He pats her shoulder, looking at us to address the room. “I want to keep them both here for a couple of days for observation. I anticipate everything going well. They both need more time to heal; but otherwise, they’ll be fine.”
I smile, relief rushing over me.
“Let’s leave them to rest now. I will be bringing food shortly,” the Doctor insists.
We grumble, but move towards the door, including 3.
Cynthia, however, doesn’t budge.
“Cynthia, leave him to rest, love,” Bambi calls out to her.
Cynthia shakes her head; her lips set in a firm line. “No. I need to stay with my brother.”
Surprisingly, 3 walks over and puts his arm around her. He urges her up, pointing to the door, then pats her back. She stands up.
“Okay, but only because you asked nicely,” Cynthia tells 3, then turns to Harris. “Love you, Hunter.”
Harris smiles. “I love you too.”
“Have a good rest, Bambi,” I toss back as I leave the room.
I smile to myself, still so happy to have her back.
Chapter 4
Phoenyxx
I openmy eyes to Valley grinning at me. She's snuggled into Bryan's side, looking happier than ever.
I smile back. “Hey, besties.”
She squeals, leaning in to hug me softly. Bryan hugs me too. “I’m soooo sorry I haven’t been right by your side. I've been reuniting with my Bry; plus competing with your gazillion guys.”
“Aw, Val—it's totally fine. I’m bursting with happiness for you both.”
“You’re the best.” Valley’s smile is so wide, it almost reaches her ears.
“So, how are you feeling?” Bryan asks me.
“Well, I’ve been better; been worse. It hurts like hell, not going to lie. But I’m still here, and we're all together. I’ll heal. No worries, okay?”
“Good to hear. I really feel we bonded inside of that, um, place. I know you tried to help me; I was just completely broken. Just know it meant the world to me that you were there for me.” Sincerity washes over his face, making me a bit emotional.
“Fuck, Bryan, thank you for saying that. I was so detached; I actually feel guilty I didn’t do more for you.”
“Well don’t. You're a great friend, Phoenyxx,” he insists.
I turn that over in my mind. I wonder if he told Valley about the forced sex between us? God—now that I feel tremendous guilt over.
“Hey, Nyx,” Val says softly. She gently touches my chin so I’m looking in her eyes. “Bryan told me what those disgusting assbags made you do. It's okay. I'm not mad. It wasn't either of your faults.”
I start to cry, absolutely humbled by this girl and her indestructible spirit. We all shed some tears, but the love between us all sustains me. Damn, I’m a lucky bitch.
We get interrupted by Cynthia’s approach. “I heard you. I want to be your besties, too, okay? Yep, yep, besties.” She gets a faraway look on her face, then says, “What they made us do in there was bad, like really bad. They are gross assholes. I am so happy no one’s mad.”
I smile, as does Valley and Bryan. Valley opens her arms to Cynthia. “Get in this group hug. You're one of us. Friends forever.”
Tears mist Cynthia’s eyes, and she laughs softly as she joins us.
