MADDISON
The first thingI notice when I return to consciousness is the warmth of sunlight casting across my face. The next is that my head is pounding, and my mouth tastes like ass.
I roll my eyes open and flip over from my side and onto my back. It takes a second to process where I am—in River’s room, surrounded by blue walls, lying in his comfortable bed.
I’m here because I was jumped yesterday by the society. Jumped and drugged, then dragged into the woods, where I woke up confused. I thought I was going to rot out there, but River found me because of the GPS on the watch he gave me.
Wait … River …
Noah …
“Shit.” It all comes rushing back to me.
Did River save Noah?
Did River make it back safely?
Panicking, I sit up, but I move too quickly and the room spins.
“Ugh.” I press my hand to my forehead as the pulsating magnifies. Summoning a few breaths, I scoot to the edge of the bed, stand up, and make my way to the door. My legs wobble like noodles, and every muscle in my body gripes in protest.
I don’t care if they’re rich. I’m going to make the society pay for what they did to me.
Although I have a ton of other problems to worry about, I will get my revenge. Somehow.
But after I get better because, right now, I’m a mess.
When I reach the door, I brace my hand against the wall as I twist the door knob. Then I step out of the room. The dorm is hauntingly quiet, an indicator that no one is here. Worry stirs in me as I pad toward the living room, the floor cold against my bare feet.
I’m wearing a T-shirt and a pair of boxers that belong to River. I feel weird about the idea of anyone seeing me in this, but when I spot River in the kitchen in a pair of sweats and a shirt, drinking a cup of coffee, all worries about attire float away.
“Did everything go okay?” I ask, my voice hoarse.
River startles, his gaze snapping to me. He stares at me for a slamming heartbeat. Then, with a blink, he walks toward me. He’s moving slow, as if he’s exhausted. And his shoulders are slouched inward, and his legs seem stiff.
“You should stay in bed, at least for today.” He stops in front of me, his gaze roaming all over me. “You’ve been through a lot.”
I ignore him. “Is Noah okay?”
He nods, strands of his dark hair falling into his eyes. “He’s at his dorm. Finn’s okay, too—everyone is.”
I smash my lips together as a wave of relief washes over me. Tears start to burn in my eyes. I’m not even positive why, other than my mind and body have been through a lot.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay.” He cups my face between his hands. “Everyone’s safe. The debts are paid. You’re free from Drew, and no one will come after you anymore.”
I think about the society and if they’re included in that. But I don’t want to gripe to him. He’s already done enough for me.
I hurriedly wipe the tears from my eyes, loathing how weak I feel. “I’m not even sure why I’m crying. I think I’m just exhausted.”
“That’s why you should rest.” He slides his palms down my arms, and his hands settle on my waist. “I want to call a doctor to come check on you. With what happened yesterday, I think it’s a good idea.”
I waver at the idea of him paying for a doctor. “How much did you have to pay Drew to get my freedom?”
He hesitates. “What does that have to do with a doctor checking on you?”
I narrow my eyes at him—he’s acting so suspicious. “I don’t want you to do another favor for me.”
“It’s not a favor,” he stresses. “It’s a necessity, Maddy. We need to make sure you’re okay.”
