Page 66 of The Dance
He drew his head back again. “No, why would I?”
“Because you’ve known him a long time.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I know what he does in the bedroom. Plus, he’s married and doesn’t need Sweethearts.”
I cocked my head to the side. “You know as well as I do that there are married men on the app.”
“Okay, true, but I didn’t know Brody used it if that’s what you’re referring to. He seems happily married.”
“When did he get married?”
“It’s been about three years now. Can you just tell me what the hell is going on?”
I took a deep, long breath. “He raped me.”
Eddie stared at me, not saying anything for what felt like forever. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.” I nodded with a whisper.
He took a step, and I retreated on impulse, my back hitting the door. He blinked. “Do you think I’m like him?”
“Thirty minutes ago? No. Now? I hope not.”
“You know me. I would never do something like that.”
We locked eyes, neither one of us moving, and I knew deep down Eddie would never hurt me. Even though I was rude to him and called him a dweeb, he still helped me with my homework. I gave a brief nod, and before I knew it, he had me in his arms.
“Are you sure it was him?”
I drew my head back, looking up into his brown eyes. “Are you saying I’m a liar?”
“Not at all, but if it really is him, my entire world is about to change.”
“Mine already did.” I laid my cheek back on his chest.
Eddie held me against his firm body, neither one of us saying anything before he asked, “Can you tell me what happened?” Stepping out of his embrace and sitting on the end of the bed, I told him when, where, and everything after. I also told him howChuck’sprofile had vanished after that night.
“Fuck,” he breathed as he paced in front of me.
“I’m sorry.”
He stopped and turned to me. “Why are you sorry?”
I lifted a shoulder. “Because he’s your friend and business partner.”
He crouched in front of me and grabbed my hands. “You have nothing to be sorry about, sunshine.”
“But—”
“But nothing. You need to go to the police.”
“He’s your friend,” I argued again.
“I don’t give a fuck. In fact—” He stood. “I’m going up there to kick his ass now.”
“Wait!” I reached out and grabbed his hand before he could walk away. “You can’t.”
“The hell I can’t.”
