Ruined By My Brother's Best Friend (by Silverwriter) novel Chapter 92

My pulse quickened, and another sob tore from my throat. I couldn’t let anyone else see those pictures… especially not Archie. I was helpless once again, and all I could do was force myself to my feet and walk to the bathroom sink. I turned on the tap, filled my palms with water, and splashed it onto my face.

The sting hit my bruised cheek instantly, but I ignored it and turned off the tap. I could hear the doorbell ringing again, but there was no urgency in my movements. I was so mentally drained that it felt as though my body was beginning to shut down.

I was in the middle of drying my face with a towel when Francesca grabbed my shoulders and shoved me back until I was sitting on the bed. With hurried movements, she finished drying my face before quickly applying foundation.

The doorbell rang once more, making her yank me to my feet and push me toward my vanity mirror. “Redo your ponytail and go get the door,” she said, staring at me through our reflection in the mirror. “And remember, I have those photos printed out and saved on my phone too. If you do anything suspicious, I won’t hesitate!” she warned before hurrying toward the door.

Francesca paused and looked back. “And if anyone asks, I’m not home right now.” With that, she walked out.

My stomach twisted painfully, and my chest felt unbearably heavy as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. She had managed to cover the bruises, and my eye looked less swollen from the cold water. I sighed, then, ignoring the painful throb in my scalp, redid my ponytail before walking out of the room.

The pictures were gone by the time I stepped into the living room and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding before grabbing my bag and heading for the door.

With trembling hands, I unlocked it, only to find Alviso leaning against the wall beside the