Page 70 of Broken Rivalry

Silly, silly girl, a mocking voice taunts in my head. When something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Before I can ponder further, I hear Ethan say goodbye to his father. Panicking, I retreat, rushing back to the bedroom. I dive under the covers, feigning sleep, my heart pounding loudly in my chest.

Moments later, the bedroom door opens, and I feel the bed dip as Ethan slides in beside me. He pulls me close, his arm wrapping around my waist. I stiffen, every muscle in my body taut. I hate how comforting his touch feels, especially now that I know he’s nothing more than a liar.

The apple never falls far from the tree.

“Poppy?” he murmurs, his breath warm against my neck. “Are you awake?”

I don’t respond, forcing my breathing to remain even.

He sighs, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple. “I love you,” he whispers, but I can’t bring myself to reply.

The hours seem endless, and when I’m convinced he’s in a deep slumber, I free myself from his grasp and begin to dress.

“I can’t believe I trusted you,” I mutter to myself, glancing at his sleeping form.

Ethan stirs, his voice thick with sleep. “Hey, where are you off to?”

I curse inwardly. I’d hoped to be halfway back to town before he even noticed I was gone.

“I’m heading home,” I say, avoiding his eyes. “School’s been canceled, and I have to take care of my brothers.”

He sits up, rubbing his eyes. “What?” He reaches for his phone. “Stay here. I’ll find a nanny service. They can get there faster than we can.”

I shake my head. “I can’t leave them with a stranger. Eva can pick me up; her car’s fixed.”

He starts to protest but then exhales heavily, the reality of our situation dawning on him. “Can’t Eva stay with your brothers?” he asks as I move to the bathroom to pack my toiletries.

“She has to leave by lunch,” I reply, my mind racing for more excuses.

His frown deepens, sensing my evasion as I put my toiletry bag in my bag and zip it shut. “Did something happen? Are you not coming back? Did I do something wrong?”

I want to confront him, to tell him he’ll never touch me again. But fear holds me back. What if he tries to keep me here, spinning more lies? I thought I knew Ethan, but now I see how cunning he truly is.

He made me believe he loved me. My stomach squeezes painfully at the mere thought.

I muster a smile, though it feels hollow. “No, everything’s okay. I have a lot on my mind. This trip was a mistake.”

He reaches out, grabbing my wrist gently. “Poppy, talk to me.”

I pull away, my voice firm. “I have to go, Ethan.”

He looks defeated but finally agrees. “Let me drive you back, at least.”

I nod, not having any excuse not to agree to that, and frankly, I feel bad for asking Eva to drive her tiny city car all the way up here.

The drive is tense, filled with a heavy silence. As we near town, I catch him signaling a turn.

“You’ve been quiet. Everything okay?”

I nod absentmindedly. “Only thinking… Where are you heading?”

“To Brenthill.” He throws me a glance. “Shouldn’t I be dropping you at your mom’s?”

“I’ve got to swing by my place,” I say, gesturing to my bags. “I have things to pick up.” Could you be more evasive?

He gives me a skeptical look, clearly not buying my excuse. But I’m done playing his game.

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