Page 74 of Wicked Nasty

His words are like a balm for my troubled heart, and for a moment, I feel a glimmer of hope that maybe things will eventually make sense again.

Katya's gentle knock on the door echoes through the quiet house. I straighten my back, taking in a deep breath before she opens the door to reveal Cat and Penny, their smiles lighting up their faces.

My dad and Katya make their way downstairs, leaving me with my two dear friends. We catch up on life, laughter filling the air like a warm embrace.

Penny's eyes wander around the room, her playful nature coming out as she surveys the blank walls. "Girl, we need to add some personality to this place. It's too bare."

I simply shrug, feeling content in the simplicity of my room. "I like it this way. It feels calming and gives me the freedom to decorate whenever I want."

Cat's phone suddenly rings, and she steps aside to answer it. I can sense the worry in her voice as she speaks into her phone.

When she returns, I ask with concern, "Everything okay?"

Cat shakes her head with a heavy sigh. "It was Kaid. Danny..."

Penny grumbles under her breath, clearly familiar with this type of situation. "Not really the best time to talk about it."

My hand reaches for Penny's, offering comfort and support. "It's okay. He's your friend. Please tell us."

Cat nods, her expression pained. "Danny showed up at Ryan's house, completely drunk."

Penny curses quietly under her breath. "Shit. He doesn't handle pain very well..."

Confusion fills my mind as I tilt my head slightly. "What pain? From who?"

Cat looks at me with sad eyes, silently conveying a truth that has yet to be spoken aloud. "You, Becca. These boys... they may seem cold and distant, but when they find someone who calms their soul, they cling on tightly."

My head is spinning as I try to process this new information. "I... I don't understand."

Penny gives me a sad smile. "You understand Danny's darkness. Your own demons resonate with his."

My eyes fill with tears as I struggle to comprehend these words. "But he hates me. He told me that himself."

Both Cat and Penny let out soft laughs, almost like they were sharing a secret. "They all say that, but deep down, they are obsessed. They crave you in every form."

The enormity of their words hits me like a tidal wave, leaving me speechless and emotional.

"He..." I whisper, my voice breaking.

Penny nods sympathetically. "I know. It doesn't make sense, but I can tell you one thing for sure - Danny rushed to the hospital when he found out. And ever since then, he's been a shell of himself."

"He came?" My heart swells with a mix of emotions - disbelief, confusion, and hope.

Cat confirms it with a nod. "He did."

I sink back onto my bed, overcome with feelings I can't quite put into words. "I didn't know... nobody told me."

Before anyone can respond, my dad's knock on the door interrupts our conversation. A bright smile graces his face as he announces, "You have more visitors."

And just like that, Liz and Jim come bursting into my room, engulfing me in a warm hug before we all make our way downstairs to join Katya, who is busy cooking dinner for all of us. The love and support from these people fills me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and comfort in this difficult time.

The house is warm, inviting, peaceful, and happy.

But I still feel this empty part of my soul. Like it’s missing something.

And I know exactly who it’s missing…

Chapter twenty

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