Deep Attraction: Keep Me Safe

Chapter 1

Caity

(Four Years Earlier)

I jerk awake to the sound of screaming downstairs—nothing unusual, but enough to make my heart slam against my ribs every single time. It's become a daily routine in this house, yet it never stops startling me.

My eyes scan my bedroom, still half-asleep, until they land on the digital clock glowing in the dark.

2:00 a.m.

Of course. It's always the middle of the night.

I push the covers off and quietly swing my legs over the side of the bed, wincing as the floorboards creak beneath my feet. I move toward my door as silently as possible—quiet as a mouse, just like I've trained myself to be.

My hand trembles slightly as I wrap my fingers around the doorknob. I turn it slowly, inch by inch, until the latch clicks softly. Then I crack the door open and peek into the hallway, holding my breath as the shouting downstairs grows sharper, angrier.

I already know what's happening.

But I still look.

I always look.

The screaming gets louder—sharper—rising up from downstairs. My stomach twists. I step out of my bedroom and quietly creep across the hall toward my brother's room.

I turn his doorknob slowly and push it open just enough to peek inside.

"You couldn't sleep either, Caity?" Matthew whispers from his bed, already sitting up.

I shake my head and slip inside, leaving the door cracked just enough so we can hear if things get worse. "Can I sleep in here tonight, Matthew?" My voice wavers, and tears burn the corners of my eyes.

Matt doesn't hesitate. He nods, gets out of bed, and walks to his closet. He pulls out his old sleeping bag, spreading it across the floor with practiced movements—like we've done this a thousand times. He grabs a pillow from his bed and sets it at the top of the sleeping bag before looking back at me.

"One day," he murmurs softly, "we won't have to wake up to this. I swear it. I just don't understand why Mom won't leave him. He's nothing but an alcoholic." His voice breaks a little as he sighs and meets my eyes.

I cross the small room toward him and wrap my arms around his waist, burying my face against him. His warmth makes me feel safe, even with chaos exploding downstairs. He hugs me back tightly, as if he's trying to shield me from all of it—like he always does.

Matt pulls me closer, my small frame pressed tight against his chest.

"I know," I whisper shakily. "I'm tired of this. I'm tired of walking around like we're all on eggshells."

My body trembles as tears spill fast, running down my cheeks. Matt rubs my back gently, a soft and steady motion meant to calm me, even though he doesn't respond to my words.

When my breathing finally slows and the shaking settles, I pull away from his arms. I climb into his bed, curling up beneath the blankets.

Matt walks over and gently tucks the blanket around me before leaning down to kiss my forehead.

"As long as I'm here," he whispers, "I promise I'll always protect you. I'll never leave you, Caity."

All I can do is nod. My throat feels tight, like speaking would break me all over again.

I watch him walk back to his sleeping bag, settle into it, and lie down. The bedroom falls into a heavy silence, and after a few minutes, the screaming from downstairs finally fades. That can only mean one thing—Dad must have passed out somewhere in the house.

My eyes grow heavy, and before I know it, I finally drift into a deep sleep.

Unfortunately, it doesn't last long—because the blaring alarm clock jolts me awake far too soon.

Beep... beeep!

I rub my tired eyes as Matt's alarm clock blares through the bedroom. He shoots up quickly and shuts it off before it has a chance to wake Dad.

I sit up, push the covers aside, and quietly climb out of his bed. Then I slip out of Matt's room and tiptoe down the hall to my own. I grab a set of clean clothes and my towel before heading straight for the bathroom.

I shut the bathroom door behind me and locked it. Setting my fresh clothes down on the sink, I moved toward the shower and turned the water on, waiting for it to heat. While it warmed, I began quickly shedding my clothes, eager to escape the lingering chill of the room.

I step into the shower, letting the hot water hit my skin. I close my eyes and allow myself a small, fleeting smile. I grab the bottle of shampoo, lathering it through my hair before rinsing it thoroughly. Next comes the conditioner, which I let sit a little longer as I wash my body.

I grab my toothbrush and unscrew the cap of the toothpaste, squeezing out just the right amount. I brush my teeth carefully, rinse the brush, and set it back on the shelf. Then I cup my hands under the running water, letting it fill before swishing some in my mouth to rinse thoroughly.

After rinsing my hair and body, I turn off the shower and reach for my towel. Stepping out, I wrap it tightly around myself.

