Of course, I was freaking out. Alfred had said Dorian tried to kill my dad, like why would Uncle Dorian do that? Not only that, but I’d finally lost my virginity, and I felt guilty for breaking my promise to my dad and lying to Joseph about being on birth control. I know they say that it only takes one time to get pregnant.
Shit, I sent up another silent prayer.Please, Lord, don’t let it happen to us.
“Look around, Bonita. Bullets aren’t flying. Crazy men aren’t charging toward us with weapons. It’s dark out, and fucking Gina still isn’t here.” The irritation in his voice raked down my spine like nails on a chalkboard.
“Sorry, you don’t have to get smart with me. I just really need my bag.” I sighed and checked for headlights coming down the road.
“We’re wasting time here. Whoever might be after you may have realized you weren’t at the club anymore. It’s been an hour since we left,” he shouted, hitting the dashboard with his palm.
“Okay, I’ll shut up now.”
“Good,” Joseph growled.
I crossed my arms over my chest, fighting the urge to pout. Pouting was immature. A confident and strong woman never pouted, even in bleak situations like mine. Who’d told me that before?
“I know you’re hurting, princess. You have every right to be heartbroken over your momma’s death. I assure you, I will be here always.”
I leaned into Uncle Dorian’s side and cried. Since momma’s death, he’d been around more. I’d hardly seen my dad. The staff had said he was mourning, whatever that meant.
“You will get through this, my sweet little girl. You’ll become stronger, you’ll see.”
I shook my head. I didn’t want to be strong or get through anything. I only wanted my mommy.
He lifted my chin and kissed my forehead. I pushed out my bottom lip. “Don’t do that.” He dragged his thumb across my mouth. “You can cry all you want, princess. But never pout. You’re better than that, Brynne. Pouting is immature.”
“So,” I hiccuped.
“So, a strong, confident woman never pouts.” He raised my hand and kissed the top. “My girl is strong and confident.” His words comforted me and helped me to not feel so alone.
“Am I your girl?” I sniffled and wiped my face with the back of my hand. “I thought mommy was your girl.”
“Yes, your beautiful mommy will always be my girl, even in death. And you will be mine too, my sweet girl. Do you want to be my princess forever, Brynne?” He stared at me with so much love, just like he would gaze at mommy.
“Yes, I want to be your princess, Uncle Dorian. I love you so much.” I needed to be nice to him, so he didn’t leave me too. Uncle Dorian was always kind to my mom, and she loved him. That was why my dad sometimes hurt her. She was his wife, not Uncle Dorian’s, but I could tell she liked Uncle Dorian more than my dad.
“Sweetest words ever, my sweet little girl.”
“Brynne.” Joseph startled me out of my thoughts. “Is that her car?” He pointed out the window.
“Yeah, that’s her.” I shook inside, feeling creeped out by the exchange I’d recalled having with Uncle Dorian. Why did I feel icky about it?
“I’ll go with you to get the bag. Come on.” Joseph got out of the car and helped me out. “Let’s make this quick, okay?” I wrapped his arm around me.
“Okay.”
“Are you trembling?” He looked down at me. “You were lost in your thoughts a minute ago. Are you okay?”
“Mhm. Just nervous.” And wigged out. And disgusted as more memories barreled into my mind. Had Uncle Dorian been “grooming” me? I hadn’t known the term until I took psychology. It never occurred to me that I could’ve been one of the children I’d read about. All the gifts he’d given me over the years, the cuddles and attention, and all the spoiling? How he always asked if I washislittle girl,hisprincess, and I would sayyes.
Joseph stopped me. “Baby, what’s going on in your head?”
“Hmm? What?” I didn’t know what to say. “Let’s just get the bag.” I headed toward Gina’s car, trying to collect myself and be a strong, confident woman.
I went to the driver’s side of Gina’s car. “It’s about time. What took you so long?”
My friend stared at me with wide owl eyes.
Joseph came to my side. “Answer her. Do you have the bag?” He peeked into the windows, behaving like an impatient man.