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“Are we even safe here?”
“One of the safest places in the city, Miss Andrews,” one of the guards confirms.
I want to say his words make me feel better, but I’m not entirely sure they do.
We’re ushered toward the lift, leaving the guards behind.
As we ascend, a pained sigh leaves my lips, and Jodie reaches for my hand.
“I know you’d rather go home. But I can look after you.”
“I know,” I whisper. Not to mention that I’m probably safer—something I really don’t want to think about.
The second we step inside Jodie and Toby’s flat, Joanne comes rushing toward me and pulls me in for a tight hug.
“I’m okay, Jo,” I say lightly as I rub her back, sensing that she needs the support more than I do right now.
“I know. I know. Doesn’t stop me from worrying though. You’re one of my girls,” she says with a smile and tear-filled eyes as she moves back.
“I promise, I’m okay. Who doesn’t love a few bad-arse scars anyway?” I ask, hoping my voice doesn’t give me away.
I’m scared about what my arm is going to look like. I know it’s vain and that it’s only skin. But I can’t help it.
What if it’s ugly?
What if Nic— no. What if it freaks guys out and scares them off?
Forcing those depressing thoughts down, I allow Joanne to wrap her arm around my waist and lead me further into the flat.
“We have the guest room all ready for you. Everything you could possibly need is in there. Toby tried buying Jodie a nurse’s outfit for you, but you’ll be glad to know I put an end to those discussions.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, shooting a look over my shoulder at my best friend. She returns my knowing smirk with one of her own. Oh yeah, she has that little outfit.
“They’ve promised to be very well behaved while they have a guest. Haven’t you, Jojo?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Mum,” Jodie says innocently.
“You can’t fool me, child. I remember all too well what life with a bad boy is like.”
“Jesus,” Jodie mutters while Calli and I snigger.
“Where would you like to rest?” Joanne asks me. “Sofa or bed?”
“Is it just us?” I ask.
“For now. The guys are at school.”
“Out here then. I’m not sure I’ve got enough energy to deal with everyone yet.”
Joanne gets me settled on the sofa with more pillows than I know what to do with and a thick fluffy blanket that would probably be too much in winter let alone this time of year.
The girls rally around me, plying me with drinks and snacks and keeping the conversation light while Joanne is listening. But as nice as it is to spend time with them, the elephant in the room that is Nico never leaves.
As the minutes tick on, all I can think about is where he is, what he did after we left, and if he’s okay.
I hate it. I should be able to shove him aside. All of this is his fault.
But he never leaves.
