Page 126 of Westin

My mind goes right back to when Westin told me Keira killed Thomas. Maybe I should feel differently, but part of me wants to thank her for that. Instead, I just offer a little smile.

“Hello,” Keira says. “Could…we come in?”

I nod shyly. I’ve never had a friend before. I’m not sure how this works. I step aside and let them in, trying not to stare. Maddie has a basket under her arm, and Keira has a plastic bag. She sets it down and dusts her hands off, offering me a smile.

I feel small and drab. Keira is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Her hair is deep red, her light beige skin covered with little freckles, and her brilliant blue eyes are shaded by heavy lashes.Her body is curvy, with an hourglass waist and full breasts I can’t help but be jealous of.

I wrap my arms around myself. I miss when my body was soft instead of stressed.

I miss everything about myself before Thomas.

“I’m going to make some food,” Maddie says.

I can tell she’s a no-nonsense sort, and it intimidates me. I used to be so fiery, but somewhere along the way, I lost that. Silently, I watch as she starts unloading the basket and piling food on the table.

“I brought some things for you,” Kiera says softly. She has a sweet, low voice.

I try to speak, but nothing comes out. Flushing, I clear my throat.

“Thank you,” I say. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Keira waves her hand, taking up the bag. “Do you want to go upstairs?”

Confused, I nod. She carries the bag upstairs, and I follow her until we stop in the hall. I push open our bedroom door. I cleaned it this morning, even washed the sheets, so there’s no evidence of the things he did to me the other night.

Everything is neat and scrubbed. The surfaces shine.

Keira hesitates. “Is it alright if I go in?”

I nod, and she slips through, setting the bag on the end of the bed. I follow and wait with my hands tucked behind my back. Finally, she clears her throat and tucks her hair behind her ear.

“I was married to Clint,” she says. “I know it’s…hard going through that and feeling normal afterwards. I just wanted to make sure you had the things you needed.”

Warmth sparks in my chest. “Thank you,” I whisper.

She sits, folding her hands in her lap. “I know Westin has probably gotten you some clothes and things, but I wanted to make sure you had items like pads and tampons.”

My cheeks feel warm. I’ve never talked to anyone about my cycle other than Nana and Westin.

“I don’t have any left,” I say. “And…um…”

I bite my lip, unsure how to say the rest. She waits.

“Um…I’ve never taken anything before,” I manage. “I don’t really know how to go about getting it. Westin…um, he hasn’t mentioned what to do in that area.”

Her brows knit. “Do you…sorry, what?”

“I need the pill,” I whisper.

Her brows rise. “Oh, I see,” she says. Her mouth twists like she’s annoyed. “Westin should have…what…I don’t mean to pry, but are you sleeping with him already?”

I nod.

“And…it was just unprotected?” she asks. “Is that what you want?”

“No, I mean, he pulls out…most of the time,” I say in a rush. “And he did mention birth control, but not any steps to getting it.”

Keira sighs, like she’s disappointed in Westin. “When I was married to Clint, I just went to the clinic in South Platte. Now you can have it sent to Sovereign Mountain because we’re so remote. I’ll help you with it.”

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