Page 24 of Ashton

“How come you’ve never mentioned this before? We could’ve figured something out.”

Dad runs his hand through his graying hair. “There are some things you don’t need to worry about. And how this school runs is one thing you shouldn’t be thinking about. Now, let’s get you to class.”

I forgot all about classes; being in this meeting felt like I was stuck in another world. I’m scared to look at my phone, and the guys are not going to let me get away with any of this.

“Dad, can you walk me to class?”

“I would love to. Don’t forget dinner at the house tomorrow. Serena is planning some big dinner party now.”

“You mean a torture session. I’m only going because it’s you who’s asking.”

He chuckles before opening the door and putting the Dean mask back on. It’s the one thing I admire about him: he can hide his personal life so well at work.

And I’ve been a struggling mess since the start of school.

Chapter eleven

Ashton

It took me hours to fall asleep after finding Jinx in the bathroom. I kept overplaying everything she did and how I broke my walls for her. I’ve only wanted her. It should’ve been her the first time, not some random chick at a party that took advantage of me. I’ll never forgive myself for lowering my guard at a party.

I lie awake on the couch as Ace snores like nothing bothers him. I’m tempted to give the fucker a kick and wake him up. But he hardly sleeps, and I know he needs this, but something in my mind flashes with a warning. I get up and see Edgar hopping around near the front door.

“What’s thematter, my man?”

“Kraa, kraa.”

“Come on, let’s get you back into bed. Jinx wouldn’t like you getting yourself into a hissy for nothing.”

I lean down and pick him up, and I swear he glares at me like I did something wrong. For a bird, he has some attitude on him, and it’s no wonder he and Jinx get along so well. They are made for each other. I drop him off in his box and head for Jinx’s bedroom. The first thing I noticed was that the room was quiet. She’s always up before us.

“Jinx?” I call out, heading toward her bed. I reach for her blanket but stop short. I swing around, facing the bathroom, but it’s empty.

I race back into the main area, kicking Ace awake. He jolts up, arms swinging, looking for somebody to hit.

His eyes meet mine. “What’s going on?” He demands.

“Jinx is missing. That’s what’s going on. Did Maddox take her to school?” I dart around the room, trying to find my phone. This isn’t like her; she always tells us the plan.

“I sent her a text. Anything from Maddox?”

I wave my phone at him. “Dude, I just found my phone.” I shoot Maddox a brief message without freaking him out.

“Where could she have gone? She knows not to leave without one of us.” His voice shook with fury, and I feel sorry for whoever steps in his way today.

I paceher small kitchen, thinking of all the places she could have gone. Yesterday was tiresome for her, so I don’t blame her for escaping.

“She hasn’t replied, what about Maddox?” He looks at me with desperation in his eyes.

I slowly shake my head. I have no idea where Maddox or Jinx are. I don’t want to think of all the possibilities, or I’ll start falling apart. “I’m gonna run down to Maddox’s place and see if he’s there. Call Spencer. Maybe he knows.”

I fling open the door and bolt down the hall. My heart pounds beneath my rib cage as I fly down the stairs. Why can’t this place have an elevator? What if her stalker caught up with her? Would she have met him without us? No, I don’t think she would’ve; at least, I don’t think she would.

I bang on Maddox’s door loud enough to wake the entire floor. “Maddox, come on, man. Wake up.” I enter his door code and slip into another disaster. I should’ve known he would self-destruct when he left last night. One of us should’ve gone with him.

The sight of him lying on the couch breaks my heart, and a bottle of Jack sits on the table, empty. I inch closer, watching his chest rise. I release a tight breath, knowing today isn’t the day I lose my best friend.

“Maddox, I swear you will kill me one day,” I whisper.

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