Текст книги "Lighter"

Автор книги: Gia Riley

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Текущая страница: 12 (всего у книги 19 страниц)

She pulls me by the arm off the bed. “Oh no you don’t. Now let’s go see Kipton and get you laid.” Shoving me to the closet, she picks up the skirt and sticks it in my hand. “Change.”

“Cara! He’s your brother! You can’t say those things.”

“I told you I don’t care. I’d rather he picks you over some blond bimbo with fake knockers and a nonexistent IQ. Think about it, whoever he marries I’ll have to be around all the time. I refuse to set myself up for torture if I can help it. Now move it, woman.”

“You know I’m a blonde right?”

She shoves me forward again. “Yes, I do. But you’re not a moron and your boobs are small. Keep it moving.”

Looking down at my chest, I sigh. Well she’s right about that. I slide on the jean skirt and am surprised when it hangs off my hips. This can’t be the same skirt as last time. “Cara, are you sure this is the same skirt?”

“Yes, why?”

“Just checking.” I grab a belt from my wardrobe and fasten it around my waist. I’d like to credit the weight loss to my conditioning, but I’m not stupid enough to believe it doesn’t have something to do with getting sick all the time either. I’ll have to start doing a better job of resisting.

I THOUGHT WE’D BE ONE of the early arrivals at the party, but the house is already full. Without question, Caleb is manning the keg, dishing out pick-up lines as fast as the cups fill with beer. Cara stops me near the keg. “Sophie, can you grab my beer. If I don’t pee right now I’m going to explode.”

“Sure. I’ll wait for you by the stairs.”

“Thank you!”

She dashes off and I laugh at her urgency. “Hey, Good Lookin’. You back for more?”

“Nope. Not tonight. I’m getting Cara a beer.” Caleb eyes me appreciatively and slowly fills Cara’s Solo Cup.

“You’re looking extra hot tonight. You sure you don’t want a drink?” he questions.

I shake my head. “Nope. I’m good.” I don’t need any motivation to act like a fool again. This is my second party; surely I’m wiser this time around.

“That’s a shame. You’d have more fun if you drank.” He hands me back the cup, overflowing slightly with sticky white foam. “Sorry about the head.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “The what?”

“Head. The foam.”

That’s a new one for me. “Oh. It’s fine.”

“I forgot you’re new to this party thing. Lick your finger, then stick it in and swirl it around. It’ll make it all better.”

I stare at the cup watching the bubbles slowly pop. I’m not molesting the beer. Cara can do whatever she wants with her cup. “Thanks for the tip.” I roll my eyes and walk away.

“Hey, Sophie.”

Looking back at Caleb over my shoulder, he nods his head signaling me to come back over. “Yeah?”

“You’re overdressed. Let me know when the show starts.”

Scoffing in disgust, I smack him in the chest and walk away. He laughs at my reaction and keeps pouring beer. Nobody is getting a repeat performance out of me.

Waiting for Cara, I lean against the stairwell and sway back and forth to the music. As I scan the room, waiting for her, I notice commotion over by the Tiki bar. As a few bodies part, leaving a small area to peer through the crowd, I’m reminded of the power of alcohol. Lying on the bar is a gorgeous girl with her shirt pulled up, exposing her flat stomach. Taking a body shot out of her belly button, Kipton looks like he’s having the time of his life. Behind him, there’s another girl running her hands up his back underneath his shirt. I wanted to see him tonight, but I never imagined he would be doing that.

I sink into the corner of the room, wanting to disappear into the ancient wallpaper. If I could wash my eyes out with soap to remove the racy image I would. Gone is the reminder of his lips touching mine, of him inside me, kissing around my belly button. As crushed as I am, I know it’s my own fault for pushing him away. Did I really expect someone like him to fight for me? No.

“I’m back. The line was forever long. What’d I miss?” Cara asks.

“Eh. Not too much. Caleb told me to get naked and your brother’s doing body shots off some hooker over there while another gropes him from behind.”

