Page 98 of Concealed

This situation could escalate out of control – fast. Unless I keep Matt calm and under control, we’re all screwed.

And Wyatt is the one with the most to lose.

“Rebecca has been living with me, and she’s going to continue to stay right here,” Wyatt says, not acknowledging the boyfriend comment. He must realize it would make Matt fly off the handle. “Now, let me repeat myself nice and slow. Let. Her. Go.”

“Sorry, friend,” Matt says. “My girlfriend appreciates your hospitality, but we’re going home now. Get out of the way.”

I’ve defaulted back to being the girl I hate. I’m shrinking in Matt’s presence, keeping my body hunched so I’m a smaller target. My eyes are glued to the ground because even though I crave soaking in Wyatt’s features one last time to be sure that I remember every detail, I learned a long time ago that eye contact fuels Matt’s fire.

“Rebecca.”

Wyatt repeats my name over and over until I risk a quick glance up, tears burning my throat. I’m sure my expression must be painted with pure terror, and I try to compose myself so Wyatt doesn’t do anything crazy to try and save me, which would only kill him.

“Rebecca, do you want to go with him?” Wyatt asks softly.

My jaw trembles so wildly, it’s like I’m freezing in the Arctic instead of standing in the California sun.

“Y-y-y-yes,” I manage, through chattering teeth.

“See?” Matt says. “Now, get the fuck out of my way. Do you even know who I am?”

I knew the comment was coming.

Matt can’t resist.

Wyatt starts to reply, and I can only imagine what he’s going to say. But Matt keeps talking before Wyatt can get any words out.

“I’m Matt Blair. My dad is Police Commissioner Blair. So, unless you want an investigation into your conduct for standing in the way of two law-abiding citizens who are just trying to go home, I suggest you move. Now.”

“Rebecca. Please come over here and talk to me privately for a moment,” Wyatt begs, his tone desperate and pleading.

He knows as well as I do what will happen to me if I leave with Matt. Maybe Wyatt thinks if he removes Matt’s physical touch from my body, it will also remove Matt’s hold over me.

But it won’t.

My decision has been made.

“I’ll keep you safe, I promise,” Wyatt says, his voice taking on a frantic tone I’ve never heard from him before. “I don’t care what this piece of shit tries to do to me.”

But I care.

Wyatt doesn’t deserve to suffer and lose everything because of me.

I can’t look at him and lie, though, so my gaze stays on my feet.

“It’s okay. I’m okay,” I say. “Matt and I are going back to Vegas now. Don’t worry. We… we worked out our… our… disagreement. Things are just fine between us now, and I’m going home. Thanks for, uh, letting me stay with you.”

There’s no doubt Wyatt knows it’s bullshit.

I mean, nothing has changed throughout the course of his shift. Thinking about the stark difference between our good-bye this morning and our final good-bye now has me choking back a sob.

I have to remember every detail about my time with Wyatt. It’s the mental escape I’ll need to survive Matt, and the happy, sexy memories will keep me going.

Matt is right – Wyatt can’t block us, especially if I’m cooperating and telling him that I want to leave. I don’t, of course, I don’t. But no one is going to be punished for my mistakes ever again, let alone such a perfect man who deserves a normal girlfriend he can build a life with.

“Rebecca,” Wyatt pleads.

“Let us go, Wyatt,” I say softly, the words driving a knife into my heart and stealing the breath straight from my chest.

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