“Why is it such a big deal to you? We made that pact years ago. It’s not like you want to be with me anyway. You’ve done nothin’ but tell me we’re just friends.”

  Another kick to the balls, but she was right. We could have been together, and none of this would be happening. I’d been blaming myself for days. Reminding me of it wouldn’t change anything. “Don’t you dare change the subject.”

  “Well, don’t you dare walk out on me when I need you the most.”

  “I’m hangin’ up now. Maybe I need some time to unwind before I come home. It’s best that I calm down so I won’t say somethin’ I could regret later. Right now I feel like I can’t trust you, and to be honest, it fuckin’ hurts. I always thought that pact meant somethin’. It was put into place for a reason.”

  Star said something to me, not that I was even paying attention. The next thing I know Chris is asking questions on the other end of the call. “Who’s that?”

  “She’s a friend, which is more than I can say for you at the moment.” Those words left a bad taste in my mouth.

  Insert foot!

  “Ethan, please don’t hang up. I need you.”

  I had to end the call. It took everything in me not to throw the device across the room. She had me so messed up. I looked toward the naked female waiting for me to reply to her question, still not knowing what the hell she’d asked. “I need to go.”

  “You just got here,” she argued.

  “Look, I’m sorry I wasted your time. I’ve got shit goin’ on that I can’t really explain.”

  She walked over as I was pulling up my pants. “You could come back later. We can finish what we started.”

  I leaned forward and kissed her on the head, immediately feeling the connection that I’d always had to Chris. I needed to find her and apologize. She needed to know that I didn’t mean those things I’d said to her. I had to prove to her that she’d never be alone.

  I raced back to my apartment, the whole time practicing what I’d say to her. I had it all planned out in my head, down to sentence structure. It was time for me to convince her that she was so much more than a friend to me. I needed not only to apologize for leaving, but for what I’d done with all of the other women. All of the cards had to be laid out on the table. No more lies.

  As soon as I pulled up I noticed the lights were all turned out. I walked up the stairs to my level and unlocked the door. Once I’d traveled to my bedroom I discovered she wasn’t there. I called for her, looking on the balcony to see if she was outside. There was no note, and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out where she’d gone.

  As fast as I could make it, I drove to the abandoned house. When she wasn’t there I headed over to her house. The police were pulling away. One of the girls was still outside, so I sauntered over to see if she’d seen Christian.

  “You just missed her,” she said before I could ask.

  “Do you know where she went?”

  “Look, I don’t know what you are to her, but you should just walk away from that hot-mess. She’s trouble.”

  “She’s my best friend, who was raped by your friend. Listen here you little bitch, my friend wouldn’t lie about what happened to her. You better check yourself, because once her family is done with that bastard, you’ll be visitin’ him in jail.”

  I turned around, ignoring her slew of comments as I climbed back in my car.

  My next stop was to the location that the last meeting had been, but the parking lot was dark and vacant. After beating on my steering wheel a half-dozen times I came to the conclusion that she didn’t want to be found. Even though we’d fought, a part of me worried that she might be in danger, especially after she’d been back to her old house.

  I hated doing it, but I called her parents, hoping they could help me find her before something else happened. She was going to hate me even worse than she already did, but at least I’d know she was okay. I’d been an ass, and probably didn’t deserve her. I knew she’d push me away, but it wouldn’t stop me from trying. I’d keep at it, somehow proving that I’d be the man she needed me to be.

  When her dad answered I swallowed my pride and prepared to tell him that I’d messed up and let her out of my sight. He’d go off on me, probably forbidding me to see her once we figured out where she’d gone.

  “Mr. Mitchell, this is Ethan. I was wonderin’ if you’ve heard from Christian?”

  “Yes, I have. We picked her up earlier, and I’m glad we did. It seems you left her all alone.”

  “I can explain.” Really I couldn’t. Her dad didn’t want to hear that I’d been jealous and left to get a piece of ass to make me feel better.

  “Now’s not the time, Ethan. We’re in the process of gettin’ Chris admitted for evaluation. She won’t be able to have visitors until tomorrow since it’s so late.”

  “Thanks for lettin’ me know.”

  After we’d hung up I finally sat down and tried to think about everything going on. If Chris was at the hospital she had to be petrified. This was exactly what she didn’t want to happen.

  Against my better judgment I felt like I needed to do something to help the cause. Her parents were going to go after Seth, and nobody wanted him to suffer more than I did, except for Chris. She most likely wanted him skinned and hung for his assault on her. After obtaining my laptop off the table, I opened my email and stared at his message.

  Then I replied.

  Seth,

  I’d like to hear your side of the story face to face. Meet me at the library at ten p.m. so we can work this out.

  Ethan

  There was nothing to discuss. I wanted the fucker to pay for what he’d done, and I’d make sure he got what was coming, even if I had to use my fists to get the job done.

  Chapter 25

  Christian

  The white walls matched the floor. I didn’t know if that bothered me more, or what they had me wearing. Even in the hospital bed I was annoyed by the hospital gown being open in the back.

