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He knew I didn’t mean it. Everything I’ve agreed to, I’ve agreed to under coercion. He’s always making me do things.
A new, scarier question occurs to me.
When will it stop?
I thought it was odd how quickly he dropped me after coming on so strong, sure, but it was a relief as well. It meant I could get back to my life and stop looking over my shoulder.
Clearly, I wasn’t looking over my shoulderenough.
“How did you know I’d come to his house tonight?” I ask softly, remembering some of the things he said to me earlier. “How did you know what I even talked to Professor DeMarco about?”
“You shouldn’t ask questions you don’t want answers to, Sophie.”
“Idowant answers. If I tried to tell anyone the truth about you, they’d thinkI’mcrazy. I don’t even understand it. Why are you doing this to me? Why won’t you leave me alone?”
“I will never leave you alone,” he snaps.
My eyes widen, and I rear back, alarmed at the frightening intensity of his words.
I can tell he didn’t mean to say it, at least not like that.
He lost his temper.
My questions made him angry.
I swallow, hugging myself tight as if I can stop from unraveling, but I’m not sure I can.
When he speaks again, his tone is more controlled. I can tell he didn’t mean to scare me. “Just stop asking questions, Sophie. You’re coming to my house. You’re going to spend the night. I didn’t mean to snap at you, but it’s been a long few days for me, too.”
I don’t say anything for a moment. Can’t decide if I should.
But finally, I decide to tell the truth. “I’m afraid you’re going to hurt me,” I say softly.
I feel his gaze on me, but I don’t turn my head to meet it.
“I told you I wouldn’t,” he says solemnly.
“I know,” I whisper.
But I don’t believe you.
Chapter Twenty-two
Silvan
I changed my mind on the way home.
Ididplan to let her go home tomorrow, but Sophie’s reaction in the car made me realize something.
She needs firmer boundaries.
She doesn’t understand her place right now, so she’s spinning around trying to find it.
Until she does, she won’t be able to feel secure.
Sophie needs a firm hand right now.
I need to let her know exactly where she stands, conventionality be damned.
