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When she walks out of the stall, her face is white, as though she’s seen a ghost. She’s holding something in her hand.
I rush over to her, worry flooding my body, my stomach churning with acid. “Baby, what is it?”
She blinks a couple of times, her chocolate eyes meeting mine. “I-I stuck my hand inside my jeans pocket. I forgot about this note William left for me. I’ll explain everything later.” She swallows hard, her eyes going back to the note. “There’s so much to tell you, and it’s complicated.”
My stomach sinks, as though I just swallowed a heavy boulder.
Oh shit. Please don’t tell me she developed feelings for that fucker?
As if she read my mind, her opposite hand reaches out quickly, squeezing my arm. “No, it’s not that, Max. My affection and love for you never once wavered.” She steps closer to me, her gaze locked on mine. “It’s you. Only you.”
I breathe out, relief filling me, my muscles relaxing.
She looks down. “I know that D-Damian is William’s half-brother.” Her muscles are taut and her face is pinched with embarrassment. Her cheeks flush red as she meets my eyes. “Damian came after me earlier tonight. H-He…” Her voice cuts off as her chin and lips tremble.
“Oh God, baby.” I wrap my arms around her, feeling her shaking from her fear and sobs. “I’m so sorry I didn’t prevent that.”
Shaking her head, she pulls back, her hands sliding to my forearms. “No, baby. It isn’t your fault. I’m so pissed he hurt you.” The redness in her cheeks darkens to burgundy as her hands curl into fists. “He tried t-to… k-kill you.”
“He failed, baby. That’s all that matters.” I slide one arm from her grip, gently stroking her cheek. “I’m here, my love. And I’m not going anywhere.”
She nods, squeezing my other arm. “I know.” Taking a deep breath, she says, “He tried to… assault me. But William got there in time and stopped it.”
Emotions war inside me. On one hand, I’m grateful he prevented her from being assaulted. On the other hand, he must think he’s the only one allowed to violate her.
She releases a breath. “I thought William assaulted me in high school. It turns out he didn’t.” Her eyes plead with me to believe her. “I will tell you the full story soon. And I’m sorry I just dumped that on you. But I saw your face, and I knew Vanessa told you.”
My head jerks up sharply. “Please don’t be pissed at her, Irelynn. She—”
Irelynn holds up a hand, cutting me off. “I’m not. I was foolish for not telling you. Of course, Vanessa would be worried that he’d do it again, since she thought he’d already done it once. But I can assure you, William didn’t violate me.” She gestures to the sink. “I should wash my hands.”
She shoves the note in her pocket before washing her hands. “I’ve never seen Will so enraged, but when he saw what Damian was attempting...” She trails off, shame all over her face. “He beat the hell out of him. I’m certain he would have killed Damian if he hadn’t hurt Emma…” She shuts the water off, turning to grab paper towels.
“Will?” I step closer to her, staring at the side of her face.
“Long story and I promise I’ll go into more detail. But Will is the much softer, hidden version of himself that William keeps buried deep inside.”
I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, changing the subject, not sure I like where this one is heading. “So back to the note.”
She swallows hard. “William notified his dad what happened with Damian. His dad instructed him to bring Damian to his mansion.” She pauses, biting her lip, before continuing. “Will—iam left me a note, but I didn’t read it. I stuck it in my pocket, forgetting about it, until I was fixing the pockets of my jeans and felt it.” She steps back slightly, pulling it from her pocket.
Her voice is quiet as she raises her head, eyes locking on mine. “The note says that now that Damian is being removed from society and can’t hurt either of us anymore, William was going to return me to you.” She puts the note in my hand so that I can read it.
Dear Irelynn,
I never thought I’d find myself saying this, but you’ve really helped me to look inward and grow. It’s terribly hard for me to admit when I’m wrong, but I’m admitting it to you now. I shouldn’t have taken you from all those who love you. It was foolish and stupid, and I hope one day, you can forgive me.
I know you don’t love me. Nor do I think you ever will. I thought that would hurt more than it does, but during our time together, working through our past, it helped me realize some things. I’ve been clinging to you for the wrong reasons, hoping for something that will never be. And after our talk the other day, I’m not sure I would want things to change. Because it has been wonderful just being your friend.
With that said, it’s time for me, now that the danger has passed, to return you to the man you love, along with your family and friends. I’m sorry about all of it, and I hope that one day, you can forgive me.
And though it’s selfish to ask, I hope we can eventually be friends.
Love,
William
I stare at the note in shock, completely baffled by his words. Clearing my throat, I finally look up at her. And I know what I have to do.
