Page 56 of Austen Persuaded

But his legs were long and powerful, so he caught up easily.

So we walked side by side in silence, for which I was grateful. Once we exited the store, I cursed my choice to not bring a coat, as it was freezing outside. “My car is this way,” I mumbled while pointing. “See, not that far from the door. Not that dangerous. I’ll be fine.”

He made a sound that almost seemed like a laugh but probably wasn’t. Surely he was in too foul a mood for that. And he didn’t seem to find me funny or pleasant in any way anymore.

Just before we reached my car, he spoke up, his tone softer. “Annie, do you want me to bow out of the club?”

With wider eyes, I turned to him and scanned his earnest expression. “I … well …”

“I’m only in town for a visit, but I thought it would be fun to join a book club while I’m in town. I should have said ‘hello’ first. Uh, hello. I had no idea you were the host …” He cleared his throat. “My presence here is innocent, I swear.”

I gazed into his eyes and felt, for a moment, that time hadn’t passed. That it was Kylan from long ago, the one who liked me. Adored me. Before I could take that thought any further, I bit my lip and nodded. “OK. I believe you. And … you don’t have to bow out.”

Something flashed through his eyes, and I didn’t know what to call it, but it might have been relief.

“Unless you want to,” I added, staring at the ground. My shivers intensified, and I wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or from his proximity.

“I don’t want to bow out,” he said easily, and for a moment his face hinted at a smile. Then something less pleasant passed over his face, and his eyes were steely. “I like to stick with things. See them through.”

Unlike me.That’s what he’s thinking. “Right, OK,” I said stiffly, my eyes downcast. “Thanks for the help.”

“Bye, Annie.”

And off he went.

I didn’t bother saying goodbye, as he was already striding off at a fast clip and likely wouldn’t hear me over the wind whipping around us. Digging my keys out of my pocket, I unlocked my car and quickly climbed inside.

As soon as the door closed, I let my head fall into my arms on the wheel.

I’d survived.

Somehow.

But would I again? And again?

Then came the creeping realization that he’d given me an out. And I hadn’t taken it. I’d basically invited him to keep coming to the book club. To keep torturing me.

I was a survivor. But this?

This, I didn’t know how to survive.

Of course … I had no choice.

Taking a few shallow breaths, I turned on the car radio with shaky fingers.

As if on cue, Sia’s “Chandelier” started playing—one of my favorite songs. It might as well have been written for me, the ultimate party girl, using alcohol to numb the pain. But everyone loved a party girl, right?

Yes, drink.

That’s what I need.

Chapter 15

While opening my bedroom door cautiously, I peeked around the corner to see if the coast was clear and then took some hesitant, quiet steps out of the room.

Rafael’s head popped up over the back of the couch.

Busted.

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