Page 22 of Tainted Rose

Scarlett

Xander’s eyes are like a dark storm cloud as he gazes at me, a thousand unreadable emotions churning inside them. He obviously wants me. I don’t think he ever stopped. But he insists he can’t have me.

His words and his actions have me so confused I could scream. Pain ricochets around my chest. “Why can’t you leave me alone, Xander?”

He stares into my eyes, his jaw rigid. He growls, “You’re stronger than I ever will be, Scarlett. I can’t control myself when I’m around you.” With a look of regret, he backs away from me. “You should go.”

I pick up my broken heart and jam it back inside my body. And I do exactly as he says. I grab my bag, and with one last look at his tense body, I tear down the hallway—away from Xander and every frustrating moment of that conversation.

Later that evening, I mindlessly chow down on the fajitas Uncle David made for dinner. I glance up at Aunt Liz to find her gaze pinned on me.

“What?”

“I’ve hesitated to bring this up because you’ve been a little preoccupied lately, but I wanted to make sure you were aware David and I are taking a trip next week. We’ll be out of town Wednesday through Sunday.”

“Oh. Okay. Where are you going?”

“Texas, actually. A big writing conference I booked last year. David had planned on coming with me, to make it a vacation of sorts.”

“Cool. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine here on my own.” I know Aunt Liz attends conferences. I’ve actually been surprised she hasn’t been to one since I moved in.

Crap.I hate that she’s put an important component of her career on hold for me. I hadn’t even realized she was doing it until now.

“I was going to suggest maybe Daphne could come stay with you. I could talk to her parents if you wanted to do that.”

“Oh. Well, I’d have to talk to her and see if it’s something she’d want to do.” I shrug. “Maybe a night or two, especially on the weekend. I’ll see what she’s got going on and let you know. I’ll be fine here on my own, though. No babysitter needed.”

Uncle David has the good sense to look chagrined. “Sorry, Daphne was my idea. I—”

I hold up a hand, grimacing. “Don’t say it. I know. You have concerns, especially after what went down with Xander. But there’s nothing happening in that department right now. I’ll probably spend the entire time you’re gone at practice, work, or binge-watching the rest of Pretty Little Liars.” I look between them. “I’m glad you’re going. I know you probably haven’t been attending as many conferences as you usually do because of me. Please go have fun with it and don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Promise.” I push back my chair. “I’m going to go get some homework done and then call it a night. Practice wiped me out today.”

Aunt Liz nods. “Okay. Promise you’ll call if you need us while we’re gone.”

“I will. But I won’t need to. You’ll see. I’ll be fine.”

Upstairs, I spread my precalculus textbook and notebook out on my bed and get to business. I’m about halfway through the problems assigned when my phone buzzes at my side with a text message notification. I chew on my lip, my mind still pondering where I messed up the problem I’m working on. Glancing at my phone, I see it’s a message in the group text from Max. Without really paying attention to it, I tap on it. I don’t look immediately, but when more texts come through in rapid fire succession, my attention is grabbed.

Max:So I learned some crazy shit today.

Max:I went into guidance after school because I finally figured out where to find the log of visitors to the office.

Max:That list has a reference to who each person was seeing.

Max:So, combined with figuring out the date that the donation came in for your “scholarship” I was able to narrow it down to two people.

Daphne:I’m here. And whoa.

Max:TWO.

Max:… Scarlett?

Me:Sorry, I was working on precalc.

Me:That’s nuts. And I’m scared that you aren’t just spilling.

Max:That’s because it’s big.

Daphne:OMG the suspense.

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