Page 160 of The Jealous Girl

Ben shook his head. ‘It’s just a bump.’

‘That was not just anything. You were out cold. You scared the heck out of me.’

‘I did?’

I swatted his arm. ‘Of course you did.’

Ben swallowed. ‘Well, they said I just need to stay awake and have someone with me for the next seventy-two hours.’

I studied him cautiously.

‘Don’t look so worried, I’m fine and my folks will keep an eye on me. You can count on that.’

I felt a pang of jealously.

‘Sorry,’ he said instantly.

I gazed at him, slightly stunned how quickly he’d recognised how saying that would make me feel.

‘Are you sure you don’t want to stay with us tonight?’ Ben’s mum asked, as I reached for the door handle. ‘You’re very welcome to. And it’ll stop this one worrying about you being on your own,’ she added, jerking her head towards Ben in the back seat.

‘Mum,’ he muttered, rolling his eyes. But he didn’t deny it.

‘I’m fine, I promise,’ I assured them, grinning at Ben. I slid out of the car and waved as they drove away.

I’m fine.

My words repeated in my head, and I realised they were true.

For the first time in days, I actually was fine.

The police had already dropped the charges.

The truth had been uncovered.

I was free.

I let out a deep sigh, smiling to myself as I turned towards my block of flats.

‘Kirsty!’

I stopped instantly.

‘Hey,’ Ryan said as he jogged towards me. ‘I was waiting in my car,’ he said, pointing down the street. ‘I didn’t want to interrupt you with…’ He paused. ‘Your friend.’

I nodded slightly.

‘Can we talk?’ he asked when I didn’t move.

‘I’m really tired, Ryan.’

‘Please.’ He reached for my hand. ‘Just for a few minutes.’

I hesitated for a moment before stepping inside the building and holding the door open for him.

We walked up the stairs and into the flat in silence. Each lost in our own thoughts.

I hung my key on the hook beside the one that had once been his, and moved through to the kitchen. My hand automatically reached towards the kettle⁠—