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She touches my arm. “Stay for a bit. They know you’re safe and it’ll give you time to sober up.”
As much as I want to stay, I know it’s in my best interest to leave. Being drunk might make this bearable.
“Thank you, but I don’t want you to get caught in the crossfire.”
“You know you’re always welcome here, right? I know I haven’t spoken up for you in the past, but maybe things will change now that Selma is to be married.”
My chest tightens and I have to blink back tears.
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
I back away from them before I do something stupid, like cry, and push the button for the lift.
Aunt Ayra calls out, “I’ll make sure there’s a car waiting for you when you reach the first floor.”
I nod my understanding. The doors are almost closed when Freja sticks her hand out, stopping it.
“Here.”
She shoves something into my palm before stepping away. This time the doors do close. Part of me wants to push the button for Grandmama’s floor, but I know what will happen if I go up there, especially in this state. Unclenching my fist, I find a mini bottle of vodka and a pill. Not caring what it is, I toss it back and empty the bottle in one swallow. Hopefully, it’s something that will help me feel numb before I face Odin’s wrath.
14
Anna
The doormen watch me as I stumble from Aunt Ayra’s car, though they don’t offer to help steady me. They’re probably justifiably afraid they’re going to die if they touch me. I snort, entering the building. Look at me, scaring grown men.
In the elevator, I lean against the wall, closing my eyes. Tonight was a lot of fun and I really like Flynn, but I don’t think I like him in the way he likes me. I mean, that would be too easy, right? For me to like someone who’s my age, interested in me, and who is single. No, I want—
“Odin!”
He doesn’t say a word as he pulls me from the elevator, dragging me toward my room. I don’t even try to fight him. I already know he’s going to win. Inside my room, he kicks the door close, locking it. I stand there, my arms crossed over my chest, trying not to sway.
“Did you not learn your lesson the first time?”
I meet his gaze. “I was with Freja, Odin. No one else. What? Are you going to kill my cousin? What about her mother? She knew I was with Freja, too.”
I’m only telling a partial truth here. Yeah, Aunt Ayra knew I was with Freja, but she has no idea where we were. And, yeah, I was with Freja, but I was also with Flynn.
He exhales through his nose. “You are not to leave this house. What part of that don’t you understand?”
I laugh and shake my head.
“Have something you want to say to me? Go on, baby girl, tell Daddy what’s on your mind.”
“I’m tired, Odin, and drunk. What’s on my mind is that I just want to go to sleep.”
I turn my back on him and cross the room to my closet. I mean what I say. I just want to go to bed. I feel him approach, his anger licking at my back.
“Where did the two of you go?”
Ignoring him, I pull my shirt over my head and unclasp my bra, letting both fall to the ground. I slip my nightshirt over my head and then work my jeans down my legs. His arms go around my waist, pulling me flush against his body. Hot breath hits my ear and I shiver.
“Where. Did. You. Go.”
I glance over my shoulder. “Nowhere.”
His eyes are full of fury. And what do I do? I laugh again, pulling free from his grasp.
