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“He’s hurting, Ember. It doesn’t make it right, but still, he’s hurting,” Raven says softly. “He’ll realize his mistake.”
“It was no mistake. He feels betrayed. The one thing he always asked me for was my trust. He understands my position, but can’t really forgive it. I don’t blame him.”
“Bullshit! He left you? Why didn’t you tell me, Little Star?” Cruz asks.
“Because it doesn’t matter. And it’s not like I’m everyone’s favorite person right now.”
At my words, his face falls…guilt tracing his features. He doesn’t get the chance to say anything before Declan pulls me into a hug. I try to hold back, but my hands grip his shirt tightly. I let out a quiet sob.
“I fucked up, big. I let the love of my life think she was inconsequential. It’s my biggest regret. Robbie’s an idiot if he lets you go through this much longer. You’re too special to him,” he murmurs in my hair.
“He is an idiot!” Raven’s arms wrap around us from behind.
“It’ll be okay,” I try to reassure them, mostly talking to myself.
“Ember, I’m serious. You can talk to me.” Raven’s beautiful blue eyes shine with unshed tears. “I adore my brother, and I’m not going to let him lose you. Please be patient.”
I watch Cruz’s face go through a myriad of emotions. He finally looks at me with the loving look I’ve missed so much.
Day five, I’m busted. As soon and I get to the hotel room and change into Robbie’s shirt, there’s a banging at the door. I hesitate to answer until I hear a keycard in the lock and start to panic. Cruz slams open the door and comes in, followed by my dad, Alex, and Aunt Chloe. She immediately starts packing my things as my dad stalks to me.
“You’re living in a hotel?”
“Yes,” I squeak.
“After all we’ve gone through, you still don’t talk to me?” he booms.
“I didn’t think you wanted to hear from me. You’ve been so angry.”
His face fills with regret as he pulls me to him forcefully. “My baby doesn’t live in a hotel. She lives with family.”
“Jesus Christ! When’s the last time you ate?” Alex crosses his arms. “You’re skin and bones.”
“I’m fine,” I assure him, trying to wiggle out of my dad’s hold. “What are y’all doing here?”
“I knew something wasn’t right after Declan and Raven visited yesterday. It clicked in my head that you were hiding something… again. So I followed you here today and called the troops. How long have you been here?” Cruz glares at me.
“Five days.”
Aunt Chloe gasps in the bathroom, and dad’s arms tighten.
“Five fucking days???”
“I couldn’t stay at Robbie’s, and coming back home didn’t seem like an option,” I admit.
“Jesus Christ, Ember! What the hell has gotten into you? The old Ember would never do something like this.” Cruz’s tone is harsh and condescending.
Then it happens. I FUCKING BREAK! All the hurt, anger, confusion, and misery I’ve felt for weeks erupts to the surface and I combust. I push out of my dad’s arms and point to Cruz in fury.
“The old Ember? The same girl you begged to let go and live? The same one you encouraged to fall in love and give something a chance?” I scream as every head whips to me. “Well, this is her!”
All my self-pity for the last five days turns into pure rage. My dad opens his mouth, but I throw my hand out and glare, daring him to speak.
“For my whole life, I’ve been a doormat, but that stops now. You want to know why I didn’t come to you specifically, Dad? Because when I tried, you were singing Natalie’s praises and telling me how she blamed me.”
His hand goes to his chest, hurt filling his face. But I don’t quit.
“And you…” I point to Cruz. “I was scared for your fucking life. I didn’t want to take a chance of living a day without you— or Alex. This man THREATENED you! Can’t you see?
