Page 151 of Their Wicked Secrets: Untouched, Vol 5 of 6

“Small favors,” I mumble. I couldn’t imagine becoming Homecoming Queen. The world would have to turn upside down for that to happen.

“That doesn’t mean Zach didn’t have something planned.” Ashley stands and paces away and then back. “The guy is skeezy. I have standards, and unless I wanted to have a threesome with Sidney—no thank you—I wasn’t getting into that inner circle. Maybe if you guys figure out what you did to him, you’ll at least know why he’s coming after Harper.”

“Do you have any ideas?” I ask.

She shakes her head and drops into the chair. “Zach’s been happy in his own little corner of the world. He leads the basketball guys. Has a scholarship to a Division I school lined up. His world seems pretty complete.”

“Except for the fact he’s a rapist.” I can’t hold back.

Ashley’s eyes meet mine. “There have been rumors.”

Izzy comes to mind. She doesn’t know for sure that Zach raped her. But his brother got the drugs from somewhere. The guys say there’s been talk. But is Zach untouchable?

“Look, what he has planned is awful and not something you want to go through.” Ashley looks at each of the guys. “Your best bet is to not go. Then nothing will happen and he’ll have to regroup. Maybe by then we can have him in rehab.”

“Zach doesn’t do drugs.” Nico shakes his head. “I’ve watched hours of video of him and his friends. His friends partake. He doesn’t.”

Ashley’s gaze falls on me. “If I can help again, I will, but there are no guarantees. Sidney wasn’t expecting us to help you this time. They’ll be prepared for it next time.”

I swallow. Next time. Fuck.

CHAPTER 45

Fight Night

Nico

We’re in the yard behind Jason’s house. Harper sits next to me, clinging to my hand as we watch the fights from the sideline. Eli is currently in the ring. This is his second fight. Sweat drips down his forehead and chest. Both of the fighters are bare chested.

Harper buries her head in my shoulder every time Eli takes a hit.

It isn’t often. A few of the JV guys started us off. Jack eggs guys on from the sidelines.

I wish I could get out there and pummel someone. Anyone. I’m tired of being helped and helpless. I’m tired of being injured. It’s been a week of doing nothing. I’m used to practice and exercise and being able to do what I want with Harper.

Fuck. I know I need to be careful and take it slow with my knee, but it’s beyond irritating. Especially knowing Harper was in danger and I didn’t even have time to put up a fight. I made it easy for them to get to her.

Eli circles Adam, one of the guys from the football team, in the makeshift ring. They size each other up. Adam keeps saying things to provoke Eli to attack, but Eli holds back, watching, waiting for his opportunity to strike.

“Do you like watching the fights?” Harper asks, quietly. She jumps slightly when Eli weaves in and throws a punch at Adam’s middle.

When Eli steps back before Adam can retaliate, she releases her breath.

“I’d rather be out there fighting.” I try to shake off that tension winding in me. Nervous energy that has no outlet. The guys carried a few chairs down here for me and Harper to have front row seats. Caden stands in front of us to prevent the fighters from colliding into us.

I need to move. I need to be active, but the doctor says wait until PT, which starts on Monday. Apparently it will be rigorous to get me back into shape faster. I can’t wait. Especially knowing this weekend’s troubles might not be over.

That asshole will try for our girl again, and if tonight was foreshadowing, I won’t be able to stop him.

Eli goes in for another punch, and Adam swings. Harper gasps as Adam’s fist lands on Eli’s side. Eli dances back with a smile on his face. Adam drags in a breath but gives a cocky smile.

“Come on, Jacobs. Is that all you’ve got?” Adam thumbs his nose. “There’s a reason you run in football. Sure, you can take a hit, but you’ve barely touched me.”

Adam does a little two-punch dance before laughing.

Eli remains silent and eerily still, but his smile tells me he’s found his opening. I squeeze Harper’s hand as Eli goes in. His fists connect with Adam’s middle over and over again until Adam drops.

Eli stands over him, panting, his fists ready.