Chapter 30

My bed has been calling me since I left the apartment this morning.

I came home from another long day of classes, looking forward to peace and quiet in my room since Tia is working and Sophia is at Mom"s.

When I turn the key in the lock and push the door open, I sense something is amiss. A strange, unsettling feeling washes over me, causing my stomach to churn and the hairs on my neck to stand on end. I cautiously walk toward my room. However, the sight that greets me upon entering sends a wave of dread coursing through me, making my heart sink.

The room that was once my sanctuary is now in shambles. Bedding, pillows, and clothes have been cut up with a knife and scattered all over the floor.

I shake my head slightly, my lips parting to let out a soft whisper as I utter the word "no" under my breath.

My photography portfolio, which meant everything to me, is ruined.

Who would do this, and why?

I quickly grab my phone and call Javi.

Javi and Jo, my protective brothers, show up at the apartment almost immediately after they get my call. Donnie and Ash trail closely behind. Javi called the police on his way to our apartment, and two officers arrived shortly after to check the apartment for any possible fingerprints.

Donnie"s brows furrow as he surveys the wreckage. "Do you know who could have done this?" he asks, concern evident in his tone.

I shake my head, feeling violated and vulnerable in my own home. "I have no clue," I whisper, my voice trembling.

Thankfully, none of the other rooms were touched.

Tears well up in my eyes as I gaze at the mess in my room. I go to the other room and sit on the couch, resting my hands on my belly.

Javi clenches his jaw angrily, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "I can"t believe someone did this," he mutters.

Ash sits beside me, comforting me, his expression mirroring everyone else's in the room. "Who would do something like this?" he wonders aloud, his voice filled with disbelief.

Before any of us can respond, one of the officers emerges from my room with a solemn expression. "I couldn"t find any usable prints," he informs us. "It seems like they were careful to not leave any traces behind."

"Could this be Payton?" Ash asks, scanning each of us.

"It had better not be," Donnie growls.

I wouldn"t put it past her after what happened the other night at the bar.

Javi takes a deep breath, his frustration evident in every line of his face. "I"m going to install an alarm system and security cameras around the house," he declares firmly. "We need to make sure this never happens again."

Jo nods in agreement, his usually friendly demeanor replaced by a steely resolve. "I"ll help you with that, Javi," he offers. Then he turns to me. "You shouldn"t be on your own, Sade. You, Sophia, and Tia can stay with us."

"No," I say in a stern tone. I refuse to be forced out of my home.

"Sade," Javi admonishes, but I stand my ground.

"No, Javi. I am not going to let whoever did this"—I gesture with my hands in the air—"force me to run away."

"So, you"re willing to put you and everyone else at risk?" Jo asks, clearly annoyed.

"Of course not. But thanks for making me feel like crap," I say quietly, suddenly reconsidering his suggestion.

Jo sighs and speaks in a loving, brotherly tone. "I wasn"t trying to, Sis,"" he says.

"I"ll stay over," Donnie says.

"Donnie, I can"t let you do that. I know the amount of stress you're already under," I tell him. "I won't add to that."

As he crouches before me, his warm hands envelop mine. His gaze meets mine, imploring me to listen to his plea. "You are my life," he says softly, "and I want to keep you safe. All of you. Please, let me stay." The sincerity in his eyes and the gentle cadence of his voice make it hard to deny his request.

After a long pause, I let out a deep sigh and reluctantly nod in agreement. As I do, a small smile forms on his lips, indicating that he is pleased with my response.

I have been dreading this day for the last twenty-four hours.

I don"t think I slept a wink last night even with Donnie in my bed.

When Tia arrived home, the guys were installing the camera and alarm system. On seeing the state of my room—everything trashed and in disarray—she lost her shit. She repeatedly accused Payton, but no concrete evidence was found to support her claims.

I feel nauseous as I walk into my photography class. I sit at my desk, my hands laying empty on the surface. Even though the class is in session, I can't focus on the lecture. My mind is still consumed by last night's events.

I glance over at Jazzy, who is looking at me with concern.

When the professor dismisses the class, I slowly gather my things, lost in thought. Jazzy waits patiently by my side, and as I look up at her, a small smile creeps across my face. "Hey, Jazz," I say softly, grateful for her presence.

"Are you okay, Sadie?" she asks.

"Miss Ramirez, please stay after class," the professor says in a stern tone.

Jazzy tells me she"ll see me later, and I get up from my desk and approach him.

"Professor." My voice trembles with emotion as I try to compose myself. "I need to tell you something."

The professor looks up from his work, unnatural concern etched on his face.

Well, unnatural when he deals with me.

Tears well up in my eyes as I recount the break-in at my apartment. I explain how they ransacked my bedroom, destroying everything in sight, including my photography portfolio.

Surprisingly, the professor listens attentively, expressing increasing sympathy with each word I speak.

"I"m so sorry to hear that, Sadie. That must have been a terrifying experience."

I observe a change in his facial expression, and it seems that things will not go well.

Great. He"s going to tell me tough shit and fail me.

"We can figure out a way to address the loss of your portfolio together," he says, leaning back on his chair.

Wait, what?

I wipe away my tears. "Really? Thank you."

The professor nods thoughtfully. "Of course, Sadie. How about you make up the assignment by recreating some of your photos? And if you"d like, you can keep your new portfolio in my office for safekeeping."

"That would be awesome. Thank you so much."

I take several steps toward the door when his voice calls out to me, halting my steps. "Sadie," he says, "I want you to know I recognize your talent. I wasn"t trying to pick apart your work. I see so much potential in you and want to challenge you to be even better."

I turn back to look at him, still unsure if I can trust him. But as I meet his gaze, I see the sincerity in his eyes.

With a nod, I turn away.

Upon leaving class, I feel like his words have lifted a heavy weight from my shoulders.