I lift my head and through glossy eyes, take in the chaos that has inevitably taken place since my mom walked in the door. Embarrassment floods me as I stare at Mom and Aunt Dina, who are fighting over Dina's car keys like little kids while Savannah tries to corral them.

And then I look at Austin, who's still kneeled between my thighs and staring at me with unshakable concern, a firm hand gripping my shaking thigh.

"You should go," I blurt out in a shaky whisper, the shame that has followed me for twenty-one years taking over.

I spent so much of my life trying to be in control. Trying to mediate between mom and dad when they were arguing, trying to coerce both of my parents in getting clean after falling heavily into their addictions. Powerlessness is a feeling I've felt far too often, and the fact that Austin is witnessing it once again makes me feel vulnerable and unworthy.

"Aria," Austin says quietly, squeezing my thigh. "What'd I tell you? Eyes on me."

I peer up at him through my lashes. "Last night I asked you to repeat something back to me," He continues steadily. Repeat it to me now."

My heart rate picks up as the sound of bickering slowly ebbs away. Like always, Austin's presence commands my attention and it feels like we're the only two in the room.

I lick my lips and recite, "You're not going anywhere."

Austin squeezes my thigh again. "And what did I say after that?"

A crimson flush dances across my cheeks as I quietly repeat the mantra he sang in my ear during our most intimate moment. "No matter how many times I try to push you away. No matter how scared I am. No matter the amount of baggage between us. You're mine, and you're not fucking leaving."

He tilts his chin down, locking his eyes firmly on mine with a look of determination. "I can fix this for you. Right now. All you have to do is let me."

Emotion creeps up my throat. My eyes flutter closed and I swallow harshly, choking back the sting of tears that have been threatening to fall since the start of my panic attack. "Yeah," I say, my voice shaky.

"Aria. Let me fix this for you," Austin demands quietly.

My head spins. Questions fly at me, but I will myself to tamp them down. "Okay," I whisper. "Please."

Austin doesn't waste any time. Still kneeled on the ground with his stare still locked on mine, he gives my thigh another squeeze and sharply calls out, "Savannah."

All motion ceases, every pair of eyes in the room flying to Austin. He stands and walks to my side, snaking a tattooed arm out and curling his hand around the base of my neck, his thumb lightly caressing my hairline. He jerks his chin to Mom and Aunt Dina.

Somehow, Savannah knows exactly what to do. My eyebrows crease in confusion as she deftly swoops in between Mom and Dina and swipes the car keys. In their moment of stunned silence, they swiftly turn to my sister, their mouths opening at the same time to argue.

They don't get the chance. Before a word can leave their lips, Savannah tosses the keys to Austin, who catches them with a raised hand.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Mom shouts, swiveling her head from Savannah to Austin in outrage.

My boyfriend ignores her and instead walks to the front door, locking it and sliding the deadbolt in place. He places the keys in his pocket and turns to face my family.

All I can do is blink as he pulls out his phone and dials a number. I shoot a glance at Savannah, raising an eyebrow in confusion. She shakes her head, a silent plea in her eyes that says Just trust him.

Mom and Dina start going at it again until Austin's voice stops them in their tracks.

"Cory Wicker," He rumbles. "This is Austin Delaney."

My eyes seek out Savannah again. Why is Austin on the phone with the Chief of Police?

Just. Trust. Him., her eyes scream.

"Do you have any updates for me on the whereabouts of Mark Adkins?" He asks, staring directly at my Mom.

Her entire body flinches. She jolts up eagerly, her eyes wide. She looks so much like my father in this moment, her body resembling his own as it vibrates with the need for her next fix, that is causes a shudder to skate down my back.

It dawns on me then; alcohol was never my mom's first addiction. Mark was. Is.

"You brought him into the station this morning."

This time, I flinch. Mom leaps up, shoving her feet back into her riding boots, nearly toppling over the coffee table in her haste to pull the zipper up.

"Yes, sir, I'll be by to pay his bail shortly. Thank you for your help."

My jaw drops. I glance at Savannah, who doesn't seem the least bit surprised. I wrap my arms around my stomach, feeling small. In the dark. Cornered.

"Aria," Austin calls. "I need to see whatever it was he left you. Chief Wicker wants me to bring it in with me."

Tears blur my vision.

"Dina, let's go!" Mom screeches, hefting her bag over her shoulder.

"Sit down," Austin demands coldly.

"Wha- You're not the damn boss of me! My husband is waiting for me, now get outta my way."

"Sit. Down." Austin barks.

Mom, Dina, and I all jump. They both obey his command, collapsing onto the couch in stunned defeat.

"Aria, did he leave you a threatening note?" Austin asks, taking a step towards me.

One by one, the tears begin to fall. Fat drops cascade down my cheeks, and a choked sob makes its way up my throat.

"Baby," He rumbles, squatting down in front of me.

"No," I choke out. "No. You weren't supposed to- you weren't supposed to see this. Any of this. I didn't want any of it touching you."

"Aria, it's okay. He just wanted to help," Savannah cajoles from across the room.

"You knew." I state. "You knew that he was.. what? Stalking me? Blackmailing me?"

"Yes," Austin grits out. "He wasn't very quiet about it. Neither was Scott after I broke his nose today."

"Stop," I cry weakly. "You can't fix everything, Austin. I should never have gotten you involved. Look at what a mess this has turned into! And you're right in the middle of it."

"When are you going to realize that I was going to get involved regardless? You think I was just gonna stand idly by while I watched you drown under the shit your parents put you through?" He asks, exasperated.

"I wanted to handle it myself," I say.

"Why? Why would you handle it yourself when I'm right here and want to help you?"

"Because that's what I always do," I cry.

"You don't have to anymore. That's what happens when you love someone. You don't just stand there and do nothing. You fight for them. You fight with them," He interjects fiercely.

I close my eyes, mortified from.. everything. Every fucking dirty, tainted, embarrassing aspect of my life that Austin has had to witness since the day that I walked into his establishment. If I'd have said no to his offers for car rides home.. If I'd have just said no to his initial job offer in the first place...

Dejected, I state, "The papers are on the counter."

"I'm going to the station to bail out your father. Your mom's coming with me, and we're gonna settle this shit once and for all. Okay?" He asks.

"Okay," I say calmly, avoiding his eyes.

"Aria," He pleads. "Don't shut down on me. We're gonna talk this out when I get back."

"Yeah."

Austin sighs and stands to his feet. He bends down and kisses my temple. "I'm yours, and I'm not fucking leaving. Remember that."

I swallow harshly, but don't respond. I stare at the ground as mom and Dina shuffle by quietly, following Austin out of the front door.

"Aria," Savannah whispers once the door slams closed and its just the two of us.

"Savvy, don't," I plead. "Not right now."

And without another word, I walk to my room and lock the door.

——

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