Page 146 of When Hearts Remember

“And she’s dragging me along with her.” Olivia grins and shakes her head.

I focus on the girls. “I just took a breather outside. Do you guys notice anything off with Rex?” I motion to the playboy and his gaggle of women. He has one arm slung around a brunette’s shoulder and another arm curled around a blonde’s waist.

“No clue. Probably the usual Rex shenanigans.” Taylor shrugs.

I turn to Olivia, finding her gaze riveted on the man, her lips rolling inward. “Olivia? You okay? What do you think?”

She blinks and intakes a sharp breath. “W-What? Oh, I think something is going on with Rex. But then I don’t know him that well, so I shouldn’t assume.”

“A gut feeling or a professional opinion?” Taylor asks, straightening up and glancing at her brother again.

“Both. I’ve seen this behavior before. Charm. Forced smiles. I just—” She shakes her head and faces us, a strained smile on her face. “Ignore me. Anyway, Taylor and I were looking for you, Lexy.”

“Way to bury the lead, Olivia.” Taylor snorts and jabs her friend’s side. “This lady here keeps complaining she’s the only single person at the party and I want to hand her off to you and—”

“Hey! I didn’t say that. Lana’s around somewhere too. I just don’t see her. And as happy as I am for you, Tay, I don’t need to see you and Charles undressing each other with your eyes.”

“I’m happy. Well adjusted, as you doctors like to say, you should be thrilled—” Taylor frowns. “Lexy, is everything okay? You look…off.”

I force out a grin, my eyes resuming the search for her brother. “Fine. I’m okay. Um, have you seen Ethan?”

Taylor cocks her brow.

Hastily, I add, “Just something about the project at work. He asked me for some stats earlier and I have them now.”

“On Christmas.” She narrows her eyes. “Bullshit.”

“Have you seen him or not?” I huff out a frustrated breath.

“Not telling you until you explain why you look like you’re ready to strangle me over a simple question.”

That’s it. Now I do.

“I think I saw him headed toward the library,” Olivia supplies, pointing toward the back of the ship.

“Olivia, traitor! She was going to crack and tell us why she and Ethan are acting weird these days.”

“You can satisfy your need for gossip later.” Olivia steps closer to me. “Go find him. Give him those…stats.” She winks.

“You’re the best.” I give her a hug and throw out a mocking glare at Taylor, who’s struggling to keep a straight face. “Not done with you, Tay Tay.”

I take a step when suddenly, blistering agony stabs my head again, and I squeeze my eyes shut.

“You aren’t supposed to be here, young lady.”

My heart jolts up my throat and I back away. What did I just see?

Ripped clothes. Terror on their faces. Thrusting and grunting.

I want to throw up.

More screams.

“You okay?” Taylor asks.

Focusing on my breathing, I ride out the throbbing pain before opening my eyes, finding the girls frowning at me with concern.

I nod and dole out a shaky smile. “I’ll tell you more later, but…I think my memories are coming back, Tay. Something happened that night. I—I only have bits and pieces.”

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