Cara stands on her tippy toes and peeks around a few dancing bodies. “What is he doing! Who are those girls?”

When Kipton helps body shot goddess off the top of the bar, I see it’s her. The girl he was talking to outside of my dorm. The one he touched. The one he said he didn’t make plans with. I should have known better than to believe him. I can’t compete with all of that even if I wanted to. She looks straight off a runway with her chic wardrobe and perfect body. Instantly, my mood shifts from jealousy to annoyance. It’s time to get even.

Looking around the room, I don’t see anyone I know besides Caleb. As much as I don’t want to lead him on, he’s my only option. The fact that Kipton isn’t his biggest fan makes me all the more eager to get to him. “I want to dance, Cara.”

“I thought you don’t like to dance?” she questions.

I smile and shake my ass. “Tonight, I love it.”

“Oh hell. What are you up to, Sophie?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.” Sashaying over to the keg, I tap Caleb’s arm. He finishes filling the cup in his hand and bends down to hear me speak. “Do you have to pour beer all night?”

Looking confused, yet hopeful, he shakes his head. “No. Why?”

“Will you dance with me?”

Smiling from ear to ear, he drops the tap and turns to face me. Towering over my small body, he beams, “I thought you’d never ask.” I take his hand and he leads us into the throng of sweaty bodies grinding on the dance floor. I search for Kipton and see him kissing both girls at the same time—a triple kiss. Gasping, I cover my mouth in shock. Tongues and lips are all over each other. It’s filthy and everything a guy would dream of—it’s everything I’m not.

The more I tell myself not to care, to forget him, the more I find myself drawn to him. I thought giving my body to Kipton would help me move on. But now that I know what it feels like to have him inside me, I realize one time with him will never be enough. He made me feel—he made me come alive.

Caleb pulls me close, our bodies touching at every possible connecting point. There aren’t any sparks and definitely no fireworks booming in the sky. The only way I can make dancing with him believable is to pretend he’s Kipton. And the second I replace his blond hair with Kipton’s dark brown color, I close my eyes and get lost in the memory of his touch. Working myself up to the point of needing release, Caleb’s own arousal is stiff against my back. His hands roam to my chest and down to the waistband of my skirt where he slides the tips of his fingers beneath my belt to graze my lower belly. Everything about his touch is wrong, but since I’m envisioning Kipton in my mind, it’s incredible. Moaning, I lean my head onto Caleb’s shoulder. He spins me around so I’m facing him. “Jump up and wrap your legs around me, Sophie.”

I do as he says and once we’re at eye level, he kisses me hard on the mouth. But as hard as I try, I’m reminded it’s not Kipton’s tongue asking for permission to enter. When I open my eyes to stop him, it’s like a cold bucket of water was poured directly over my head. Caleb’s eyes are lust filled, ready to take our connection to the next level. All I can focus on is Kipton watching me from the stool at the Tiki bar—his date suddenly absent.

“Caleb, put me down. I need a breather.” I’m mortified I let things get so out of control with a guy I can’t even stand most of the time. He sets me on my feet, not releasing me from his grasp entirely.

“Let’s go up to my room, baby.” He pulls up the hem of my tank top to touch more of my stomach. I look into his eyes and blink slowly as I comprehend his invitation. We get pushed farther into the crowd right as one of Kipton’s girls return to his side. He pulls her in between his legs and kisses her on the lips with enough force to almost knock her over. She reaches out and braces herself against his shoulders. His fingers are splayed across her lower back and the sight of the two of them makes my stomach churn.

Remembering Caleb’s offer, I answer easily. “Yeah. Okay. Let’s go.” Without a word, Caleb leads me through the mass of bodies to the staircase. Each step takes me further and further away from the guy I truly want. The one who sets my body on fire from one simple look. I’m not paying attention and bump into Cara halfway up the stairs. She pulls me aside, letting Caleb continue to the top.

“What are you doing, Sophie?”

“Hanging out with Caleb.”

“Don’t do this. You’ll regret it,” she warns.

“It’s not like I have any other options tonight.” I’m letting my anger win.

