Page 81 of Keep Me Safe

I sit in those words for a moment. None of the women since Angie have been serious, but that’s because I’ve never felt a connection with any of them. I’d always been too focused on Jared, right?

God, I am an idiot.

“As much as I hate to admit it, I think you might be right,” I mutter, looking up at Keith.

“Of course I am. Now get out of here. I have a game to watch, and you have a woman to apologize to,” he says, ushering me toward the door. “And you’re going to have to tell Jared.”

What am I even going to say to her? I’m still not convinced this is a good idea, but Keith has a point. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before—this possessiveness bordering on ownership. I want to do everything in my power to keep her happy and safe.

Before I can think better of it, I tap on Kira’s contact and presscall. It rings so long that I’m convinced she isn’t going to pick up. I mean, why would she? I was a complete asshole earlier. I’m about to hang up when a voice chirps on the other end.

“She doesn’t want to talk to you.”

Maddie.

At least that means she’s still with her, but from the sounds of it, they aren’t in her dorm room. Music thumps in the background, and I can hear people’s unintelligible shouts.

“Can you please put her on the phone?” I ask, trying not to sound frustrated. I need to talk to her.

“Why would I do that? You really hurt her, you know.”

The thought of Kira in pain because of me sends a deeper feeling of urgency through me.

“Please, Maddie. I fucked up, and I know that. I need to see her. At least tell me where you guys are.”

She doesn’t respond for a second, and the background noise dampens as if she went into another room.

“Fine, but you better not make me regret this. Kira is an absolute catch, and she deserves someone who loves her unapologetically. If I ever find out that you broke her heart again, I will personally track you down and fucking castrate you. Do you hear me?”

I rear back a little at her threat. She has every right to say that, butJesus Christ.

“Loud and clear.”

Maddie reluctantly gives me the address, but I’m in the truck before I can even respond. They’re at a house party about twenty minutes away.

I’ll make it there in ten.

chapter twenty-four

kira

I recognize the all-black F150 that speeds to a stop in front of me, and before I can even stand, he’s shutting his door and striding toward me.

What is he doing here?

Maddie.

She’s going to get an earful about this later. I should have known something was going on when she told me to wait out here for her.

“Go home, Noah,” I order, my hand extending in front of me in a warning.

“Kira, please listen to me,” he begs, his dark hair falling into his face as he looks down at me. His eyes roam over my body, and it takes me a second before I remember what I’m wearing. It’s that same wrap dress from the night I kissed him.

His jaw ticks, his posture stiffening.

I have to remind myself why I’m here. He shut me out. Again. My arms cross over my chest as I look up at him.

“Why should I do that? You’ll do the same thing you always do.”

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