Page 139 of Vying Girls

‘Why did you come here? Did you know Damien was skulking around?’

‘No. Didn’t know that bit. But I did find out what he wants.’

‘Really? What?’

She shrugs. ‘Money. My money. He owes someone.’

‘Wow, that’s it? Gonna give it to him?’

Nic shoots me a look. ‘What do you think?’

‘Don’t know what to think. God knows what goes on inside your head, Nic.’

She sighs, eyes finding the sign for the train station as we turn onto the main road. ‘That was stupid of you.’

‘Yeah.’ I wipe my nose, pushing down the prickling at being called stupid. ‘Was a bit.’

Nic swings to face me, the frown on her face more one of confusion than anger. ‘Why’d you do that? Sneak out?’

‘Dunno. Just felt a bit crazy with everything. Just wanted some clarity, I guess.’ I let out a watery chuckle. ‘Can’t say I got any.’

I’m aware of Nic still watching me as we head into the dimness of the station.

‘Thanks for saving me, I guess. Fuck knows why you’d do that for someone you hate so much. You can hurt me but no one else can. Is that it?’

‘Tilda,’ she sighs, looking away to scan the platform signs. ‘That’s not it.’

‘Whatever.’ I fold my arms around myself, too mentally exhausted to get into it with her. ‘I appreciate the rescue, but youcan leave me the fuck alone now.’ Tears sting at my nose. ‘I just can’t handle it. I can’t handle you.’

Nic nods. ‘Noted. You should probably let the others know you’re okay though. They’re worrying.’

CHAPTER 23

Haz

I blow out rapid breaths beneath the cold blast of the shower. I stay under longer than normal, until I hurt, the icy burn blowing off the fuckedupness of the morning.

Wasn’t much for me and Elly to do but sit and fret. Would have gone with Nic if we didn’t have some stupid mandatory presentation, our allotted times one after the other. Tilda’s is tomorrow, probably why she chose today to run off.

I smash the power button, the air suddenly warm after the freezing water. The shower didn’t help much. I’m still tingling with anger, that teeth-grinding one that comes with worry.

I’m fine guys,she’d finally messaged.Chill. Heading back with Nic now xx

Fuckingchill?

I shake my head, briskly towelling my body dry. She won’t be fine, not once I get my hands on her. No more binding her to my bed. She’ll be bound to me instead, like a fucking toddler, until she learns not to run off.

Shrugging on cargos and a tank, I hang up my towel and cross to my room.

There’s a curled-up lump on my bed. I turn away to close the door, giving myself a moment to steady the wave ofsomethingthat crashes over me at the sight of Tilda. Back here. Safe. Motherfucker.

She doesn’t turn to me. Doesn’t move at all. Maybe she’s fallen asleep, crashed out from her little adventure. I don’t doubt Nic ripped her a new one, whatever that would look like. Lots of glaring probably. A lecture. Then she’ll go off and punish herself, probably at the Vaults. Did Tilda give a single thought to that? Course she fucking didn’t.

‘Are you awake?’ My voice comes out clipped.

Tilda murmurs, curling into herself. She reaches a hand behind her, beckoning me. I slap it out the air, grabbing her shoulder and pulling her onto her back.

‘Do you have a fucking death wish?’ Her eyes are bleary, red-rimmed. Like she’s been crying. ‘Maybe not a death wish. A rape wish? Torture? Whatever that fucker’s capable of.’