Page 80 of Harbor (The Wanderers 3)

It grew harder to stifle her sniffles and keep from sobbing out loud. Her face was going to be red and splotchy when she was finally done having this unwelcome meltdown.

She grabbed the bar of soap with shaky fingers, hoping to busy herself doing the routine task of washing her body. Anything to ground her mind and soul. Rein in the outburst.

Nothing worked, and the water was running cold by the time she turned it off. She grabbed a towel, biting her bottom lip while she dried herself. When she glanced in the mirror, she was shocked. For one thing, her face was swollen and red. For another thing, she’d forgotten the damn braid again. Her blond hair was a mess, sticking out in every direction.

She wrapped the towel around her, trembling, and stared at her reflection.

What am I doing?

She couldn’t stay in this bathroom any longer, but she couldn’t leave it either.

A soft knock on the door made her jump.

“I’m almost done,” she said in a shaky voice that sounded far worse than she’d wanted. She winced as she took a deep breath.

“Can I come in?” It was Stuart. Not who she’d expected.

“Uh, I guess.” What choice did she have? If she was going to face someone though, she’d rather it be Stuart. He could help her make sense of what she was feeling.

The door eased open. Stuart’s frame filled the space, blocking out anything behind him. He stepped inside and closed it before leaning against the wall.

His brows were drawn together as he looked at her.

She was trembling violently. Her face was hot. She had to look absolutely devastated because that’s how she felt.

The damn tears started to fall again, and he opened his arms.

She rushed into his embrace. He was the best friend she’d ever had, and she was relieved he didn’t say a word while she cried against his chest.

When she was spent, he grabbed a hand towel and held it up so she could wipe off her face.

“Talk to me,” he said as he held her away from him, his concerned expression making her want to cry all over again.

“There isn’t anything to say,” she murmured.

He lifted both brows. “Really?”

She nodded, glancing down. What the hell was there to say? That she’d messed up and had sex with three men who were going to be very upset to see her leave? Three men who would move mountains for her if she asked them but would also let her leave today because she’d demanded it of them.

“You’re always so hard on yourself,” Stuart pointed out.

She frowned, not sure what he meant.

“Take a breath, Maya.”

She inhaled long and slow and let it out. “I don’t feel better,” she pointed out.

He chuckled. “At least you were distracted for five seconds.”

She wiggled free of his arms and sat on the toilet seat, still wearing nothing more than a towel. It wasn’t as if Stuart hadn’t seen most of her naked. He’d been the one to nurse her back to health physically five years ago. She knew he didn’t have any feelings for her beyond friendship, so it didn’t matter. Plus, he had a family that included an amazing woman at home.

“You could stay,” he hedged.

She shook her head. “No. I can’t. I’d suffocate in here. Everyone knows that.”

“So, what do you want to do?”

“Go back to the compound with you and regroup. I need some time to think. I’ve been cooped up here for so long I can’t think right. Separation from these doctors would help.”

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