Page 43 of Through the Storm

I’m so damn sorry, man.

Declan

Thank you.

I look down at Katy. She’s peaceful now, but I can still feel the echo of her shaking.

I brush my thumb gently across her cheek and whisper, low and certain, “Got you, Katy Cat. I’m right here.”

KATY

Ben must have carried me upstairs at some point. I barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could think about was how easily everything could fall apart.

Ben’s arm is heavy around me, his breathing deep and steady. He hasn’t let go of me since we walked through the door.

My phone won’t stop buzzing.

I slide it off the table and squint at the screen. I have thirty-plus texts, three missed calls, two group chats exploding.

The top one is from Rebecca.

Rebecca

Don’t look at TikTok. I’m serious, Katy. Don’t.

So naturally, I look.

And instantly wish I hadn’t.

There it is, Ella in Declan’s arms. Leo dragging some guy out of frame. Shouting. Chaos. The caption makes my stomach drop.

When your teammate’s sister hides a teen pregnancy from the whole town#RoseBayScandal #GoodGirlGoneBad #WhereIsTheBaby

My hand flies to my mouth. “Oh my God.”

Ben stirs beside me. “What is it?”

I just hand him the phone.

His jaw tightens as he scrolls. “They posted this?”

“It’s everywhere,” I whisper. “They’re joking about it. About the worst possible thing that can happen to you. They just blasted it online.”

He scrubs a hand over his face, jaw working. “I’m calling Leo. We’ll get it taken down.”

Before he can move, another text pops up.

Logan

Saw the video about your brother. You okay? Don’t answer if you don’t want to talk.

My throat tightens.

Katy

I’m okay. Just angry.

The reply comes almost instantly.