Page 28 of His Fractured Girl

I hear Lukas’s cursed whispers, then what sounds like a moan from Torrin. I’m about to shove open the door and break up whatever the fuck is going on, but the doorbell sounds in the background and I hear Travis call for me. “Babe! Can you please get that? I’m making the burger patties and my hands are covered in meat.”

I reluctantly leave the dueling duo and rush to open the front door. I’m going to have to have a talk with Lukas later and tell him he can’t speak to his sister like that. She is not a slut. I open the door and find Willow with a big football cake in her hands, and Brennon standing right at her back.

“Willow, did you make that?” I look down at the spectacular cake, admiring how perfect it looks. Her attention to detail is amazing.

“Yes.” She smiles, her word smooth.

“It’s awesome.”

“Thank you. I love baking cakes.” And I love that she isn’t nervous with me anymore. It makes me feel like I’m someone she truly trusts. When we first met, her speech was stuttered, but now she only struggles when we’re in large crowds or when she’s worried about something. I’m glad she isn’t nervous now.

“Come on in. I’m so excited to meet everyone.” Their friends from high school have come into town for the game, and it will be fun to finally put names with faces.

I step to the side and Brennon leans into me for a hug. “Hey, girl. Let me introduce you to my buddies.” He turns to the door and, one by one, huge guys walk in. “Soph, this is Ryeson.”

Ryeson tips his head, holding out his hand for a shake. He looks exactly as Willow described: tall, dark, handsome, and intimidating. But I know from what they’ve told me that even though he’s quiet and has a resting brooding face, he’s a sweetheart.

“Nice to meet you, Sophie.”

“Same.” I smile up at him.

The next guy to enter has to be Baylor. Blue eyes and a smooth smile. He’s just as big as Ryeson. And just as hot. Talk about one seriously hot couple.

“I’m Baylor.” He pulls me in for a hug. “Nice to finally meet you, sopapilla.”

I shoot Willow a smirk. Her and her silly nicknames. She calls Travis the terminator. But that’s exactly what he is on the football field. And I’m a sopapilla because she thinks I’m as sweet as the dessert.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Baylor.”

I shift back, looking toward the door, ready to greet the next friend coming in. When my eyes connect with the girl who haunts my dreams, an icy chill runs down my spine.

“Sophie?”

The memories nearly drown me as I stare at the one I betrayed.

“Do you two know each other?” Brennon’s voice is like a distant echo to the dreaded feelings consuming my thoughts. The horrified look in her eyes. The pain as the tears ran downher cheeks. It all comes barreling in and I’m struggling to breathe. I think I’m having a panic attack.

“Baby.” Strong arms wrap around my waist, holding me upright. “Baby, look at me.” He’s right in front of my face now, but I can’t see past the pain. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry, Sophie.” There’s her voice again. “Please don’t be afraid of me.” Afraid…afraid… The word spins around in my mind, dizzying me with confusion. I don’t know why I’d be afraid of her. She never hurt me. I’m the one who betrayed her.

“Presley,” another deep voice rings in my mind. This one unrecognizable. “What’s going on, babe?”

“Sophie, please.” Her pleading voice has me looking up. The tears in her eyes remind me of the hurt I caused.

“I’m sorry, Presley. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” The words come out stuttered and breathless.

She shakes her head. The tears in her eyes slipping free. “No. Please don’t apologize. I’m the one who’s sorry for never standing up for you. I should’ve stopped him. I should’ve told someone. I’m so sorry. God, I’ve been wanting to tell you that for so long. I can’t believe you’re here.”

I don’t understand why she’s apologizing. It’s me. I’m the one who needs to apologize.

“I never blamed you, Presley. You’re not the one who hurt me. You never said one mean thing. Though, you had every right to.” Out of everyone at that school, she was the only one who had the right to call me a whore and make me pay for what I’d done, but she didn’t.

“No. I should’ve stuck up for you.” She takes my hands. “I knew you weren’t to blame for what happened. I knew he lied and manipulated you into sleeping with him. But I didn’t want to believe he could do that to me. I thought he loved me, but he’s just a cheating asshole.”

I can’t describe the shift as her words settle over me, but the gravity of my pain is no longer pulling me down. Travis has been slowly gluing me back together, but hearing Presley’s words heals the wound that’s been gaping for so long.

“Can I give you a hug, Sophie?” She doesn’t even have to ask. I cling to her and the sobs wrack my body. Her arms wrap tighter around me, and I lean into her strength, drawing from her kindness. And it settles. The incessant pain. The broken fragments knitting back together.

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