Page 42 of Ordinary Secrets

My tactic works, because Trey perks up, laughing. “I’m not Superman.”

“So, you’re Spider-Man, then? You’ve got Spidey senses that tell you when someone’s in trouble?”

He chuckles lightly. “Not even close.”

For the rest of the car ride, I don’t mention Lucas again, even though I want to, because knowing things like that isn’t normal.

As Trey pullsinto the parking lot of my apartment, I subtly glance around forhiscar. When I don’t see it, I let out a breath of relief. Day forty and counting.Maybe he’s done stalking me...

“Did you have a good time?” Trey asks after he parks his vehicle.

I offer him a genuine smile. “I did.”

That was the best dinner I’ve had in a long time. Plus, I haven’t laughed that much since, well... before my ex. I hate that I allowed him to take away my happiness for so long.

“Thanks again, Trey. Tonight was fun.” It was so fun that a part of me doesn’t want to leave. I’m enjoying his presence, and the way he looks at me like I’m the only person in the room who matters. Unfortunately, this was a one-time thing, and as much as I don’t want to go, I have to.

I’m about to grip the door handle when a firm palm on my shoulder pulls me back.

“Hold on a sec. I didn’t get a chance to ask you out again.”

All the air leaves my lungs as I screw my eyes shut. The world around me stills. The hand gripping my shoulder is the one thatused to bruise my face. It’s the one that used to control me in ways that still haunt me.

He yells at me. “You can’t wear dresses like this, you whore!”

I try to get away, but his fingers claw into me like talons wrapped around a mouse.

“Don’t you dare walk away when I’m talking to you! We’re not done!”

“Arella?” Trey’s gentle voice pulls me back. His hand is gone. It’s in his lap now, away from me, not hurting me. “You okay?”

Nodding, I force a smile.

Judging by the way Trey crinkles his forehead together, he’s not buying it. “You sure?”

“I’m fine.” My voice shrinks so much, even I don’t believe it.

Slowly, he leans into me, and I catch a whiff of his scent. He’s wearing a sweet cologne that smells nothing like Nathan. Usually, my ex smells of gin and cigarettes.

In almost a whisper, Trey asks, “Do you wanna talk about it?”

I glue my lips together and shake my head. I can’t talk about it. Not with him. I’ll start crying. Talking about it is like reliving it, and I’ve already lived it for enough years to never want to do it again.

I feel him staring at me. He’s probably debating whether or not to push this subject further. Like how he didn’t want to explain Lucas, I don’t want to explain this.

Finally, Trey leans back and smiles warmly. “I’d love to see you again.”

My voice comes out soft. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

His face drops. I wait for him to lash out at me and yell at me for not giving him his way. I wait for him to call me a bitch because I’m being “disobedient.”

Instead, he tenderly asks, “Can you explain why?”

Because I’m starting to like you.I can’t admit that.

Because my ex-boyfriend is a psycho and will scare you off like he did the last guy—with a knife.Telling Trey that will prompt more questions.

Because Nathan is still under the impression that he can control my life.That will make me sound pathetic. I hate acknowledging that my three-year mistake still has power over me. Not as much as he used to—just enough to keep me fearful.

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