Page 64 of Ride the Sky

Your pussy is nice, but hers is nicer.

Aiden’s voice echoes in my ears. Then my own.

Weak.

Worthless.

You can’t do this, and everyone knows it.

“You okay?” Wyatt asks from beside me.

I pretend I don’t feel his arm on my elbow, guiding me. I draw in a breath, that string in my chest tightening, tightening. “Fine.” I wrap my hands tight around my walker, praying he doesn’t see the way they shake.

Five steps later, what feels like forever, I finally make it inside. My eyes widen in wonder. “It’s…”

“Clean,” Dakota says.

My brows draw together. “Different.”

“Wyatt did it,” Davis offers, setting my bag on the floor. “All last summer after you left.”

Every trace of Aiden, of that painful night is gone. The bloodstained carpet torn up and replaced by hardwood floors. A fresh coat of paint on the walls. Heavy furniture instead of the cheap IKEA pieces I purchased when I first moved in. The old rock wall fireplace is stained sage green. My tattered fabric couch swapped for a plush wine-colored velvet sofa.

I put my sweat and muscle into this place. Worked for months to get it cozy and safe, and suddenly it feels that way again. Like I can breathe.

Surprised, I glance over my shoulder to find Wyatt’s eyes locked on me. The faint blush on his chiseled jaw is so disarming I feel my own face flush.

“Why did you do this?” I ask.

He lifts a broad shoulder. “Had to tear some shit up after you left, so I figured why not start here.” His throat works. “Look okay?”

Yes. It’s perfect. I love it. Fuck you for doing this, but also, thank you. So damn much.

But I don’t say any of that. Because before I can answer, the room is filled with sound and laughter.

“Fallon!” Reese tosses her arms up and comes flying at me. I’m gently hugged and passed around my circle of friends, all while Wyatt growls warnings to be careful with me.

When the crowd of people part, my father stands there.

Fuck.

My mouth goes dry. Nerves have me in a stranglehold.

“Hi, Daddy,” I say.

“Kiddo.” Craggy features creased with concern, he shuffles forward and pulls me into a hug. But there’s a tenseness in his body that shouldn’t be there. “You made it,” he says when he pulls back.

I lift a brow. “You’re disappointed.” I can read it all over his face.

“We’ll let you talk,” Dakota says, and everyone follows her down the hall into the kitchen.

Except Wyatt. He stands behind me, bracing me. Something kindles in my chest at the act. He’s here. Ready to take the fallout with me.

“Accidents happen, Fallon. I’d never be disappointed in you taking a bad fall.” He gives me a sad, earnest smile.

I snort.A bad fallis the understatement of the century.

“Not that.” I twist toward Wyatt. “In us.”

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