Dare to Forgive (The Dare 3)

She looked at him and those sexy hazel eyes, the way he sat there appearing so big, so accomplished and capable. She let the words leave her lips without thinking.

“I’ve seen people do some terrible things when they’re drunk. Even the nicest guys could turn into monsters.”

As his eyes widened and then scrunched together she realized what she said. She was thinking about Bentley and how he hit her, grabbed her forcefully, and made demands on her in a drunken state.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked her as he placed his arm over the back of her chair. She felt his thumb caress against her bare skin on her arm and she cleared her throat.

“I’m great, but I think lunch is over. I’d hate to get your brother angry by showing up late.” She started gathering her things and he seemed hesitant to leave. Was he enjoying their conversation?

As they stood up and gathered their garbage, Will touched her hand.

“Hey, not all guys are assholes. Sometimes alcohol just reveals who they really are.”

“You don’t have to tell me,” she said and chuckled as they began walking back to the office together. As they got to the sidewalk toward the front door her phone rang.

She answered it without looking at the caller ID.

“Hey, baby. I’ve missed your voice.”

She heard Bentley’s words and his voice and she stopped short. Tears hit her eyes and Will stopped short.

“Adel, are you there?” he asked.

“Excuse me. I need to take this call,” she told Will.

He nodded and she turned around and headed to the side a bit.

“Why are you calling me? I told you not to,” she stated firmly.

“Baby, don’t be like that. I’m worried about you, and so are your parents.”

“Yeah well, I’m fine and I certainly don’t need you checking up on me.”

“But I care about you. I worry about you. Are you working?”

“That’s none of your business. I asked you to leave me alone. Why can’t you just do that?”

“Because I still love you, baby. I want to talk to you and make things up to you.”

“Bye.” She clicked the phone off and exhaled. The tears hit her eyes and she growled low.

That son of a bitch. Why can’t he just leave me alone? What does he want from me?

“Adel?” She felt the hand on her shoulder and instinctively, she abruptly turned around and was shocked to lock gazes with Will. He looked concerned and she closed her eyes and kept her hands at her side.

She felt his hands caress her arms and held her there. Her eyes popped open.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

She shook her head.

“Do you need my help?”

“No, Will. I’m sorry. It’s personal. I’ll be fine. I can take care of it.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, reaching for her chin and tilting her face up toward him so she could lock gazes with him.

“Yes, Will, I have to be.”