I clear my throat. “You’re probably right.”
I shouldn’t have let Olivia get inside my head, but whatever damage I’ve done, it’s too late. I can’t walk it back.
And I can’t regret it.
“But I can’t sit around twiddling my thumbs and watching the people I love in danger,” I add. “You’d be trying to figure out a way to help, too, if it were you.”
Miss Deveroux shrugs. “Maybe, but I’d give it a lot more thought.”
I let my arms fall to my sides. “How do you know I haven’t? I’m not as naïve or as stupid as people think I am.”
I’m tired of people brushing me off as a nuisance.
“I never said you were.” Miss Deveroux shakes her head. “But it’s only been a few months. Think about how different your life was before this. Nothing could’ve prepared you for this.”
She’s right.
What was I thinking?
Miss Deveroux covers the distance between us and reaches for my hands. She gives them a small squeeze, and when I look into her eyes and see the fatigue and concern, a wave of shame washes over me.
“I’m sorry you keep getting dragged into these things.”
“I knew what I signed up for,” she replies.
I search her face. “You didn’t sign up for me, though.”
Miss Deveroux’s lips lift into a half smile. “Maybe not, but I’d like to think of us as friends.”
“I’d like to think so, too.”
She moves away and sinks onto the nearest chair. A few moments later, I lower myself into the seat opposite her. She drapes her arms over the back of her chair and opens her mouth, but before she can say anything, I stand up and stumble to the bathroom.
I barely make it to the toilet before I sink to my knees and gag.
My eyes water and my throat burns as I feel Miss Deveroux’s hand on my back. She lifts the hair off the nape of my neck as I empty the contents of my breakfast and sputter. Then, she helps me to my feet and stands behind me as I lean over the sink, cup my hands together, and splash cold water on my face.
Miss Deveroux leaves the bathroom and returns with a glass of water. She hands it to me, and I down it in one gulp. With araised eyebrow, she leads me back into the room and hands me another glass. I curl my fingers around it, and my knees give out.
“Too much excitement for you, huh?”
I offer her a weak smile. “I guess I need to have a stronger stomach.”
“As long as you aren’t pregnant.”
I glance up sharply as a sliver of unease races through me.
My mind races as I do the math, feeling worse with each passing second.
Mason and I haven’t been as careful as we should have been, but I’d been so caught up in everything, I told myself it didn’t matter.
I can’t be pregnant.
With shaky hands, I set down the glass and push myself to my feet. I drift over to the window, forgetting that we’re underground. When I push back the curtain to reveal a brick wall, I almost want to scream. Miss Deveroux places her hand on my back, and I bow my head.
A short while later, Carlisle’s voice breaks the silence.
The door opens, and I throw my arms around Miss Deveroux. “What am I going to do?”
