#Chapter 33-Hold It All Together Now

Derek’s face finds mine, his own dark eyes baring into my soul. “Esme.” It’s only one word, but God does it pack a powerful punch. “I’m fine.” I don’t even mean to say it so quickly; it’s almost like I’m pushing back at him for something. “What?” He asks. I finally pull myself away from the wall slowly so as to not upset the universe any further. My body is shaking like I’ve been put on vibrate. “I’m sorry. Thank you, Derek, for coming to my aid. But I know how to take care of myself.” The insistence may be a bit muddy, though, considering Derek caught Ken with his hands groping my breasts. That’s not something I can just thank him for. That’s something I have to make him forget and move on from. Just like I did years ago. “Esme?” His tone is confused, and he actually cocks his head to the side like a curious pet. “What happened to you was—” I interrupt him. “It was nothing. I