"You ungrateful bitch. I keep a roof over your head, and this is the thanks I get?"
"You could have killed her," I retort, trying to muster up confidence that I don't possess. "What if she goes to the cops, Dad? That bruise on her face is enough to...
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I wake up to a pounding headache. Since my surgery, headaches have become a daily occurrence, but this one is ten times worse than my usual brain pain.
This is a hangover, a feeling I know all too well.
"Good morning, princess." Effie, already showered and dressed, hands me a coffee mug. "How ya feelin'?"
I roll my eyes. "Like a million bucks... after being run over by a truck."
She chuckles. "Well, drink your caffeine. We're going hiking today."
"We are?"
"Yep!"
Nodding my head, I bring the ceramic cup to my lips. Even black, this coffee is delicious. I usually add creamer and half a bag of sugar, but this is perfect on its own.
Once Effie leaves, I throw the blanket off of me. I gasp when I realize I'm stark nude—no bra, no panties, not even socks.
How drunk was I last night?
I slip on my clothes from yesterday, which are scattered across the floor like sprinkles on a cake, and dash to the bathroom. I take a quick, piping hot shower to help clear the cobwebs, wrap myself in the fluffiest towel I've ever felt, and then return to my room.
"Morning, Layla."
Still in nothing but a towel, I spin around in the doorway. Jose smiles at me, his brown eyes looking me up and down.
Laughing nervously, I fold my arms over my chest. His lustful gaze used to make me weak in the knees. Now I just feel violated.
"Relax. It's nothing I haven't seen before," he reminds me.
"I know, but it's been a while since we were... like that," I mumble.
He nods his head. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
I vow to be downstairs for breakfast and then lock myself in my room. After drying my hair, putting on clean clothes, and finishing my coffee, I venture to the kitchen, where everyone is already eating.
"Good morning," Cordelia purrs, a smirk on her lips.
"Morning," I reply, claiming the seat beside Effie.
My eyes find Damian. In a flannel shirt, blue jeans, and hiking boots, he looks like every woman's lumberjack fantasy. Heat rises to my face at the thought, and I quickly bow my head, hoping he can't see the red hue to my cheeks.
After breakfast, we split up and do our own thing. Declan and Cordelia race back upstairs for some alone time, while some of their friends get cozy in the hot tub. Effie orders me to change my shoes, insisting that we haveto go hiking right this instant. Reluctantly, I obey her command, walking back upstairs to find my sneakers.
Before I can finish tying the laces, there's a knock at the door.
