Page 35 of Falling for Her Protector

“Seriously? You’re going to pull this on me in my house?” his words slice straight through me and I know I shouldn’t push him any further.

“I’m not your sister or one of your brothers. You aren’t my president. I don’t have to follow your orders,” my thoughts tumble out before I can stop myself.

“Then get the fuck out. You know where the door is,” all emotion drains from his voice and my breath catches in my throat.

I feel my eyes widen. He’s actually doing this; he’s kicking me out. After all his promises about family and keeping me safe. The second I don’t follow his directions; I’m no longer wanted.

“Fine,” my voice is a whisper as my feet shuffle around his towering frame and towards the door. I keep my eyes focused ahead of me, not looking at any of our friends as they watch in silence. My fingers reach out and touch the heavy door, pushing it open slowly as I step out into the crisp night air. I inhale deeply, filling my lungs as hot tears roll down my cheeks.

24

Destroyed

X.

My chest heaves as I stomp away from the now quiet party, and back in the direction of my room. I can’t seem to get away fast enough. I need the solitude to pull myself back together. What the fuck did I just do?

I ruined everything. Scratch that, I fucking destroyed it in a matter of seconds. The look in Vanessa’s eyes when I told her to leave was like nothing I’ve ever seen. Before anything else, I had promised to keep her safe, but the second she questioned me in front of my boys, I turned on her like a fucking coward.

“Hey!” Lacey’s voice snaps behind me. “What the fuck, X.?” she asks but I hesitate to turn and face my sister. I know she’ll see right through my shit.

“Don’t even fucking start. You might be my sister, but I won’t hesitate to kick your ass out too if you’re gonna come at me right now,” I answer roughly, finally turning. My body is still shaking from the adrenaline coursing violently through my veins.

“What is going on with you? You do remember where Vanessa was before she showed up on your doorstep, right? She has no one else to turn to, and nowhere to go. If you’re not going to go after her, then I am. That girl is the sister I never had, and I’m not going to lose her just because you’re a fuck up,” she lays right into me.

“I just did her a fucking favor. Leaving is probably the best way to protect her. Now she’s not stuck here waiting for a God damn fairy tale ending,” I lie through my teeth, each word making me sick to my stomach.

“You really expect me to believe that shit? Like I don’t know that you’re completely in love with her. And what the fuck were you thinking bringing Jess here on her birthday? That was a real dickhead move,” she fumes.

I close my eyes and run my hand up through my hair, trying to figure out how to explain this to my sister. I never should’ve had Jess follow me to my room. I should’ve told her to wait by the bar. I wanted tonight with Vanessa to be special. I wanted to be alone with her at the cabin, not this sloppy drunk shit show that it turned into. What a fucking nightmare.

“Fuck...” I breathe out as my own stupidity sinks in deep.

“I bumped into Jess in town, while I was picking up Vanessa’s birthday present. Last time she was here, she conveniently left a necklace in my room. She’s been trying to call me, but I haven’t been answering. She knows I’ve moved on, and honestly, I think she finally has too. She just wanted her necklace back. I just didn’t think...” I confess.

“Jesus, X. Only you could try to do something so simple and manage to have it turn into this,” Lacey shakes her head finally realizing the mess I’ve created for myself.

“I just need a minute. I’ll figure something out,” I turn away from my sister and move into the quiet of my waiting bedroom.

I squeeze the small box I forgot I was holding. The wrapping paper and bow crunch against my palm as my fist curls tightly around the package. I open my fingers and let it fall to the bed before turning back to stare at my now closed door.

I push out a deep breath. Time to man the fuck up. I’m sure Vanessa hasn’t gone far. I need to go find her and make this right.

25

Saying Goodbye

Vanessa

Well, the night has definitely taken a turn. What a complete and utter disaster. I found myself wandering as my mind raced with anger and sadness mixing through my body. I thought I had found a new home, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

After sitting on a small park bench for the past twenty minutes, and letting the cool air clear my head, I’ve finally made my decision. I need to leave town. Unfortunately, there’s one place I need to visit before I can really say goodbye to this life.

“Thanks,” I offer my Uber driver as I open the door and slide out and off the seat. I watch the car disappear quickly as I remain frozen on the edge of the yard, staring at the house.

The car is in the driveway and the lights are on. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s home. The sick feeling in my stomach begins to spread as my feet carry me up the walkway towards the door. I let my hand grip the knob and turn, not bothering to knock.

“What the fuck?” I hear his unmistakable grumble as I step inside. Those first hours and days, I longed to hear his voice but now it brings nothing but a fresh wave of pain.

---