Chapter 24. We are going on a "clear-out."

Damien felt like his whole world crashed on his head. He didn't want to tell Addie the truth: that she got drunk, took ecstasy, danced naked for half the school, and he'd taken her to this hotel room to get her sober. She was the one who came on to him. He knew Adeline loved him even though she's looking at him with pure hatred now. And he wished all the love he felt for her in his heart would turn to hate because he loved her so much, and he just knew he's going to be stupid for her just like his dad was for his mother. Damien knew this was his consequence for being weak to temptation. Systema had taught him never to give in to temptation. That's why he didn't indulge in alcohol, and he was trying to stop smoking. He didn't do drugs, either. And he only had sex with women who didn't matter to him. Now he'd had sex with a woman he loved, and it was the most glorious thing, and he hated himself for it. He should have resisted her. He should have tried harder. If he were a better man, he