Page 20 of Finish Line

“She’s overreacting. If she doesn’t calm down, I’ll have to sedate her,” the guy says as he continues to pin me down to the bed, causing me to thrash harder against his hold.

“You will do no such thing! A guy kidnaped her for a month. I think you need to leave and send someone more caring in. A female, please,” Cin scolds.

He huffs as he walks away, and Cin comes slowly over to me, frowning. “Hey, girl.” She eyes me with concern. “You look a little rough.”

“I’ve been gone for a month?” I pant in shock, my throat raw from all the screaming and lack of use.

“Yeah.”

My eyes whip over to where Nick stands by the door, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I’m sorry.” Nick lowers his head. “I never should have let you go with him.”

“Not your fault.” I take a deep breath to center myself. “Cam…” I whimper. “I got Cam killed.”

The flood gates open and I let loose. Every time I think about not seeing my beautiful blond Cam ever again. It destroys me. Tears and snot run down my face.

Nick says something, but I can’t hear anything past the breaking of my heart.

Cin gets in front of my face. “I need you to calm down and listen to what Nick is saying to you.”

She hands me a box of tissues, and I drag in a couple of ragged breaths, wiping away the snot and tears from my face.

“What are you talking about?” Nick head tilts and frowns.

“Evan told me Cam died from his stab wound,” I cry out.

“Fuck, I knew I should have gone and talked to that asshole.” Nick paces back and forth. He reaches out to grab my hand but stops when I flinch back.

Letting his hand drop back to his side, he makes sure I’m looking at him. “Shelby, I need you to listen to me. Cam is alive and recuperating in Florida with his dad.”

I shake my head and curl up, crying hard again. I’ll never be the same after losing him.

“Call him,” Cin says.

Is it possible that I’m wrong? But those texts Evan showed me…

“Princess…I need you to look up.”

Now I’m hearing his voice. I must be losing it.

“Shelby, look up at Nick’s phone. It’s me. Evan lied to you. I’m alive.”

I open my eyes to see Cam smiling back at me from Nick’s phone. “Cam?”

“Hi, Princess.” Tears shimmer in his eyes.

“They told me you were dead,” I cry.

“No, baby, I’m fine, a little sore, but fine. I’m missing you terrible.”

“I’m so sorry, Cam.” I can’t look at him anymore. It’s all my fault he got hurt and almost died.

“No, Shelby, don’t turn away. Please,” he begs.

“She needs some time, Cam. She’s been through a lot,” Nick says. “I’ll keep you updated.”

“I’ll be on the first plane out. See you soon. I love you, Shelby,” Cam says.

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