“Feel better?”
Bewildered by his response, I stammered through my attempt at an apology, realizing that I’d crossed a line, unable to remain the cold-hearted stonewall I was pretending to be.
“I-I don’t know what came over me. I’m s—”
“I’m sorry, Wildcat. You’re right, and I need you to know that it won’t happen again.”
“But why can’t you tell me? What are you hiding? Is it another woman?” I choked on the question, knowing full well I didn’twant to hear the answer; the thought alone had me balling my hand into a fist in blind jealousy.
“Dakota, I—”
Rhylan was cut off as my phone started going off; a loud buzzing followed by erratic chimes came from my bag.
Not normal.
Concerning.
Seeing as there was only one person who ever messaged me this late at night—
“Hold that thought.”
Without question, Rhylan stepped aside, and I darted to pick up my phone; the lock screen flooded with a string of texts from my sister.
Tiff: He’s back
Tiff: He’s here
Tiff: Call
Tiff: Help
Tiff: J
My face paled. The three dots at the bottom left of the chat disappeared. She didn’t need to finish her last text or elaborate. The initial was all I needed to understand it was her cry for help.
“Dakota—” Rhylan reached out to grab my arm, and I pulled away, eyes still never leaving the screen.
“Not now, Rhy—” My tone was stern as I brought a hand up, preventing him from approaching me again. “I have to go.”
Grabbing my keys, I hauled ass out of the studio, leaving him behind. I got in my car and peeled out of the parking lot, heading straight home to where I hoped my sister would still be—alive.
Content Warning
DearReader,
The following chapter contains a critical trigger warning for sexual assault.
If you are sensitive to this specific topic being retold in graphic detail, then please skip this chapter entirely. You will not miss any important plot details by choosing to do so.
This chapter may be extremely triggering for some. If you choose to proceed, please stop the moment you feel uncomfortable or uneasy. DO NOT force yourself to finish this scene. Your mental health matters.
Again, this act has been isolated to this chapter, with later mentions, but only in vague detail. It is supplementary to the plot but adds greater depth to Dakota’s character development and increases the story’s level of darkness.
Chapter 22
Dakota
Four Years Ago
