Chapter 9
I barely registered the sound of footsteps before Addy appeared in the doorway, her brows knitted in concern, eyes scanning the kitchen until they landed on me. She hesitated for only a second before stepping closer, calling my name again, gentler this time.
I wanted to tell her I was fine, that I didn’t need her worried gaze on me, but my throat felt tight, my body too heavy
Then she rushed forward, crouching down and wrapping her arms around me without a single word.
I didn’t think. I just moved, clinging to her like she was the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely. My fingers fisted the back of her sheer top my cheek pressed against her shoulder as I squeezed my eyes shut and focused on her warmth, her steady breathing
“It’s okay,” she whispered, rubbing slow, soothing circles on my back. “You’re okay. Everything’s okay.”
I didn’t know how long we stayed like that. Time felt distant, blurry, like it didn’t belong to me. But eventually, the weight on my chest started to lift, breaths coming easier, steadier. The vice grip around my ribs loosened, and for the first time since the crash, I could actually breathe.
I pulled back slowly, and Addy did the same, though she kept her hands on my arms like she was afraid I might tip over.
“You good?” she asked, searching my face.
I nodded. “Yeah.” My voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper, but I meant it
my
She helped me to my feet, her grip firm but gentle. I swayed a little, still lightheaded, but I kept my balance. When I looked around, I finally saw what had caused the noise, the broken glass near the counter, shards scattered across the floor like tiny, jagged stars.
Addy followed my
my gaze. “I’ll clean it up.”
In it later.
I shook my head. “It’s fine. 171 do i
She didn’t look convinced, but she let it go
Then my expression shifted, my brows pinching together as I crossed my arms. “What are you even doing here?” I asked, suddenly realizing she had no reason to be in my apartment
“Ryan.
I groaned, already regretting asking.
– 1 saw him icing his wrist alone at the club and asked where you were,” she said, Said some crazy person dragged you away. And when you weren’t answering your phone, I panicked.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. No way was I talking about that. I’d prefer to wipe that entire night from my brain, except maybe one thing -NO! Christ What was wrong with me?
“I’m fine,” I told her. “No one dragged me anywhere.”
She didn’t look convinced, but she let me grab a water bottle from the fridge, twist the cap off, and gulp half of it down before speaking again.
She took a step closer, studying me carefully, like she was debating something. I knew that look. I knew where this was going. And I’d much prefer if it never
got there.
“You ever think about going back to therapy?”
I stiffened.
She must’ve noticed because she softened her tone. “Layla, I’m serious. It was working, wasn’t it? You were doing better. And now… I don’t know. It just
her off, shaking my head. “I don’t need it.”
don’t want to talk about this.”
She exhaled, clearly frustrated but knowing better than to push. She nodded, though it was reluctant, and I felt a pang of guilt. This was my ride or die. The shit we’d been through and survived together was great. I knew she was just genuinely concerned
Chapter
“Thank you,” I said, my voice softer. “Really. I appreciate you being here. But I’m okay,”
She didn’t believe me. I could see it. But she didn’t argue.
Instead, she glanced back at the floor. “Just… clean that up before you step on it.”
I forced a small smile. “Yeah, I will.”
She hesitated for a second before nodding. “Alright. Fll see you tomorrow at work?”
“Yeah. At work.”
“Okay.” She lingered for a moment longer, then turned and walked to the door.
I waited until I heard it click shut before exhaling, pressing my palms against the counter. My reflection in the dark window above the sink stared back at me, exhausted. I needed this day to be over already!
As I turned toward my closet for some cleaning supplies, my phone pinged from the counter. I grabbed it as I walked, already expecting some follow–up text from Addy. But when 1 glanced at the screen, I stopped dead in my tracks.
It was an Unknown Number,
Bet you looked good clinging to me,flower. But I think we both know you’ll look even better beneath me”
My jaw dropped.
A slow, disbelieving scoff left my lips as my fingers clenched around the phone. Was he serious?
I didn’t need to ask who it was. The sheer arrogance dripping from the words, the damn nickname, of course, It was Adam
My blood boiled.
I typed furiously, my thumbs flying over the keyboard..
Go to hell, you psychotic bastard. Lose my fucking number.
I blocked him before he even had the chance to reply, my pulse still raging as I stormed into my bedroom instead and slammed the door shut behind me.
Unbelievable. I tossed my phone onto the bed and ran a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply.
Adam Crest was insufferable.
And yet, my damn heart was still racing.
Chapter Comments
Visiter
hot book….love the twisted in turns and stockery vibes
