Chapter 34 #2
Splitting meals in this dreamy place, holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes… For the first time in my life, I can truly envision myself with someone.
A new world, one where I’m not alone, rolls out like a red carpet in my mind. Where I have a partner with which to share the good times and bad. To lean on when things get tough and to celebrate any victories.
Brody traces a finger along my arm. “What?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“No, but you’re smiling like you’ve got a secret.” He sips his wine. “And I want to know what it is.”
Do I dare tell him what I’m thinking? I gather my courage. “We look like a couple.”
He freezes for an instant before placing the goblet back on the table. “And how does that make you feel?”
I hide a grin behind my own glass. “Happy, apparently, since I can’t seem to stop smiling.”
Brody wraps his hand over my forearm, which all but disappears under his massive fingers. “Honestly…I didn’t think I’d ever have a chance at something like this.”
My heart stumbles. “Something like what? Romance?” I almost slipped and said the L word. Here’s to hoping the R word won’t freak him out as much, though I notice a thin trail of sweat break out across his hairline.
“I suppose. Though I never really thought about what that something might be.” He brushes his thumb along my skin, his gaze fixed on the table.
“I know what you mean. Ever since Angelica…it’s been the same for me.
” I gulp down some wine for liquid courage.
“I don’t understand why she died and I didn’t.
But I’ve always felt too guilty to have fun or pursue good things when she’ll never have the opportunity again.
As if living would be mocking her death. ”
Brody spins his fork before downing half a glass of water.
“I feel the same way, I think. With my dad.” He sucks in a breath.
“Like if I try to pursue any of my own desires, I’m spitting in the face of our family and my role in it.
Like I’m not appreciating that he took me in when he could’ve just as easily kicked me out onto the streets or killed me. ”
His words cause my chest to ache, and I scoot my chair closer to his. “Seems like we’ve both been trying really hard to do the impossible.”
His eyes flick up to my face. “To please people who’ll never give us what we need.”
Wait. Does he mean “us” as individuals…or “us” as a couple?
My stomach flutters. “It’s human nature to seek companionship with those closest to you, even if they reject you.”
He snakes an arm around my waist and tugs me closer to his side.
“Because it’s natural for people to want to connect?”
When he presses a kiss to my neck, I shudder. Luckily—or maybe not—our meals arrive before we can disgrace ourselves with a display of exhibitionism that would put all the bead-seekers to shame.
A comfortable silence falls over us as we eat, giving me far too much time to think about the past few days.
Brody and I are two birds of a feather, outcasts who never felt at home with their families. The idea of changing that…of creating a home with him…tickles the back of my mind all through our meal. Even the delicious cuisine can’t distract me from my thoughts.
Brody’s mind must have been working in overdrive, too, because as soon as we push our plates away, he grasps my hand. “Let’s do it.”
I blink at him from over my second glass of wine. “Do what?”
“Fuck Declan. Fuck Finn. Let’s create a connection all our own.” He raises my hand and brushes his lips across my knuckles. “You and me, Trinity. Just us.”
My heart nearly stops beating as I search his expression for any lie or joke. “You mean…like…run away together?”
“If you want to call it that.” He squeezes my fingers. “Let’s forget all this Gallagher King bullshit. There’s more to life than earning Declan’s favor or being Finn’s baby sister. Let’s go somewhere, you and me, and start fresh.”
His words spin through my mind, whirling out of sync. He…doesn’t really mean that, does he?
I clutch his hand. “Are you serious?”
“As the grave.” He grins, looking boyish and so devastatingly handsome. “What, don’t you want to race off into the sunset with me? It’s been fun so far, right?”
Fun is an understatement. More than anything, I want to dive into this picture he’s painting. To forget my guilt once and for all. To see Brody free of his father’s influence so he can stand on his own and be the man he’s supposed to be. But…
I bite my lip. “What if I’m…broken?” Extracting my fingers from his, I clench my hands on my lap. “Or bad luck? When someone gets close to me…nothing good happens.” I shake my head. “I want this, Brody, I do. I want to build a life with you. I’m just not sure we can.”
“Trinity.” Stroking my cheek, he directs my chin up until we’re eye to eye.
“I ambushed you. Abducted you. Took you against your will. I put your life at risk. Yet we’re still here.
Together. I’m not afraid of danger or bad luck.
” He smirks before leaning in to kiss my cheek.
“I’m perfect for you, princess. And you’re perfect for me. ”
He’s so ridiculously cute that my heart flutters.
Basically, I’m doomed.
Trinity
Brody uttered a single word—beignets—and he was off, rushing down to the lobby to grab a few from the café across the street from the hotel. I wash my face and hop into the “I Heart New Orleans” shirt we bought earlier.
I’m digging through the new duffel bag with our weekend wear when Brody’s burner phone buzzes on the bench at the end of the bed. A sinking sensation seizes my stomach, curdling the food inside. As much as I try to convince myself it’s nothing, the anxiety spiking in my blood refuses to dissipate.
I want to trust him. I do trust him.
Otherwise, how could I ever consider a life with him?
Only…a short time ago, I didn’t even know this man, and it’s not like we met in yoga class or on campus.
He literally abducted me. On his father’s orders.
Indecision grips me before I reach for the phone with trembling fingers.
Declan’s name appears above his text.
We need to solidify the exchange. Trinity and the drive. I’ll take it from there. Your job is done.
A few seconds later, my brain comprehends the message. Then, my stomach lurches, and acid burns up my throat. I swallow hard to keep from vomiting and drop the phone back onto the bench.
No.
No, no, no.
Brody wouldn’t sell me out. Not after all we’ve shared. Except, I read the proof with my own eyes.
He lied to me. About running away together and creating a new life somewhere outside the reach of both our families. While I gobbled up his bullshit like candy and fell for him, he continued to see me as just another job. As a means of climbing into Declan’s good graces.
Pain crushes my ribs, because I’m alone and always will be.
Foolish me for ever believing otherwise.