Page 51 of Descent

“That’s good,” I say, doing my best to sound enthusiastic but knowing that it all just sounds flat.

Ronan fakes a smile as he nods. “It is. We’re gonna keep you safe, baby. Okay?”

I nod again, and he gives me another smile that looks a lot less convincing than before as he stands up, following Wesley and the guys. Liam squeezes me once, forcing me to look at him.

“Will you eat something for me? If I have something delivered or I make something?”

My stomach revolts at the idea of food, but I can tell this is his way of trying to help. He knows that there is nothing he can actually do to put me at ease, but he’s trying. So, I lie. I give him my most convincing smile that I can muster and nod.

He practically leaps to his feet with relief as he pulls out his phone.

“What are you in the mood for? Pizza? Burgers? Thai? Indian?”

I shrug. “Variety?”

We do have six people at the house currently, wouldn’t hurt to have a little bit of everything. Liam nods as his fingers begin flying across the screen. Unfortunately, my phone begins ringing and when I look down to see who it is, I know I have to answer.

Steph and I planned a call the other night and I missed it. She tried to call me again shortly after we found the bed upstairs, so I obviously missed that one. She’s just going to worry if I don’t answer.

Maybe she should.

Begrudgingly I answer the phone, doing my best to sound as normal as possible.

“Hey!”

“What’s wrong?” Steph counters.

Well, I tried.

“Nothing, sorry I missed you. I was shopping with Maggie.”

“Uh huh, and why does your voice sound like that?” she asks.

“Like what?”

“Like you’re one second away from crying.”

I could play this a hundred different ways, but I figure the safest and easiest is to blame my father.

“Just got in a fight with dad about school stuff. I’m fine.”

“What’s his problem? You’re doing great in all your classes.”

“I don’t know,” I say, with a heavy sigh that isn’t all that forced.

Aunt Steph lets out an irritated grumble.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. How is that asshole fiancé of yours? Still the worst?”

My eyes come to Asher’s, a small smile spreading across his face when he looks at me.

“No, he’s actually pretty great.”

“What?” Steph practically gasps.

“Just a few weeks ago, you were telling me how horrible he treats you.”

I shrug, staring at my nails.

---