Page 24 of Tainted Rose

Xander

Ilook up from where I’m lying on my bed as my door creaks open. For as long as I’ve lived in this house, Aria has snuck into my bedroom—so since the age of about twelve. She’d never done it before when I lived in my dad’s home. She knew better. She knows what my dad is like.

But then Mom and I moved in here after she and Sebastian married, which was around the same time Aria began having trouble at home. So, in the middle of the night, she’d appear and crawl into bed with me. She was looking for comfort, nothing more. We share a fucked-up bond, that’s for sure.

We’ve been best friends practically since birth because of our parents, but everything we’ve been through together since then has shaped our relationship. Honestly, she’s more like my sister than anything else, which makes it really weird when people think we’re dating and especially bizarre when her mother starts in about us marrying someday. Aria knows it’s not happening. At least, I don’t think she thinks it will ever happen. She’s still pretty possessive of me—entitled, even—based on our history. And yeah, people like Beau and Micah thinking it’s fucking crazy, but it is what it is. I’m close to them but not in the same way I am with Aria.

Anyway, she shows up in my bed all the time—it’s become a habit now. Anytime she’s anxious or upset about something, she sneaks in. I’ve told her often that she should see a therapist for the things she’s been through—things she’s made me swear to no longer talk about but I’ll never forget.

She crosses the room in her leggings and oversize T-shirt, pulls back the covers, and slips between them. “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

I’ve been staring at the ceiling, arms folded behind my head, for the last two hours. I glance down to where she’s huddled next to me on her side. “I’ve really fucked things up with Scarlett.”

“Isn’t that what you were trying to do?” She frowns, a line forming on her forehead. “You’ve been losing your shit in one way or another for well over a month now. Ever since she showed up.”

“I know.”

“So, what’s going on? Are you going to ever tell me why you’re pushing her to leave? You know I won’t tell anyone.” She gives me a small smile, shifting her head on the pillow to see me better and pats my shoulder. “I’d do anything for you.” She snorts. “Apparently, I’d even strip down and make it look like we’ve been doing the nasty.”

“Yeah, I know. And I know I told you to fuck with Scarlett’s head, but—”

“But nothing. You told me you wanted her gone. Why? And why the change of tune now?”

“Any other girl probably would have freaked out and asked her parents to transfer right the fuck out of here. Or reported everything to the headmaster.”

“But Scarlett isn’t like most girls, is she?”

“No.”

“Why do you suppose that is?”

“She’s been through a lot. Already experienced a major loss. Knows she’s pretty much on her own. She doesn’t want to burden her aunt and uncle with any of her problems, even though they’re her guardians. She’s strong. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want her.” I groan. “Why’d it have to be her?”

Aria smirks at me. “Xander Grey taken down by Little Orphan Annie. Who would have guessed?”

“Yeah. It’s fucked up how much I want her.”

“Do you still want me to mess with her? I have to admit, I’m getting a little bored with it. She doesn’t really cry or freak out much.” Aria shoots me some crazy eyes as she shakes her head. “I guess you’re right. She’s way stronger than you thought she was.”

I growl, frustrated. “I don’t know. I’m at the point where if she’s not going to leave, I might need to tell her everything.”

“Will you lose her if you do?”

“Maybe.”

“Is she worth the risk? Whatever that is, since you don’t seem to want to share.” She pokes me viciously in the side with her pointer finger. “Because if you keep pushing her away, eventually you’ll lose her that way, too. I guess I don’t really understand what’s going on.” She gives me a funny look and draws her knees up to her chest. We’re quiet for several minutes.

“Yeah. I’ve looked at it from every angle.” I blow out a breath. “What it comes down to is I don’t want to upset Mom’s life again. And Janie’s.”

“What’s this all about, Xander? Why won’t you tell me?” Her voice hitches. “I thought we trusted each other. With everything.”

My chest feels heavy. She’s right, and I’m going to ruin our friendship if I’m not careful. I can hear it in her voice. “I found something. In Sebastian’s office. It’s bad. But potentially really bad.”

“Like work stuff?”

I give a swift jerk of my head. “No. An old photo. I think—” I pause, on the verge of spilling everything. “I think the baby in the photo is Scarlett.” My throat goes dry.

Next to me, Aria swallows hard before whispering, “Fuck.”

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