CHAPTER 007

1072 Words
The Weight of Secrets Samantha's POV After days of dreading this conversation, it seemed as though the ground was collapsing under me now it was occurring. I was at a loss sitting across from Adrian in his office, with the truth about Jared suddenly out in the open right front. His response matched my own—shock, wrath, will. But something else simmered under the surface, something that terrified me more than Jared's threats. Adrian had trouble trusting right away. He surrounded himself with walls only allowing a small number of guests in. Having worked my way into that inner circle for years, I could feel myself being driven to the margins once more in a few short seconds. I watched him walk the room, clearly frustrated. The quiet between us was weighty, and I could feel my own guilt weighing down on me. Why not inform him sooner? For so long, why had I let Jared rule me? Because I felt I could manage it. I felt I could guard Adrian without bringing him into the middle of my past. Now, though, everything was spiraling out of control and the walls I had so painstakingly constructed were collapsing. "Sam, you should have told me," Adrian murmured, his voice strained with the attempt to control his feelings. My throat was hard, so I said, "I know." "I thought I might correct it on my own." And how has that been working? Though they were not harsh, his remarks struck right through. I came up with no response. Actually, it had hardly been operating at all. Every time I thought I may free myself, Jared tightened his hold on my life. It was like a strangle. I apologized; the words sounded empty even to my own ears. Adrian stopped walking and turned to face me; his countenance softened for the shortest of times. "This goes beyond just you, Sam. This impacts us both right now. Feeling the whole weight of that comment, I looked down at my hands. Correct was what he said. Keeping this secret had not only put me at risk personally. Too, I had put him in danger. I said, "I know," my voice only a whisper. For a long moment, neither of us said. Though I could not bring myself to break the stillness, the atmosphere in the room was stifling. Not yet. Not while I still doubted whether Adrian would ever pardon me for this. Finally, more to me than to him, "I'll fix it," I said. "I will figure out how to make this right." "How?," asked Though there was still an edge to it, Adrian's voice sounded softer now. "Sam, Jared is not going to quit. He is not just going to turn away. "I know," I said . In my lap, my hands closed into fists. But I'm not going to let him rule me any more. Adrian came up and settled on the desk's edge in front of me, his eyes darting over my face. "What's your strategy then?" I stopped, the familiar weight of anxiety sinking in my chest. In fact, I had no strategy. Having spent so much time attempting to keep one step ahead and responding to Jared's threats, I hadn't thought to consider how I would finish this. One thing was quite evident though: I couldn't accomplish it by myself. "I'm not sure," I said. I will work things out though. I should. Adrian's jaw clenched, and I could see the inner struggle he was waging. Though he was furious as well, he wanted to help. Furious with me for concealing this from him. Furious at Jared for situational manipulation. And furious, I believe, at myself for not spotting the signals earlier. After a protracted silence, he added, "Let me help," his voice steady but charged. We will bring him down collectively. I shook my head, terror shooting across my chest. Adrian, no. This causes me difficulty. I cannot draw you into this any more than I now have. "You didn't drag me into anything," he remarked with a forceful voice. "I am already in this whether or not you enjoy it. And I'm not going to watch Jared ruin you from behind here. To object, I opened my mouth, but the look in his eyes stopped me. He wasn't allowing me options. Adrian had formed his opinion; once that was clear-cut, nothing could be undone. "Okay," I murmured quietly at last caving in. Still, we have to exercise caution. Jared... he is dangerous, Adrian. You are ignorant of his potential. "I have dealt with people like Jared before," he added, his darkening eyes. "He's hardly the first individual to believe they can control their means of sustenance. I will not let him triumph though. Not in this instance. His conviction made me shudder down my spine. Adrian had always been protective, but right now he seemed different. anything more forceful. more tenacious. I had hoped for the first time in a long time. Perhaps we might oppose this. Perhaps we would win. But a fresh sensation of terror soon eclipsed that hope. Jared intended not to lie down. And he would retaliate if he knew we were on our way to see him. I felt as though things were about to grow worse when I laid in bed later that evening. The gloom outside my window seemed oppressive, as though it were squeezing in on all sides. Rolling over, I reached for my phone and went through my messages until I came onto the one from Jared. I am aware of everything. Three days ago, the note arrived, and ever since I had been living in terror. But with Adrian's help, I sensed a sliver of power now. I could try to confront this. Perhaps I could at last cease Jared's threats. But a fresh one emerged on the screen as I fixed my gaze on the mail. Sam, you chose the incorrect path. My heart stopped. I just stared at the television for a long minute without breathing. Jared knew. He knew I had told Adrian. And he was here right now, coming for us. Heart pounding, I flung off the sheets and leaped from bed. Adrian needed me to warn him. Before Jared did, I had to get to him. But I stopped as I grabbed for my coat—a footfall outside my door froze me.
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