Page 59 of Toxic Obsession

“I’ll be okay. Caffeine will just make my anxiety worse.”

“If you change your mind, let me know.” I scooped up my dagger from the mattress and hid it in my top dresser drawer. “Let’s go.” Gathering my keys from my desk, I gripped them hard. It had been a fucked-up night and it wasn’t over.

Twenty minutes later, we entered her house. All three girls were sitting on the couch with drinks, and their attention landed on Wynter first, then glowered at me.

“Quinn, you’re the last person I expected to see standing next to Wynter,” Everlee said, her eyes rimmed with red.

“Same,” Gabby said.

Leighton nodded in agreement.

Wynter cleared her throat and stood tall. “I would like an opportunity to share my side of what happened, then you three can decide if you still want me as a roommate.”

Everlee snorted. She wiped her runny nose and stared at Wynter for a minute. I knew Everlee well enough to realize she was processing.

“I definitely want to hear your side, but I already know who you are, Wynter Baldwin.” Everlee took a sip of her drink and smacked her lips. I suspected that she was tipsy.

“And who is that?” My question held a protective and cautious tone. I wasn’t clear on Everlee’s intent.

Everlee tucked her leg beneath her, and everyone’s attention landed on her. “Kind, you care about other people, your past has shredded you to pieces, and you’re trying to find your way. You arenotyour brother.YouWynter, are your own person. No matter what has happened in the past, I am proud to call you my friend.”

A squeak escaped Wynter, and her body trembled as a sob broke free. It was then that I realized how much she’d missed, including good friends. I mentally shamed myself from almost taking that from her too when I played the video.

“Thank you, Everlee.” Her words cracked with emotion. “I just wanted the chance to tell you all what the media and police never told the world.”

“I’m all ears. And if we’re the first to give you an opportunity to speak up, then that’s fucked up,” Leighton chimed in.

Wynter glanced at me, and I placed the palm of my hand on her lower back, reminding her that even though I’d caused the shitstorm, I would now protect her from the monster I’d released.

“Before we dive in, I have a question.” Gabby glowered at me. “Quinn, why the fuck are you here with her? I mean, I assume you were behind the video. When I saw it along with Bellamy’s name … I had no idea you had a sister until that moment. I swear to God, my blood chilled in my damned veins. Not only did it break my heart for you, but I was scared for Wynter. The girl I knew wouldn’t hurt a fly unless she was cornered. Revenge is a messy bitch. So, why are you in my house standing next to the girl you just tried to destroy? More than that, tell us why we shouldn’t beat your damn ass.”

Without any hesitation, I said, “Because I fucked up. I tried to stop the video when I learned that I’d been given inaccurate information about Wynter. I was told that she knew what Kyler was going to do, and she didn’t try to stop him.”

A gasp slipped from Wynter, and I looked at her. “As I said, we have a lot to talk about.”

“That’snotwhat happened.” Her voice was strong. She wasn’t going to hide anymore.Good.At least my fucked-up actions hadn’t destroyed her, but that had nothing to do with me. Wynter was strong and determined to get her life back.

“Hang on. We can get to all the details in a minute. Quinn, from what I can tell, you really, really fucked up. That was low. Like, starting a rumor or some shit is bad enough, but a replay of the actual event with Wynter’s name all over the video? That’s some PTSD right there, but I doubt that ever crossed your mind.” Gabby grimaced, then stared a hole through Wynter. “And you just up and forgave him?”

The corner of Wynter’s lips kicked up. “No. But he apologized profusely, then offered to help make it right. Only time will tell if he’s really sorry. If he helps me fix the part he broke … then I’ll believe him.”

Gabby folded her arms over her chest and harrumphed.

“What she said.” Leighton tipped her head in Gabby’s direction.

“I’m open to giving Quinn an opportunity to help me fix this mess. I don’t want to be physically attacked or kicked out of Whitmore, but no one will listen to me now.”

“We are.” Everlee glowered at me, her words heavy with more sass than I’d heard from her before.

“Maybe it’s because we’ve lived together for almost six weeks. You’ve seen who I am … not the girl that was talked about at the party tonight.”

“Well, Quinn, it sounds like not only do you have to make it right with our girl, Wynter … You have to make it right with me, too.” Gabby glowered at him.

“And me,” Everlee added.

“And me,” Leighton said.

My heart fucking soared. I was fine proving to them that I was on Wynter’s side, but Wynter needed to hear them fight for her. The only person that had fought for her was Janine. Wynter deserved more.

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