Page 78 of Wicked Devotions: Part 2

“Good.” She doesn’t even flinch. “I don’t care if it makes me a bad person, knowing the men who hurt me are dead makes me rest easier.”

“That’s all that matters now.”

She sighs and closes her eyes. “I don’t know what was in that IV, but I’m tired.”

“Go back to sleep. We’ll be here when you wake up.”

Everyone is gonewhen I wake up. When I stretch my arm out, the sheets are cool to the touch. Judging by the angle of the sun shining into the room, it must be at least mid-afternoon.

I hear the muted sounds of conversation as I pad down the back staircase and into the kitchen. Dad, Annabelle, and Felix are sitting at the kitchen island sipping coffee and having what appears to be a serious conversation. They look up when I walk in, Annabelle gives me a warm smile, Felix a quiet nod. Dad stands and surprises me by pulling me in for a hug. He holds on for longer than any of the other hugs have lasted. It’s not until I physically nudge him away that he lets go. He looks at me as if he’s about to say something but changes his mind and goes to sit back down.

I grab an energy drink from the fridge and walk into the living room, finding Harper nestled between Emerson and Cy. They’re watching a football game and munching snacks.

“Hey.” Cy holds his fist up for a bump.

“Morning.”

“We wanted to let you sleep since you were awake basically all night,” Harper says.

“Who told you that?”

“Banks.” She holds up her phone.

“He’s only called her once an hour since she woke up.” Emerson’s lip turns up at one corner.

“It has to suck being away from you right now. I’d be losing my mind,” I say as I sit on the floor at her feet just to be close to her.

“I never thought I’d see the day where you’re sticking up for Banks.” Harper runs her fingers through my hair when I rest my head on her knees.

“He loves you, I respect it. When do you guys want to go home?”

“Your dad called and pulled strings for Harper to finish the semester remotely, but I can’t afford to miss any classes leading up to finals,” Emerson says. “I need to get back tonight.”

“I’m ready to go home,” Harper says. “The sooner the better because they’re a little tense.” She motions to our parents in the kitchen. “It’s stressing me out a bit.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Cyrus stands and starts for the stairs. “I’ll grab the bags.”

“I’ll help.” Emerson follows him up.

“Have you taken your medication?” I ask as I stand and help her up.

“Yes. And I ate.”

“How are you feeling?”

She shrugs. “Okay, considering everything.”

“Will you tell me if that changes?”

“Yes.”

“Promise?”

She raises an eyebrow in that sassy way of hers. “Yes. Can I go to the bathroom now?”

I’m blocking her path but don’t move just yet. “Do you need help?” I know she doesn’t, I just want to annoy her now. See if I pull more of the sass I love so much from her.

“You know, I think I’ll be just fine peeing on my own, thanks.” She steps around me with a shake of her head.

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