Chapter 4
Somewhere between heartbreak and exhaustion, I passed out.[]
I heard Everett’s voice through a fog, panicked and close.[]
“Sloane! Baby, what’s wrong? You’re burning up–are you sick?“[]
My eyes wouldn’t
open. Everything was heavy. Then… nothing.
When I woke up, the sun was up–and Everett was still at my bedside.[]
He looked like hell. Eyes tired. Face drawn.]
As soon as I stirred, he leaned in and touched my forehead.[]
“Thank God,” he breathed. “The fever finally broke.“[]
I tried to speak, but my voice came out dry and broken.]
“I had a fever?”
And just like that, his face darkened.[]
“Sloane Mercer, why don’t you ever take care of yourself?“[]
“You know your body can’t handle stress–how could you be so reckless?“]
Look at that.
Even when he’s mad, it’s about me.[]
ne.]
About protecting me.
It was almost funny.
Almost.
I smiled through the sting in my chest–then the tears came.[]
Everett panicked.]
“Hey, hey–no, baby, please don’t cry! I didn’t mean to yell, I was just scared, okay?“[]
He grabbed tissues, fumbling, wiping at my cheeks.]
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, baby. I’ll never raise my voice again. Don’t cry, please don’t cry…”
Watching him now–so desperate, so gentle–you’d think he really cared.]
You’d think this whole thing wasn’t a goddamn performance
Fine.
He wants to act?
Let’s act.
“I’m sorry too, sweetheart,” I whispered. []
Chapter 4
“You
stayed all
up night for me.
I’ll be fine, go get
some rest.
st.“|
He smiled, relieved, and pulled me close.
“Okay, baby.]
Just call if you need anything.”
I leaned
into him, resting my head
on his
shoulder.
But the ache inside me had
morphed.]
No more
confusion.
No
more sadness.
Just rage.
It’s okay, I told myself. Just two
more weeks.
Two more weeks, and
I’ll be free.
But before that-
t–0
Everett Vaughn is going
to feel what it’s
like to
be played.]
(0)
あん
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