Page 38 of Destroyed

Mom:If you don’t respond, I will call the police for a welfare check.

I roll my eyes before typing a quick response.

Me:I am fine. There is no need to alert the authorities. I don’t want to talk to you or Dad about this. I will let you know when I am ready.

Moving on to the next feed with the guys, I scroll through many work texts before hitting the end.

Sebastian:Xavier, we need to discuss what information you found from your mother.

Jamison:What information are we waiting on?

Jonathan:You would have known if you had paid more attention to our meeting yesterday instead of being on your phone.

Jamison:We will discuss this later, Jonathan.

Jonathan:I don’t think so.

Andre:Once you two love birds stop bickering, let me know. I fly in again next week but can come sooner if necessary.

Sebastian:I thought you had guests visiting this week.

Jonathan:Yeah, Andre, maybe this guest will be an excellent little wifey for you.

Andre:Shut the fuck up, Jonathan. Yes, Sebastian, I have a guest visiting, but even my dad- Mr. Mafia - will understand if I must leave early for a work emergency.

Jonathan-You mean to escape?Crying laughing emoji

I type out a response to the feed.

Me:I’ll fill you guys all in tonight at the club

The next feed is Corrine’s:

Corrine:You could have at least said goodbye before leaving.

Corrine:I hope you are okay. Please, at least let me know.

The most recent one is from this morning.

Corrine:Xavier, I know this is all a lot. I won’t keep bothering you, but please be careful for your own sake. You scared me the other night. I don’t want anything to happen to you.

My heart jerks in my chest. Fuck, this woman is perfect. She’s understanding and sweet, even after everything I have put her through. The least I can do is attempt to let her in, even if I don’t remember everything. There must be a reason I let her in before. I type out a response to her.

Me:Hey, I’m sorry for not saying goodbye. I was embarrassed. I don’t want anyone to see me like that…especially you. I’m going to make this all right again. That is if you’ll let me. Can we try to start over?

Setting my phone down, I head to take a shower. I’m hoping like hell this woman isn’t already sick of my shit.

Chapter 29

Corrine

“You guys,” I say, spinning the straw around in my drink, admiring the little bubbles that float to the surface around the straw, “he openly wept in my arms.”

Riley’s eyes widen slightly, and she looks sideways at Kaz, wondering how to respond best.

“He needs a come-to-Jesus talk. Or an intervention,” I say.

Riley nods, and Kaz reaches for a fry from our shared basket in the middle of the table.

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