Page 71 of Mr. Edwards

He crouches down in front of me, his worried gaze staring up at my face. “Sweetheart,” he says in a gentle voice. “Are you okay?”

I nod, even though I’m anything but.

His eyes roam over me again, and I can see the wheels turning behind them. He’s always been incredibly perceptive. Can he tell I’ve been violated just by looking at me? Do people appear different once they’ve lost their virginity, even if it was stolen from them without their consent?

“You don’t look okay. Even your feet are bleeding. Where are your shoes?”

I look down; I’m so numb inside I didn’t even realize they were cut up. “Roxy kicked me out,” I whisper. “I didn’t know where else to go.”

He stands to full height and wraps me in his big strong arms. “I’m sorry,” he says as his hand soothingly strokes my back. “I don’t know what happened, but she doesn’t deserve you. You did the right thing by coming here, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”

Those words open the floodgates and I break down, sobbing into his chest.

“Shh,” he says, gently rubbing my back. “I’m not sure what happened to you kid, but I hope when you’re ready you’ll tell me.”

I nod my head because I don’t know what else to say.

Stepping back, I frantically wipe the tears from my face, because nobody likes a crybaby. Inhaling a few deep breaths, I stand taller. I need to show my strength, even though I feel like I’m dying inside.

“You don’t deserve the shit this life has dealt you, don’t ever doubt that. It’s okay to cut toxic family out of your life, Carlee. Blood isn’t thicker than peace of mind.” His hand softly glides over my hair as he speaks, and I rapidly blink my eyes, fighting back the tears that threaten to return. “Everything is going to be okay. I’ll take care of you, kid, I promise.”

Nobody has ever been this kind to me, and I’m so grateful I finally have someone in my corner.

He’s the first person to ever truly want me around.

Chapter 16

Carlee

I turn into one of the parking spaces out the front of the swanky office building.‘Black and Edwards Developments’is scrawled across the façade in large silver letters. I took a chance coming here unannounced, but my need to see Grayson was too great. I’ve been on edge all morning, pinging off the walls, and unable to calm down the crippling anxiety raging inside me.

When he left to go to work earlier, things seemed okay between us. Well, apart from the fact he was sporting two black eyes. It fills me with dread every time I think about what I did to him last night. He’s been so attentive and caring, but he’s a good guy, that’s what he does. I’m worried that my confession is going to change our relationship.

Are things going to be weird between us now that the truth is out?

Will he start distancing himself from me?

Is he still able to look me in the eye without feeling sick to the stomach?

Is our sex life ruined?

All thesethings and more run through my mind on repeat.

My stomach churns at the thought. I’ve worked myself into a tizzy, to the point where I feel like I may hurl.

I never wanted this secret to come out. That’s why I’ve fought so hard to conceal it for so long.

I reach for the brown paper bag sitting on the passenger seat and exit the car. I wanted to do something nice for Grayson, so I made him lunch. It’s only a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and a store-bought cookie because honestly, that’s about my limit, but I hope he appreciates the sentiment behind it if nothing else.

Pushing through the large glass doors, my eyes scan the lush, expansive foyer. This place reeks of money, just like everything else he owns. The pretty brunette sitting behind the front desk looks up at me and smiles. I freeze; I probably shouldn’t have come here.

“Can I help you?” she asks.

“Umm… I’m wondering if Grayson is free?” Her eyes move down the length of my body, taking me in, but not in a bitchy way. I see curiosity more than judgment. “I bought him some lunch.” I hold up the bag in my hand.

Her smile widens as she stands. “You must be Carlee.”

“You know who I am?”