Page 5 of Under Their Protection

Because you fucked my sister in our bed?

Isaac

You are really willing to throw six years away?

You seemed pretty willing when you were railing my sister last night. How many others were there?

Isaac

I’m not doing this with you right now. We need to talk in person.

Me

So you can leave more bruises on my arms again?No thanks.

Isaac

I did not grab you that hard. Don’t be dramatic, Anika.

Me

Are you going to the family dinner with Harper?

Isaac

Yes. I assume you are as well?

Me

Oh, dear ol’ Mom wouldn’t pass up the chance to let me know how much more superior Harper is than me. Just to make it clear now, I have no interest in talking to you or her. I will listen to Mom and Dad, but that’s it.

Isaac

I want to fix us, Anika.

Me

No. You want to be in control. I took that control when I left without reacting. Go fuck yourself and stop texting me.

I slide my phone over to Mia for her to read the messages while everyone else is going through their plans for next week. She rolls her eyes and hands me my phone back.

“You good?” Rowan asks me quietly as Marvin is taking forever to cover his one author. I open the text backup and hand him myphone. Rowan is visibly tense when he hands my phone back to me. I give Mia a confused look.

“You just showed the man who has the hots for you that your ex put his hands on you and left bruises,” she leans in to whisper to me.

“He does not,” I whisper back to her with a deep frown. Rowan doesn’t talk to anyone… Well… Besides me and Mia.

“Watch. When we get out of here he’s going to corner you and ask about the bruises. He will probably want to see them,” she smiles.

I’m struggling to stay awake through the rest of the meeting. Rowan finally dismisses everyone. I go to walk out and Rowan stops me.

“Stay,” he says. I sigh heavily and Mia laughs. Just because he cares if I am bruised doesn’t mean anything. “Mia, close the door please.” Mia nods then walks over to shut the conference room door.

“Let me see,” he says simply.

“Rowan, it’s not a big deal,” I proclaim.

“If he left bruises on you, itisa big deal. Show me,” he says. His tone is deadly serious. I am definitely not getting out of this.

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