  My parents sat next to each other beside the bed. During the ride they’d asked for details, which I wasn’t willing to pervade them to. Some things were better left unsaid, and in this case my sexual experiences, both good and horrible, were off limits.

  I’d suffered enough in the past few days, and I knew I’d have to explain to the slew of doctors who were coming to evaluate me. I’d already been poked by a nurse who drew my blood and did vitals. An officer was on the way, but I wasn’t sure why because I’d washed away any ounce of proof, besides the fact that it could be argued I had consensual sex with him hours before. I suppose they needed my formal statement, which meant this was going to get ugly. Since I’d already been threatened, I didn’t want to think what else would come from this kind of publicity. In true family fashion my brother and Shalan showed up shortly after. I could tell his fiancée was reluctant to speak to me. She seemed uncomfortable, like he’d made her accompany him.

  As much as I appreciated the support, I couldn’t help but wonder what they were all thinking. It made me feel weak like they were afraid they couldn’t leave me alone for even a few minutes.

  The officer arrived, and much to my surprise it wasn’t a female detective. The man asked my family to leave the room while he took my statement. Since it was so involved I knew it was important to start from the beginning. If my parents were adamant about taking Seth down than I had to make sure they had every single detail.

  Starting from the strip club I accounted every single moment I’d spent with Seth. When I struggled with some parts he waited for me to get myself together in order to continue. While he wasn’t a woman, I appreciated how sympathetic he was to my situation. He gave me statistics, and reminded me that it was never the victim’s fault, even if they taunted their attacker, which I hadn’t.

  It didn’t stop me from crying halfway through, or feeling like a slut explaining what we’d done and where it happened.

  Just when I thought he’d changed his mind about me he smiled and put his pen down then proceeded to assure me that I wasn’t the first person to fool around in a movie theater. It still embarrassed me, but at least made me feel like he was attempting to get me to feel better.

  After nearly an hour of questions the officer left, and my family filled in the tiny room. They said their goodbyes, all of them leaving me to get rest. It wasn’t without a fight though. My mom wanted to stay, but I convinced her that I needed to sleep. After making sure the nurse was going to provide me with some kind of medication to help me relax, she followed the rest of my family out.

  The moment I knew I was alone I located the phone and dialed Ethan. I didn’t expect him to answer, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to close my eyes and sleep if I didn’t at least leave him a message telling him how sorry I was.

  If I’d known he’d react so angrily maybe I wouldn’t have done it. Even though I didn’t understand why it was so important to him, I appreciated that he cared enough to be upset.

  Nothing surprised me more than him answering on the first ring. “Chris? Are you alright?”

  “Not really.”

  “Are your parents still there with you?” He asked.

  “No. They all left. Noah and Shalan were also here. I made them all leave so I could rest.”

  “You don’t sound like you’re restin’.”

  I shrugged even though he couldn’t see me. “Yeah, well I have a lot on my mind.”

  “About earlier.”

  “I’m so sorry, Ethan. I didn’t mean to hurt you. If I could take back everything I would.”

  “I hooked up with someone when I left tonight.” His confession shocked me. “I know I don’t have to tell you what I do, but I felt bad as soon as it started. What you did pissed me off. No, it wasn’t just that. It hurt. I guess after all this time I felt like I’d always be every one of your firsts. It’s stupid now, because we’re both adults, but how many people can look back at their life and say that they shared everything for the first time with only one person? I wanted that with you, because no matter how mad I get at you, you’ll always be my best friend. You’ll always be the person I turn to; the one I can’t live without.”

  I started to bawl. As if my life couldn’t get anymore messed up, I felt devastated over hurting Ethan. Nobody meant more to me than he did. “You’re my best friend too. That mistake ruined my life, Ethan. I’d do anything to take it back. I wish it never happened.”

  “I think the hardest part was seeing it happen. I’m sure that was the plan though. Don’t cry, I’ve got a feelin’ that Seth is about to get what’s comin’ to him. Don’t you worry your pretty little head. We’ll get through this.”

  “Why do you think that? Did you talk to my father? Did he tell you the police were here?”

  “Your dad told me where you were. He let me know that I wouldn’t be able to see you until mornin’.”

  “Okay. So your just bein’ optimistic?” I knew Ethan well enough to know when he was keeping something from me. I didn’t have to see his face. “Ethan?”

  “I emailed him back, tellin’ him to meet me at ten. We’re goin’ to have a face-to-face and get things straight. It’s time that city boy learns what happens when he messes with a sweet country girl.”

  “Please don’t, Ethan. The police are involved now. If you put yourself in the scenario it could be trouble for you. I’m beggin’ you to stay out of it. Please. I need you to be there for me, not locked up for avenging. I don’t need a hero.”

  “This ain’t just about you, darlin’.”

  “You sound like my father.” His sweet talking wasn’t going to make me change my mind. I didn’t want him going anywhere near Seth.

  “Would you feel better if I called you once I’m back home?”

  “No! I’d rather you not go and talk to me now.”

