Page 65 of Tell Me Everything
“I can't take advantage of you like that. It wouldn't be right.”
They had already been so good to me. I couldn't keep relying on them indefinitely. Besides, deep down, I knew that Lexi's affection for me had shifted as our friendship had evolved. Alexwanted to retort, but thought better of it.
“Call me if anything happens, okay? I don't care what time it is or why. If anything happens, I'll come get you.”
“I mean, look at you. You'll be a perfect boyfriend,” I joked to lighten the situation.
This time, it didn’t work. He was more serious than ever. “Promise me!” he insisted.
“I promise.”
As I entered the house, I tried to make my way to my room on silent feet to avoid Frank. Luck was not on my side; he was already in the corridor. He seemed particularly sober, which lulled me into a fake sense of safety. My father raised an eyebrow when he spotted me, but didn’t show more interest than that. My body froze, unsure of what would happen. When he was sober, he wasn't physically violent. His words became his weapons: sharp and made to wound a person to a bloody pulp.
“Where have you been?”
Like you give a shit.
“At a friend's house.”
His gaze fell on the bruise on my neck, and I swallowed. I should have followed Lexi's advice and hidden that hickey with concealer.
“Friends, you say. Looks like you got fucked instead.”
How was I ever going to stand up to him? His words had the same effect as his fists. My breath caught in my throat. I lowered my eyes and hurried to my room. I wouldn't break in front of him. Not this time.
Chapter 24
Alex
“What do you want to watch?”
Elena looked at the DVDs they had. Alex didn't know what style of film she would choose. He feared something romantic and clichéd. Even if they usually had the same tastes, sooner or later she would force him to watch something likeTitanic, wouldn’t she? Elena pulled outKnights of the Zodiac.Oof.
“I didn't expect that.”
Elena smiled gently, observing the disc case.
“When we were little, my brother and I used to watchKnights of the Zodiacas we ate our breakfast before leaving for school.”
“I feared you'd choose a romantic movie. I’m relieved.”
Elena patted the top of his head before heading back to the bedroom. She moved around the house as if she were at home—a sight that made him so happy.
“Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I like romantic movies by default. I don't particularly like mushy stuff. You should know that by now.”
Fair enough. Alex turned on the anime before turning back to Elena. Seeing her lying on his bed was becoming a habit, and it was putting Alex in a tizzy. He loved her so much, it was almost comical. Alex took a deep breath and sat down on the bed as well. While Elena's eyes were glued to the TV, Alex couldn't help but look at her. At first, he'd been afraid their friendship would suffer once the truth about his past came out. Everyone who had learned what had happened looked at him with sad eyes. Elenahad stayed the same. She didn't act like nothing had happened, but she also didn't treat him as if he was going to collapse as soon as anyone got near. With her, he wasn't a victim or a reject. He was just Alex. After a moment, she turned her head towards him, raising an eyebrow.
“Is there a reason you're staring at me like that?”
Without saying a word, Alex pressed his lips to hers. Realizing he'd just kissed her when she'd told him she wanted to wait, he expected her to push him away. Alex abruptly pulled back. By acting without thinking, he'd taken advantage of the situation and become the kind of guy he despised.
“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that.”
Elena gave him a mischievous smile.
“I know I'm irresistible, but warn me next time.”
“You're not mad?”
