Page 41 of Close Your Eyes

I want to confess that it’s not Bane I yearn for at the altar, but another whose name dances on my lips like a forbidden melody.

I want Ledger.

I shouldn’t even be having these thoughts. They’re so wrong, but yet feel so right. I would have given anything in the world for him to touch me last night.

To kiss me.

To give in.

When I woke up this morning, and Bane told me we’d be going to the club tonight once again, I had this sense of anticipation and excitement wash over me. I can’t wait to see Ledger again.

And yet, I’m terrified as well.

Tonight I might beg him to kiss me.

“I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you,” my father starts before I can voice what’s bothering me. “I know this isn’t ideal, but it might be a good thing.”

I chew at my bottom lip. “I know,” I say, all thoughts of asking Ledger to kiss me tonight disappearing. I can’t.

I have to hold strong to my word. To my father.

If I don't, who knows what Bane would do.

“I’m so glad he was found not guilty,” my father says, and I nearly choke on air.

“Sure,” I say, knowing full well nobody found Bane not guilty. His case was thrown out because something happened with a witness.

I’m sure Bane did something to that witness.

Positive he did.

My stomach clenches as I think about Bane doing something horrible to my father. To me.

“You okay?” my father asks, his bushy eyebrows raising. “I’m sure it’s just nerves about the wedding.”

I nod. “I think so. I don’t want to let anyone down.”

My father studies me for a moment, and then he smiles wide. “You can’t possibly let anyone down, Posey.” With a determined stride, he crosses the room to where I stand, leaning against the kitchen table. “Do you have your dress?” he inquires, his tone laced with anticipation.

I nod again. “Bridgette found a really classy dress that she says will be perfect.”

My father beams, and wraps his arms around me. “It’s not everyday your only daughter gets married. I can’t wait to walk you down that aisle.”

I hug my father back, wishing that there was some other way I could keep him safe without having to marry Bane.

But there’s not.

The sound of my phone’s notification pierces the air from the depths of my purse, startling me so intensely that I almost jump out of my own skin. With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I delve into my bag, fingers fumbling through the items in search of my device. Each second feels like an eternity as I anxiously navigate the clutter. Is it Ledger, reaching out to me at last? The mere thought quickens my pulse.

“Expecting a call?” my father asks, watching me closely.

I clutch my phone, and swipe it on. There’s a message from Ledger. I look up at my father, meeting his eyes. “Just some wedding stuff.” I click open the message.

You never did answer my question.

What question is that?

What do you want?