Page 103 of Before and After

They were a unit. A team.

They didn’t need me. I didn’t know how to fit into their life.

At the first opportunity, I’d let them down.

It seemed I was good at failing the people who mattered most, who depended on me.

This is just a reminder.

I quietly closed the door.

Back in the living room, I poured myself a glass of bourbon and sat on the couch.

Then I stared out the windows at the darkness of the mountain.

Chapter 27

Allie

Something nudged my side. Then a small hand whacked me in the face.

I cracked open my eyes. I’d had Ollie in my bed enough times to recognize his octopus tendencies.

He was still fast asleep despite the sunlight leaking into the room. Warmth flooded my heart. He looked relaxed and he was safe.

Then I blinked. This wasn’t my bedroom.

I recognized the Langston Windward suite.

Caden’s suite.

Last night was a blur. All I remembered was the volatile, paralyzing mix of panic, worry, and fear. Then the sweet relief as soon as I’d had Ollie back.

God, Blake had lured Ollie away.

I ground my teeth together. He was a first-grade asshole to mix a kid up in his games.

Anger stirred and I welcomed the hot burn.

He had to be stopped. The entitled prick thought he could get away with anything.

I’d help Caden bring him down.

Caden.

I sat up. I’d yelled at him. He’d found Ollie, and I’d been so absorbed in my kid that I hadn’t even spoken with him afterward. Hadn’t thanked him.

Oh God.

I knew that deep down he felt like he’d failed Wells and the others on his team. He’d take the blame for this, and it wasn’t his fault.

Carefully sliding out of the bed, I noted my leggings and wrinkled, long-sleeved shirt. I vaguely remembered having a shower and pulling on clothes Tessa had gotten from my locker. I smoothed out my tangled hair and found a new toothbrush in the bathroom.

When I came back out, Ollie was still asleep.

I headed into the living area, but there was no sign of Caden.

Damn. I needed to talk with him. I needed to explain where my head had been last night, and thank him for finding Ollie.