Cara huffs and rolls her eyes. “That’s bullshit and you know it, Sophie. I don’t get this cat and mouse game you and Kipton are playing, but it needs to stop. Now!”

“Come on, babe.” Caleb reaches for my hand and pulls me up the last few steps before leading me down the hallway.

“Don’t you even fucking try it, Sophie.”

Frozen in place, I drop Caleb’s hand. When I turn around, I’m met with a smiling Cara and a fuming Kipton. “Come on, Caleb. Let’s go have a drink.” Cara pushes Caleb back downstairs before he can cause a scene. He’s obviously had a few drinks already because he goes willingly, looking at Cara like she’s his new conquest. Cara won’t put up with any of his bullshit and will have him safely parked next to the keg in no time.

Wearily, I chance a peek at Kipton. “Where are your dates? One girl not enough for you these days?”

Showing little emotion he replies, “Emily’s downstairs with her friend.”

I nod my head. Emily. I hate that name. “That’s nice. Shouldn’t you be using her as your personal shot glass?”

“Jealous?” he questions.

Damn right I’m jealous. You’re mine! “Nope.” I pop the p for added effect.

“You sure about that, beautiful?”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Why not? It’s the truth.”

His admission makes me want him even more. “Because you had your mouth all over Emily’s.”

He takes a step closer, pinning me against the wall. “You know damn well whose mouth I want, Sophie.” I look away, suddenly needing more air than he’s allowing me to breathe.

“Whatever.” I try to squeeze out from his intense hold, but he moves right along with me. Each time I try to escape, he matches my every move. Walking backwards, I realize I’m out of room to run. The only place left for me to go is in his bedroom. Sliding around the door jam, I find myself in a familiar situation. Only this time, I’m sober. We stand rooted in the middle of his room in a standoff of sorts. The sexual energy is charged and ready to detonate at any moment.

“Are you done running yet, Sophie?”

“Who said I’m running?” He takes a step closer, and I counter with a step back. We keep this up until I’m trapped against his closet door.

He runs his knuckle down my cheek. “You’re always running. Please stop fighting us, Sophie.” Picking me up around my waist, he deposits me on his bed—never breaking eye contact. “I want you so fucking bad. I can’t get you out of my head.”

“What about Emily?”

“She’s not you, Sophie. You’re the one I want. I never should have kissed her and I’m sorry I did, especially in front of you. You didn’t deserve to see that no matter how mad I was.”

Yes. I want him too. We’re grasping at each other’s shirts, lost in the moment. His kisses taste like shots of whiskey mixed with the cinnamon from his gum. It’s all man. Reluctantly, I pull my mouth away from his. “I’m sorry, too, Kipton. I kissed him.”

“I’ll break his lips later, just kiss me, beautiful.” His name tumbles out of my mouth over and over as I moan against his lips. He sucks on my neck sending shockwaves pulsating throughout my body. His shirt is off before I have time to even ask him to remove it. Running my needy hands over his naked back, there’s a knock on the door.

“Kipton, are you in there?” It’s Emily.

Quickly, I pull my shirt down to cover my boobs and adjust my skirt. I use the ponytail holder around my wrist to fix my sexed up hair. It’s knotted up from Kipton’s fingers mixed with the sweat from dancing. “I should go.”

“No. Stay. I’ll tell her to leave.”

“I got carried away, I’m sorry.” I catch my breath and move towards the door.

“Let me guess, this was a mistake.”

Not again. Spinning around, I shout at him with every ounce of anger built up inside me. “Will you stop fucking saying that,” I cry. “I’m not a mistake,” tumbles from my lips barely above a whisper.

“I know you’re not, Sophie.”

Needing air, I pull open the door and come face-to-face with Emily. If looks could kill, I’d be dead. “Why are you in here? Where is he?” she asks.

I don’t bother acknowledging her presence as I step around her and into the hallway.

“Did you just sleep with that girl?” Emily questions.

“Not tonight, but I have. And her name’s Sophie.”

