Page 28

Chapter 27

I grab a throw pillow, cradling it against my abdomen, as if it could offer some comfort while I unburden myself of the darkest of secrets. I take a deep breath before continuing.

“For the first decade of my life, my childhood was picture-perfect. I never wanted for anything. My dad is a lawyer, just like his father before him, and his grandfather before that. My mom has always been the docile, socialite wife, deeply involved in the community. It wasn’t until I was about nine years old that I realized my family wasn’t as perfect as I thought. One night, I overheard my parents arguing—my dad berating my mother. It was the first time I had ever heard him speak to her that way. He’d been drinking, and when he was drunk, he was cruel. I’ve never seen him physically violent with her, but his words were brutal. He told her she was a pathetic excuse for a woman because she couldn’t bear him a second child. A son. I remember the disdain in his voice. I’ll never forget his words.”

God, this is hard. I haven’t felt this vulnerable in a long time. Eli’s concerned gaze hasn’t left mine as he waits for me to continue .

“She seemed to change after that night, becoming more distant, immersing herself in tennis lessons and multiple charitable organizations. When Dad wasn’t working long hours at the firm, he was playing golf at the country club with his colleagues. More often than not, he came home drunk. He grew close to one of our neighbors, and soon, my mom became friends with his wife. Dinner parties and fundraisers became regular events at their house and ours, back and forth. They had two kids, and I adored them. They were like brothers. I loved Mrs. Tammy, William’s wife, but I never felt fully comfortable around him.”

My voice hitches on a sob, and Eli takes my hand, silently urging me on. “And then one night, I realized that my intuition was right.”

Eli’s face hardens, his jaw clenches as he spits out, “Tess, what the hell did he do?” Determined not to let my emotions overwhelm me, I fight to keep the tears at bay, telling myself it’s not my story anymore, that I’m only retelling someone else’s.

“We were at William and Tammy’s house, and I was watching the boys. Babysitting was something I always wanted to do. I saw teenagers babysitting on TV, and I wanted to see what it was all about. That night, I was getting paid for it. I didn’t need the money, but the desire to prove I could be responsible and earn something on my own was so strong. I thought it would make Dad proud.”

“After putting the boys to bed, I fell asleep on the couch in front of the TV. The next thing I remember is waking up to that monster. I tried to get away, but he threatened to kill my parents. I was young and so scared, and all I could do was wish I was somewhere else. I desperately hoped it was a nightmare, one I could wake up from. But the next morning, when I got out of bed, I felt the unmistakable discomfort between my legs and the dried, sticky substance on my stomach.” I shudder violently, the memory sharp and clear, as though it happened yesterday.

Eli’s jaw clenches. “Did you tell your parents?”

“They didn’t believe me,” I say, unable to meet Eli’s eyes. “They thought I’d had a nightmare and later accused me of making it up for attention. They lost my respect that day. I knew then that their reputation and their friends mattered more to them than I did. Their own flesh and blood.” The silence in the room is deafening, louder than my racing thoughts. Still avoiding his gaze, I add, “I can understand if this is too much for you. I can go.”

Before I can move, his hands firmly grip my shoulders, holding me in place.

“Tess,” he growls, his voice rough and commanding, “look at me.”

I meet his gaze, expecting disgust, pity, or something equally shattering. But all I see is sadness and concern.

“You’re not too much. You could never be too much for me. Nothing will change that. Ever.” He leans over and kisses my forehead before pulling me into his chest. “What happened to you wasn’t your fault. You were targeted by a sick bastard who belongs in hell.” I can feel his anger radiating, thick and palpable. He holds me tight in his arms, and the comfort he offers seeps into my bones. I finally let go, and the tears fall freely now.

After a few moments, I lift my head to look him in the eye, needing to get everything out. I don’t want to keep any more secrets from Eli .

“A couple months after the incident, my parents sent me to summer camp here in Lake Falls, where I met Allie. After that, I spent the rest of my educational years at a boarding school. I was determined to do whatever I could to get out of that house— that loveless home. I worked hard to get the grades I needed to earn a full ride to a university far away from them. I haven’t spoken to them since.”

“What was college like?” Eli asks, resting his chin on top of my head.

“College helped me find a newfound sense of independence. No one cared about who my family was, and I made some friends, one of whom I’m still close to. My first romantic relationship started not long after that. His name was Brady, and he made me feel more than anyone ever had before. It only lasted a few short months, but I thought he could’ve been the one. But he wasn’t...” My voice trails off.

“What happened?” he asks gently.

“I killed him.”