Chapter 9

EVANGELINE

I woke up to a pounding headache. It felt like someone had set up a construction site in my head. My entire body felt like I’d been run over by a tractor, and my throat felt like sandpaper.

I sat up slowly, immediately realizing that I was in my bed. Someone had taken the time to carry me in and tuck me underneath my covers. At first, I wondered if it was Alex, if he’d finally had a change of heart, but I noticed something seated on the bedside table.

It was a container filled with a white ointment. I lifted it to my nose and the scent hit me full force. I’d smelled it once before, when Nicholas had gotten hurt. He swore by it, saying it worked for most injuries.

The memories from last night slammed into my head at full force. I remembered seeing him, trying to run away from him and passing out.

Shame coursed through me.

Not only had he seen me in that position, he also had to bring me home. I’d never be able to face him again. How would I look him in the eye, knowing that