A sudden bang on the door makes me jump.

"Let me in this f*****g bathroom! I have to piss!"

My heart races. I grab my clothes from the sink and hurry to the door, fumbling with the lock as I try to get it open before he forces his way in.

My father storms in, brushing past me as he rushes toward the toilet. He doesn't even wait for me to leave before he starts unbuttoning his pants. I don't dare look in his direction.

Clutching my towel tightly around my body and holding my clothes in my hands, I back out of the bathroom as quickly as I can and hurry to my bedroom, shutting the door firmly behind me.

I dry myself off quickly, sliding on my underwear and bra. I reach for my ripped blue jeans, but before I can pull them on, the door swings open. I gasp and scramble to grab my towel to cover myself.

"Wow... look at you."

My father's eyes roam over me as he steps further into the room, shutting the door behind him.

"Can you please leave? I'm not dressed," I manage to say, my voice trembling.

He steps in front of me and yanks the towel from my hands, tossing it across the room.

"You've grown into a beautiful young lady."

I stare up at him, arms crossed tightly over my chest, trying to protect myself without saying a word. My stomach twists into painful knots, fear and disgust twisting through me.

He steps closer, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face. My stomach drops as his hand slides toward my right breast.

I jump back, shock and fear flooding me.

"Dad... please don't touch me. Please—just leave my room so I can get ready for school."

He chuckles darkly and begins unbuttoning his pants. Before I can react, he steps forward, shoving me onto the bed and climbing on top of me.

"I can't help myself... you're beautiful."

Panic explodes inside me. I kick, hit, and struggle with everything I have, desperate to push him off.

He pins both of my hands above my head with one hand, leaning close to my face.

"You will let me do this... and I promise you'll enjoy it."

His other hand slides down my body, brushing over my curves and reaching for my panties.

"GET OFF OF ME!!" I scream at the top of my lungs.

In an instant, he's yanked off me. Matt bursts into the room, fury in his eyes.

"What the f**k is wrong with you, Dad?! That's your daughter!"

Matt swings at him, and I scramble to pull the blanket around myself, trying to cover up as my body shakes with fear and relief.

Tears stream down my cheeks like a waterfall as I watch the fight unfold before me.

Mom bursts into the bedroom, panic and anger in her voice.

"What is going on here?! Matthew, get off him! You're going to kill him!"

Matt releases Dad and stands tall, eyes blazing.

"He was on top of her, about to r**e her. You need to call the cops and press charges, Mom."

Mom shakes her head, tears spilling down her face as she looks at her husband.

"Get out now!"

He scrambles to his feet and storms out of the bedroom, cursing under his breath. I hear him stomp through the house, the sound of slamming doors and angry muttering echoing behind him, until finally the front door bangs shut. Silence fills the house.

Matt rushes over and wraps his arms around me, holding me tightly. Mom stands nearby, sobbing and apologizing over and over, but I can't stop the tears streaming down my face.

"Did he... touch you... ?" Matt asks quietly, still hugging me, unable to meet my eyes, afraid of my answer.

"He didn't get far... that's when I screamed, and you came through the door."

Matt lets out a deep, relieved sigh, and I can feel the tension leave his body. He slowly releases me and steps out of the bedroom, giving Mom and me some privacy.

Mom walks over to the bedroom door and shuts it firmly before turning to face me. I stand up and gather my clothes from the floor. I pull on my ripped jeans, buttoning them carefully, and slip my purple sweater over my head.

"This stays in this house. What just happened... do not discuss it with your friends, and absolutely do not tell anyone at your school. Do you understand me, young lady?"

I look up at my mother and give a quick nod, then slide my socks on and pull my Vans over my feet. I grab my brush, quickly working out the knots in my wavy hair, then slip my phone into my back pocket and sling my backpack over my shoulder. Without another word, I storm out of my bedroom and head outside.

Once outside, I walk over to my brother's car, open the passenger door, and slide in, shutting it behind me. Matt stares at me in shock as I explain what Mom told me after he left my bedroom.

"What Dad did in there isn't okay," he say firmly. "And I refuse to let him get away with it. We're going to the police station first... before school."

"Buckle up, Caity."

I do as he says, fastening my seatbelt as Matt pulls out of the driveway. My mind races with uncertainty about what will happen once we reach the police station, but one thing is clear—I couldn't face this without my older brother by my side.