This is it, the moment I’ve been waiting for. I have a chance to tell him everything, all the things his sons have done to me, and what they forced me to do tonight.

Yet when I open my mouth, all the words I want to say are stuck in my throat. I can’t make my voice work, and I don’t know why. I want to tell him. I want to confide in him so badly, but when I try to force the words out, I hit a roadblock.

Maybe it’s shame, guilt, or simply fear that won’t let me speak. Whatever it is, it makes my whole body clam up, and my tongue feels heavy in my mouth.

I can’t tell him, at least not today.

“Nix was telling the truth, I fell into the pool, and he pulled me out. I didn’t mean to scratch him.”

“Are you sure?”

I nod. The lie leaves a bitter taste on my tongue, but for some reason, that still feels better than the truth.

James doesn’t seem convinced, but he is also not pushing the subject. “All right then, why don’t you go get some rest? I’ll see you at breakfast.”

“Okay. Thank you.” I force a smile, wondering if I just made the biggest mistake of my life.

CHAPTER 9

Last night feels like a bad dream. I wish it was. I wish there was nothing more to it than something my subconscious cooked up while I was asleep.

No such luck. And even a hot, soapy shower isn’t enough to wash away the shame. I know I did nothing wrong and that I had no choice. That doesn’t mean I don’t feel dirty, used. And conflicted since there’s no forgetting the way my body reacted despite my disgust and rage.

It’s something I’m still struggling with after I’m dressed, as I go to the door while steeling myself for whatever is about to happen downstairs at breakfast.

“You have got to be kidding me!” The knob won’t turn. One of them locked me in again. I can’t believe this. When will it ever end?

“Hey!” I don’t care about avoiding trouble since it’s obvious there’s no difference either way. I can keep my head down, keep to myself, and not say a word to either of them. They will always find a way to ruin things, like they’re determined to hurt me. So why bother trying to play nice?

“Open this door! This is bullshit!” I pound against the door with both fists and wish it was their faces instead.