My hands are still trembling.
The dean’s voice echoes over the sound system, demanding order.
I stand in the middle of the chaos, everyone staring, whispers swirling again like ash after an explosion.
This is my fault.
My mind isa messy jumble as I walk back to my room on autopilot. I slam the door shut behind me and press my back against it, heart still racing. The hallway feels like it’s following me, voices echoing in my head even though I know I’m alone now.
Stupid. That’s what it was. Stupid and loud and messy.
I should’ve stayed outside. I should’ve never come back in. I should’ve walked away when I smelled the alcohol on River. I should’ve stopped him, I shouldn’t have frozen. And Luca… he came to help me.
My breath hitches.
The room is too quiet. Too neat.
I don’t know whether to cry or scream. So, I do neither. I just sit on the edge of the bed and press the heels of my palms into my eyes.
There’s a hard knock at the door.
I don’t answer.
A beat. Then another knock. Firmer this time. “Isobel. Open up.”
I clench my jaw and yank the door open. Tex’s eyes scan me instantly, his expression thunderous.
“You okay?” his voice is rough.
I step back.
He stalks past and closes the door behind him. I press my back to it, exhaling like I can push the tension out. He doesn’t speak, just waits. Giving me the time to find the words.
“River was drunk.” I close my eyes. “I smelled the alcohol on his breath. Then his hands are all over me and he says something that reminded me…”
I can’t finish the sentence.
“You want me to beat the guy up again?” he asks casually, like he’s asking if I want coffee.
Despite myself, I let out a soft laugh.
“Pretty sure Luca already took care of that.”
“Yeah, well. I’ve got a stronger punch.”
I open my eyes and look at him. “Why are you here?”
He shrugs. “Figured you could use someone who wasn’t trying to fix anything. Just… be here. I wanted to make sure you were okay. You ran out of there pretty fast, which is impressive in those heels.”
I huff out another laugh and look at him. Really look.
And something in my chest eases.
“I hate that it got to me,” I admit. “I hate that he made me feel small.”
Tex nods. “Yeah. Been there.”
He doesn’t ask questions. Doesn’t offer platitudes. Just exists next to me like he’s holding space for whatever I need.
