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Chapter 20
Astrid
My scattered dreams aren’t comforting as I continue to slip in and out. I try hard to reclaim consciousness, but it won’t help me wake up completely. I’m almost there, but I can’t hold on as I slip into darkness again. When I do wake up, I hear a rhythmic beat—not the pounding bass at the Pit, but a mechanical beat like a machine. I can’t move easily but can move enough to roll onto my side. I use my fingertips, and not my eyes, to figure out that I’m in a very narrow bed.
“She’s waking up,” a voice speaks near me, and gradually, I can open my eyes.
I grin a stupid grin when I see Nova with Derick standing behind at my bed.
“Astrid.” Gently, she presses her cheek against mine. “Girl, you scared the fucking shit out of me.”
I try to laugh, but it comes out as a phlegmy cough. I lift my hand to my mouth, and there’s a clear tube in my arm and wires leading off my chest. I take a small sip as Nova holds a cup to my lips, and the dryness dissolves in my itchy throat.
“I couldn’t have given you a scare as big as the one you gave me.” My voice is weak, and I cough again. Nova presses the cup against my lips, and I sip some more. I lift my hand lightly, pushing it upright. “Thanks.” I take a breath. “What happened?”
Derick answers. “Someone slipped you a roofie. A shitload of roofies. It was enough to drug ten girls; that’s what the intern said.” Derick snorts. “You impressed him. He’s surprised you’re even alive. I’m going to go tell him.” Derick disappears out the hall.
I try to sit up but can’t when I’m hooked up to a machine and a drip. My skimpy clothes have been replaced by a stiff cotton gown. I hope I never see any of it again.
Nova places her hand on my shoulder. “Stay still,” she whispers.
“I meant you, by the way,” I whisper back, “How did you get here?”
Nova smiles. “Your boy toy paid my bail. And Teeny’s. They hadn’t charged me. By the way, did you know that’s illegal after twenty-four hours? But fuck if I could plead that without a lawyer. And, like a magic wand waving over my head, one appeared.”
“He got you out?” I ask.
Nova nods. “Your boy marched into the station yesterday with his lawyer and a checkbook. They threatened people: either free me or set bail. They set bail, and Bryce paid it.”
“Bryce?” My eyes widen as I’m not sure if she said the right name. “Are you sure it wasn’t Wyatt or Justin?”
“Astrid, I’m not blind.” Nova arches a brow. “I can tell them apart. Bryce showed up with Derick and drove me home when it was done. He hung out with us for about an hour but slipped away. You know, family can be intense. My mother couldn’t decide if she was relieved to see me or pissed off. The boy’s decent, you know, when he chooses to be.”
I sigh. “Yes, I guess. I should’ve listened. I should’ve never gone back to the Pit.”
“Why did you?” she asks softly.
I scoff. “The bank of Howland is closed. The cops went to his mansion to arrest me, and some lawyer made sure I didn’t go to jail. I’m so sorry, Nova.”
She gives me a look like I’m still dizzy. “For what?”
I look at my hands. “I wanted to help you.”
Nova shrugs. “In a way, you did. Your boy sprang me out of that mess. For now. You have to start using a different way to get things done, Astrid.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t have the money.”
“You didn’t need it,” replies Nova. “You can use words now instead of fists or cash. How are you still not getting it? Those rich boys are living to please you. You’ve trained them. But you’re not the type to take advantage.” Nova glances at the closed door. “They’re out in the hallway, making sure you’re not messed with. The social worker wants to lecture you on domestic violence. She has no clue what went on. Like you want that shit to happen.”
We stare at the door while voices on the other side of the hallway grow louder. Voices lower to whispers then escalate quickly again. My brain’s been distracted by the excitement of seeing Nova as something finally reaches through to my addled brain.
This time, I bolt upright in bed as I cover my mouth with my hands.
“Oh my God,” I would’ve shouted if I could. “What hospital am I in?”
Nova watches me with concern. “Rockingham General. Pierce drove you here.”
No...No, no, no. NO!
