Therefore, I’ll be hers.

Given every fucked-up thing I’ve done in the past, it’s the very least I can do now.

Sawyer gets off the bed. “Okay, let’s say you go through with this and you report him. What then?”

I chew my bottom lip as I think about this. “I don’t know. He gets in trouble.”

“Yeah, best case scenario. But before it even comes to that, it’s going to involve a lot of extensive questioning by the police. Maybe even a long, drawn-out trial down the line that will undoubtedly be mentally exhausting for you.”

She makes a great point, but it doesn’t matter. I’m willing to pay the price to get justice.

“I’ll deal with that when the time comes.”

Dylan rubs her temples. “Are you sure about this, Bianca? Because once you do it…there’s no going back.”

I look them in the eyes. “I’m positive.”

I’m doing this for Hayley.

Chapter 42

Bianca

“I’ve just been so lost and confused.” I look the piece of shit in the eyes. “So vulnerable…you know? I have no one in my life to turn to.” The next words burn. “Despite what happened, I know my mom trusted you…so I figured you’d be the best person I could vent to.”

Mark rubs his chin, assessing me. “I can’t imagine how difficult this has all been for you.”

A sick lurch goes through my stomach. “One can say the same about you.”

He tries to fake genuine sadness, but he fails.

Because he’s a motherfucking sociopath.

“Yes, well…” His sentence trails off. “I’m just trying to take it one day at a time.”

It’s taking everything in me not to snatch the pen from his hand and stab him right in the jugular.

I uncross my legs and watch as his eyes track the movement. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I’ve had no one to turn to. I’ve been so alone.” I give him a forlorn look. “I really appreciate it.”

Looking down, I stand and make my way to the door, stopping right before I exit.

Chewing my bottom lip, I pretend to think about my next move. “Dr. Young?”

“Yes?”

“Would it be....do you think I can have a hug?” My mouth curves into a sugary sweet smile. “Bury the hatchet?”

His eyebrows shoot up to the ceiling before he recovers. “Sure.”

Bile surges up my throat the moment he walks over and embraces me.

Here comes the part I hate most.

The vile part.

I almost chicken out but then I remind myself I’m doing this for Hayley.

Wrapping my hand around his neck, I kiss him…

And force my mind to go somewhere else so I don’t actually have to think about it.

Just like Hayley must have forced herself to do every time he violated her.

Instantly, he freezes…

Not the reaction I was hoping for.

“Oh, my God.” Feigning embarrassment, I take a step back. “I’m so sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking—”

The words are barely out of my mouth before he closes the distance between us and shoves me against the door.

Gross.

Reaching inside my pocket, I press the record button on my phone.

When it’s clear he’s really enjoying our exchange, I put the brakes on.

“I’m sorry.” I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. “I can’t do this.”

Come on, asshole.

I turn to run away, but he grabs my arm. “I don’t enjoy being teased.”

“Get off me,” I scream loudly as he edges away. “You’re hurting me, Mr. Young. Please, stop.” Lunging for him, I scratch his face. “Get off.”

His mouth drops open in shock and for a moment I almost feel bad.

But then I remember what he did to Hayley and my mom.

He deserves to have his life ruined the way he ruined theirs.

I don’t give a fuck what anybody says.

I quickly knee him in the balls and run out the door.

Sawyer and Dylan rush over to me when I reach the waiting room.

“Are you okay?” Sawyer questions.

Dylan scans over every inch of my face. “Did he hurt you?”

“No,” I tell them as we start walking. “That’s the weird thing…he kind of stopped and looked surprised.”

We’re almost to Sawyer’s van when I realize. I’m gonna need some more evidence.

I look at Dylan. “I need you to punch me.”

Dylan blinks. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I need you to punch me so I have more evidence.”

Dylan shakes her head. “Are you out of your mind? I’m not punching you, Bianca.”

Sawyer holds up her hands when I look her way. “Me either.”

Annoyed, I growl, “I used to hate you, Dylan. Like literally wished you would die so I could piss on your grave. I haven’t gotten all my memories back, but something tells me I wasn’t very nice to you and I made your life a living hell. Therefore, you must have wanted to punch me at least a few—”

Her fist goes flying into my cheek. Hard.

“Jesus, Dylan,” Sawyer breathes. “What the heck is wrong with you?”

Dylan shrugs innocently. “She asked me to punch her.”

She’s right, I did.

But who knew the girl had such a mean right hook?

I rub my throbbing cheek. “That should do it.” I climb inside Sawyer’s van. “Let’s go to the police station.”

Chapter 43

Bianca

After what felt like an eternity filled with non-stop questions, the police finally let me go.

I’m not sure what’s going to happen with Mark, but at the very least his medical license is in danger of being taken away since I made an appointment with his office and was therefore listed as a client.

Is it justice?

Not close to the kind Hayley deserves, but it’s better than nothing.

It also made me realize something.

I kept my mother’s secrets because I thought I was protecting her…but in the end they only ended up destroying me.

Maybe it’s time for me to stop living in my cocoon and start letting people in.

But the only way to do that is to start being honest with the people I love.

Let them inside.

After putting more coverup on my bruise so Oakley doesn’t freak when he sees me, I snap my compact shut.

My hand trembles as I knock on the door of Oakley’s apartment.

I didn’t want him to know about Hayley or my mother’s affair with her dad, but I also don’t think it’s right to keep this from him.

He answers after the third knock. “Hey.”

“Hey.” I take a deep breath. “Can I come in? I really need to talk—”

“Is that the food?” some woman questions behind him.

A moment later she comes into view.

She’s a little older than him, but very pretty.

Very pretty and very blonde.

My throat constricts. “I didn’t know you had company.” Heart heavy, I stagger back. “I’ll talk to you later.”