Page 61 of Wicked Nasty

Yea.

Sooo… you care about her.

Fuck no. It’s not like that.

Ryan sends the laughing emoji back, then adds Iz to the chat.

Ry: Iz hates Bella but cares about her.

Iz: No, the fuck I don’t.

I can’t help but let a small smile spread across my face. I’ve missed my friends.

X pops into the chat after Ryan adds him.

Ry: X used to hate Penny, but still cared about her.

X: Fuck yeah, I did. Though, it was never hate. More so heavy dislike because of my own fucked up brain and heart.

Ryan adds Kaiden to the chat.

Kaid: I hated Cat. But goddamn, did I want to fuck her.

Iz: just like Ryan hates Ally but is a simp for her.

Ry: Fuck off.

Kaid: All three of you assholes need to just own up to the fact that you’ve caught feelings for the girl you hate. We’re all fucked up in our own ways. That darkness that lives inside of us it doesn’t love like a normal heart. We crave that violence. It needs the hurt to feel.

X: Penny drives me up the fucking wall. But when she’s in my arms, everything just feels calm. It makes no sense, but I’ve stopped questioning it. Just let it happen, man.

I don’t like her. I don’t want to fuck her.

Ry: Lie. You already have. You loved it and now you’re sucked into her depraved siren call.

Not. Like. That.

Kaid: You’ll soon realize it. Call me if you need to talk.

I slowly lower my phone onto the coffee table, its screen still glowing with notifications. As I take another hit from the bong, I can feel the smoke filling my lungs and washing away any lingering thoughts. My mind drifts to Kaid and X's conversation earlier, questioning whether what I have with Becca is love.

I shake my head in response, a cloud of smoke escaping my lips.

No, this isn't love. It can't be.

Sure, Becca elicits powerful emotions within me, physically and mentally. Her attractiveness is undeniable, and I can't deny the sensations she ignited within me when we fucked.

But deep down, I know this isn't love.

At least, that's what my rational mind tells me...

Aweekhaspassedand still, there is no sign of Becca. Her social media accounts have gone dark, leaving behind an eerie void. My heart feels heavy and numb as I try to navigate through the days without her.

My heart races as I pull into the familiar driveway after a long day at school. As I approach the house, my eyes immediately lock onto Becca's car, parked on the side of the garage.

A wave of emotions crashes over me - surprise, excitement, and apprehension all mingling together.

Is she really back?

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