Page 119 of Brutal Obsession

36

VIOLET

Ifeel like I’ve been hit by a truck. I rub my eyes and manage to roll out of bed. My mouth has a sour taste, and I brush my teeth twice to get rid of it. My head pounds. A quick glance at my phone tells me it’s midmorning. Later than I would’ve normally slept… and it’s Tuesday. I’m missing classes.

“Shit,” I mutter.

I get halfway dressed before I realize that making it to campus isn’t going to happen. I stumble out into the living area and glance around. It’s neat and organized, like…

Wait.

What happened last night?

I stand in front of the couch and stare down at it, confusion hindering my thought process. There was the press release on the athletic blog, the football player in the library, Jack waiting for me on my front step.

And then… nothing.

Like my memories have corroded. There’s nothing left except that taste in my mouth. I don’t remember putting myself to bed or what Jack wanted…

Panic surges up my throat. I put my hand over my chest and try to breathe, but getting air in seems to be the problem.

The front door opens, and Willow strides inside. Her voice, calling my name, seems to come from a long way off.

Something crashes, and then she’s right in my face. She lowers me to the floor and kneels next to me. She puts my hand on her chest, miming deep breaths.

I squeeze my eyes shut and try to match her. The rise and fall, everything slowing down. There’s still panic riding through me, but after a few tries, I manage to catch my breath. I inhale and exhale until my heart rate slows, too.

“You with me?”

I open my eyes. “Sorry,” I croak.

Her concern bleeds through her expression. “What happened?”

I frown. “I don’t know.”

She frowns, too, and sits beside me. We lean against the wall.

“Walk me through it?”

That’s the problem. I don’t know what happened, and I can’t seem to articulate it. So instead, I ask, “What time did you get home?”

“Eleven. Coach had us learning new choreography, and it was taking forever to get to a stopping point.” She tuts. “You were asleep by then, though. Did you order out?”

I roll my head toward her. “Did I order out?”

“Yeah.” She nudges my shoulder with hers. “There are takeout boxes in the trash. Beer, too. What happened?”

My heart skips, then picks up speed. “I can’t remember.”

She watches me carefully.

“Willow.” Tears fill my eyes. “I walked home, and Jack was waiting on the front step for me. I remember him coming inside, then… nothing. It’s blank.”

“Did he…?” Her gaze drops.

I wrap my arms around my abdomen. “What are you saying?”

“The last time he talked to you, he was awful. I’d never want to accuse someone of… that…”

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