She turned, distracted, her mind probably already three steps ahead of where she needed to be. “What’s wrong?”

Ash glanced down the hallway to make sure they were alone. “I don’t want you to go home with Graham tonight.”

Her brows dipped in confusion. “What are you talking about? I know he’s been drinking, but we have a limo.”

Ash squared off with her, putting her back to the end of the hallway that opened into the main part of the school. Her tiara had slipped a little sideways and her lipstick was long gone, but Ash had never seen her look more innocent. She had no idea, and he didn’t want to hurt her with what he knew deep down was the truth. But he couldn’t keep his mouth shut any longer. “It’s not just that he’s drinking. He’s crossed the line from being the loving boyfriend to being the possessive, suspicious asshole. Graham is my friend, but he’s going down a scary path, and I’m not going to let him take you down that path with him. I know where it leads. I live in the house at the end of that path. It’s not safe to go home with him tonight. And it’s sure as hell not safe to move in with him or marry him.”

Kincaid’s eyes widened. “Have you lost your mind? You think Graham would hit me? Ash, that’s crazy. He would never.”

“Why do you think he proposed, KC?” he said, a pleading note in his voice.

She gave him an affronted look. “Because he loves me. Oh my God, what is wrong with you?”

“No, it’s because he’s insecure,” Ash said, talking fast. “He wants to lock you down.”

“Jesus. This is ridiculous.” She stared at him as if he needed to be put in a white padded room. “Graham isn’t violent.”

“He’s ready to hit Justin. He told me before he walked out. Justin who didn’t do a damn thing.”

She threw her hands out to her sides. “It’s just because he’s drinking and because I didn’t say yes to the proposal yet. His caveman gene has been poked.”

“It’s more than that,” Ash said, in too deep to turn back now. “I’ve been worried for a while with some of the stuff he’s asked me about you. It’s only a matter of time before that anger is triggered and directed at you. When you’re living in some apartment with him away from everyone you know, when there’s a legally binding ring around your finger and he’s all you have. No one will be there to help you then. And his parents will be paying your bills. You’ll be stuck.”

She made a frustrated sound. “You’re totally overreacting. Graham is not like your dad. You’re seeing things that aren’t there. Look, I’ve got to get going. He’s waiting.”

“Make him wait,” Ash said, his own frustration boiling over. “You don’t have to do any of this, KC. If you want to get away from your mom, come with me to New York. There are community colleges there. Get loans. We can get part-time jobs together. Earn our own way. Not be dependent on anyone.”