“I got to see one earlier in person. Once was more than enough.”

“Well, that’s a good thing since you and Carl are done.”

Vanni couldn’t argue with that.

“And you finally got laid.”

“That’s not funny.”

Beth teared up. “Sorry. You know I handle stress with humor.”

Vanni crawled across the bed and clasped her hand. “Don’t you dare cry or I’ll start.”

“Are you okay? Don’t bullshit me. I hate when you act all tough and in turn, I try to act just as tough. I can’t imagine what you must have gone through. We’re both avoiding the ‘R’ word but that’s kind of what it was.”

“He was drugged too. We were both victims in this.”

“Are you sure? I mean, how do you know he didn’t spike your drink?”

“The NSO thinks I did it.”

Beth paled. “What?”

“I guess I was the only one who sat next to him.”

“That’s insane. You’d never drug a guy to have sex. What is wrong with them? You were drugged too.”

“I know.”

“I’ll call them tomorrow myself and set them straight.”

“Don’t.” She was instantly fearful. “They were taking me to Homeland when I slipped away.”

“What?”

“Yeah. I don’t know if they were just going to get me medical treatment or arrest me. Smiley seemed to believe me when I said I didn’t do it but I’m not sure about the guys with him. I overheard two of them talking when I woke up in the backseat. It scared me.”

“We’ll hire a lawyer.”

“They don’t know who I am. I mean, I left my purse in the hotel room and only told them my name was Vanni. The room was in Mable’s name. That’s Gregory’s assistant. I couldn’t even sign for coffee this morning. I was just a guest in her room.”

“That’s good. Maybe we should go to the police and tell them what happened.”

“No!” Vanni was horrified at the idea. “I just want to forget.”

“Your shit is still at the hotel. Does Carl even know you’re gone?”

“Crap. No. He might raise hell in the morning when I don’t show up for breakfast.”

Beth released her and stood. She walked to the dresser and lifted her cell phone. “I’ve always got your back.” She called a number and put her finger over her lip to motion Vanni to silence.

“Hi, Carl. It’s Beth. I just wanted to let you know I picked up Vanni and she’s home with me now.” She paused. “She ate something and got a bad case of food poisoning. She didn’t want to bother you since she knows this was an important weekend for your father.” She paused again, listening, and stared at Vanni.

Vanni was grateful. She did worry when her best friend gritted her teeth.

“Just have her things packed up and get someone to drop them off at our apartment tomorrow. She’s sleeping now that she puked her guts up. Thanks for being so concerned for her health and not obsessed about some stupid breakfast she’ll miss.” Beth hung up.

“He took it that badly?” Vanni suspected he would.

“It’s official. He’s a total asshole. He didn’t even ask how you were but ranted about some press photos you were supposed to take with him at breakfast. He said it’s going to make him and his father look bad. I just threw that in at the end so he felt like an ass, if that’s even possible. You dodged a bullet with that loser.”

Vanni nodded.

“It’s going to work out.”

She really wanted to believe that.

“Don’t look so sad. Carl isn’t worth it. I don’t think you ever really loved him. It was just the idea of the white picket fence.” Beth glanced around. “Bright side, we’ll save a lot of money on this new place since we downgraded to a one-bedroom so I wouldn’t be stuck paying for that two-bedroom after you moved out. Maybe we can use the spare money and finally take a trip to Hawaii. That would be cool.”

“I’m so sorry, Beth.”

Her best friend sat on the other bed a few feet away. “For what? I’m the one who got to pick this place. I love it. It’s cozy. I like sharing a room with you. It’s like summer camp every night.” She crossed her legs and leaned back against a fluffy pillow. “Remember? We’d stay up all night and drive those camp counselors insane with our giggling.”

It lightened Vanni’s mood. Those were some of her fondest memories. “We don’t have to share a bathroom with eighteen other girls. I hated those hikes in the middle of the night just to pee.”

“Or the mosquito bites on our asses from those suckers hiding in the toilet.”

They smiled at each other.

Beth spoke first. “Tell me your deepest, darkest secret and I’ll tell you mine.”

It was a game they used to play. Vanni licked her lips and said the first thing that came to mind. “I really liked Smiley.”

“Oh hon.”

“He was so sweet, Beth.” Tears filled her eyes. “He should have been pissed, thinking I drugged him, but he wasn’t. I was scared and in pain but he took care of me. I didn’t have to have sex with him but I wanted to. I initiated it.”

“He was hot, wasn’t he?”

Vanni wiped away her tears. “Very hot.”

“I knew it. Was he good in bed?”

“The best.”

“Did you fall a little for him?”

“Probably.”

Beth lay down and curled on her side, holding her gaze. “Do you wish you could see him again?”

Vanni wasn’t sure how to answer.

“It’s okay if you do. I won’t judge. You know that about me. He sounds amazing, besides how you met, I mean.”

“I don’t think he’d ever want to see me again.”

“You can’t be sure unless we try to contact him.”

“No. I need to forget this night ever happened and get on with my life. It’s your turn. Tell me your deepest, darkest secret.”

It took long seconds for her to answer. “I really hated Carl.”

Vanni smiled. “I knew that.”

“Listen to your best friend next time. That’s all I ask.”

“Deal.”

“Sleep. I’m right here. You’re home. It’s going to be fine.”

Vanni closed her eyes but all she could think about was Smiley. She hoped he was okay, wherever he was.

* * * * *

Smiley entered his apartment at the men’s dorm and locked the door. The drug had passed through his system. His dick no longer ached from a constant erection and he had worked out his aggression on a punching bag. The silence inside his corner apartment was absolute. The male who lived next to him had gone to Reservation and the one across the hall had taken a mate. They now lived together in another section of Homeland.

He grabbed a cold drink from the fridge but stared at the cherry soda in his hand. It reminded him of Vanni. He put it back and removed a bottle of water instead. He drank half of it and walked to the balcony. He didn’t open the door or step outside, just stood there staring into the darkness.

Vanni was somewhere out there. He considered the constant worry for her to be a form of torture. The cell phone he’d taken from Security on his way home sat heavily in his pocket. They’d promised to call him if they found her. It remained as quiet as his surroundings.

He put his open hand on the glass. “Where are you, babe?”

He spun away, pacing the carpet in front of the couch. They hadn’t known each other long but all he could think about was Vanni. Her image seemed permanently imprinted on his thoughts. He’d showered and changed clothes but he could still smell her.

A soft knock was welcome and he lunged toward the door, twisted the locks and swung it open. It was possible they hadn’t wanted to call if the news was bad. They’d want to tell him in person but it wasn’t an on-duty officer who stood there.

“Hi, Jericho.”

“I heard what happened. May I come in?”

It beat being alone. “Sure.” He stepped aside. “I’m fine.”

The male closed the door and leaned against it. “Would you say otherwise?”

That comment surprised him. “The drug is out of my system.”

“It must have left you with a lot of difficult memories.”

“It wasn’t that bad. I mean, I remember it all and the pain didn’t come close to what it could have been.”