Page 45 of Toxic Obsession

“Have a safe trip.” I gave her a small wave before I found the server and paid for our food.

* * *

Sutton’s conversation fucked with my head for the rest of the day, and all I could think about was seeing Wynter again.

Shit. I was royally screwed. Wynter was getting to me.One date and a few fucks at the society had me dropping my guard, and no way in hell could that happen. Falling for her wasn’t in the damn cards. I imagined Bell telling me not to be an idiot and reminding me who Wynter was. The thought of Bell slammed into me like a rhino on speed.

I refused to let Wynter derail my plan. I would take her down for Bell.

After football practice that afternoon, I read the files and searched for Bell’s obituary and police report online. I stared at it, unblinking. I hadn’t heard her voice in years. She should have grown up next to me, attended law school, gotten married, and had babies. It was all in black and white in front of me. There was no denying that Wynter had been involved.

My twin was gone. Stolen from my family and ripped from this world too soon. She had an entire life ahead of her. She was beautiful and smart with a bright future until … I sucked in a sharp breath, my emotions on overdrive and kicking me out of the driver’s seat.

Regardless of Sutton’s valid points, Wynter had all but confessed to the cops. She was guilty and Bell’s blood was on her hands. Agony and anger returned with a vengeance, and once again I promised Bell that I would avenge her death.

Chapter23

Wynter

Istood in the middle of my room and took a last look around, making sure I hadn’t forgotten anything for my date with Quinn. I had my trusty toothbrush and toothpaste in my purse. This time the girls had talked me into wearing my denim miniskirt paired with a long-sleeved lace shirt over a white tank with spaghetti straps. Everlee did my makeup and Gabby curled my long hair. The girls had a cheerleading meeting, so after they’d finished helping me, I was left alone for my doubts and jitters to ravage me quicker than a pack of monkeys devouring a banana.

My phone vibrated and I glanced over to where it lay on my bed. It was Janine on FaceTime. I scooped it up off my mattress and tapped the screen.

“Hey. Everything okay?” I asked, my nerves standing on tiptoes. She never called unexpectedly.

“Yeah. I was just missing you.” Janine jutted her lower lip out as she walked around her bedroom, then crawled onto her bed.

“I miss you, too. How’s your week been?” I sat down on my desk chair, giving her my undivided attention.

Janine’s eyes narrowed as she looked at me suspiciously. “You look awfully hot for a night at home. Your hair is even curled. Are you holding out on me?”

A giggle escaped me. “I wasn’t going to say a word until I figured out if it was anything or not.”

“Oh? Do tell.” Janine flopped over on her stomach and propped her chin on her hand, eagerly waiting for me to share with her.

“There’s not much to say. We had our first date last night, and he’s picking me up again in a few minutes.” As hard as I tried, I couldn’t stop the huge grin that split my face.

“Well, fuck me.” Janine sat up, grinning. “Wynter, I’ve not seen you genuinely happy since …” Her smile faltered, shadows of the past ghosting across her expression. She slammed her eyes closed, then opened them. “I’m tired of the past dictating our futures. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. Two whole dates.” She held up her fingers.

“Me too. The past sucks, and there’s nothing I can do to change it. Just build a new future, right?”

Janine nodded so hard I thought she might give herself whiplash.

“Is he hot?”

I fanned myself, heat consuming me, my body remembering his kiss last night. “I’ll see if I can get a picture of him while we’re out. He plays football, and according to the roomies, he never dates. He’s a straight up player.”

Janine’s nose scrunched in distaste. “I don’t like him already.”

“Janine, you’ve not even met him. And who cares if he’s a player? I can handle him. The point is that I’m making friends and going out. That’s all that’s important.”Unless the Red Dragon tells the world the truth.Internally groaning, I slammed the mental gateway on the ugly possibility. I was bound and determined that I was going to have a fun evening.

The doorbell chimed. “That should be him. I love you.” I blew Janine a kiss.

“Love you, too. I want all the details tomorrow.” She gave me a stern look before she laughed and disconnected the video call.

Grabbing my purse from my desk, I closed the door behind me before I hurried down the stairs. I peered through the peephole and confirmed it was Quinn before I answered.

“Hi,” I said, smiling so hard my cheeks hurt.

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