She glances at me before kicking the door shut in my face. I flinch as it slams before sinking to the hardwood floor. Resting my head in my hands, I blew it—again. The thought of him being alone with her makes me queasy. Desperately, I want to run back into his room, begging him not to touch her. Instead I envision him naked, thrusting inside her. It sends me over the edge.

Hurrying into the bathroom, I splash cold water on my face. Still lightheaded, it’s not enough to erase the pain. And although I haven’t eaten anything since the last time, I make myself throw up. Desperately needing to right a wrong—both of our wrongs, I gag painfully. With nothing to expel, all that’s in the toilet is some bile mixed with blood. More blood.

Sobbing, I cry for not being strong enough to fight for the guy I want, and for being stupid enough to believe I was capable of having a real relationship. I warned him I was too fucked up—too broken by my past. But he wouldn’t listen. Instead, he kept pushing for more even after I assured him I wasn’t capable of anything even close. He made me need him and now that I do, it’s too late.

My phone vibrates with an incoming text.

Cara: You okay?

Sophie: No. In the bathroom upstairs.

Cara: On my way.

Knowing I need to get my shit together before Cara sees me, I rummage through the cabinets until I locate some mouth wash. Gargling, I spit it out as the burn of the alcohol on my already angry mouth stings terribly. The room tilts sideways before it spins. I sit down on the small rug in front of the shower to get my bearings. I hear Cara knock on the door, but I can’t get up to let her in.

It’s not locked so she opens it herself and rushes to my side. “Sophie, are you okay?”

“Dizzy. I’m okay.”

“Let me help you up.” She takes my hand and pulls me to a standing position. I’m weary, swaying back and forth slightly.

“I want to go home, Cara.”

“Okay. Can you walk?”

“I’m not sure.” There’s no way I can walk the entire way back to the dorm.

“Hang on. I’ll get Kipton’s keys. I only had half a beer. I’m fine to drive.”

“No! Don’t bother him. He’s probably busy.”

Laughing at me, she says, “he has it coming.” She doesn’t bother knocking, instead she tries the knob. When she finds it locked, she kicks the door repeatedly with her boot until Kipton answers the obnoxious banging. It doesn’t do any favors for my already throbbing head.

“What the hell are you doing, Cara?”

Peeking through the space between the bathroom door and the door frame, I’m able to see Kipton. Although his shirt’s still off, his pants are on. Sighing in relief and holding onto a sliver of hope, I duck my head, tears leaking from my eyes. I did this to myself. I pushed him to her.

Cara scoffs at him and gets right to the point. “Give me your keys; I need to drive Sophie home. And put your shirt back on.”

“What? Why?”

“Because you’re not a man whore.” She spins on her heel, but he grabs her shoulder before she gets away.

“No. Why do you need my keys?”

“She’s not feeling well.”

“Again? Where is she?” he questions.

“Give me your damn keys, please.”

Kipton’s about to hand them over to her, but pauses. “Are you okay to drive? Were you drinking?”

“I’m fine. Only had half a beer,” she assures him. She grabs the keys from his hand and rushes back to me. “Okay, Sophie. We can go. Let me help you back up.”

My heart is racing, but it’s not from the site of Kipton. “Cara, my chest.” Before I hear her response, I’m reaching out to grab the sink. I can see Kipton’s silhouette in the doorway, watching me closely. “It’s tight and pounding.”

“Sophie, what’s wrong?” he asks.

“I need to go home.” My chest is so tight. I clutch at my throat, rubbing my skin.

“Kipton, baby. Come back to bed,” Emily purrs. She’s wearing his shirt and nothing else. The site alone makes me want to gag all over again. She looks exactly like one of my dad’s trashy sluts.

Kipton does a double take of her and looks livid. “Where are your clothes, Emily? It’s time for you to leave.”

I stare in horror between the two of them. Kipton stands in front of me, forcing me to look at him. “This isn’t at all what it looks like, beautiful. I didn’t—I wouldn’t.”

