Page 42 of Need

I walked toward Cal, one step at a time. He kept watching me. It was as if he was looking for something.

When I came to a stop a few feet in front of him, he reached out toward me. I flinched away, and he dropped his hand.

Tom was watching us, but I couldn’t help my reaction. I willed myself to do better, though.

“Hi, Cal.”

“Are you all right?” he demanded.

I flinched again, but not as much as the first time. “I’m fine.” He looked doubtful. I looked around and saw a couch across the room.

Cal followed my gaze. “Come on,” he said and walked over to take a seat. I trailed behind him, and sat down on the opposite end of the couch.

He started to move closer, but then stopped himself.

Neither of us said anything for a long time. Cal seemed to be waiting for me to say something, but I didn’t know what he wanted from me, so I kept quiet. He finally broke the silence.

“So it’s true. You live with Coleman.” His voice was accusing, and I shrank back into myself. Cal seemed to realize his mistake. “Sorry. I just... you’re different, Anna. I mean...” He seemed mentally to shake himself. “You look... different.”

“I’m sorry. Is what I’m wearing wrong?”

“What?” he asked, startled. “No. You’re beautiful, Anna.” He paused. “I meant that you... well... you seem... has he hurt you?”

“Who?” I asked, not understanding.

“Coleman. Has he hurt you? Brianna, if he has, you can tell me.”

Then, I understood. “Stephan? No,” I shook my head. He looked skeptical. “He’s been great to me.” Then I clarified. “He is great to me.”

There was a look on Cal’s face at my statement, but he dropped the subject. He asked how long I’d been in Minneapolis, and after that, he started telling me about the city.

After a while, I started to relax. I knew Cal. He’d always been nice to me. He wasn’t going to hurt me.

I was telling him about Tony’s when the elevator doors opened, causing me to look up.

Stephan.

I smiled. My body stood automatically, happy to see him.

But then I noticed the look on his face. It didn’t mirror my own. He looked upset.

My eyes immediately lowered to the floor as he began to walk toward me. His arm came around me, pulling me to his side. However, it wasn’t me he addressed. “What are you doing here, Ross? What do you want with Brianna?”

Chapter Ten

Brianna

Stephan’s arm stayed securely around me. I leaned into him, burying my face in his chest.

His body was tight, coiled as if ready for a fight. Something had made him upset, and I didn’t know what. Was I not supposed to talk to Cal?

“What’s it to you, Coleman?”

“You’re here. Where I live. That makes it my business, Ross. Now answer the question.”

There was silence for a long moment before Cal answered. “I came to see Brianna. I didn’t realize I needed your permission,” he sneered.

Stephan didn’t answer right away, and when he did speak, it was to me. His hand came under my chin, making me look at him. “Do you wish to continue speaking to him, Brianna?”

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