Page 151 of Fighting the Forbidden

“What—” Molly gingerly touches Kyla’s shoulder then glares at Hayden. “What happened?”

Kyla wails—a high-pitched keening that stabs my eardrums.

Molly pries Kyla off me and hands me my shirt.

“Did you throw up, Kyla?” Concern heightens Molly’s voice. “Are you okay?”

Christ, is that what’s smeared all over my chest? I push past the girls into the bathroom, grab another towel, and wash myself off without verifying. With all the bodily fluids we’ve thrown around this room tonight, it could be considered a damn crime scene.

The girls are still crowded in the hallway when I return. Molly’s the only one who seems to be trying to calm Kyla.

“Why don’t you help her clean up?” I suggest, gesturing toward the bathroom.

Hayden rolls her eyes and pushes past me, throwing her duffel bag onto the table. “Aw, you got Molly roses?”

“Huh?” I glance at Hayden and nod. Flowers are the last thing on my mind.

“Sorry. We didn’t know where else to go,” Darcy says to me.

“Is someone going to tell me what happened?” I ask.

“Nooo,” Kyla shrieks and glares at Darcy. “Don’t you dare.”

“Kyla,” I say as patiently as possible. “Did someone hurt you?”

“No.” She sniffs.

“Come on.” Molly turns her friend toward the bathroom and nudges her inside. “Hayden!” she snaps over her shoulder. “Bring something clean for her to change into. I know you packed more than one outfit.”

Hayden scowls. I cough to cover my laughter. The girls came to Molly, so now she’s taking charge.

Not wanting to be anywhere near them while they clean Kyla up, I move to the farthest corner of the bedroom and wait for someone to tell me what the fuck’s going on.

Molly’s decisive voice cuts through the walls, even though I can’t quite make out the words. A few seconds later, Darcy stomps out of the bathroom and throws the closet door open. She whips a plastic bag off one of the hangers and returns to the bathroom. A few seconds later, the full bag sails into the hallway, landing with a wet thud.

The shower blasts to life. There’s more of Molly’s murmuring. The other girls giggle but a terse “knock it off” from Molly silences them.

I grab my phone and text Remy.

Me: Something went down with one of Molly’s friends. You around in case I need you?

Remy: Is Molly okay?

Me: Yes.

Remy: I’m home. Just say when and where.

Me: Thx.

No reason to drag him to the hotel yet, but knowing he’s available reassures me.

That dickhead Wesley. Somehow, he’s responsible for whatever happened. I just know it.

The shower cuts off and Molly’s soothing voice seems to be reassuring Kyla.

Silently, I stand and move to the chair closer to the bathroom, straining to hear any bits of their conversation.

“Tried…choked…felt sick…” More crying.

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