Page 71 of Truth

“No.”

“No?” Clearly Ross didn’t believe her.

“No!” she cried. “He doesn’t force me to do anything.”

I wrapped my arms around her waist, resting my hands on her stomach. It was the best option at the moment. The other one was to toss him out as I’d threatened to do earlier. Unfortunately, that would only delay this conversation, and I wanted it over with.

Ross’s eyes were wild, and he clenched his hands into fists. He was no longer focused on Brianna. “You’re having sex with her? After knowing what she’s been through?”

I rested my chin on the top of Brianna’s head and spoke calmly. “I assume you and your girlfriend have sex. Why is the act so appalling to you when it comes to Brianna?”

“It’s different.”

“How? Brianna’s an adult. She’s been through more than most people can comprehend. She is perfectly capable of making decisions about her body.” As I continued to hold her and speak in controlled tones, she gradually relaxed.

“You are a real piece of work, Coleman. Do you know that?”

He leaned forward, but Jade placed a hand on his arm. Her gesture seemed to snap him out of whatever action he was contemplating.

Refocusing on Brianna, there was a pleading in his eyes. “Why, Anna. Why?”

She laced our fingers together. “Stephan’s good to me. He... he’s helped me get better. To not be... afraid all the time. He doesn’t hurt me.” I could tell Ross was about to protest, and obviously so could Brianna. “He doesn’t.”

“Maybe we should sit back down and talk about this like adults?” Jade suggested, tugging on Ross’s arm. He resisted for a moment and then followed her to the couch.

Once they were both seated, I situated Brianna back on my lap. She automatically went to her favorite position with her head on my shoulder. I was glad her tension from earlier had dissipated, and I wanted to keep it that way if possible. Running my hand over her hair, I did my best to comfort her.

“Why do you do that?” The abrupt question from Ross startled Brianna, and I mentally cursed him for his insensitivity.

I took a moment to make sure I was in control before I answered him. “Do what?”

Ross rolled his eyes as if what he was asking was obvious. “Why are you touching her like that? It’s almost as if you’re petting a dog or something.”

“Brianna is not a dog. I touch her like this because it’s something she enjoys.” I continued to run my hand over her hair as I spoke.

He looked at her, disbelieving. “You really like that?”

She nodded but didn’t leave the safety of my embrace.

“Why?”

“It feels nice.”

“Cal, honey, she does seem happy with him.” Jade turned to face Brianna. “You are happy, right?”

“Yes.” Then Brianna looked in Ross’s direction. “I don’t want to leave. I like it here.”

Ross sighed and leaned forward to rest his face in his hands.

“I worry about you, Anna. I really do. With everything you’ve been through, you’re so vulnerable. I don’t want him taking advantage of that. If he’s into...” He took a deep breath and lifted his head. “I don’t want to see you get hurt. Even if he hasn’t tried any of that crazy stuff with you yet, that doesn’t mean he won’t. Is that truly what you want?”

“I want to stay with him.”

He groaned and flopped back against the couch. If we weren’t having such a serious conversation, his reaction might have been amusing.

While I disliked Ross, I was also under no illusion that he intended to be part of Brianna’s life. He was her one link to her past that didn’t cause her pain. Whether I liked it or not, he and I were going to have to come to some sort of common ground.

“I think you’re under a misconception about my lifestyle.”

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