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I’m the woman he doesn’t deserve.
And he’sneverletting me go.
“Alex,” he murmurs in my ear as my eyes close, feeling heavy from the need to sleep. I’m wrapped in his strong arms, my head resting on his chest. I’m listening to his calm words and unsteady heartbeat at the same time. “Whenever someone makes you feel like who you are is not who you should be, or that us being together isn’t therightthing, I want you to remember this moment. When I hold you in my arms, it’s exactly where you belong, and the moments we share are yours to own. I want you to know that I belong to you. I willalwayskeep you safe.”
“I Know Places,” I yawn, my heart swelling with happiness.
I’ve never felt so safe in my life.
His chuckle is the last thing I hear before I fall asleep with a smile on my face—the kind no one can take away from me.
I wake up again when I feel him get up. And, while pretending to be sleeping, I watch him work on what he keeps murmuring is hismasterpiece.
Me, simple Alexandra Delacroix—who’s always been told there’s nothing she can do right, who’s always felt threatened, who’s always been terrified of being a disappointment—I am amasterpiece.
19
ALEXANDRA
Hazel Eyes – Ollie
I think my mind is so accustomed to anxiety, that my body immediately senses when something horrible is coming my way.
I spent the next day with Xi since I didn’t have any classes. When I return later in the evening and open the door to Xi Ep, I hear voices I recognize in the living room. Reluctantly, I make my way there, not wanting to face my mother. Being an old Xi Ep girl and a primary contributor to the sorority, she can come by whenever she wants. She’s also good friends with the house mother as well, although I was hoping I wouldn’t have to see her so early during the year. Initiations aren’t even over yet. I still hold out hope I misheard as I walk into our common area.
I don’t only end up disappointed that she’s here. I end up utterly petrified that my dad is with her.
“Alex!” My mother beams as she stands up and comes to hug me, but I feel like a ragdoll as she does so, incapable of hugging her back.
Fathers aren’t allowed in the house. Men, in general, aren’t allowed in the house. We know many girls sneak them in after parties anyways, but my dad definitely shouldn’t be here.
“What are you guys doing here?” I ask with more vehemence than I wanted to.
“Well, is that a way to greet your mother? We came to see how you were doing. It was your dad’s idea, actually. You know how he is, always worrying.”
Always worrying that I’ll be doing things I’m not allowed and actually start building my own personality.
“Dad isn’t allowed in the house,” I add, pretending I’m concerned about my place at Xi Ep. “Initiations are still ongoing. You guys are going to get me in trouble.”
“Oh, please,” she waves a hand in the air, dismissing my words. “Cassandra said it was absolutely fine. Right, Cass?”
“Of course,” our house mother nods. “We’re so happy to see you here.”
Rather than accepting defeat, I take a different approach. “People are going to freak out if they see Dad. It’s not every day a senator walks into your house. You should have thought of that. It’s hard enough making genuine friends with the Delacroix name.”
My mother scoffs. “Alex, you have plenty of friends. Stop being silly, now. Plus, we won’t stay long. We want to take you out to dinner tonight.” She scans me up and down. “What are you wearing? Is that hoodie part of SFU’s new uniform?”
I shake my head. “It’s mine. I was just cold.” I put my hands in the front pockets and, surprisingly, feel a lighter there. I press my thumb against the wheel, trying to control my anger.
“Okay, well, go get changed. We have a reservation in Stoneview at seven thirty.”
I clench my jaw, doing my best not to scream that I don’t want to go to dinner with them. I simply smile and nod, before heading to my room.
The moment I walk in, I grab the first thing and throw it against the wall. It’s a box of candies I love. The little moon-shaped sugary treats spill all over the wooden floor, and yet it doesn’t help with my frustration. I was finally starting to live a life without having my dad on my back constantly. Now, here he is, making sure I know he’s always watching.
I take off Xi’s sweater and throw it on my bed, ending up in my bra and skirt. I need to find a dress decent enough for a Stoneview dinner. Probably some heels too.
I’d give anything for another night at Xi’s place rather than there. I shower and style my hair, find a designer dress in my closet and slide it on. A silk olive-colored dress that falls to my ankles. The bodice hugs my waist, and I’m attempting to tighten the corset at the back when my door opens behind me.
