Arrogant Heir (The Heirs #2) - Michelle Heard Page 0,55
going to greet them, he walks to me. “Are you ready for company?”
Knowing I can’t hide in my room with Mr. Reyes and Stephanie here, I say, “Sure.”
I follow Jase out of my room and stay behind him as I try to steel myself, forcing a smile to my face.
“Jase,” I hear Mr. Reyes’ voice rumble, “how are you, son?”
“Good, sir.” Jase shakes his grandfather’s hand and hugs Stephanie, “Hey, Grandma.”
I swallow hard as Jase turns to me, holding out his hand. I grab onto it like a drowning person and step closer. “Hi, Mr. Reyes, Stephanie.”
Mr. Reyes’ eyes settle on my face, and a grim expression darkens his features. “I’m so sorry about what happened, Miss West.”
I nod and try to broaden my smile, but I fail miserably and just nod.
Stephanie gives me a sympathetic smile. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay.”
God, this is so awkward.
“Is there anything we can do to make things easier for you?” Mr. Reyes asks.
I shake my head. “Jase has it all covered, but thank you.”
“Good. Good,” Mr. Reyes says. Then he turns his attention to Jase. “Take a walk with me, son.” His eyes go to Fallon. “You too, my girl.”
Jase places his hand on my lower back. “Will you be okay for a couple of minutes?”
I can see he doesn’t want to go, so I put on a brave smile for his sake. “I’ll be fine. I have things to do.”
Jase’s eyes meet mine, and I cling to the brave front until they leave the suite. I let out a breath and rush back to my room.
I forgo working on my assignment and climb into bed. I pull the covers up high and shut my eyes tightly.
This day has been too much. My nerves are worn and unable to stop it, the memories worm their way back to the surface. I still remember lying on the cold ground. I feel Justin’s hands on me. I see all the glances from the other students. I hear their whispers.
My fragile grip on the control I’ve managed to regain slips. I press my face hard against the covers and try to focus on my breathing.
But it doesn’t help.
I begged him to stop, and he didn’t.
What did I do wrong?
Did I encourage him?
Was I too nice?
God, what did I do to deserve this?
I gasp as the thoughts start to flash faster through my mind, and soon I’m sucked back into the nightmare.
JASE
I glance at my grandfather as we slowly walk around the campus. I know what he’s doing. He’s here to show everyone he’s aware of what happened, and he has my back with whatever decisions I make.
“Thank you for coming,” I say.
“It’s during trying times we need to show a united front, son.”
“Hana told me Uncle Lake is working the case against Justin Green?” I ask.
“Yes. Lake will make sure everything goes smoothly,” Granddad assures me.
“Good, good,” I tease him by using the words that have become synonymous with him.
Granddad shoots me a scowl. “You’re never too old for a spanking.”
“You love me too much.”
A grin spreads over his face. “More than you know.”
He changes direction back toward the dorm. “I’ll see you soon for our game?”
“Yes, sir. I just need to make sure Mila is okay before I leave her alone.”
He nods. “Take good care of Miss West.”
“I will.”
He turns his attention to Fallon. “I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
Fallon watches old movies with him once a week. That’s their thing like chess is ours.
People can say what they want about Warren Reyes, but when it comes to his grandchildren, he always has time for us.
Fallon and I see our grandparents to their car, and we wait for them to drive off before Fallon asks, “How’s Mila really doing?”
I shake my head. “Not good. I need to get back to her.” Walking into the dorm, I say, “Something happened today. Mila won’t tell me what. She was doing well until she went to the restroom. She came running out and bumped into Nate.”
“Maybe it was just a panic attack?” Fallon asks as we step into the elevator.
“Could be.” I’m not convinced, though.
“How are you holding up?”
My eyes lock with my cousin’s, and even though we’re close, I smile and lie, “I’m fine. I just worry about Mila.”
I’m so far from fine.
Christ, it feels like I’ll only be able to breathe again once Mila has healed.
“I’m here if you need to talk,” she offers as we walk down the hallway.