Ninety-eight

WINTER POV

I hastily slipped into my dress, leaving my torn panty behind. I turned to Rafael and asked, "How do I look?" We spoke simultaneously, and I swiped at his lips to clean off the smudge from my lipstick.

Rafael ran a hand through my hair, his eyes appraising me before he murmured, "You look good." I nodded, though my stride to the door was more of a limp.

As I opened the door, my mother, Denise, and Emily stepped in. All three women wrinkled their noses before fixing their gaze on mine.

"What happened?" I asked, avoiding my mother and Denise's gaze. I was afraid that if I looked too long, they'd figure out what had transpired.

"You left without a word," my mother said, glaring at me.

"I needed to speak with Rafael; I'm sorry," I explained, even though our conversation had extended far beyond just talking.

"Are you sure that's all?" Denise inquired, raising her brows.

"That's all," I lied, but Denise didn't appear convinced, and neither did my mother.

"You seem troubled, and t