Page 89

His eyes never leave mine.

I don’t know how long we stand here in a face-off, but neither of us wants to speak.

My phone—the only thing I managed to grab from the dressing room before this Aidan caught me—pings inside my bra.

I break eye contact first. I glance down at it, but I don’t dare to take it out. I already know who it is.

Looking back at Xander, his eyes are fixed on the phone.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” he asks.

He’s calm.

Too calm.

I shake my head, refusing to speak.

He takes a step forward, while I take one back.

We carry on like this around the room, circling each other like two lions protecting their territory.

Eventually, he strikes, pouncing towards me and pulling me into him in a tight grip. Our bodies collide, his musky scent filling my senses, but the slight pang of metal from the blood keeps me in the moment. Very aware of who the man in front of me is.

Our eyes are locked on each other in question. His arms are firm and embracing.

I just saw what he’s actually capable of, so why do I still feel safe?

“Who’s Luke?” he murmurs, voice gentle.

Xander’s hand slowly retreats from my waist, his fingertips tracing up my arm, causing goosebumps to erupt that only he can raise. They circle my shoulder before dipping to my bra and slowly pulling my phone out, making my breath hitch.

I swallow as he holds it up. And to my surprise, he flings it to the side without looking. It lands with a small thud somewhere in the room.

“Tell me, Angel. You’re trembling,” he whispers as his knuckles trace the contours of my face. His eyes search mine, as if he can find the answer he’s looking for. “Did he hurt you?” he continues.

My eyes squeeze shut instantly at his words. A Luke-sized lump forms in my throat, which I try to swallow down, but it’s stuck. Breathing becomes difficult.

‘You think I could actually love a whore like you?’

‘That hurt? I fucking hope so.’

I flinch at the words echoing in my head, expecting a blow to land on my face.

I’m being restrained. I can’t breathe. He’s going to hit me now.

I use all the strength in my arms to push away from him, landing straight on my back.

“No, no, please don’t—” I rush out, using my legs and arms to back away from him.

He’s saying something, but all I can hear is the echo of Luke’s words in my head. Telling me I’m worthless, unloveable. The sound of his fists connecting with my body. The loud rumble of music and the laughter of his drunk and high friends.

A bitter taste fills my mouth, but I can’t swallow it. I can’t breathe.

“Angel, it’s—”

“No!” I scream.

I hit a wall and immediately curl into myself, shoving my fists into my hair and pulling at the strands.