Page 46 of Aine

I don’t move.

My head aches as I struggle to make sense of what just happened. I’ve been working hard to build a new life here, and while it wasn’t much, I felt I had a solid friendship with Alex.

Now that’s broken.

My legs shake when I finally step away from the wall, my body exhausted after exerting so much energy trying to fight Damien. While I’ve always thought him to be a bit of a dick, today was a real eye-opener into just how awful of a person he is.

He’d give Henry a run for his money.

The walk to my cabin is bleak, my body numb as I grab my few belongings and make my way to Damien’s house. It’s empty, and I navigate my way to the open bedroom. Freya’s already left, and I drop my things on the bed before heading back to grab the last of them.

Freya walks out of the cabin as I approach, her lips downturned and arms crossed over her chest.

“You’ve taken enough of my clothing already. I’ll be keeping the rest.”

“Alex gave them—” I start, stopping as I realize it doesn’t matter.

There wasn’t much left in there, anyway.

I turn and head back to Damien’s house with a quiet sigh. As ashamed as I am to admit it, a small part of me is excited to not have to brave the cold or listen to the window rattling every time so much as a breeze brushes against it at night.

Olivia rushes to stand outside my bedroom door as I walk up the stairs, her cheeks red as she waits for me to reach the top.

“Hey?” I greet, confused by her presence.

We haven’t spoken since the incident in Damien’s office, and if I’m honest, I was planning on avoiding her for the rest of my days. She dips her head in greeting, the blush on her cheeks deepening.

“I just wanted to say I’m glad you’re moving in here,” she murmurs, shuffling awkwardly. “And I wanted to know if you need any assistance?”

The fact that she uses the exact same phrasing as Damien doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m sure he told her to come offer, probably just so he can bring it up later in an attempt to prove how generous of a man he is.

“I’m okay. Thanks, though,” I respond, offering a slight smile so I don’t seem rude.

Olivia frowns, her hands moving to grip the hem of her dress. It’s the one Damien once gave me to wear, and I resist the urge to shiver at the memories that surround it.

“Look,” she says, stepping back with a quiet sigh. “I know you and Damien haven’t gotten off to a good start, but he does care.”

I blink, unsure how I’m supposed to react to that information.

Olivia doesn’t seem to mind my lack of response, a quiet laugh erupting from her as she continues. “He purchased three bedroom sets before settling on one he thought you’d like.”

I shrug, indifferent to his actions. It doesn’t matter how many bedroom sets he purchases for me if he’s going to follow it up by offering his brother the opportunity to rape me. Olivia seems confused about my lack of care, clearly having expected me to swoon.

“Thanks for telling me.” I scratch the back of my neck as I peer into my new bedroom.

She seems to take the hint and backs off, her shoulders slumping as she returns to her room. I stare at her retreating figure, unable to tell if I like her or not. When her door closes I suck in a deep breath and step into my room.

I didn’t pay any attention to the furniture before, but now I can’t resist taking a closer look. Both the bed frame and corresponding nightstands are made of dark cherrywood, and it seems Damien even purchased complementing creme sheets. Is this the furniture Jenna mentioned was holding up the hospital’s blanket delivery?

The closet is empty, but the size of it has me holding back a smile as I start to hang up my few pieces. I’ve never had one before.

Sweat pebbles up along my hairline as I get my room sorted, and I collapse on the bed as I finish. Damien’s house is stifling today, the sun shining through the open windows and heating it to an unbearable level.

“This was my bedroom when I was a small child.”

I turn to find Alex in the doorway, my eyebrow quirking at his unexpected arrival.

“I’m really sorry.” He scratches the back of his neck. “I shouldn’t have kissed you or provoked Damien like that.”

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