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Even as I watch Falk get closer and closer, I refuse to cry.
“With God as my witness.” His black eyebrows furl. “If you don’t get up from that chair right this second…”
Fuck.
Yes, I said a bad word in my head. Mommy and Daddy do that all the time. Daddy even laughs when he hears me cussing.
So I do that. His friends hate it when I do.
Just as they hate me now.
“Briar, please…” A tear runs down Finn’s stubbled cheek. “It’s been a really long day. Please, let’s go home.”
My teeth graze my wobbly lip. I’m already sorry for screaming at Falk.
What’s going on?
Falk closes his fingers on my wrist. He doesn’t tug on it, though.
“We need to go,” he whispers cruelly.
I don’t want to, but he forces me. He pulls me to him. Demanding my attention.
“I don’t understand,” I sigh. I’m tired of acting strong. “Where’s Daddy? Where’s Mommy? Why are you here?”
Mason comes to stand next to us. His tall and wide frame casts a shadow over me, a cold one. I’m annoyed when two fat tears break free from my eyes.
“We have to tell her,” he says to Falk while his blue eyes narrow at me. Eyes like his daddy’s.
I hear Miss Jones’s heavy heels clicking. Her green floral dress disappears as she scurries out the door.
She left me.
Finn didn’t. He shows up beside Mason. Scaring me.
“Tell me what?” I wipe my cheeks angrily, shouting, “Where are my parents?”
Neither of them bends to look me in the eye. My teachers do it to make me feel comfortable. The men above me don’t. They stay high. Far. So very far.
“You won’t be seeing your parents for a long while, Briar.” Finn finally crouches, leaning his forearms on my table. “You’re coming with us.”
“Why?” My fists clench.
Falk tightens his grip on me.
Mason presses his hand to Falk’s shoulder. “Careful, you’ll break her arm.”
Falk turns to Mason, slightly tugging me with him. “Her parents broke a hell of a lot more than an arm.”
“It’s not her fault.” Mason’s teeth gnash, making a grinding sound. “We didn’t come here to hurther. As much as I don’t want to be anywhere near her.”
I bite my cheek. They won’t see how their words hurt me.
Fuck them.
“No one’s going to hurt you,” Finn is quick to reassure me I’m safe.
My heart doesn’t feel so safe right now.
