"Just give me a moment to change—"
"It's really important."
He stepped inside, and Eve's confusion turned into unease. It wasn't like Matt at all to be pushy like this, and why...were his hands seemingly trembling? Why did his eyes look so wild?
"I'm sorry about this..."
“You’re making me nervous,” Eve said, backing up a step. “Are you okay, Matt?”
He wouldn’t meet her eyes. “Eve, can you close your eyes? I can’t say this if your eyes are open.”
She frowned, confused by his behavior. “Matt—”
“Please, Eve.” His voice cracked. “Just close them.”
Despite her unease, Eve complied, telling herself this was her friend. Surely, he wouldn't—
NOOOOOO!
Everything happened too fast, with strong hands suddenly shoving her against the wall as Matt's dry mouth crashed down on hers while his hand gripped her breast roughly through the towel.
Terror flooded her system, shock rendering her immobile.
This couldn't be...
This couldn't be happening.
This...this...
“What the fuck is this?”
That voice, oh God...
That voice.
She forgot her fear when she heard the pain in Hunter's voice, and the sound freed her limbs from its inexpicable immobility. She found herself reacting instinctively, shoving Matt away with all her strength before stumbling toward Hunter, wanting his comfort while also wanting to comfort him.
Nothing about the last ten seconds made sense.
Nothing.
But in Hunter's arms, she knew there would be peace and safety, and yet—
No, God, no.
The look on his face made Eve feel like she was suddenly trapped in her worst nightmare.
It was the past all over again, and Hunter...
Hunter was looking at her like she had done something wrong without even asking her anything.
I don't understand, God.
She wanted to scream and cry. She wanted to break down. But because she was eight years older this time, and she remembered what he had asked her before—
Why the hell are you so damn proud?
Is it worth it?
