“Mm.”


    I was about to say something when he added softly. “I can’t help it. I can’t stop myself from wanting


    to be close to you, to take care of you, and yeah… even flirt with you.”


    He had a point. If love was something you could control, even gods wouldn’t stand a chance against


    it.


    For a moment, I didn’t know what to say, but Hayden let go of me.


    “Make sure you drink plenty of water when you get inside. And if you need anything, just call me,”


    he said.


    He pointed at my bag. “Your keycard–I’ll get the door for you.”


    “No need,” I said, snapping out of my thoughts and stepping back to put some distance between


    us. “I’ve got it.”


    I quickly fumbled for the keycard, swiped it, and slipped inside. Leaning against the door, I stood


    there for


    I a bit, trying to pull myself together.


    the time Demi got back, I was already in bed. She moved around quietly, probably trying not to


    wake


    1. me.


    I kept my eyes shut because I wasn’t in the mood to talk. I could hear her muttering under her


    breath,” Wasn’t she sleeping just fine? Guess I didn’t need toe after all.”


    So, Hayden had called Demi to check on me.


    My fingers curled into fists beneath the nket.


    Hayden Hart….


    How did I even get mixed up with that guy?


    I didn’t have an answer, and eventually, I drifted back to sleep. But it wasn’t peaceful. My dreams


    were a jumbled mess, full of uneasy images. I even dreamt about my parents, reliving the car


    ident that took them away.


    I never saw the crash site with my own eyes, but I’d snuck a peek at the case files when I was at


    the police station. Those images were seared into my brain, turning into nightmares that haunted


    me


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    When I first moved in with the Johnstons, those nightmares came almost every night, but they’d


    faded over the years.


    Tonight, though, they were back.


    I woke up while it was still dark, my phone showing 5:00 AM.


    Lately, I’ve been waking up at this hour no matter howte I crash.


    Even after all the alcoholst night, my head wasn’t throbbing, and I felt strangely clear–headed.


    1 noticed a few missed calls and messages on my phone, all silenced. Lena had called twice, and


    there was one from Lindey too.


    I couldn’t figure out why Lindey would be calling, but I had a gut feeling it had something to do with


    Jace.


    I’d already told Jace everything I needed to, and Lindey hadn’t reached out in ages. Was this about


    Wayne?


    Mulling it over, I decided to hit up Lena first. It was too early for a call, so I jumped on the chat app


    and spotted a bunch of messages from her.


    [Why aren’t you answering? Are you okay?]


    [Did Hayden abduct you?]


    [Call or message me back, or I’m calling the cops.]


    [Did something happen at Mr. Seth’s bar?]


    Clearly, Lena had tracked me down at Mr. Seth’s when she couldn’t get ahold of me. If she hadn’t,


    she probably would’ve been banging on my hotel door.


    I shot back a sticker and typed: [I’m fine, just needed to unwind with a little drink]


    Almost instantly, my phone buzzed. Lena was calling.


    She must’ve been on the night shift again; otherwise, she wouldn’t have replied so fast.


    Not wanting to wake Demi, I stepped out onto the balcony to take the call. ncing down, I spotted


    Hayden jogging below.


    This time, I turned away, focusing on Lena.


    When I mentioned Hayden’s reaction to her earlier message, Lena burst outughing. “Rea, I think


    Hayden’s worth considering. Why not give him a chance?”


    “I shut him downst night. Not interested,” I said tly,


    “Alright, you’re clearly still licking your wounds and not ready for love,” Lena sighed.


    After we hung up, I jumped in the shower. Emerging refreshed, my phone buzzed again–this time, it


    was Lindey.


    I hesitated for a sec before answering. “Hey, Lindey.”