“That’s something I’d like to know, too.” Maya ducks down so I can see her face. “How are you doing, bestie?”
“You made it.” I sit up just enough to throw my arms around her neck and hug her close.
She chuckles. “Of course I’m here. I told you I would be, didn’t I?”
I nod. “You did.”
I settle back into Andrés’s arms, snuggling into his chest and letting my eyes fall shut.
“She can’t stay here. Clearly, it’s not as safe as they like to make it out to be.” I can hear the worry in Maya’s voice, but I justdon’t have it in me to make her feel better. Not when I can’t even make myself feel better.
Andrés hums. “I told her she could stay with me.”
Maya snorts. “I don’t think so. Your apartment isn’t exactly secure.”
“And yours is?” Andrés scoffs. “Plus, my apartment is probably the least likely place anyone would look for her. Yours is the first place they’d look.”
“Look here,cabrón. She’s my best friend—”
“Don’t fight.” I blink my eyes open to find both of them watching me. “While Andrés is probably right that they will look for me at your place, Maya, I think we’d all feel more comfortable if I stayed with you.”
I feel Andrés stiffen beneath me and wrap my arms around his neck. My lips brush against his lips as I murmur, “I don’t want that kind of pressure on what we’re building.”
He immediately relaxes and nods. When I turn back to Maya, I find her watching the two of us with narrowed eyes.
Fuck, I’m going to have to tell her about me and Andrés, aren’t I?
I mean, obviously, I’m going to have to tell her. I just don’t know how she’s going to react.
Before I can think about that too much, Officer Ellsworth returns with the detectives in tow. Maya and Andrés hold my hands when they lead me up to my apartment, that’s been absolutely and utterly destroyed.
All of my electronics and decorations have been smashed to pieces. There are gouges in all my furniture that the detectives tell me were most likely made with a knife. Every single piece of clothing has been shredded. Every picture is torn to bits.
I’m so shocked by the destruction that I can’t even cry.
Why would someone feel the need to so utterly destroy the one space I have that’s all mine?
I’m not sure what will happen next. It feels more like I’m watching a movie than taking part—only getting flashes here and there.
The last thing I remember clearly is Maya and Andrés tucking me into bed in Maya’s spare room before sleep pulls me under.
Chapter Nineteen
Victor
Ilift the beer bottle to my lips, my eyes locked on the TV, but I have no idea what’s happening.
After finishing the session with Dani, Maya, and Andrés, Jason and I returned home. We grabbed Chinese food on our way and ate in front of the TV. Jason put on a movie, but I have no fucking clue what it’s about.
I just can’t seem to pull myself out of my thoughts.
Today was…amazing. And I don’t just mean the sex.
The connection between the five of us is insane, and I’m not sure how much longer I can keep denying it. Denying what I feel for these people.
“You’re deep in thought tonight,” Jason says softly, startling me out of my head. “A penny for your thoughts.”
I throw my arm over his shoulders, pulling him close. “You never have to pay for my thoughts, baby. I’m just trying to get them all into place before I share them.”
