Page 89 of Not Your Little Girl Anymore

And maybe I’ve been too naive to believe he’d never do the cruel things he has done. The mere thought of confronting him face to face makes my stomach flip, fearing what he might do and knowing exactly what he’s capable of. But I know I have to.

“And I think it should be done in the police station.”

Alec brings his head closer and presses his lips to mine. He nods against my forehead. “I’m going with you. I’ll be right by your side.”

Chapter Thirty-four

Summer

Everything feels like a big messed up dream. The worst part, I’d believe it if it weren’t for the gaping hole resting in the center of my chest right where my heart is.

I can’t think.

I can barely eat.

Sleep is a lost cause.

Whatever realistic nightmare I’ve been trapped in needs to end. And that’s what it feels like… A fucking nightmare.

My chest tightens as I stare at the door to the police station across the parking lot. The longer I sit here and do nothing, the more I struggle to catch my breath.

This was my idea; I feel like I should be a lot stronger than I am.

My decision wasn’t an easy one, but it was necessary. I needed to make it.

Alec reaches his arm over, hooking his fingers between mine. He gives a reassuring squeeze, subtly telling me it’ll be OK. It helps, but not enough. It’s far from enough for what we’re about to do.

I turn my head to face him, a strand of hair dangling on the top of his forehead as he leans his head against the headrest, staring at me. There’s a small smile on my mouth, but it drops the second I look back out the passenger-side window.

“What are you thinking?” he asks. If I didn’t like him so much, I’d be annoyed that he constantly asks me that.

I take a deep breath, looking back at him. “This is madness.”

He listens to me carefully, a small smirk plays on his lips. “Have you changed your mind?”

“No. I haven’t.”

“Well then. When you’re ready, we’ll go in.”

I press my right hand to my forehead and shake my head, sighing. “This could very well have you put in cuffs. You know that, right?”

“Well aware.”

“And you’re still going to come inside with me?”

He raises a brow. “Have you listened to a word I said?”

I glance back toward the building. “I have. It’s just… you’re.” Why can’t I think of the right word? “You’re literally perfect.”

“It’s about time you realize that.”

Rolling my eyes, I nudge him in the arm. His laugh is deep and genuine. “I need a couple more minutes.”

“Take all the time you need, sunshine.”

And I do. Taking a deep but harsh breath, I think about everything that can happen the second my father sees us walking into the office. I know he’s in there. I had Alec drive around the back of the building so I could make sure his car was there.

Worry slithers through me, and it doesn’t help that I keep thinking about why my father has it out for Alec. I have so many questions, but that one is one I cannot understand, no matter how many times I try to solve it myself. What could Alec have done that would cause my father to plant drugs on him?

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