Page 65 of Riot

“Oh. That’s good. I mean, we were all startin’ to get worried you were becomin’ weird.”

“You don’t need you to worry about me. I’m fine.”

“I know you are, but you don’t always have to be. I’m here.”

“Thanks.”

“Have fun with your friends, baby.”

“Thanks.” I walk to the door and pause in the frame. “Oh, things have been so busy, I forgot to say thank you for the bear.”

His brows come together. “What bear?”

“The pink one. It was in Seren’s hospital bag.”

That familiar claw around my throat tightens. Riot didn’t buy it for her… I know before he even answers.

“Wasn’t me, babe.”

My fears are confirmed, and my stomach plummets to the floor.

“Right. It was probably one of my friends. I have to…” I point behind me before I rush off.

A cold slither runs up my spine as I head into my bedroom, closing the door behind me.

My thoughts are running wild, and even though I don’t have a shred of evidence, my heart knows it was Link who put that bear in my daughter’s bag.

It’s the only explanation.

I don’t know how he did it, but there is no doubt in my mind that my ex is behind this.

I stare at the teddy mocking me from the end of my bed, and I hope like hell it was a gift from one of the nurses who took care of Seren, because the alternative is terrifying.

THIRTEEN

IVY

My thoughts are stillon that fucking teddy bear as I sit across from my friends.

I’ve lost the thread of what they’re talking about but offer smiles and noises to deflect from my wandering mind.

A hand is suddenly in front of my face, waving. “Earth to Ivy.”

Shit.I snap my gaze to Katie’s, heat flooding my chest.Focus, Ivy.

She doesn’t mask her frown, letting her concern shine through as she studies me.

“Sorry.” I wince. “What did you say?

She and Dayna exchange glances, and those whispers drag me into the darkness again.

You’re damaged.

Broken.

They think you’re crazy.

“Are you okay?” Dayna’s brows are tight, and her concern chokes my lungs.

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