Page 43 of Wicked Nasty

After slipping off my school uniform, I slip into soft gray sweatpants and a white long-sleeved shirt. I pull on a black hoodie and lace up my sneakers before stepping out onto my balcony. Grabbing my bong, I take a few hits and let the calming effects wash over me as I stare at the full moon above me.

But then thoughts of Becca flood my mind, the woman I hate but also can't seem to resist. Why am I so drawn to her?

With a sigh, I get up and quietly enter Becca's room. It's no surprise that she's not home yet. As I start rummaging through her bags, the sound of screeching tires catches my attention.

Rushing downstairs, I open the front door just in time to see Becca parking her car haphazardly on the side of the garage.

My heart races as I sense something is wrong. Becca stumbles out of her car and I catch her in my arms. She looks up at me with a smile before suddenly turning to vomit all over the lawn.

"Goddammit, Becs. What's wrong with you?" I ask, trying to help her stay upright.

She closes her eyes and smiles again before muttering. "I just... needed to lose control.Mne nuzno bylo perestat dumat o tebe.”

"Shit. Let's get you inside," I say, putting my arm under hers.

As we make our way upstairs to her room, she continues to puke in a trash bin, but some of it gets on her clothes. Without hesitation, I strip Becca and me down and lead her into the shower with me.

Becca starts crying and my heart breaks at the sight of such rare emotion from her.

Oh god, did I break her? Did I do this to her?

"I want my Katya, Danny," she sobs.

“I know, baby. I know.”

All I can do is hold her as the water turns cold. I gently bring her out of the shower and wrap her in a towel, her red eyes swaying as she stands there.

I dry myself off and throw my sweatpants back on.

"Stay with me tonight," she pleads.

I sigh, unsure of what to do. "Becs..."

"I just need your touch," she says, desperate and drunk.

I shake my head. She's not thinking straight.

"No, I can't," I say firmly.

Becca pouts, but sways on her feet. I quickly put a shirt on her and tuck her into bed. "I'll sleep on the couch. Just so I can watch you."

Becca lays her head down and passes out.

"God, what a fucking mess," I mutter to myself as I prepare to sleep on the couch.

An hour goes by when I hear Becca whimpering in her sleep. She's sitting up, but her eyes are closed. "Please, please don't. I promise I'll be good. Please mommy," she mumbles.

My heart races at the mention of ‘mommy’ and I rush over to the bed. Becca is still dreaming, her arms covering her head protectively.

"Not the hanger! I didn't mean to ruin your dress! Please mommy! Katya save me!"

Without hesitation, I climb into bed with Becca, pulling her into my arms.

“Shhh, Becs. I got you. You’re safe, butterfly. You’re safe.”

Her body slowly relaxes, and she falls back asleep against my chest.

As soon as she's settled, I close my eyes and try to sleep again.

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