  “Christian, from the moment I found out what that guy did to you I wanted to hurt this guy. He needs to pay for what he did to you. He needs to be taught a lesson; one that will make sure he never hurts another woman again. Don’t you get it? If I do nothin’ than I’ll feel like I didn’t do enough. This is as much for me as it is for you. He deserves much worse than a beatin’. You can’t lie in that bed and tell me that it wouldn’t bring a smile to your face knowin’ his pussy-ass is kissin’ the concrete of some dark parkin’ lot? There’s got to be some part of you that wants him to pay for what he’s done.”

  “I do, but I can’t let you entertain this idea to seek out revenge. You’re not a superhero, or an idiot. He could come back at you with assault charges. I don’t feel like high-fiving you as we pass in a court room. Be rational.”

  “I can’t. You can be mad if you want, but I’m goin’ out there tonight. He’s goin’ to learn that messin’ with you was the wrong choice.”

  I rolled my eyes feeling like nothing I said was going to change his mind. “You sound like a jealous boyfriend. You’re makin’ no sense.”

  “Yeah, well maybe that’s what I was. I got to get goin’, babe. I’ll come see you in the mornin’.”

  When I realized he’d hung up I quickly redialed his number. When he failed to answer I knew there was nothing I could do to stop him. Ethan was going to do what he felt was necessary. I was so distraught, so worried he was making a mistake, that I couldn’t possibly close my eyes to rest.

  As much as I appreciated him going out on a limb for me, I couldn’t exactly condone his actions. I continued trying to get him to answer his phone for nearly thirty-minutes. As the clock passed ten I knew it was too late. The night nurse came in and gave me medication in my IV. I could feel myself dozing. I knew Ethan’s meeting was out of my hands, but as my body let go, I prayed silently that when I woke up I’d see Ethan’s face smiling back at me. I didn’t know what I’d do if something bad happened to him, especially because it had everything to do with me.

  Chapter 26

  Ethan

  There was only one thing running through my mind during my drive to the library parking lot.

  Retribution.

  Seth needed to pay for what he’d done to my girl, and I was going to make sure I was the one doing the punching. Once I’d put a hurting on him I’d let him know that if he ever laid a hand on a woman again I’d be back to give it to him double.

  Christian’s pleas hadn’t made me feel bad enough to go back on my plan. I wasn’t going to be content with what happened until he’d felt everything he’d done to her.

  When I pulled up in the dark lot I noticed I was the only vehicle. There was a chance that Seth hadn’t gotten the message, but there was also a possibility that he’d chosen to not meet me in fear of getting his ass beat.

  My heart rate increased the moment I watched someone approaching my car on foot. I could tell it was Seth when he got closer into view. I didn’t hesitate when I jumped out of the vehicle and approached him. “I’m here, let’s talk.” He swung his arms open, as if to taunt me.

  “I ain’t here to talk. I’m here to listen to you beg for mercy, because there ain’t no way my friend is lyin’ about what you did to her.”

  Where I come from you don’t wait to be taken down. You make the first and the last move. At the very last minute I watched as he saw my arm coming around and lifted his to protect his face. I didn’t pause as I brought my arm back to send a second blow. His jaw cracked as my fist made contact with the skin and sent him down to the ground. “Get up!” I ordered.

  He came after me, trying to take me out at my waist. “Fuck you! I didn’t rape your friend.”

  I lifted my knee at the right moment, clipping him in the neck as his body made contact with mine. He rolled on the ground, clutching his throat.

  I stepped forward, prepared to kick him while he was already down.

  Seth covered his face with both hands again. “Wait! I didn’t come here to fight. You’ve got to believe me. She wanted it. She begged me to take her to that house. She didn’t want to get caught by my ex. I’ll take you there and tell you everything. Come on, man. You’ve got to believe me.”

  “You’ve got to be fuckin’ kiddin’ me. Why would I want to go anywhere with you? I already know what happened. I’ve heard every detail.” If he thought that taking me back to where it happened was going to somehow make me change my mind, he was mistaken. All I wanted to do was crush every bone in his body. I wanted him to suffer an excruciating pain, reminding him every second what he’d done to my girl.

  “We’re goin’ to head over to where it happened. You’re goin’ to give me a blow by blow, and then I’m goin’ to decide how to end this.” I wanted to laugh, but it was very obvious this guy was scared shitless. This was his idea first, and now he was cowering over it.

  “You’re insane. I changed my mind. I’m not going anywhere with you.” Blood ran out of his mouth as he spoke, and he kept spitting it out onto the ground. “My friends know I’m here. They’ll call the police if I’m not back within the hour.”

  “You think I’m scared of your friends, or the police? Look around, asshole. We’re out in the open. I just kicked your ass where everyone could watch. I ain’t scared of the cops, and I sure as hell ain’t scared of your threats. Now, if you know what’s good for you you’ll get in that car and drive us over to the abandoned house you raped my friend in. You can make this hard, or you can cooperate. It’s your choice.”

  “Why would I be stupid enough to let you take me to that house now, when I know you’re planning to hurt me more? You think I want to die? Forget it. I’m not going. You can suck my fat dick.”

  I grabbed him by the arm, pulling him to a standing position. “You’re going to explain your side of the story. Then I’ll leave. You have my word.” What I left out was yet to be determined.