Page 18 of Ink & Stardust

“He’s... nice,” I disagree, though I will admit, he’s not as charming when he’s piss drunk.

“Yeah, seems real nice.” Sarcasm drips from his tone. “Let’s get you out of here.” He turns and I have no choice but to turn with him.

“You don’t have to—” I start, but Kai quickly cuts me off.

“My ride is already here and I’m heading in that direction anyway, so it’s really no problem.”

“The direction of my dorm?” I glance up at him as he guides me to the running car parked next to the curb.

“I live not far from there,” he tells me, opening the back seat of the black sedan before guiding me inside.

“How do you know where I live?” I blurt as he climbs into the car next to me.

My breath hitches when he leans across me and snaps my seat belt into place.

Who the hell is this guy?

“I make it my business to know certain things.” He snaps his own seat belt.

“Like where I live?” I gape openly at him.

“You live with Maisie.” He reminds me that they know each other, leaving me feeling the sting of embarrassment even deeper than I already was.

His head drops back against the headrest as he lets out a slow, tired breath before his face turns toward me.

“Does that happen often?” he asks, his voice softer than before.

“Does what happen often?”

“Do you have panic attacks often?”

I have to resist the urge to snap at him and deny that’s what that was, my defensive walls inching up by the second.

“Sometimes,” I reluctantly admit. “But I haven’t had one in a while.”

“What triggered it?” His tone is soft, questioning, but does not hold a single ounce of judgment.

“It’s stupid.” I shake my head, turning to look out the window. “I’m surprised you were leaving the party alone.” I look back at him after a long moment.

“I’m not alone.” His mouth lifts in a half smile, not the least bit offended by my insinuation. “I’m with you.”

“You know what I mean.” I shake my head.

“Who hurt you?” His question catches me off guard and worse, I’m sure my expression shows it.

“How do you know someone hurt me?” I swallow past the knot that wedges itself at the base of my throat. I’m not used to feeling quite so...seen.

He gives me a look that makes me feel so transparent that I want to curl in on myself to keep him from seeing all the things I work so hard to hide.

“No one that matters,” I finally admit, blowing out a slow breath.

“But someonedidhurt you.” It’s not a question.

“Getting hurt is part of life.” I lift my shoulder in a semblance of a shrug.

“That it is.” He nods, turning his head to look out his own window.

We don’t speak for the remainder of the car ride. I busy myself by texting Maisie and Char to let them know I headed home early, obviously leaving out the part about who I left with and doing my best not to fidget.

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