Page 79 of Only Fate

Present Day

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask Adrian, tears in my eyes. “I’d have been there for you in a heartbeat.”

He massages the back of his neck. “I thought we were done, and it’d be another rejection.”

“We agreed to meet after finals, but you just disappeared. I went to your dorm, but it was like you never existed. Like you were a figment of my imagination.”

His gaze connects with mine. “Essie, will you tell me what happened in the park that night?”

I shiver, clutching myself. “I was afraid.”

He puts a hand over his heart and whispers, “Afraidof me?”

“No, I’ve never been afraid of you.”

“Then, what was it?”

Taking a deep breath, I stand.

It suddenly feels like everything is happening in slow motion.

I take small steps toward him.

When I reach him, he sits up straighter.

My hands shake as I free my shirt from my skirt, and I usehis hand to raise it. I gulp, my eyes on his hand as it touches my skin.

My heart beats so fast in my chest that it aches.

I’ve never felt so exposed.

“I was scared of you seeing the real me,” I tell him. “I didn’t want you to see my imperfections.”

Adrian doesn’t flinch as he stares at my scarred skin.

He looks at my scars with a tenderness I wish I had when looking at myself in the mirror.

A gentle plea is in his eyes, as if asking for permission when he raises his gaze to mine.

I nod.

A shiver runs down my spine when he brushes his hand over my skin.

His eyes stay on mine when he reaches his free hand to my shirt buttons. I nod again, and he slowly starts unbuttoning it. The cool air hits my skin as my shirt slides off my shoulders.

I’m on full display for him.

Like an open book revealing my past.

He traces the path of my scars with his thumb, stroking them before tenderly kissing one.

“Essie,” he murmurs, “you embody perfection in every sense of the word. I’ve been in love with every part of you for years.”

I believe him.

And regret washes over me like a wave.

I should’ve been honest with him in the park.

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