Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(43)

“I’m so sorry,” Ashleigh cried. “I thought he was you when he came into the bathroom.”

Closing my eyes, I squeezed them shut and fisted my hands on the windowsill. “Keep going, Ashleigh.”

I didn’t want to imagine him touching her in ways only I had the privilege of touching her, but I had a feeling it was going to get much worse. “Can you come over here so that I don’t have to talk so loud? It’s not exactly easy for me to say this,” she murmured low.

Turning around, I blew out an angry breath and took a seat in the chair beside her bed, clasping her hand in mine. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize. I’m just a little upset right now.” Upset couldn’t begin to cover it.

“I know,” she choked. “And like I said, I was doing what you asked me to do. When I saw you come into the bathroom, I . . .”

I squeezed her hand and hung my head. “You don’t have to give me details. The thought of Camden watching you infuriates the f*ck out of me.”

She nodded and licked her lips, averting her gaze. “Well, after that he came into the shower, but I didn’t turn around. I just leaned back into him. I never thought in a million years it could be Camden instead of you. He—he touched me in places.” She hiccupped and shook her head. “Anyway, when I opened my eyes and reached up to touch his face, that’s when I realized.”

“Did he . . . rape you?” I could barely get the words out I was shaking so hard.

“No,” she stated quickly. “I don’t think that was his intention. It was payback for what I did to him in Malibu. And to also make sure I knew I was ruining your life.”

“What a f*cking joke,” I grumbled. “The last thing you need to do is believe anything that comes out of his mouth.”

“Trust me, I don’t. I just can’t believe he did what he did. I feel so ashamed.”

“You have nothing to be ashamed of. I’m the one who didn’t think about the fact he still had keys. First thing tomorrow morning, I’m getting every single lock changed in the house. That f*cker isn’t going to be able to come in anytime he wants.”

“Do you think it was just coincidence that he happened to come in when you weren’t there? Or do you think he was watching the house?”

I honestly had no clue, but I had a guess. With me wanting to kick his ass, he would know better than to pull that shit with me around. “He was probably watching the house. What a cocksucker.”

About that time, Gabriella burst through the door, her eyes on fire. She was pissed. “So help me God if Camden showed up at that party I was going to kick his f*cking teeth in.”

“Did you meet Paxton there?” Ashleigh asked.

Gabriella rolled her eyes. “I’m not here to talk about him. I’m here to be with you. When do you see the doctor?”

“That’s what I’d like to know,” I grumbled.

“Guys, calm down. The pain isn’t as bad and I’m not bleeding so that’s a good thing. If I was, I’m sure they would be doing a lot more.”

Colin came skidding through the door and went straight to her, not even acknowledging me or Gabriella. But then his face turned hard and he glared at me. “What did you do? Surely you upset her about something.”

Ashleigh’s eyes went wide and she squeezed my hand before I could fully get out of my seat. “Don’t,” she murmured quickly.

Colin fumed, his fists clenched and ready for a fight. I was ready to give him one.

“It wasn’t Ryley’s fault. It was Camden’s,” Ashleigh exclaimed, drawing his attention away from me.

Colin’s eyes went wide and he paled. That was when I got a good look at his face underneath the green baseball cap. His right eye was black and blue, and he had scratches up and down his neck. Even his knuckles were split open. Ashleigh finally noticed it too.

“Colin, what happened to you? Why do you look like that?”

He ignored her question and countered with one of his own. “What did Camden do to you?”

She looked down at her hands and sighed. “Ryley, do you mind if I talk to Colin alone for a minute? I don’t want you to have to hear it again.”

I didn’t want to hear it again, but I didn’t want to leave her either. However, Gabriella took my arm and pulled, leaving me no choice. “We’ll be right outside, Ash. Come on, Ryley.”

Huffing, I followed her out the door and rested my back against the wall. “How did Camden get so f*cked up?” I asked, more to myself than anyone.

Gabriella smoothed her hand down my arm and leaned against me. “I don’t know. It’s crazy how he went downhill so fast. It’s like he’s a whole different person now. Jealousy will make you do stupid things.”

“What the hell is he jealous about? We look the same and do the same shit. I’m no different from him.”

“And that’s where you’re wrong,” she stated. “You’ve always been different. Even when you and Camden used to tag team and play your women, you still had a good heart. If I asked you for ten thousand dollars, I know you’d give it to me in a heartbeat. He’s greedier, he wouldn’t.”

I snorted and bumped her with my shoulder. “You obviously don’t know me. You’d have to work for that shit on a corner somewhere. I wouldn’t give you the money either.” She glared up at me and pursed her lips when I smirked. “You know I’m kidding.”