AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‡
Awarmth wentthrough me as I contemplated Dani’s kindness. She didn’t even know me, but here she was, being nothing but kind and supportive. There wasn’t a hint of jealousy at my companionship with Jonas. In fact, she seemed to be encouraging me toward him, though, the thought of being Jonas’s friend and watching him with someone else wasn’t something I could ever imagine myself being able to do. She was truly extraordinary.
Climbing off my bed, I walked over to the mirrored doors of my closet and pushed the sliding doors back, taking the brush off the top of my dresser. I raked through my long, dark hair, placing it in a high ponytail, though it still fell just past my shoulders.
It was then that I took notice of my appearance. Beyond simply needing a shower after my impromptu workout, I was a complete mess. I decided to get myself at least somewhat cleaned up and presentable before Ian’s arrival.
I pulled on a T-shirt over my black tank top, noticing that it hung loosely over my black and red Boston University sweatpants. I was surprised to have found I lost some weight. I crossed the hall to wash my face and brush my teeth, then returned to my bedroom. As I was pulling on a pair of black socks, my bedroom door opened again and Dani poked her head inside.
“Ian is here. Just come out when you’re ready.”
“I’ll be right there, thanks,” I said.
A few minutes later, I opened my bedroom door, but was immediately frozen in place when my ears were accosted by raised voices coming from the living room.
“Take her to the hospital to get checked out.”
“But then they will report it. I promised Lily I wouldn’t push her.”
“Why are we keeping this from Jonas? He wouldmakeher do the right thing.”
And there was my cue.
When I entered the room, Ian and Dani were standing next to the couch. He was in full Wall Street business attire—dark navy suit with a tie and crisp white shirt. The set of his high cheek bones, full lush mouth, and wide deep blue eyes that gave him a more feminine beauty, though his square jawline, which was clenched from where I stood, made him masculine and handsome. He ran his hand through his layered blonde hair in an achingly familiar way that instantly catapulted my mind back to Jonas. It was something he did that I found incredibly sexy.
I rubbed my brow to clear my thoughts. “I’m sorry to involve you, Ian. Jonas and I are not together anymore, but I’ll tell him about this fight with Declan when I’m ready.”
Relief flooded Dani’s face, while Ian’s remained skeptical. He took long strides and closed the distance between the two of us, scowling as his gaze roamed over my face.
“Hell, no,” Ian said hotly. “This rat bastard goes to jail tonight.”
I recoiled and stared down at my black socks. “I’m sorry, Ian, but that’s not possible….” I stammered.
I felt his hand brush my shoulder and I flinched.
“Shit,” he said, clenching his hands at his sides. “Sorry for upsetting you, but letting this asshole go makes it dangerous for you and anyone else that comes in contact with him. Just keep that in mind when you decide to let him walk around free—”
“Ian. Enough,” Dani said crossly. She came over to me and eased her arm around my shoulder, guiding me to the couch to sit down. “This is fresh and she’s not ready. You agreed to listen, so let’s just get started with her statement and then we’ll let Lily get some rest.”
Ian walked over and dropped down in my yellow chair. I covered my smile at how odd it looked with him and his black leather briefcase on my pine coffee table. The sci-fi coasters only further enhanced the scene. He pulled out a few legal-sized papers, a recording device, and a camera.
“Most of these are standard consents and agreements to act in case you choose to press charges against the abuser in the future,” Ian said curtly. “I need everything, in your words. The attack as it happened. Sequentially. Any other times he beat you, as well.”
I cringed at his words, as they fed my shame.
“Ian. I’m regretting ever contacting you,” Dani said with irritation in her voice. “You’ve completely embarrassed me.” She turned to me. “I’m sorry, Lily.”
Before I could even respond, he took a breath and said, “I apologize. Again.” Ian leaned forward. “Lily, please look at me.”
I glanced his way.
“I am sorry if what I say hurts you, I’m here to help. It’s just that one of my stepfathers was abusive.” He leaned towards me. “I understand you’re scared, and I promise even though I’m angry, it’s not at you. I’m upset that you were hurt. It’s not your fault. Do you understand?”
I sucked in air and nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”
“Do you need a few minutes?” Dani asked.
I shook my head. “No.”
