Page 99 of Shattered

“Easy, I’m still sore.”

“You’re okay,” she weeps.

“Juliet, I’m so sorry,” I whisper. “I made you feel like a bad friend, and you’re not. I was just hurting, and I lashed out.”

She releases me finally, shrugging.

“I don’t care about that right now. I’m just glad you’re safe. What the fuck happened!?”

“Not now.”

She leaves it at that, not pushing. “I’m sorry.”

The last ones to arrive are Ian and Allegra. Allegra approaches me first, wrapping me in a gentle hug.

“Thank you for all the food.” Asher told me she meal-prepped and filled my freezer, not that I’ve touched much of it yet.

“It’s the least I could do. I’m just so glad you’re okay.” As she hugs me, she gently runs her hands over my back. “You’re so tense. If you want a massage, let me know.”

“I’ll definitely take you up on that once some of the pain dies down,” I say honestly. I’ve had a few massages by her, and they really are better than sex.

Well, some sex.

Once Allegra releases me, Ian steps in. His eyes are filled with misery. “Can we talk?”

“Yeah, come into the den.”

It’s quiet in there, with everyone socializing in the kitchen. I think they can all tell I’m overwhelmed, and I’m glad they’re giving me breathing space.

Ian sits beside me on the sofa, studying my face with concern.

“I know this is a stupid question, but are you okay?”

“I will be.”

He nods, understanding. “I was so worried about you. Everyone was.”

“I’m sorry I blocked you all out. It was just so much to handle.”

“I get that, and you don’t have toapologize.”

That’s Ian. I knew he wasn’t giving me a hard time, he just wanted to show me he cares.

“Asher seems interesting.”

I chuckle. “Smooth.”

He smiles, but concern is still present. “Promise me he treats you right.”

“He treats me how I want to be treated.”

Ian and I haven’t spoken much since the divorce, especially not about sex. But he seems to know just what I mean.

“You’ll be happy?”

“I will. Once I get past this, I’ll be happy.”

He sighs with relief and leans in, wrapping me in a hug. “That’s all I want for you. Happiness.”

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