the need to stop her?
To pull her back into this room and demand answers from her?
But I don’t. I can’t.
Even though I want to.
My feet are glued to this spot, a heaviness taking root in my chest. I don’t do anything as she disappears from my view. It feels like I am losing something—as if she just walked off with the rest of my heart, and I'm not sure if I’ll ever get it back.
Chapter 13
Mary
There’snologicalreasonas to why I thought going into his room instead of leaving was the best idea. I was desperate to feel close to him, and to get away from all the lingering eyes downstairs. I needed quiet, even just for a moment. And I knew going into his space would be the only way to feel close to him, even if it backfired. People brushed past me as I climbed the stairs, my feet moving on their own accord, and next thing I knew, I was pushing his door open. But now, I feel worse than I did before.
The weight of the photo I took feels heavy in my pocket as I keep walking, not waiting for a response. Not like I’d get one anyway. He's made it clear I mean nothing to him. Even if he means everything to me, I can't keep this up anymore. All the lies and pain are too much.
Anxiety courses through my body, fueled by the need to get away from him.
My shoes hit the bottom step, nearly sending me falling, but I manage to catch myself and head toward the front door. The need to escape makes my chest tighten.
I shove the door open so hard it slams against the wall, the sound barely registering over the music pulsing through the speakers. My thoughts twist in a jumble of desperation—to get far away, but also a desire to run back to Seb and tell him everything I've been hiding. Consequences be damned. The adrenaline coursing through me pushes me forward, but I don't even make it off the porch before I slam straight into a solid wall. A wall that has hands.
I stumble back, dizzy more from the jolt of recognition than from the actual impact. My body freezes, my eyes narrowing in confusion when he doesn't let go of my arms.
No.They can’t be here.
It feels like I've gone back in time to that night.
The noises around me become hazy, like I’m miles away, as I stare at the two men I hate most. Memories flood back so hard I can barely breathe.
Anthony and Tyler stand there, smug looks on their faces as they block my exit. Tyler’s fingers dig deep into my skin.
Why the fuck are they here? Dean Westwood told me they weren't coming back.
Does he know they’re here? My questions are drowned out when my vision begins to tunnel. Black dots dance in front of my eyes as I try to step back, but my feet won't move.
Darkness crosses Tyler's face, hate lingering in his eyes. I know he blames me for them being sent away, but none of this bullshit was my fault. This all started because they couldn't keep their nasty hands to themselves.
“Let me go!” Tyler hovers only inches from me, and I’d do anything to put miles between us. I’ve tried to keep the pastburied deep, but with them here, everything rushes back like a tidal wave.
These men destroyed my sense of security, my perception of the world.
They ruined my whole life.
My relationship.
Him and his fucking brother.
“Been a while, hasn’t it, Mary?” Tyler seethes, his hands holding firm on my shoulders.
"Not fucking long enough. What the fuck are you doing here?” I rip myself from his grip, nearly falling to the ground.
When I turn my head, I see Seb standing there, his brows furrowed, and anger on his face as he looks past me to the brothers.
I can’t fucking do this.
Tyler and Anthony shouldn’t fucking be here.
