Page 29 of Broken Hearts

The chance to finish is cut short as she pulls me into a hug, the first of its kind. Her usual reservation about physical affection makes this moment particularly meaningful.

I am grateful that Nessa is the quiet type because right now, I really don’t want to talk. I’m not even sure what I feel or what I think. I also don’t really know why it hurts so much to see him with her, and yet…

A sigh escapes me upon reaching the apartment, the weight of my emotions still present.

Nessa puts her bag on the counter and looks at me. “Do we need booze? Of course we do,” she continues before I get a chance to reply. She points toward her bedroom. “Let me get my fake ID, and we’ll go get some.”

I twist my mouth to the side. The girl on her ID looks nothing like her except for her silver-and-purple hair.

“What?”

“I’ve seen that ID. It’s not the best.”

She shrugs. “No, but when I get questioned, I play the deaf girl.”

“You are a deaf girl.”

She waves her hand dismissively. “You know what I mean. People get panicky and give me what I want.”

I chuckle as she disappears into the bedroom. Her phone vibrates on the counter, and I automatically look at it.

BB: Want to help me stretch after the game? I can be downstairs in ten.

I assume BB stands for “British Boy” or something of the sort, but all in all, I know it’s Liam. Why they are keeping it a secret, though, is beyond me, but I get we all have our reasons to do things.

The thing is, I want my friend to have her fun; Nessa deserves it. I know she wouldn’t mind staying here with me while I mope in the deadly cocktail she’ll make for the occasion, but I want more for her. She needs whatever Liam will give her—laughter, orgasms, whatever else will be better than being stuck with me here.

Stepping away from her phone, she emerges, ID in hand. “Come on, let’s go buy the booze. I’ve seen some killer cocktails online.”

I grimace. “Do you mind if I take a rain check? I still have a paper to finish, and I have to wake up early.”

“Oh. Are you sure?” She grabs her phone and reads the text, her face flushing a little, and I do my best to hide my smile.

“Yeah, plus I might take a nap.”

“Okay, I will go… umm… for a walk.”

“Yes, it will do you some good, I’m sure.” My lip quivers.

She grabs her bag and practically runs out.

Laughter is still in the air when the buzzer unexpectedly rings.

“Yes?”

“It’s me.”

Startled, I suddenly realize it's Cole. Of course, it's him. He's chosen to torture me now instead of being with Jenny.

Bile rises in my throat.

“Let me up, Angel, or I’ll find my way,” he says, his tone laced with a threat.

A part of me wants to deny him entry, to shut him out of my life for good. But another part, a braver part, decides it’s time to face him, to reclaim the power he’s held over me for too long.

Fine, you want to play… Let’s play.

“Come up,” I say, pressing the button to open the door.

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