I need to get away from Emily before I scratch her eyes out. Bracing myself against the wall, I use it for support as I walk down the hallway. With Cara’s help, I’m able to make it to the kitchen. But before I can get outside to the car, Kipton’s by my side.

“You know me, Sophie. I’m not that guy anymore. You’re what I want. Not Emily or anyone else.”

I swallow around the lump in my throat. It would be so easy to believe him. But the truth is, I’m not sure I do. “Goodnight,” I whisper. With my heart in pieces, I walk to the car where Cara’s waiting to take me home.

“You okay?” Cara asks on the drive to the dorm.

That’s a loaded question. “I will be.”

Back in the dorm, Cara makes sure I’m safely tucked in my bed before she excuses herself to see Drew. “I’ll be right back. I just want to make sure he knows what’s up in case Emily or Kipton come back here. I doubt she would have the guts to, but you never know with my brother.”

“Take your time, I’m okay.” I toss around to get comfortable, hoping to fall asleep so Cara doesn’t feel obligated to babysit me, but my phone rings.

“Hello.”

“Are you okay?” Kipton.

“I’m fine. I’m going to bed.” Pulling the phone away from my ear, I’m about to hang up when I hear his desperate plea.

“Sophie, wait.”

I’m too tired to play games, but I answer him anyway because part of me is thrilled he bothered to call me in the first place. “What?”

“I didn’t sleep with her.”

Am I supposed to believe that? They were both practically naked. “I don’t care either way, Kipton.”

“I know you care because I felt the same way when I saw you with Caleb.” He sighs into the receiver. “Jesus, Sophie. What are we doing?”

“I dunno? You tell me.”

“I swear I didn’t have sex with her.”

“You were in there with the door shut and she came out wearing your clothes, Kipton. How do you explain that?”

He sighs and continues his explanation. “We sat on my bed and I told her all about you. She’s jealous, Sophie. Really fucking jealous. That’s why she came out in my T-shirt. She took her own clothes off and took that shirt out of the wash basket. I didn’t touch her, I swear to you.”

I know all about jealousy. It’s what caused me to seek revenge in the first place. “I believe you.”

“You do?” He sounds surprised he didn’t have to fight harder to convince me. We were both acting like such jackasses tonight.

“Yeah. I do.”

He sighs again. “Are you in bed, beautiful?”

“Yes.”

“God, I want to be with you right now. Please say yes, Sophie.”

He has no idea how much I want him to hold me in his arms right now. “I want to. More than you know.”

“Then say the words and end this.”

“I think we did enough damage for one night. Maybe we can start fresh tomorrow.”

“Yeah. Maybe.”

“Cara’s back. I should go. Good night, Kipton.”

“Night, beautiful,” he whispers.

I pray sleep takes me to my dreams quickly because I need Kipton.

MAYBE I’M A FOOL, BUT I’m willing to wait Sophie out and give her the time she needs. Space is a different issue entirely. I can’t promise not to keep trying. I’m a persistent man when I know what I want and I want Sophie. From the tone of her voice on the phone, I thought she was about to break down and give up her fight.

Desperately wanting to help her, I have no idea where to begin. Maybe I could if I knew what was holding her back in the first place. She’s obviously scared, I get that. I just need to know why. Everyone has a past and I’d never hold hers against her, or run from it.

The minutes continue to tick by on the clock, as her words continue to eat away at me. I’m about to get up to find a bottle of Jack when my phone pings with an incoming text. Calls this time of night usually aren’t good, so I’m praying Cara’s safe. Unless it’s Emily. I doubt I’ve heard the last from her. When Sophie’s name appears, I’m not sure if I should rejoice or worry.

Sophie: Kipton.

Kipton: Hey beautiful.

Sophie: I’m sorry.

Kipton: For what?

Sophie: Everything.

I have to see her regardless of the direction this conversation takes, so I climb out of bed and find a pair of clean sweats and a shirt. When I go to grab my keys off the key hook, it hits me my car is at the dorm. Shit. Not wanting to lose her while she’s willing to talk, I text Sophie back while I figure out what to do. Unsure of exactly the right words to say, I decide to go for the truth. I could very well scare her off, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take. Her apologizing is a big deal and I’m hopeful we’re making progress despite everything that went down.

