“Vick.”

She ran her hands down her face, before tugging at her hair. “I can’t…” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “This isn’t happening.”

“I was there, Rosslyn, but I didn’t kill them. I need you to hear me, I need to know that you understand.”

“Do you think it makes it better that you were just there, Sebastian? You never should have been in my house. You may not have pulled the trigger, but you took away everything with just your presence.”

“Ross—” I took a step closer to her, but she jerked away.

“Don’t. Don’t you dare. You don’t get to touch me. I don’t want to look at you, you make me sick.”

“I’m sorry, I should’ve told you.”

“Wait…” she lifted her accusing gaze, really looking at me for the first time. “How long have you known about me? From the beginning, Sebastian? Is that why you did all this? Was this some sick fucking game to you?”

“No. I didn’t find out until—“

“The password,” she interrupted. “That’s why you flipped out when I told you it was my last name.”

“I swear I was going to leave you alone. I was. But I loved you, Rosslyn. I still love you. I need you.” Tears fell down my cheeks, for the first time since I was a little boy.

“You’ve been fucking me this whole time… knowing who killed my parents?”

I wanted to tell her so many things, but nothing I could say was going to make it okay. I knew I was going to lose her and as I watched her stare back at me with hate-filled eyes, I understood she was no longer mine. I had no right to try and dissuade her from leaving me.

“I need to get out of here. I need to get away from you.”

And then she started to walk past, to leave the room. Panic ripped through me. Not because I was afraid she was going to the police, but because I knew once she left, I’d never see her again.

Reaching out, I pulled her to me when she came near, and she lashed out. Slapping at my face and chest, she screamed. I held her close to protect herself and me.

“Please don’t do this. I just found you. I can’t lose you now.” The lump in my chest moved into my throat and threatened to choke me.

“I was never yours, Sebastian. The minute you stepped into my house twelve years ago, I’ve wanted you dead.”

“Don’t say that. You love me, Rosslyn. I know you do.”

She wasn’t hearing me as she continued to shake free of me. Finally, with a burst of strength I didn’t know she had, she kicked at my foot and shin, before pushing me away with a growl.

I slammed into the wall, and lost my footing. She ran. I was just getting into the living space as she slung open the front door and dashed down the stairs. I chased her, taking the stairs as quickly as I could, but once she hit the floor full of dancers, she disappeared into the crowd.

I searched for her like a crazed man. Pushing through dancers and knocking over drinks. People looked at me like I was nuts, and maybe I was. I darted toward the door, sure I’d cut her off, but she was nowhere to be found.

Leaving the club, I stood on the wet asphalt and let me eyes take in the area. The love of my life was out there somewhere, alone on the streets. If something happened to her, I’d never forgive myself.

Turning, I ran back upstairs to my apartment to get my keys. She’d have to either go home or find a place to stay. I’d find her and make sure she was safe. No matter where she was, I’d find her and make this better.

Twenty-Eight

Rosslyn

“Are you sure it’s okay if I stay here a while?” I asked, blowing my nose in a tissue that was starting to fall apart. “I don’t want to be a bother.”

“Girl, please. You’re welcome to stay here,” Trish said, handing me a new tissue. “I just really wish you’d tell me what the hell is going on.”

She seemed genuinely concerned, but I wasn’t ready to talk. Not to mention, I still didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know if I should call the police, or what. I just needed a place to hide out until I got my head on straight.

I had a week before Kyle came home, and there was no way in the world I was going back to that condo. I wasn’t going to let the man who killed my parents take care of me.

“I can’t,” I said through my tears. “I wish I could, but I just can’t.”

She reached out and smoothed the hair on the side of my head. “When you’re ready to talk, I’m here.”