Page 16 of Rebel Romeo

And yet, I couldn’t force myself to look away. It was like I wanted the torture.

The svelte line of her throat tightened as she swallowed and a single tear fell down the bridge of her nose, her eyes still trained on me. Quickly, she turned her head upstage and swiped it away.

One single tear.

Then it was gone.

Her eyes, back on Nate.

A single, frigid chill radiated up my spine at the haunting expression I’d seen, if only for a second.

I caused that.

I fucking caused that tear. I caused her suffering. So much so, that she’d almost given up a dream role.

Every part of my soul wanted to rush the stage and knock Nate out of the way to scoop her in my arms. I wanted to drape her with my body. Kiss away every tear on her cheeks. I wanted to consume and absorb every ounce of pain I’d caused.

But then, McCay leaned into me, whispering, “That moment was quite beautiful, wasn’t it?”

“I think we both know that wasn’t acting.”

With her lips pressed together, McCay hums. “Wasn’t it? Whatever you two are doing, it’s making Kate a more well-rounded actor.”

“I’m breaking her,” I whispered, more to myself than to McCay. “I want to stop, but I can’t.” A searing pain flared in the back of my throat and the heat of unshed tears pricked the back of my eyes.

“Not all broken things are ruined, Mr. Dorsey. Besides, I suspect that she might be breaking you.”

I shook my head, all words lost in my throat.

You can’t break something that’s already demolished.

CHAPTER SEVEN

I manage not to fall apart on the subway ride home. The entire ride and walk up to my apartment, I’m strong. Fortified.

Until I tell Jill about my day. I crumple into her arms and sob.

I didn’t realize until that moment how much of my fortitude was relying on this lie I’d told myself. That Missy and Holden were fake. That he was lying.

It couldn’t be real because if it was, then it meant I fell for his lies all over again and was right back where I’d been five years ago.

Duped.

Alone.

Used.

I’m not sure how long we sit on the couch with her holding me, comforting me, but she doesn’t seem to care. That’s the beautiful thing about Jill. She’ll do whatever it takes to be the best friend she can be to you.

I only hope someday, I can make it up to her. Be there for her as much as she has for me.

After what feels like forever, I sit up and sniffle, wiping my eyes with my sleeve.

Jill stands up, crossing into the kitchen. She grabs the coffee pot and fills it with water.

“Maybe I made a mistake signing that contract,” I say over the sound of running water. “I could be working with Keith right now. I could be back as Julie in his show, never having to see or work with Holden, Missy, or Senator Dorsey again.”

Jill pokes her head into the living room. “Sidebar: How long are you going to call him Senator Dorsey? You’re an adult now… colleagues even, some might say. Call him Erik.”

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