Pretend to be mine tonight (GXG)

Chapter 12

Emily's POV

Alexandria didn't say a word; she just sat there feeding me silently, glancing at Cam every now and then as if seeking reassurance that she was doing it right.

I found it oddly endearing, watching a woman like Alexandria—so composed and in control—seem flustered and determined. I could tell how hard this was for her, her focus unwavering as she held the spoon with furrowed brows, as though her mission was an impossible one.

When I signaled that I was full by shaking my head, she sighed heavily and set the tray aside. "I'll take everything downstairs and clean up. You should take a bath," she said without meeting my gaze, treating me as though I might break at any moment.

"I'll run you a bath," Cam said, stepping into the bathroom and leaving Alexandria and me alone.

"Thank you," I whispered as Alexandria grabbed the tray, about to leave my room.

"Do you need anything else?" she asked without turning around.

"I'm good... you cook very well," I said, hoping she would look at me, but she just nodded quickly and left the room, leaving me feeling a bit disappointed.

I threw off the sweaty blanket and made my way to the bathroom. I found Cam sitting on the edge of the bathtub, splashing the water like a child.

I gave her a kiss on the back of her head and mumbled another thank you. She reached for my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Looking in the mirror, I was horrified. Alexandria had seen me like this—my makeup smeared, my hair a tangled mess, and the bags under my eyes stark and dark.

"I look horrible. No wonder she doesn't want to look at me," I muttered, trying to fix my hair, but to no avail.

"You really do look like a mess," Cam said with a chuckle. She left the bathroom after preparing the bath to give me privacy.

I stripped off my clothes and looked at my scars, tracing my fingers over them, shuddering as dark thoughts fought to surface.

I sank into the cold water, sighing in relief as my anxiety began to calm. I closed my eyes and let myself relax.

I don't know how long I was in there—maybe an hour—until I heard the doorknob turn. Luckily, I had locked it.

"Em! Why is the door closed? Open up!" Cam's panicked voice came through, making me roll my eyes as I stood up.

"Smith? What's wrong?" Alexandria's voice followed.

"The door is locked, EM OPEN UP NOW!" Cam's voice was growing more frantic. I wrapped myself in a towel and moved toward the door, mumbling that I was coming, but I doubt she heard me over her shouting.

I opened the door, and before I could say anything, Alexandria's body collided with mine. We both fell to the floor, her warm body pressing against mine. I opened my eyes slowly to meet her piercing ice-blue eyes, just a towel separating us.

My heart raced as I pushed her off. "Get off me!" I screamed, and Cam rushed to help Alexandria stand.

"I was trying to break the door down, then you opened it and—" Alexandria began, but her words were drowned out by the deafening buzz in my ears. I crawled into the corner of the room, trying to cover myself with the towel as best as I could.

"Emily..." Alexandria whispered.

"Let's give her space to get dressed," Cam said, gently pulling Alexandria out of the bathroom.

"But..." Alexandria started to argue.

"You promised you'd listen to me. Just trust me. Come on," Cam said, dragging her away.