Page 61 of Warrior

“Why do you look like you’ve just seen a ghost?” he demands.

“Because…” I cross to the refrigerator. There’s nothing in it besides a few condiments. Nothing in the trash except an old plastic wrapper. “I thought she was staying here.”

“When?”

“Last night.” I lick my lips. “And the night before.”

How thefuckdid I lose Artemis?

And this isn’t even the first time.

14ARTEMIS

I’ve decided to quit.

Heroin, that is.

Obviously.

And I say that not because Reese just burst into the bathroom with the empty syringe in his hand, holding it up like the single piece of evidence will condemn me.

Maybe it will.

Also, the lock on the bathroom door?

Shitty as fuck.

“What is this?” he demands.

I finish clipping my bra closed and slowly slide my arms into my shirt. Over my head. I fluff out my hair, then cast a glance in the mirror.

I look fine. Normal, really.

“I don’t know,” I say. “Where’d you find it?”

“Where your jeans were on the floor.”

“Well, it’s not mine.” I stare him down. “Is that what you think of me?”

He gapes. “I’m not thinking anythingofyou, Tem. I want to know what the fuck you’ve been injecting yourself with.”

“I haven’t.”

“Bullshit,” he hisses. “I saw the track marks. The bruising.”

I sigh and shake my head.

What else can I do?Admit it?No, thanks. I’ve already decided to quit, so I don’t need to confess my sins to Reese and leave it up to him.

“Whose house is this?” I ask. “I was just in the hospital, Reese… Of course I have marks on my arms. How many times did they try to get an IV in my vein?”

“And a nurse was giving you an illegal substance,” he whispers. “Under our watch.”

“I’m not on drugs,” I snap. “Jesus, Reese. I have more self-control than that.”

Maybe.

He drops the syringe on the counter and puts both hands on his head. He goes into the hallway and paces back and forth. I don’t know why he’s so freaked out, there’s no confirmation of anything.

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