(Vaughn)
Ashley's apartment was quiet.
Too quiet.
I sat on her couch. Stared at the wall. My mind racing.
Kieran had come to Donovan's house. Confronted me. Put his hands on me.
And I'd let him.
I'd stood there and taken it. Let him push me around. Let him threaten me.
Like I was nothing.
Like I was weak.
I wasn't weak.
I was just caught off guard. That's all.
Next time would be different.
Next time I'd be ready.
Ashley walked into the living room. She'd changed into jeans and a sweater. Her hair was pulled back.
"You hungry?" she asked.
"No."
"You should eat something."
"I'm not hungry."
She sat down next to me. "You've been sitting there for an hour. Just staring."
"I'm thinking."
"About what?"
"Nothing."
"Vaughn."
I looked at her. "What?"
"Talk to me. What happen
