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Dad’s words keep echoing in my head, that same old bullshit about ‘upholding the family name’ and ‘making smart choices.’ Like he’s one to talk.

And then there’s Blake… I groan, tipping my head back to let the water stream over my face. I shouldn’t have been such a dick to her. I mean, yeah, she was high. But I could’ve handled it better.

Reaching for the soap, I lather up, scrubbing harder than necessary. Like I can wash away the memories, the fears, all the fucking baggage that comes with being a Barron.

I need to get my head on straight and focus on football. That’s what I’m good at. That’s what’s gonna get me out of this goddamn mess of a family legacy.

I shut off the water and step out. Didn’t do shit to wash away the stress or the pounding in my head, but at least I’m clean. I towel off and pull on some joggers and a white shirt, not really giving a fuck about my appearance right now. I style my hair on autopilot. One drink. With the music blaring, I wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway.

The sound of my door slamming makes me pause. For fuck’s sake, if it’s Blake again, I swear…

I stop short.

It’s the brunette from the beer pong game, the one who could barely make a shot. She’s on the floor, covering her ears and mumbling something incoherent.

Fuck, she looks devastated. She’s not my problem. I don’t even know this girl. And I’m not exactly in the comforting mood.

Wait, is that…? No.

I should tell her to leave. I don’t need any more drama tonight, and getting involved with some random, distraught chick is the last thing I should be doing.

But I can’t throw her out. Maybe it’s the raw pain in her voice or the way she seems so small and fragile huddled there on the floor.

Or I’m a fucking sucker for a damsel in distress.

Shit.

Chapter 3

Lilian

I turn on my heel and stumble down the hallway through the crowd, heart pounding in my ears in the same rhythm the monsters do. Mike’s voice is behind me, calling my name, but I don’t stop. I can’t.

Hide.

I reach for the nearest doorknob, praying it’s unlocked. It turns, and I practically fall into the room, kicking the door shut. My shaking hands fumble with the lock, and I manage to turn it as footsteps halt on the other side.

“Lilian, open the door.” His voice is muffled through the wood.

I back away, my breath coming in short gasps. The room spins around me, and the walls close in. I cover my ears, trying to block out the sound of his fist beating against the door. I need to breathe.

The pounds against the door become harder, louder. “Lilian.”

Hide.

“Open the fucking door.” The monsters circle closer, their gnashing teeth and grasping claws sounding against the door.

I drop to the floor. Tears stream down my face as I try to make myself as small as possible.

“You’re worthless.”

Hide, the voice hisses again. Hide, or they will destroy you.

A sudden tap lands on my shoulder, and I flinch, swinging my arm back. My fist connects with a solid thud, followed by a pained grunt.

“Ow, what the fuck?” a deep male voice curses.

My eyes fly open. A blond guy stumbles back, hand clutching his nose. Oh god, did I just punch someone?

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