16. Tommy

Chapter sixteen

Tommy

L eaving the ballroom, I find an exit straight out to the snow. The cold bites into me and I flip the collar on this ridiculous tux to find a semblance of extra warmth. But it's not the temperature that's chilling my soul. It's Tilly.

She asked me to leave but I could see it on her face. There was nothing she wanted more than for me to stay. To protect her, however small it might have been. But that's why she closed her eyes. She didn't want me to see how much it hurt. I told her—no, promised her— I would be there for her and then left.

I run a hand through the stupidly smooth hair on top of my head. "Fuck," I say aloud. This can't be right. It doesn't feel right at all. I know she asked me to go, that she meant it. She's genuinely worried about me as much as I am her.

This family is truly messed up. Her uncle with the ass grab? Her aunt with the veiled threats to my mom? Even the way those idiots toyed with her. It's seriously concerning. I look over my shoulder at the door back inside.

Fuck it. If she wants to be mad, let her. I'm not fucking leaving Tilly with these vultures. I grab the door handle and jerk it, but it's locked. Sighing, I turn back around. Walking to the front is going to take much longer than I want, but like hell am I giving up that easily.