Page 139 of Exes and Oh Hell No

My breathing shudders.

Focus, dammit.

I do it again, grounding myself in the rise and fall of my chest.

The spots in my vision fade.

“It’s working,” the contractor murmurs. “Again.”

I nod, keeping my focus.

I need to get myself under control so I can go after Ford.

My breath catches.

Shit.

My chest tightens again.

“Hey, Harper. Allie wanted?—”

Connor’s voice yanks me out of my spiral.

My head snaps up, locking eyes with his concerned gaze.

His face hardens. “Jesus, Harper.” He pulls me from the contractor, his large hands steady on my shoulders. “Breathe with me.”

He inhales.

Exhales.

I copy him, the seriousness in his face keeping me anchored.

It’s so…un-Connor-like.

Allie steps beside him, her expression tight with worry. “Focus on your breathing, Harper. Tell us what happened once you’re calm.”

I nod, relief rushing through me at the sight of my best friend.

I do about ten deep breaths before I manage a weak smile at Connor.

Then itslamsinto me.

“F-Ford.”

Allie’s arm wraps around me. “What about him?”

I point to the still open back door.

My voice is a choked whisper. “He went after him.”

Connor’s entire posture shifts from concern to deadly fury.

His muscles tighten, veins popping. “Who?”

“J-Jeffrey,” I rasp.

Connor doesn’t hesitate.

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