Page 103 of My Favorite Secret
“Yes. My friend is off with that same guy. Thought I’d take the opportunity to get away from everyone.”
He laughs. It’s a short, breathy chuckle that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
I be polite and smile. “What’s so funny?”
“I’m relieved to get you alone for once. You always have your two bodyguards preventing us from getting a chance to talk.”
Being alone with Paul is the last thing I want. I’m not at all pleased to have bumped into him tonight. But I promised Dad I would be friendly. “They’re protective of me.”
“I understand. You’ve been through a lot. How are you feeling?”
“I have my good days and bad days.”
“If you ever need anyone to talk to, I’m always here.”
I nod, giving a small smile. “Thank you. I appreciate the offer.”
His expression shifts, like something heavy is on his mind. Paul takes a step closer, lowering his voice almost to a whisper. “I’ve been through tough times too.” He rolls back his sleeves, revealing jagged scars along the insides of his wrists.
I clap a hand to my mouth. “You did that to yourself?”
“I’ve been suicidal in the past.”
My stomach sinks. “That’s terrible. Are you okay now?”
Paul laughs again. “You’re a good actress, Harper.”
His words send a strange prickle down my spine. I frown, confused by his statement. “What do you mean?”
One moment, he’s smiling. The next, his expression twists and anger snaps in his eyes. It’s as if a switch has flicked. The friendly warmth that had been present in him seconds ago curdles into something cold and mocking.
“Youknowwhat I mean, Harper. Acting concerned about me when you don’t give a shit.”
“Paul—”
“I got these scars on my wrists when I was fifteen because a pretty girl, just like you, decided she didn’t want to see me anymore.”
My pulse kicks into overdrive. Instinct tells me to get out of this bedroom, but Paul is standing between me and my exit.
“My parents sent me away to receive help.” The muscles in his face twitch with agitation. “You want to know the one thing that helped? It wasn’t therapy or the drugs. It was you, Harper. Your father invited my parents to one of your performances last year. I got dragged along because my parents were afraid to leave me home by myself. I had noidea who you were. I thought it would be the most boring night of my life. But I was wrong. I couldn’t take my eyes off you. Your father told me you were a nice girl. He told me we’d make a perfect match.”
My stomach knots from the hatred in his gaze. Dad said Paul had some social issues. I didn’t realize the extent. There’s no way my father could have known either.
“You’re supposed to like me, Harper. Why don’t you like me?” His voice is tight, strained with resentment. His fingers curl into fists at his sides. “I’ve been kind to you. I sent you flowers when your mom died. I tried to be supportive. I tried to take care of you. What more do I need to do to make you like me?”
“I’m getting out of here.” I walk for the door, but he steps in front of me.
“You’re not going anywhere. You’ve been promised to me.” He glares down at me, his eyes filled with crazed obsession. “You’re supposed to be mine. Instead, I hear you and your little friend out there talking about how you’re fucking those two brothers.”
Paul was close enough to hear me talking to Cindy about Felix and Tyler? It’s a shock but it’s the last thing I care about right now.
My skin turns cold when I see the predatory hunger in Paul’s eyes, yet sweat gathers at the nape of my neck. My pulse pounds in my ears, drowning out the muffled sounds of the party beyond these walls. We’re in a house filled with people, yet alone in this room. He’s trapping me. Even if I scream for help, no one will hear.
“Move,” I demand, forcing my voice to stay steady even as my throat tightens. Deep within myself, Iknowwhat’s about to happen if I can’t fight,and I’m terrified.
Paul doesn’t flinch. His pupils are blown wide. His jaw is clenched so tight I swear I hear his teeth grind.
“Get out of my way, Paul!”
