Page 2 of Broken Princess

I stare down at the key he places in my hand in confusion. "A key? What's this to?"

"One of my family's safe houses," he says dryly. "Dad lets his associates stay in them whenever they need a place to crash. This one's on the state border. I'll text you the address. It’s there if you need a place to stay the night."

I hesitate, but before I can say anything or protest, he says, "Trust me, no one is going to notice. It would be the least illicit purpose that place has ever served."

I smile a little. "I appreciate it. Really."

"Don't mention it," he insists. He pauses, glancing over at my suitcase on the bed. "Is that everything?"

"Yeah, everything I'm bringing," I say with a shrug. "If nothing else, packing was easy."

He sighs. "Are you sure about this? You know, if you did want to stay—"

"I'm sure," I say, sounding far more certain than I really am. My head and heart aren't on the same page in this matter. "It's not just about me. Not anymore.” I press a hand to my stomach.

He nods in understanding. "Yeah. I get it. At least let me walk you to your car?"

"That would be nice," I say, reaching for my suitcase only for him to heft it over his shoulder with these. He smirks at my surprise. "I'm stronger than I look.”

I laugh a little, locking up my dorm room. It feels more like home than anywhere has lately, but I can't say I'll be too sorry to leave it behind. No matter how uncertain the future is, it's better than what I can offer my baby—and myself—if I stick around this place any longer.

"So, what are you going to tell your dad?" Anthony asks, echoing the question that's been on my mind plenty, too.

"No idea," I admit. "But I plan to be long gone by the time he notices. Considering the state of our relationship, I doubt that'll be anytime soon."

Anthony hesitates. “Yeah, but you said it yourself, he's been paying more attention lately, with Stefan and all."

He has a point. Dad has been way more… attentive may not be the right word, but he certainly has been more of a pain in the ass than usual.

"I guess I just have to hope that I can keep him off my trail."

"Well, he won't get anything from me," Anthony promises.

"I appreciate that." I pause. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Anything," he says without hesitation.

"When all this goes down," I begin. "I know there are probably going to be people looking at Stefan, all things considered. I went to the party with him, and Lorenzo is already breathing down my neck. I want to keep anyone from finding out for as long as possible, but if my disappearance does end up getting linked back to Stefan somehow..."

"You want me to tell them you ran away?" he offers.

"I mean, I figure I'll be well out of Dad's reach by then," I answer.

"You'd really be willing to risk your great escape for a guy you barely even know?" he asks, arching an eyebrow.

I shrug. "I just don't want to drag anyone else down with me. Trust me, I have no intention of letting him find me, but I don't want Stefan getting blamed for something all over again."

"You really don't think he did it, do you?" he asks, a curious glint in his eyes as he cocks his head.

I hesitate, because it's the first time it's hit me. "No, I really don't," I admit. "I don't know why. Maybe it's just naivete, and I don't know everything that happened, but... I don't think Stefan is capable of something like that."

"Huh," he murmurs thoughtfully. "Well, I'll do my part. If it comes to that."

We're already at my car, and sadness tugs at my heart again. I smile up at him, leaning up to embrace him once more and kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you. For everything."

"I'm always here, whatever you need," he says, giving me another big squeeze. "Now, drive safe."

"I will," I assure him as he helps me get my bag into the trunk and settle into the driver's seat. After another round of goodbyes, I start up the car.

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