Page 18

Mark nods. "He's right on that one."

"Maybe, but it doesn't make it right. I'm feeling better and I'd like to go home," I inform them.

Alex steps forward. "Your clothes are in the room you slept in. Or we can offer you a t-shirt and sweatpants, or shorts if you prefer?"

"My clothes are fine." I'm so upset by Derrick's words. Am I upset because of how he plays the game? Or am I upset because he'll never break the rules—for me? I sigh as I walk down the hallway and close the bedroom door behind me.

I'm an idiot. Why did I let that get to me? Why did I let him see that?

There's a knock on the door. I stride toward it and open it.

There stands Derrick.

"We need to talk."

I gesture him in and close the door behind him. Those are the four worst words ever said between a woman and man in the history of mankind, and I'm on the receiving end.

Lucky me.

Pierce 3. Sullivan 1.