Page 74 of His White Moonlight
He turned his head slightly and tapped his cheek.
“Show me you don’t hate me like you said.”
Was that what this was about?Relief flooded me, and I quickly darted in to kiss his cheek.Then I moved to the key locker and found the keys to my very own car.
When I turned, he was already standing by the driver’s door and opened it for me as I approached.
“I’m worried about your hands,” he said.“Can we switch before we hit downtown?”
I nodded, willing to compromise with him since he’d bought the car.Five minutes into the drive, I was glad I did.The car was perfect.However, gripping the steering wheel wasn’t fun.I hadn’t realized how much I would need to use my palms when driving.
When I took the next exit, Bennett’s only comment was to wait for him to open the door for me.He walked me to the passenger door and opened that for me, too.He even leaned in to buckle me, which I appreciated.
We arrived at the office just before lunch.Perfect timing.
“Can I still take an hour lunch break?If so, I’ll go get us something.I need to stretch my legs anyway.”When he seemed about to object, I added.“I won’t go far, and I promise to message you if anything starts hurting.Okay?”
He silently read my pleading expression and then nodded.
“Thank you,” I said before rushing away.
Several of the office girls watched me as I hurried past.I didn’t miss the way their gazes flicked from my bruised neck to my bandaged knees.The Wulf pack was large.Over five hundred members.How many of them knew Storm?How many of them had already heard the story?
As soon as I was out of the building, I sent a message to Sophia that I was on my way.She replied that she’d already gotten us a table and asked if she should order anything for me.I declined and said I’d be there in a few minutes.
I jogged, wanting to make the most of my time.
When I arrived at the cafe, I was grateful for the low ponytail and lightweight clothes because I’d broken a sweat.The AC was a relief as I went to the counter and ordered my takeout.
Turning, I scanned the tables and saw Sophia waving from hers, making it easy to find her.
She stood and hugged me.A real hug.Like Mom’s, but filled with a lot more excitement and a little bit of squealing.
“I’m so glad we could finally meet in person,” she said, pulling away from me.
Her gaze immediately caught on my cheek and neck.Her excitement faded.
“What happened?”
“A door,” I said, pointing to my face and then neck.“A chokehold.”Finally, I held up my hands.“Tripping.”
“You said your family was controlling, but that’s not control.That’s abuse.”
I couldn’t stop my smile.“Oh, this isn’t from my family.This is from co-workers and a neighbor.They’re the main reason I want to attend the school of my choice this time.The last one was full of mean girls, too.”
“Your office and your neighborhood are full of mean girls?”
“Yep.But let’s not talk about them; let’s talk about something good.Like orientation week.Have you looked through the events they posted?Did any interest you?”
She nodded, regaining some of her enthusiasm, and we talked about the dorm room, moving in, and the general roommate agreement rules.Time slipped by fast, and I never heard my phone buzz with messages, but I did hear it ring.
When I saw Bennett’s name, I cringed.
“I need to get this.”
Without waiting for her reply, I stood and answered it on my way to the takeout shelf, where my order had been waiting for a while.
“Tell me you’re all right,” Bennett said, sounding angry.
