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“It’s part of my panic attacks. I’ll be OK. I promise.”

He regarded her intently for a moment before giving her a nod. He led her to the kitchen and calmly settled her onto a barstool before pouring them both a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Placing the glass on the counter in front of her he turned her barstool to face his.

“Talk to me, baby. Why was Michael so intent on me checking on you, and what does he want you to tell me?”

She took a deep breath, a long drink, and closed her eyes. “I need to tell you how I met Michael Silas.”

Bradley didn’t say anything, just made eye contact and let her know he was listening intently.

“He’s a few years older than me and had already graduated by the time I got to college. He was working for the campus police department. I’m pretty sure it was his first job. It’s impressive really that he’s already made detective here in D.C.

“Anyway, my freshmen year I was still pretty upset about my parents dying in a car accident, and I had no friends, so I set out to make some in a big hurry. I was going to any party I could get an invitation to; everything from frat parties to kink parties. The way everyone talks you would think the most danger would be at the kink parties but turns out that’s not the case.” She took another long drink of her wine.

She hated talking about this. He picked up her hand and squeezed. “Take all the time you need, baby.”

“The short version of the story is I was at a frat party on campus one night. There was a lot of alcohol, and I’m sure some drugs but I wasn’t really drinking that night. I think I’d had a half a beer—if that. It was storming badly outside. I’ve always hated storms.

“I had been warding off the advances of an older student all night. He was a rich kid who thought a woman would suck his dick just because he had a trust fund. I wasn’t interested. The building we were in lost power, and I couldn’t see anything. All the girls were screaming. People tend to get stupid when the power goes out. Anyway, I felt someone grab me, and they dragged me into the bedroom that was off the main living area. I screamed, but everyone just thought I was another drunk college girl freaking out about the power outage.”

She could see the realization in his eyes. He knew what she was about to tell him, but it didn’t make saying it any easier.

“It’s OK. You don’t have to tell me details.”

“I need to get this out. Just give me a minute.”

He nodded and refilled her glass.

When she was ready, she took a deep breath and spoke again. “I tried to fight him off. I really did, but he was bigger than me. So yes, he raped me. I can still smell him sometimes, and it’s revolting. In the struggle, he slammed my head against the wall. I must have blacked out because when I came to again, he was gone, and I was alone in the dark. I wanted so bad to get up and run out of that house, but I was paralyzed with fear. I couldn’t stop shaking. I was so fucking cold. I heard a lot of commotion out front.” With a shaky hand, she took a drink of her wine. Bradley kept his gaze fixed on her and she found the strength to continue. The hard part was out.

“Alcohol wasn’t allowed on campus, and anytime the power went out the police would come through all the campus buildings to make sure everyone was OK. Of course, they discovered the booze, and I think there were a few high school girls there too. They rounded people up, but I was still too paralyzed to move.”

Bradley gripped her hand. “Baby,” he whispered. Darci squeezed his hand and offered a wry smile.

“Michael is the one that found me, and he knew instantly what had happened. I'm not sure why he did it, but he took me straight to the hospital himself instead of calling the ambulance—which was completely against protocol. I think he had a crush on me for a little while after that, but now we’re just like brother and sister. Only he’s bossier than a big brother.” Darci threw in the last line, hoping to lighten the mood for a minute.

“He took my statement when I was ready to talk. We never could prove who did it. But even when the school tried to get me to not file an official report because cases like these rarely see justice, he pushed me to file anyway. We may not have been able to prove it, but I knew who it was, and I could name him in an official investigation. I did. It ruined his reputation on campus, and he ended up dropping out and leaving town. I haven’t heard anything else about him since. At least until a couple of weeks ago when Carrie told me Facebook recommended she add him as a friend.”

Bradley brought her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. Sometimes when found out she’d been raped, they looked at her differently, but not Bradley. He was concerned, but he wasn’t looking at her like she had grown a horn.

“So that’s my story. Now, anytime the power goes out there’s a chance I’ll have a panic attack. Sometimes it’s worse than others, I’ve been so busy that I haven’t made it to my therapy sessions lately. I think that coupled with hearing that he might be in the area has made me extra anxious and susceptible to panic.”

Bradley frowned. “That’s my fault. I’m so sorry, Darci. I had no idea.”

She shook her head. “No. It’s my fault. It’s my responsibility. Michael always calls me if he knows the power is out. He usually doesn’t tell my boyfriends about this little fear of mine though. I’m kind of mad at him for that.”

Bradley laughed. “Don’t be mad at him, baby. I think he loves you almost as much as I do. Just not the same way.” Darci’s eyes grew wide. This was the first time he’d ever used the L word.

“That’s right, I said it. I love you, baby girl. I’m glad he called me. I want to know everything about you, and I want to take care of you.” As if on cue, the power came back on, and Darci breathed a sigh of relief. She had to look like hell.

“Thank you for listening, Bradley. I’m glad you love me. I’m pretty sure I love you too. I’m sorry I’m still scared of everything that entails.”

“I’m going to ask a question and there is no wrong answer.”

She nodded for him to continue. “Can I help you remember your therapy sessions? I understand that’s a private thing and I will never force the issue, but I know I’m the one that’s been keeping you occupied these last few weeks. I don’t want to be the reason you’re having panic attacks.”

She smiled. He was so thoughtful. “You’re not the reason for my panic attacks, but I am OK with you helping me remember to make time for myself. I’m sure Dr. Martin has tried to call me several times.”

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