.Mauve's POV I opened my eyes to darkness, the kind of thick, suffocating dark that makes you question if they’re even open at all. My heart thudded in my chest, panic rising as I realized I was sandwiched between two bodies. What the hell? Where am I? I froze, my breath hitching, until I turned my head slightly and saw the familiar outline of Brett’s face on one side, Jax’s on the other. Relief washed over me, though it was short-lived. My skin felt grimy, my hair tangled and oily. I need a shower. Now. Carefully, I shifted my weight, trying to climb over Brett without waking him. His body was warm and solid, and for a moment, I hesitated. What if he wakes up? But the urge to scrub away the filth—both physical and mental—was too strong. I swung my leg over him, my foot catching on some

