Page 34

CHAPTER 34

Jordyn

T he Wolverines' next game is out of town, which makes it much easier for me to sneak out to dance at Sinful Sirens. So far, I’ve managed to do four shows without them knowing. The lies keep piling up, drowning me in guilt. Neither has questioned me, but the dishonesty made me break out in hives, causing me to take antihistamines. I don’t mind lying to Josh, but I hate being dishonest with Tristan.

Chelsea is on her way to stay with me for the weekend, making me extremely excited and suspicious. Even though I know she’s anxious to see Alex again, I suspect there’s something more sinister going on. I intend to find out on the way to Sinful.

Four hours later, I’m on the highway, darting glances at Chelsea, who is smiling at her phone. Without lifting her gaze, she sighs. “I can feel your beady eyes boring into me. What’s up, Jordyn? ”

I don’t say anything as my eyes move back to the road. Uneasiness swirls in my gut until I blurt out, “I’m worried about you, Chelsea. Something is wrong. I can tell.”

She bites her glossy red lip, a tell-tale sign I’m right. “Don’t freak out. It could be nothing.”

My gaze leaves the road. “But….”

“I’ve had the sensation I’m being watched and followed. I don’t have any proof, just the uncanny feeling of the hair standing on the back of my neck.”

“Oh shit. Is Erik still committed?”

“I don’t know. I’ve been trying to get information, but he’s protected by HIPAA, and no one will release any information.” She shudders in the seat, running a hand through her sleek, dark hair. “It’s freaking me out that he may be on the loose. My nightmares have returned. Every time I close my eyes, I see the insanity in his black eyes, his dark hoodie slipping and revealing that evil grin….”

I wrap my fingers around hers and squeeze. “I’m sorry. What I witnessed was scary as hell. I can’t imagine…” Shivers course down my spine.

“Thank God you heard the struggle. My vision was blackening… I really thought I was going to die.”

I squeeze her fingers. “But you didn’t. I was there, and the baseball bat was nearby. I swung for the fence when I cracked that thing over his back.”

“Have I told you lately how grateful I am that you didn’t hesitate to go after him? You were ready to kill him to save my life.”

“No gratitude necessary. I love you, Chelsea. You’re my best friend. Damned if I was gonna stand by and watch him kill you.” We share a look, our bond stronger than ever. “Why do I feel like there’s more you’re not telling me?”

She sighs, averting her gaze. “I’ve received some creepy texts from an unknown number. And I swear some of my clothing is missing.”

I shiver as a chill runs down my spine. “Chelsea…” I choke out her name, fear slithering up my spine. “You need to get out of there. Can you go home?”

Chelsea shakes her head rapidly. “You know my parents….”

A sick feeling rises inside me. “Yeah, I do. Selfish bastards,” I mutter. “What if you leave New York and stay here? At least temporarily.”

Her phone beeps, and she smiles at the screen before turning her attention to me. I know immediately she’s received a text from Alex by the look on her face. “I’ve debated doing that, but what if my parents figure it out?”

“Not to sound mean, but they likely won’t figure it out until the end of the semester. That buys you time. Since they regularly deposit a lot of money in your account, you can take some courses at WHU. It’s much cheaper than Cornell. Maybe Josh and Tristan will let you stay?—”

“I don’t wanna be a burden, Jordyn.”

“And I don’t want you dead, Chelsea,” I snap without thinking. Her face pales, and the fear contorting her face before she turns away makes my heart ache. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

She exhales before turning to me, a smile pasted on her face. “No, you’re right, Jordyn. If it is Erik, I’m in serious trouble.”

I’m going through the motions as I dance on the stage at Sinful Sirens, but my heart isn’t in it. I’m distracted by everything Chelsea confessed. On the way inside the club, she told me the picture of her and her deceased brother, Shawn, disappeared on Monday. Erik would take it, especially since that photo sent him over the edge before.

The first time Erik had seen that picture, he didn’t bother asking who it was. He just assumed Chelsea was “cheating” on him, even though she and Erik had only gone on a few dates. When he flew into a rage, Chelsea broke it off.

After he slammed out of our apartment, Chelsea curled up against me and told me Erik freaked her out. She said he was unstable, planning their future even though they barely knew one another. When she tried asking him to slow things down, he flipped out and started screaming she couldn’t leave him. He told her he’d waited all his life to find her.

I completely supported her decision to cut all contact with him and stayed glued to her side as much as possible. We were shopping one day, and as we passed a thrift store that benefited the local animal shelter, a baseball bat caught my eye. I immediately tugged her inside and bought it, putting it in her room after we went home.

I’m glad I did. It saved her life.

Pulling myself from my thoughts, I realize the song is about to end. Chelsea gives me a grin and a thumbs-up. I relax, focusing all my energy on the routine. She’s standing beside Gary, my favorite security guard, who has looked after her both times she’s been here.

Once backstage, I change into my street clothes while Chelsea counts all the tips I made. “Holy crap, girl. I had no idea you could make so much money stripping to your bra and panties.”

Raven Starling walks into the room to get ready. She wiggles her brows at Chelsea as she throws her duffle bag on the bench. “You earn more doing private shows. I don’t recommend it for her. Those guys would go insane over the hot schoolgirl look Jordyn has going on. ”

Shaking my head, I slide onto the bench to remove my makeup. “It’s not a look.”

Chelsea giggles at Raven’s stunned face. “That’s her normal look, except for the makeup and stripping to her lingerie. Although she may do that for the hockey player obsessed with her.”

“Chelsea.” I slap her leg, a giggle coming out of me as I scrub my face with a wipe. “Stop it.”

“A hockey player, huh?” Raven wiggles her brows at me.

“Stop.” I stare at my reflection, not believing the words as I choke them out. “It’s not that serious.”

“What isn’t? You and Tristan?” Chelsea gapes at me incredulously. “The hell it’s not.”

My cheeks are burning from the lie as I straighten my shoulders, trying to convince myself and them that Tristan is just a short-term thing. “It’s not. He’s going through a rough time, and I understand it. I’ve been there. Plus, the fact that we could get caught by Josh heightens everything, even as it causes anxiety.”

Chelsea gapes at me as though I’ve lost my mind. “Are you kidding me? I’ve been around the two of you. Remember him ripping Bryce’s jersey off you and replacing it with his own? He didn’t give a fuck about the risks then. He claimed you, Jordyn.” She laughs, her gaze meeting Raven’s. “Thank God her stepbrother is as dumb as a box of rocks. I can’t believe he didn’t notice.”

Raven laughs. “Oh, honey. if he’s refusing to allow you to wear another man’s jersey, he’s staking his claim.” She grabs a brush and begins applying powder to her face. “Better get your head outta your ass. This guy sounds as serious as a heart attack.”

I bite my lip, worry coursing through me. What happens when Josh finds out about us and kicks me out of the house?

My dreams and Tristan will vanish, leaving me with nothing.