Page 85 of The Sound Of Silence

“Yep.” I’ve seen that version before too. “But this happens when she drinks with purpose.”

Jesse frowns. “What do you mean?”

“She wanted to get blackout drunk. She knew exactly what she was doing. Thank God, she made it home.”

“Fuck.”

Fuck, all right.

If I didn’t know the truth, I’d assume it was because her boyfriend was cheating on her with her sister, but since I’m pretty sure it’s not that, I’m wondering if this has something to do with Ryan.

“I’ll talk to her in the morning,” I say, stepping aside for Jesse. “But for now, she’s breathing. She’s just out of it. Let her sleep it off.”

Jesse reluctantly helps me get Pippa into bed, and I try not to smile at his softer side. He really cares about her. Even if ninety percent of the time he’s an ass to me, I’m happy that he’s maybe good to her.

When she seems somewhat comfortable, I tiptoe out of the room and fall back against the wall. It’s only when I flatten my foot to the floor and an agonizing pain hits me that I remember what happened and have to stop myself from crying out.

Rising back to my toes, I plaster a smile on my face and wrap the towel more tightly around myself.

“Well. That’s enough excitement for tonight. I’m just going to…” Trailing off, I point toward the bathroom before turning away from Jesse, hoping he doesn’t follow.

I’ve only taken one step when his booming voice halts me.

“Stop. Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were hurt?”

“What?” I glance down without focus, the lie easily slipping from my lips. “I’m fine.”

Jesse actually growls, clearly unconvinced. “You’re fine?”

“Yep, just a graze.”

“There’s bloodeverywhere.”

“What?” My eyes flash to the floor again, and this time I see drops of deep red splattered where I’ve been walking. Bile rises in my throat, but I swallow it back down.I’m okay.

“Willow?” he grunts, his tone making me cringe.

“Why do you sound mad right now?” I ask, needing to focus on something else.

“Because you’re bleeding and acting like nothing’s wrong.”

“Excuse me for being more concerned about Pippa.”

“Well, now that she’s fine—”

Pippa chooses that moment to call out in her sleep, drawing my attention, while Jesse’s eyes stay on me.

“We should check on her. Maybe she needs water.”

“She has water.”

“Maybe she feels sick.”

“She will definitely be feeling sick.”

“Well, we should help her. I’m worried—”

“I’m not worried about Pippa,dammit. I’m worried aboutyou!”

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