Kipton: I miss you.

Sophie: I miss you too. I messed up.

Fuck it. I’ll run the entire way to her dorm if I have to. I jam my feet into my sneakers, not even bothering to undo the laces. Those precious seconds I need to save. Bounding down the stairs, I’m ready to get my girl. But when I open the front door, I freeze.

“Hey.”

“Sophie. How did you get here? What are you doing here?” I shut the door behind me and move closer to her, still keeping enough distance between us so she doesn’t run.

“I drove your car. I probably should have gotten your permission first, or told Cara I was taking it, but I needed to see you. Please don’t be mad.”

“Beautiful, I could give two shits about my damn car right now. All I care about is that you’re here.” Before I can say anything else, she breaks down and sobs into her hands. Her shoulders shake under the exertion of her emotions. “Come here, baby.” Without any coaxing, she willingly runs into my open arms holding on to me for dear life. Her small fists are filled with the fabric of my shirt, stretching it tightly across my back. I hold onto her, afraid she might change her mind at any second. I have no idea what made her come here, but I’m thankful she ran to me this time instead of away.

I let her cry for as long as she needs—until she’s able to talk. When she shivers from the cooler night air, I risk speaking. “Sophie, will you come inside with me?”

“Yes.” She sniffles and wipes her tears with her sleeve, but doesn’t let go of me entirely. I’m more than okay with that. “Were you asleep?” She softly asks.

“No. I was staring at the ceiling thinking about you.”

“You were?” Her surprise is shining in her big blue eyes.

“Pathetic, huh?” She shakes her head no and I smile. “Is it okay if we go to my room? It’s still a mess down here from the party.”

“That’s fine.” She holds onto my arm until we get to the stairs. She lets go of me reluctantly, but I keep my hands on her the entire way up.

Inside my room the mood shifts the second I close the door. Before I can even contemplate what to say first, she’s on me. Assuming she needs me as much as I have missed her, I don’t waste a second getting her undressed. She’s tugging on my shirt, unable to lift it over my head by herself thanks to our significant height difference. After I toss my shirt onto the floor, I finish undressing her and kick off my sneakers. Picking her up, I place her in the center of my bed where she looks beautiful with her blond hair cascading over my black sheets—a few strands covering her chest. “Hurry, I need you, Kipton.”

Removing my pants and boxers, I quickly slide on a condom. Resting on top of her, I can’t go any farther until I make sure this isn’t about sex. “Look at me, beautiful.” She turns her head and stares into my eyes so intensely I feel the energy between us. I need her. “I’ll give you what you want, but you have to promise me you won’t run afterward. Can you do that?” I pray she says yes because I want her too damn much to stop.

Slowly she blinks as I wait for her answer. “I’m done running, Kipton.”

Her words are music to my ears. I should make sure she’s ready for me, but I’m greedy. Slamming into her, she cries out in what I hope is ecstasy and not pain. “Did I hurt you?”

“No. Don’t stop.”

“You’re mine, Sophie. Do you hear me? Mine.”

She moans softly and closes her eyes as her head tips back in pleasure. While I love watching her come undone beneath me, I need her to look at me. “Baby, eyes.” They open and as her gaze meets mine again, I see the emotion as much as I feel it in our connection.

“Kipton,” she moans. “Harder. I need you.”

I pump into her harder, wanting her to feel as incredible as I do. “You have me beautiful. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

She nods her head and grabs onto my shoulders as we create a steady rhythm. Back and forth, in and out, each minute better than the last. Before long her nails dig into my arm as she shutters and cries out. Watching her come is the most erotic moment I’ve ever experienced. Whether it’s because it’s her, or because I need her so damn much; I’m positive I don’t want to be without her. It only takes me another few seconds before I lose control, pushing into her one last time.

