Page 30

"You're a fucking angel, Tory."

I plopped down on a small chaise at the end of my bed and covered my eyes with my arm. The events from the night before were returning as the grogginess of waking faded. Tears prickedat my eyes again, but I blinked them away. I wouldn't cry over this.

"His actions aren't your fault, Tory. Don't give him that." Tiff's voice was firm, and I could practically hear her sneering.

"I know. I'm not blaming myself for how Az acted. I'm blaming myself for being so fucking stupid I let it happen in the first place," I said, shifting my arm behind my head.

"You two have been dancing around it for weeks. It's not farfetched that with lower inhibitions you'd give in. How it turned out is on him, and I'm not going to let you take the blame for it."

"Yeah, I get it. But–"

"No 'buts', Tory. You told me what happened, and you're not the one who did anything wrong. Benson is an asshole, and he's always been an asshole. Sure, it might have ruined the mood. The Az-hole didn't have to act likeyouinsulted him." She stood, sliding out of bed and going to get another glass of water.

"He's acted like my existence is offensive to him since the day I walked in here."

"And you're letting him. He's got a big ol' chip on his shoulder, and he's taking it out on you. And you're rising to the bait every time." She took another long drink before handing me the glass. Eventually, we'd need to leave the room and find food, but I didn't relish facing the guys this morning.

"Tory, you're one of the baddest bitches I know. And you gave this jackass your spine. You need to take it back." I opened my mouth to argue, and she held up her hand to stop me. "It's time to meet them at their own game. We don't take this shit lying down, and we never have."

"Sure, fine. But what am I supposed to do, Tiff? It's easy to say from where you stand, but you're not the one that's been forced to live here with them."

"If I was, I'd be making him pay for every tantrum he throws my way." She put her hands on her hips, looking at me like she was getting impatient.

"Yeah? What would you do in my shoes?"

"Simple. Fuck his friends. Make sure he knows he can't have any. Rub his face in his actions every time he tries me."

"You'd start a war in the house then," I said, chuckling.

"Okay, then. Tits out, chin up. This is war." She grinned wickedly as she spoke.

I laughed and shook my head. She said it like it was the simplest answer in the world.

"Yeah, well. I'm trying not to make things harder than they have to be. Come on, we can't hide in here all morning. I need food. Maybe Craig's saved us something for breakfast."

I stood, finding my robe and wrapping it around myself. It was lightweight and thinner but sufficiently covered me, so I didn't have to change. I arched a brow at Tiffany in silent question. She responded by rolling her eyes and throwing the door open to my suite in her bra and boy shorts. I shook my head and followed her out.

I was tense as we moved through the house. When I turned the corner to the breakfast nook, I released a breath. Craig stood over the stove, the mouth-watering scent of blueberry pancakes, bacon, and eggs filling the room. Rich and Joey were huddled around the dining table, speaking in hushed tones. Az was, thankfully, nowhere to be seen.

"Morning girls." Rich said, interrupting whatever Joey was saying to him.

Ignoring him, I moved straight for the coffee pot. Someone, Craig probably, had left two clean mugs beside it, the carafe still full. I poured us both a cup, handing one to Tiff, who had followed me over, before taking a sip and moaning in relief.

"Whoever made this, you're a fucking god send." Tiff groaned. Joey's amused chuckle made me smile as he watched us.

"Looks like you guys had fun last night. I'm sorry I missed it." Joey said, pulling out the chair next to him at the breakfast table. Craig set our plates down as I slid into the seat.

"Hopefully, my no-fail hangover breakfast helps. I'm surprised you're facing the day without sunglasses." Craig laughed as Tiffany stuck her tongue out at him playfully.

"I… honestly don't remember anything that happened last night. Remind me next time to not let Tiffany talk me into taking that many shots in a row," I said. Tiffany raised an eyebrow momentarily before turning her attention to her plate.

I put a forkful of the food in my mouth and couldn't stop the happy moan that escaped me as the comfort food soothed both the remnants of my hangover and my wounded pride. A sputtering laugh drew my attention.

"Warden, if your eyes pop out of your head anymore, you might injure yourself," Tiffany said with a laugh. Rich raised an eyebrow and gave her a dismissive once over.

"Tiffany, I don't care what you're wearing around the house." He said, rolling his eyes.

"Wasn't talking about me, big man." She smirked and shoveled another bite of pancake into her mouth.