Chapter 17. Put up a Wall

[Elise’s POV]

Shock rolls through me as my head presses against William’s firm chest and the sound of his heartbeat invades my ears. What was this? What was he doing?

As these thoughts appear, his strong hand comes to rest on my back and begins to rub gentle circles. The action is both soothing and unsettling. And before I can stop myself, I’m jumping up.

“What are you doing?” I ask, scooching away from him. “Who said you could touch me?”

I wait as William takes me in as if I’m some strange creature, and when he opens his mouth to speak, I hold up a hand to stop him.

“Nevermind,” I sigh, realizing that it was just a split second reaction to me crying. “I’m sorry. Can you pretend none of this happened?”

Shit. Was I still feeling weak, and that was the reason I said too much? And in front of Rosco’s cousin, no less. Wasn’t it bad enough that Rosco considered me to be the enemy and unworthy of respect? Now I was sitting here, acting weak.

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