Chapter 72. Quit the Blame

CHARLOTTE

He gazed down at me, then sighed.

“After you left, some guys separated the fight. I couldn’t find you, so I went back to the lodge to get dressed and go look for you. Musa and six of his friends came to my lodge to beat me up, saying they ain’t done. I didn’t fight back. I just wanted it to be over so I could go after you. So when they were tired, they left.”

“No one called security?” I asked in surprise.

“His best friend is the party host, so it’s useless,” he said.

I stared at him, weak.

Seven men beat him up—how terrible.

He has the money to intimidate them, yet he allowed them to beat him like a nobody.

***

LEO

She said that with a seriousness I admired. It was new, but exciting in a way.

My eyes were focused on her and suddenly my head was full of ideas.

Silly ideas.

Letting her take the lead in another way.

She dropped the plastic bag with a soft thud, and my lips curved into a small