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I freeze halfway inside her. “What’s wrong?”
“Roll over.”
I hesitate for a second, trying to figure out what’s going on. Then pull out and shift away, sprawling on the comforter next to her. “I’m not a damn dog.”
Cassia giggles, and the sound makes me smile.
All the amusement fades when she straddles me.
“I want you to watch.”
She leans forward, her long hair dragging across my chest. So close, I think she’s going to kiss me. But she pulls away at the last minute, rising up on her knees and gripping my dick. I hiss at the contact, so hard it’s painful.
If she needs—wants—this distraction, I’ll give it to her.
I’ll give this girl anything she wants.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
CASSIA
When my eyes blink open, it feels like heavy bags of sand are sitting on them. Dry and gritty.
Sunshine is sneaking in around the corners of the shades, straight lines illuminating sections of the hardwood floor.
My head is pounding, and my throat feels raw.
I fling an arm across my eyes in an attempt to block out the light. Parts of yesterday are hazy and translucent, like my memory is a faded photo. But my recollection of other moments—specifically late last night—is completely clear. I lift my arm so I can raise the covers and confirm—yep—I’m naked.
There’s no sign of Holden.
I sit up in bed and grab my phone, scowling when I see the time. I only got a few hours of sleep, but it feels like even less.
There are a few new messages, including a couple from Christine asking if I’m okay. I reply to her first, letting her know I’m feeling better, and I’ll see her in class. She replies right away, liking the message.
I groan and toss my phone onto the comforter without looking through any more texts. I’m so, so tempted to skip class again today. To hide a little longer.
But that’s silly and selfish. I’m not even having to deal with any of the repercussions of my parents’ divorce first-hand.
I wonder how Regan found out. Wonder if Maggie knows.
I need to talk to my mom. But I also don’t want to, for the first time ever.
While I’m on campus, it’s easy to pretend like nothing has changed back in Pembrooke. Like the conversation I had with my mom never happened and we’re still the big, happy family I thought we were.
Does my dad know she told me?
Too many questions I’m not sure I want answers to.
Answers won’t change the outcome.
I hunt around Holden’s room until I locate my clothes. His room isn’t as messy as I’ve seen it, but it’s not exactly neat either. At least his bed has sheets on it.
My shirt smells like tequila, and the smoky scent makes my stomach turn as I pull it on.
Once I’m dressed, I cross the hall into the bathroom. I clean up as best I can with limited tools, splashing some cool water on my face and using a finger to rub some toothpaste around my mouth. I’m not sure which toothbrush is Holden’s.
The hum of voices is audible as I walk downstairs. Holden has lived in this house since sophomore year, but I’ve only woken up here a handful of times.
