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“Addie,” Ryder said. Tears welled in his eyes as he stared at me. “Nobody, and I mean nobody, should go through everything you did. You are so incredibly strong.” His strong hand cupped mine, swallowing it whole.

“You don’t have to worry about being alone anymore. We’re your friends now, and we always look after our own,” Asher added. I pushed back the tears that threatened to spill.

“You don’t even know me,” I pointed out huskily. I was an ugly crier, with snot and slobber and everything. They didn’t want to see that. I didn’t know how some girls could cry and still manage to look like freaking goddesses.

I bet Elena had a pretty cry, that bitch.

“I know you took the fall for me the other day at the restaurant, despite knowing that you would be punished,” Asher whispered.

“I know that you’re a stubborn brat that I want to learn more about,” added Ryder.

Declan waved his hand once again to get everyone’s attention.

“You can’t blame yourself for everything. I know you believe that your friend-” Whatever he was about to say was cut off by a scream.