Once we’re both completely sated and satisfied, I roll onto my back, taking her with me. I’m not ready to break our connection, so I hold her close to me, staying inside her for as long as she’ll let me.

Neither of us speaks a word as we float back down to earth. At first it’s peaceful bliss, but soon the silence becomes stifling. As tired as I am, she needs to tell me what brought her here in the first place. An hour ago she needed more time. I need to know what changed since then.

With her lying on top of me, I cover the two of us with the sheet so she doesn’t get cold. Running my fingers up and down her back, she nuzzles her cheek into my chest. Her hair smells like her flowery shampoo and it’s quickly become my favorite scent. “What’s going on, beautiful?”

She trembles, but answers, “I needed to see you. I tried to sleep after we talked, but I couldn’t.”

“I’m glad you came here.”

She smiles against my skin. “I bet you are.”

She jerks her hips and contracts around me causing me to groan from the sensation. I’m ready for another round, but we need to talk this out first. Focusing on the conversation instead of her body, I respond. “No, Sophie. It’s more than sex for me and you know it.”

She nods in understanding. “I know it is. I had a fight with your sister.”

“About what?” I’m not sure I want to know the details of their girlie drama, but if it was enough for her to run to me, then I want her to open up. Her body tenses and stiffens up before I realize she’s crying again. Her tears slowly splash onto my chest and slide down my arms. She’s been through so much shit the past few weeks, I desperately want to take away her pain—but I have no idea where to begin.

“I can’t tell you. I’m not crazy though. I swear.”

“Beautiful, I already know you’re not crazy. Please talk to me.” I wait for her to lead into conversation, but she’s still hesitant. Hugging her even tighter, she’s so fragile in my arms, but she’s the same Sophie I’ve fallen for over and over again.

“I can’t stop, Kipton. It started again at the diner, but then it was just like all those years. Over and over, I did it again and again. I let my family and my insecurities win again. Everything about it is wrong and I’ve worked so hard to move past it, but I fell right back into the same pattern. Now Cara hates me. She screamed at me, Kipton.”

“Stop what, Sophie? Why is Cara upset?”

My phone rings on top of my nightstand. I want to ignore it, but considering it’s Cara, I have no choice. Reluctantly, I ease out of Sophie as she clings to me. I hold her hand and as I’m about to place a kiss on her wrist I notice some dried blood. Before I let my mind wander to where it came from, I lean over and answer my phone. “She’s gone. I’ve looked everywhere for her; scoured every inch of the dorm before I noticed she took your car. We need to find her!”

“Cara, slow down. Sophie’s here. I have no idea what’s going on yet, but someone needs to fill me in. You’re both freaking me out.”

“Hang up! Please, Kipton.” Sophie’s hoarse voice begs me. I keep my arm around her so she can’t get away from me. She swats the phone out of my hand and I struggle back and forth with her to calm down.

“Relax. It’s okay. We’ll figure this out.” Her body relents and she hugs my pillow, still shaking. Cautiously, I pick my phone up off the bed. “Cara? You still there?”

“Yes! Don’t listen to her, Kipton. She needs help. I knew something was up with her. I fucking knew it.”

“Cara slow down. Take a breath and tell me what you mean.”

Beside me I hear Sophie softly crying. “Now you’ll hate me too,” she whispers.

I brush the hair away from her gorgeous eyes. “Sophie, I could never hate you.” It breaks my heart to see her like this. I try to rub her back for comfort, but she curls into an even smaller ball of brokenness.

“Kipton, listen to me. I didn’t want to get involved, but I don’t think I have a choice anymore. Not after tonight. She’s been making herself throw up. I found her earlier in the rec room bathroom after she went to dinner with Tyler. It was so damn bad I heard her from outside the bathroom. Of course that was blamed on bad food from the restaurant. Basically she doesn’t eat and when she does, she throws it up.” Cara takes a breath after talking a mile a minute. I’m about to speak, but she continues. “But there’s more to it than that because she did it at your house tonight too and she didn’t eat anything. It doesn’t make any sense, but Kipton she’s going to kill herself if she doesn’t stop.”