Page 25 of Ashton

Iclamp my hand on his shoulder, shaking him awake. He extended a hand, and I blocked it before he could punch me in the face. “M, it’s me. Ash. You’re safe.”

I hold his hand, and his eyes grow distant as if he is seeing things from the past. The things he went through growing up don’t naturally go away when you get older. I should’ve known to wake him gentler. His eyes search mine while he comes back.

“Ash?” he croaked.

I squeeze his hand. “Yeah, man, it’s me.”

“I fucked up again.” His eyelids drift closed. “I’m sorry, I let everyone down. I shouldn’t be here.”

“Maddox, you didn’t let anyone down. We had no idea that would happen, and you aren’t a fortune teller. You can’t always blame yourself when things go wrong.”

He opens his eyes. “I’m cursed, Ash. You should know this by now.”

“You aren’t. If that were true, you wouldn’t have Atticus, nor would I still. Now come on, we have trouble in paradise.”

He slowly pulls himself up with a groan, and that hangover is going to be a killer today. And once I tell him about Jinx, he’s going to lose his shit.

“What’s going on?” He pushes his fingers through his brunette hair.

I bite down on my lower lip, trying to figure out the best way to deliver this news. Rip it off like a Band-Aid. “Jinx ismissing; she’s not answering her phone, and she never left a clue where she would’ve gone.”

His head snaps up. “She never mentioned anything to me. Have you called her dad?” His eyes darted across my face.

I didn’t even think about calling Prescott, but do I want to get him worried? She couldn’t leave the school grounds unless she found a ride from somebody else. But that would be a last resort—I hope.

“Her dad doesn’t know anything that’s happening with her stalker friend, and I don’t want to be the one to drop that news.”

“You think this has something to do withUnknown?”

I pick the bottle of Jack up and walk to the kitchen sink. “Fuck, I don’t know. I’m trying to think of all the possibilities and praying that it isn't the one.”

“I’ll change, and then we can head out.”

Me: Any news?

I hate not knowing anything, and Ace is shitty at updates. He better have called Spencer.

Ace: Nothing. Did she have an early class that we didn’t know about?

Me: I don’t think so. She usually tells us everything.

Ace: I say we check the school; she has to be there.

Me: I’ll meet you outside in 10

As I wait for Maddox, I do a quick clean-up. He doesn’t need to live in this mess. I wish there were more I could do forhim. Until he is ready, all I can do is show my support.

When we walk out of the dorm, Atticus is sitting on the bench waiting for us. When he notices us, he nods his head solemnly, getting up and walking away. I feel bad for him as well. He finally got Jinx back, and now she’s missing. I can’t imagine what’s running through his head.

Maddox and I take off after him, heading for the main building. You can’t overlook a tiny chick in all-black. I tried calling her again, only for it to ring and go to voicemail. She’s making this worse for herself. I already feel bad once Atticus gets ahold of her. Or when we all get our hands on her, the punishment will break her.

Students are milling around the front entrance, whispering to each other. When they see us, they back away, growing quiet. We’re dicks, but not that big of ones. Entering the school, the silence only follows. The hair on the back of my neck lifts the further we move; I tuck my hands into my jean pockets, flexing my fingers against my thigh as I walk.

“Why is everyone so quiet?” Maddox addresses.

“Fuck if I know, but it’s pissing me off.” Atticus glares at a couple hanging around the office. They make no attempt to move.

Whatever happened, the news traveled fast. What I don’t understand is why we don’t know yet. Does this have something to do with Cam? If so, then the Coach should’ve told us something by now. I don’t like this at all.

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