Page 9 of Ashton

“No, I can’t.”

I tug him harder. “Don’t care, and neither will Jinx. Sleep on the fucking couch for all I care.”

Maddox slowly trudges out of the laundry room; I catch a glimpse of a body rounding the corner down the hall, probably someone wanting to do laundry.

We walk shoulder to shoulder up the stairs. My mind keeps trying to return to that night; Maddox isn’t the only one who drinks the demons away when no one is looking. Passing Spencer’s place, I notice Atticus isn’t there. That can only mean that he and Jinx are back in her room. I can only hope he isn’t being a dick about her hanging out with Spencer.

“Sorry about everything back there. I didn’t mean to cry.”

“Mad, that’s what friends are for. Anytime you need the shoulder, it’s there.”

He simply nods, then opens Jinx’s door, and we freeze. I walk in slowly, never taking my eyes off Ace or Jinx.

“What happened?” I collapse next to Jinx, taking her hand. “Little swam. Talk to me.” I gently caress her cheek, wiping away a tear.

Maddox leans over the armrest, brushing away her air. “Baby, please.”

I send a glare to Ace. He’s the one that was with her. “What the fuck did you do to her?”

“Hey! I didn’t do shit this time,” he snaps. “I was waiting outside Spencer’s room when she opened the door paler than Casper. She hasn’t spoken a word.” His eyes never leave Jinx as he finishes talking.

“You don’t think Spence tried anything, do you?” Maddox lowers his voice.

Atticus growls. “If he did, he’s dead.”

I shake my head. “No. Trust me. I know the signs of sexual assault. This is something else.” My mind flashes with all the possibilities that it could be. What could’ve happened in his room? We weren’t gone very long for shit to hit the fan. All they were doing was cleaning.

“Where’s her phone?” I watch her eyes grow wide. “Jinx, what are you hiding? You need to talk to us. You need to talk. We can’t help you otherwise.”

Tears drop onto the cushion, but she doesn’t speak.

“Here, I have it,” Maddox calls out behind me.

I turn around, and Jinx squeezes my hand hard. I soothe the back of her hand with my thumb. I wait for Maddox to read whatever awaits us.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” He drew in his breath sharply. “He sent this today?—of course, he did.”

“Read it,” Ace demands, losing his patience with Mad.

Maddox sits on the coffee table, leaning on his thighs. With a deep breath, he reads. “Odette, I’m disappointedin you. We made a date, and you stood me up. I don’t like to be made a fool. The next time that happens, punishment will occur.”

Three days. She lasted three days from that prick.

“What did I do? Did I dress a certain way? Or did I tell a guy no? I don’t understand.”

I climb over Jinx, tugging her back to my chest. Maddox holds her hand, and Atticus stays where he is. His body vibrated with anger.

“Listen to me, Jinx. You did nothing wrong. Some people develop an obsession that can’t be explained, that’s all. You can have my phone.” I try to reassure her, but even I can’t be sure that’ll work.

“We stick to what we’ve been doing, and you don’t leave our side. If we can’t be with you.” Ace rubs his forehead. “Call us and stay on the phone until you reach your room or class. Never be alone.”

Maddox leans closer to Jinx, his eyes raking hers. “I’m staying here tonight. Is that alright with you?”

She reaches out and strokes his cheek. “I don’t mind at all.”

That’s my sign to leave. I slowly turned her head. A tiny worm of doubt gnawed at me. Sooner or later, she’ll want to take this relationship to the next step, and I’ll have to tell her my darkest secret. Will she still want me after? The thought alone makes my stomach turn. I quickly press my lips to hers and move away from her.

I don’tbother to look at my brother as I walk out of the room. I need some air; being in that room is beginning to suffocate me. I need to clear my head.

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