Page 64 of Such A Bad Girl

“How about you stop blaming yourselves and we blame the fucking crazy bitch that did all this?” Rian barked at us.

We both smiled sheepishly. “Fair enough,” I shrugged.

She leaned over and whispered in my ear. “I was afraid I’d never see you again.”

Her words struck a nerve, because that was exactly what I’d been thinking the whole time but I never would have dared to say out loud. Her lips brushed against my ear, sending shocks of desire through my veins.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and glanced over at Rian. He shot me a curious glance then looked away.

I met Everleigh’s gaze. The heat between us burned so hot I was sure everyone else must be able to feel it too.

“Excuse me,” I mumbled, quickly heading to the bathroom to try to stave off my rapidly growing erection.

I was washing up when my phone buzzed. The rage that had been subsumed by the relief over finding Everleigh alive erupted to the surface.

You got your girl back. Congratulations. But I can still ruin you both.

I let my anger do the talking when I texted back.

Tell me what it will take to make you go away.

I waited, my heart pounding.

Five million. Untraceable in an overseas account. Provide proof and I’ll go away.

“Of course,” I muttered. “Money grubbing assholes.”

I haven’t seen anything that could possibly be worth that much. Let’s meet up. Show me your evidence first.

I smiled when I saw the reply.

I’ll be in touch soon with further instructions.

Like a fly in my web, I had them just where I wanted them. I emerged from the bathroom, heart pounding. This was my chance to show both Everleigh and West exactly how much I cared for them both.

If I could make this all go away, maybe West would see that I was good enough for his sister.

And more importantly, maybe Everleigh would finally take a chance with me. Maybe we could make it work. Yes, we were impossible together most days. But the feeling I’d had when I thought I might lose her was too much to bear. I knew I needed her, no matter how crazy she drove me.

Everleigh and West looked up at me from the kitchen table. “I got a text,” I said to them, holding up my phone like it was a beacon, a guide to lead me towards my dreamed-of future.

Chapter Forty-One

EVERLEIGH

“Hey?” West knocked softly at the half-open bedroom door. He peeked around it. “Can I come in?”

“Hi,” I whispered, and gestured for him to enter.

He sat on the bed next to me and watched as I brushed my jagged, uneven hair. After a moment he asked, “Are you okay?”

“It’s only hair,” I shrugged.

“I’m not talking about your hair, Ev.” He pulled me into his arms. “I had no idea. You could have told me about Avett.”

“I know,” I said, my words muffled by his shoulder. I leaned into his embrace. “It was just easier not to. You didn’t need the weight of all that.”

“I feel responsible. I should have been there to protect you.”

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