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Keep. Him. Safe.

And she’s right. Whoever could do this so shamelessly to his vehicle would have no problems taking it further. They could hurt him. Maybe they already have. It’s obvious now why Tate is always so jumpy and afraid.

He knows pain.

He knows suffering.

I feel like an absolute asshole for the way I’ve treated him now. His secrets were to protect himself and I was so desperate to pry that box open. I thought he was hiding something that could hurt my family when all along it was something far from nefarious.

“No one will touch him,” I vow, my voice rattling with fierce intensity. “No one.”

“Thank you,” she whispers. “I’m going to go update Wyatt. Would you like for me to call the police?”

I shake my head as she pulls away. “I’ll get Sloane out here. This is a private matter. We don’t need some Joe Schmo meddling in our affairs.”

She gives me a small smile before walking away.

I spear my fingers into my hair, tugging until my eyes water. If only I could protect him from what’s been done to his car.

There’s not enough time.

He’ll see and he’ll be hurt.

But don’t worry, sweet Tate, I’m going to fix this for you.

Someone is responsible for this monstrous act and there will be retribution.

Tate

I’m doing the walk of shame.

Thankfully, the only witness is my cat. He meows behind me as I dash from Jude’s room to mine in nothing but my underwear.

Where did my clothes go?

Please tell me I didn’t strip or something awful like that on the way up the stairs last night before he scooped me up.

If I did…that means Violet may have seen them scattered everywhere. Oh God. I will die if she had to pick up my discarded clothes.

As soon as I close the door to my room, I scan the space, looking for my clothes. Still nothing. They weren’t on Jude’s floor either.

She totally had to pick up my clothes!

How will I ever face that woman?

“Stupid, stupid, stupid,” I grumble to Funky. “No more wine. Ever.”

He ignores me, heading straight for his litter box. I flick my gaze over to the clock on the wall and cringe when I see it’s way past noon. Not only did I act like an idiot, probably stripping on the stairs and ending up in Jude’s bed only to have to do the walk of shame, I also slept the damn day away. Violet will definitely be wondering why I wasn’t in my room or where the hell I am.

This is so embarrassing!

I wish I had Dempsey’s or Willa’s number. Not that I can even use my phone or anything, but still, it’d be nice to call in reinforcements to talk me off the ledge here.

Where is Jude?

I throw on some clothes and shoes before quickly brushing my teeth. I can bathe later once I locate some food and assess the shameful situation.

How is Jude feeling about last night and this morning?