Page 43 of Forbidden Hearts

“It is,” Alonzo says.

“I still can’t believe you bumped into that chick from Jacob’s club at a random college party,” the first guy says. “What are the odds?”

Alonzo responds, but his voice fades until there is nothing but silence again.

???

Heavy arms wrap around my body. I kick them off and scream for him to let go. My heart races in my chest, but I don’t let up. I kick and scream until he’s off.

“Alex, it’s okay. You’re okay,” warm arms hold my shoulders.

I swat them away but ease a little when I recognize the voice. I open my eyes and see Alonzo standing beside my bed. He looks terrified.

“You’re okay,” he says again.

Looking around, I see thick bed sheets bunched up toward the middle of the bed.That’s what was on top of me. I was kicking the bed sheets.

How did I get back to my apartment? I don’t remember anything from last night. I was drinking with the girls and then—blank. Nothing.

“What are you doing here?” I ask Alonzo.

“Well, I live here,” he says.

“You live here?”

It’s only when he says it that I realize this is not my bed. The bed sheets are a dull gray. Definitely not the sky blue I’m used to.

The walls are gray, too, with minimal decorations. A closet and a chest of drawers are to the left of the bed. On the wall tothe right hangs a large painting of a beautiful woman with wavy black hair.

“Where am I?”

“You’re in my house,” Alonzo says. “Do you remember what happened last night?”

“I’m not sure,” I say. I was drinking with the girls, and then Isabella felt sick. After that…I must have gotten very drunk because I can’t remember what happened next. My head feels heavy on my body. “What happened? Did we?”

“No,” he says. “I brought you here to keep you safe.”

Safe from what?

My eyes are drawn to his hand resting on the bed. His knuckles are bruised. It looks like it happened recently. Did something happen at the party after I blacked out?

“Are you hungry?” he asks. “I fixed you some breakfast. Unfortunately, I can’t stay to eat with you because I have to deal with the situation from last night, but I’ll be back by noon.”

“Noon? What day is it?”

“It’s Saturday,” he says.

“Shit!” I jump out of bed and look for my shoes on the floor. My body feels heavy, like I’m experiencing the worst hangover in my life. But for some reason, I’m not dizzy or lightheaded. I don’t even have a headache. My body is just…tired. “Where are my shoes?”

“Alex, it’s okay. You can stay here for as long as you want.”

“No, I need to get home. I need to prep my mom’s food.”

“Food? Alex, do you understand what happened last night?” Alonzo asks, sounding concerned.

“I don’t remember,” I say. “I guess I drank a little too much.”

Alonzo remains quiet. He looks like he wants to say something but is conflicted.

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