Page 109 of The Retreat

“What?” Oliver asks, and I’m not sure I’m making any sense.

I don’t know what I’ve even said out loud. “Colin.”

“That motherfucker. Because Cassie is safe? He just up and left you?!” Oliver’s tone fills with quiet rage, and I know where it’s going.

“Don’t you fucking dare. I need to know where he went. I have to go talk to him.”

“What did he say to you? I will kill him.”

“Oliver!” My tone must have shut him down.

He exhales aggressively. “I’ll have my doorman call around and see if he went to a hotel or home.”

“He wouldn’t have gone home.” At least I didn’t think he would. His parents are horrid.

“People do all kinds of things in high emotional states. You sure?”

“I don’t know.” Do I really know Colin at all?

“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?” Oliver asks after a moment of silence.

“How did you know?”

“I’ve never seen you stand up to me for anyone. It made me proud.”

I barely hold back a sob. “Thank you.”

“I’d say gross, but since I’m in love, I can’t really judge.” Oliver pauses before going on. “Does he love you?”

“I don’t know.” I hate not knowing and he left so easily.

“You’re looking for him when you don’t know?”

“I have to find out. I can’t just let him go. He’s everything.” I’m barely keeping my emotions in check.

Oliver sighs. “I understand. I’ll see if I can locate him. Hang tight.”

What feels like hours pass, and when my phone buzzes, I snatch it knowing it’s got to be Oliver with an update.

“Hello?”

“He’s at the hospital.”

“What?”

“He was taken from his parent’s building to the hospital in an ambulance.”

“Which hospital?” I ask, heart pounding so loud in my ears I can barely hear him.

“I’ve sent a car to get you. Isaac and I are on our way.”

Thankfully, at this time of night there isn’t much traffic, and I get to the hospital quickly. I show ID, and they lead me back to the room Colin is in.

He’s a fucking mess.

“Colin.” I barely manage the word. I’m going to fucking kill his father. I just fucking know.

“Owen?” Tears stream down his cheeks, and I walk over to him, but he flinches. “Please don’t.”

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