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Feeling my stare, she glances up, catching me. “See something interesting, Calloway?”
“Very,” I reply, holding her gaze a heartbeat longer. I lean slightly toward her, whispering in her ear, “Just wondering how long I can get away with staring before you call me out on it.”
A delicate color that matches her dress spreads across her skin. “Maybe I won’t say anything ever again then.”
“Because you like it.” I rub my fingers on the outside of her arm and watch goose bumps form. I’ve always done that to her.
“Maybe I do,” she whispers back, her eyes holding mine for longer than necessary.
The moment is filled with anticipation as I consider kissing her right here, and even though I want to, I don’t. Instead, I glance out the window, scanning the perimeter, making sure nothing is out of place.
I relax as I drink my coffee, and suddenly, Harper’s brows furrow. Her happiness is replaced by a scowl.
“Harp?” My voice lowers instinctively. “What’s wrong?”
She hesitates, biting her lip again, before slowly turning the phone toward me. I lean closer, seeing Billie’s Instagram post. It’s the photo of them together, and it’s hard to believe it was just a couple of days ago. I read the caption.
Don’t believe what you see. Harper is happy, safe, and let’s not forget to mention … single. She’s taking some much-needed personal time.
The comments are full of praise and congratulations, with people saying they hated Micah. He’s being called an obsessed liar, which is more truthful than any of them knows. While I know she doesn’t like this type of attention, seeing her supporters stepping up to bat for her is good for her. Even so, I sense her rising unease and feel the subtle stiffening of her shoulders as her jaw tightens. Harper has always dealt with anxiety, and it’s something I instantly recognize. I always have.
I lean close and whisper into her hair, “You’re okay. You’re safe.”
She types in Micah’s profile, and the past few pictures that he posted are of the two of them together. My fist clenches, and so does my jaw. She clicks on the photo, and below it is nothing but people telling Micah he’s a piece of shit.
“Hey,” I say, clicking the button on the side of her phone. “You don’t have to go down that rabbit hole right now, okay?”
She nods as she sets her phone down. “You’re right. Seeing his face made it feel real. I hate this so much.” Her voice is full of hurt.
“Hey.” My voice drops, and I give her my full attention. “The world will eventually know the truth about him.”
“I hope it sets me free, Brody. I’m scared I’ll always be a prisoner to Micah.” Harper takes a slow breath, leaning into my shoulder, eyes fixed thoughtfully on her coffee cup. “Each reminder forces me to relive it again and again. I think he would’ve killed me.”
My nostrils flare at the thought, and I have no doubt he would’ve severely hurt her when he got the first chance. Especially considering the state I found her in that night I took her from that fucking prison of a home.
I give her a soft smile and turn my body toward her, where I’m almost facing her. “You know what brings me an immense amount of joy?”
She finally lifts her gaze, meeting mine. “What?”
“Revenge.”
We stare at each other, and a sly grin slides over her perfect lips.
“Every time your subconscious brings his beady fucking eyes to the forefront, know that justice will be served on a silver platter. I promise,” I say. “He fucked with the wrong ones this time.”
“Please,” she whispers, shaking her head. “Don’t fight this battle.”
“We’re past that, Harp. This is war,” I admit. “I owe him for Billie. And for you. He’s hurt people I care deeply about, and no one gets a free pass when it comes to that. Do you understand?”
She sighs. “If I asked you not to, would you?”
“I’m sorry, but no. You and Billie deserve peace. The only way you will ever get that is if Micah is behind bars or dead. His choice, I guess.”
“I want you to be safe. I can’t lose you.” She lifts her coffee cup to her mouth and drinks.
“You won’t. This is almost over. I promise,” I tell her, knowing that the boys are doing everything they can to uncover all of Micah’s lies.
Easton, Weston, Asher, and Nick are the most intelligent humans in the world, with connections that run parallel to mine. Nick is a man no one should mess with, a man many underestimate, but he is a secret weapon.