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“Sorry to disappoint,” I added.
Even though it was late, Nigel suggested that we played a game of cards and we ended up playing until one in the morning. Adam kept pushing for another round, and it made me suspect he was postponing sleeping next to me.
Nigel kept asking questions and sharing information about his own life. He had a good sense of humor and I liked him.
“So what’s it like to be the sister of a famous Hollywood star?” he asked.
“It’s nice. She’s a really nice person,” I answered with a smile in Adam’s direction.
“A bit fragile, though,” Adam added sourly.
“Who, Cleo?” Nigel asked. “Is Cleo fragile?”
“No, what Adam means is that she’s healing right now. You know, because of the gunshot she suffered. That’s all. Normally she’s a really strong and amazing person.”
“What happened that day? It’s really weird that Niko could behave like that. The guy seems so cool.”
I looked down. “Jealousy can make people do crazy things.”
“Yeah, but I heard a rumor that he raped her.”
“No, he shot her,” Adam said and shot me a questioning look.
“I know, but that night when he came back and got arrested? A friend of mine has a brother who works for the LA police department and he said Niko raped her before they got there.”
“That’s not true,” I almost shouted.
I can’t be true. Faith was there that night. He didn’t harm her. Faith would have told me if he harmed her.
“I believe you,” Nigel said placatingly. “She’s your sister, you would know if he had.”
“Tell your friend to stop spreading untrue rumors,” Adam said and threw his cards on the table. “I think it’s time for bed.”
Everyone moved around quietly until we were finally settled down for the night. My mind was reeling from what Nigel had said, and the mere thought that Niko had hurt Faith made my eyes wet.
Nigel must have been really tired after being lost in the woods because he started snoring a minute after he lay down.
“Adam,” I whispered.
“What?” he whispered back.
“Do you think Niko hurt Faith?”
“No.”
I moved closer to him, searching for his hand in the darkness.
“What are you doing?” he asked and pulled back.
“Can’t you do that thing to me?”
“What thing?”
“Make me calm. I’m so worried.”
After a sigh, Adam took my hand. “Whenever you’re worried, Chloe, there’s a trick.”
“Tell me.”
