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I turnedof his words as harshly as a slap to the face The nervous jitters in ht His question had been si, coupled with e

“How does this happen? All I did was ask a question and you were ready to bite my head off”

“You’re right I’otten so defensive”

His arhed as I leaned into his embrace

He kissed the top ofbothers o off on me, let me explain I don’t care that you drink I care about the reason why you drink”

“It’s just a few glasses of wine You’re reading too much into it”

He pulled away, and lifted my chin so he could see my face His warm, hazel eyes stared at me Normally, such scrutiny would aze never held judgement When he looked at me, I knew he really saw me, the real me I was of twomy darkest secrets added to my anxiety On the other, I took comfort in the fact that I didn’t have to pretend

“Don’t do that You want to lie to yourself fine, but don’t bullshit me” His tone was stern, but a

lso full of warmth

I turned away His words caused tendrils of shaive shriveled up, too afraid to be voiced and meet his scrutiny Truth or silence; my only options

Mustering up sonore the overwhel speed, I turned back to aze “I don’t needI just…” I paused and let out a forced breath “It helps sometimes To cope or deal, whatever So”

The look on his face changed to that sa Not exactly the look I’d expected I thought he’d be angry, or even show concern, but he looked hurt

Malcolers trailed downto stop on iven a feather-light kiss before he stepped away

“First, your panic attacks return Now, you’re drinking to cope This Me It’s not good for you The le to deal, theyou into this relationship”

“What? No, Malcolmthat’s not…” I took a breath Truth “Malcolht I had to stay alone in this house It was just me and Shawn,nonstop, because my mom had been the one to take care of him I…I hadn’t wanted to”