Chapter 61

Alex POV

My heart wrenches in my chest as Helen's lips crash against mine, a searing, unwanted invasion. I quickly pull away, my eyes seeking out Hannah, just in time to see her fleeing, a broken sob echoing in her wake. The ache in my heart intensifies a physical pain that threatens to bring me to my knees. Every instinct scream at me to go after her, to comfort her, but as I move to do just that, Helen's fingers clamp down on my arm like a vice, and suddenly, all thoughts of Hannah evaporate like mist in the sun. My mind is filled with Helen, and only Helen, but my heart... something isn't adding up.

"I need a minute," I mutter, wrenching my arm from her grasp and striding away before she can protest. I make a beeline for my room, my mind reeling, my heart pounding a sickening rhythm against my ribs. Once inside, I head straight for the bathroom, splashing cold water on my fa