But that wasn’t an option. So, with the aid of my crutches, I walked. The cool December air bit into my skin, but still, I walked. A fine mist began to fall, but still, I walked. I walked and walked and never once sought a destination—only freedom.
Freedom from obsessing over my mother’s death.
Freedom from caring what would or wouldn’t happen to Lily.
Freedom from Vincent’s control.
And freedom from Hayle’s treachery.
Out of everything Vincent and I had talked about, his parting words were the only thing I really cared about. Nothing else he’d said had surprised me. But, that? It had gutted me.
I’d thought Tristin telling me to leave him the fuck alone was the worst thing a Sharpe brother could do to me. Now, I wasn’t so sure. Discovering that Hayle had wielded our friendship like the knife his mother had threatened me with stung like hell.
I’d known he was capable of coming to Vincent’s defense even when he didn’t deserve it. But I never thought he was capable of the kind of manipulation his father excelled at.
I’d thought he was better than that.
I’d been wrong. Again.
“Thea. What are you doing?”
At the sound of the familiar voice, I haltingly rotated and glared at the dark-haired man who I’d believed was my friend. “Why are you here, Hayle?” He’d left his SUV idling by the curb and followed me onto the sidewalk.
“I’ve been looking all over for you.”
I blinked away moisture that had accumulated on my eyelashes, only now realizing that the mist had soaked through my hair and clothes. And it was so cold, I was probably seconds from turning into a popsicle. How long had I been walking? Glancing around, I didn’t immediately recognize any of the houses or even the street.
Turning my back on Hayle, I said flatly, “I don’t want to see you.”
“What’s going on? I ran into my dad at home, and he mentioned you’d probably want to talk to—”
At that, I whirled back around. “Are you kidding me right now? You’re looking for me because your daddy told you to?” I released a harsh laugh. “Why am I even surprised? Of course, that’s why you’re looking for me. You wouldn’t bother otherwise.”
Hayle’s mouth dropped open. “What are you talking about? And why are you so angry?”
Inhaling a ragged breath, I slowly released it, giving myself time to collect my thoughts. “Just tell me one thing. Did you persuade me to keep your mother’s secrets because Vincent told you to?” His gaze immediately darted away, betraying his answer before he could speak it aloud. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
I was so done with this. Turning back the way I’d come, I started down the sidewalk, ignoring the ache in my hands and arms.
“Wait, Thea. It’s not what you think.” Hayle jogged around me and blocked my path. “I can explain.”
“You can explain what? That you manipulated me exactly the way your father manipulates everyone around him?” Water obscured my vision, and I couldn’t tell if it was from the mist that had turned to rain or from tears. Not that it mattered. I would cry if I wanted to, damn it.
“That’s not what I—”
“Fuck you,” I spat, interrupting him yet again. “That’s exactly what you did. You pleaded, practically begged me to do it for you. Because you wanted to protect your mother.” I shook my head, disgusted with myself and with him. “I’m such an idiot for believing you. And you—” Lifting one crutch off the ground, I stabbed him in the chest with it. “You’re an idiot for, yet again, taking your father’s side. For someone who is supposed to be so smart, you, Hayle Sharpe, are utterly witless.”
More than ever, I wished I could ditch my damn crutches, so I could make a dramatic exit. Instead, I slowly shifted my stance and started back down the sidewalk, careful to avoid a newly formed puddle. Hayle called my name, but I didn’t look back or even care. Nothing he said would make a difference. At least, not right now, when the temptation to smack him upside the head was great. Unfortunately, violence was rarely the answer.
A car pulled up beside me, and for a second, I thought he’d managed to catch up to me. But the figure heading toward me in the rain was too tall, too broad, and too blond. And I’d never been happier to see him.
When he reached me, Tristin gave me a lopsided grin. “Wouldn’t it have been easier to