Page 57 of The Deception You Weave

I need to sleep but my body is still buzzing from our few moments in the woods behind the Delta house.

I shouldn't have gone, I knew that. But I also couldn't stop myself.

The thought of her celebrating with the team, with the Dunns, was too much to ignore, and I found myself getting back into my car for the first time since the accident and heading across town.

What I wasn't expecting was what happened next.

I thought I'd be forced to watch her from a distance. Well, I did. For quite a long time but when she moved to watch everyone else, I knew I had to strike or I'd probably regret it for the rest of my life.

I barely react to the front door slamming closed. Ellis was here when I got back but Devin and Ezra were still out at some party or another. I was invited to wherever they were going but I didn't even listen. After Friday night, I was done. Plus, I knew where Letty would be and there was no way I was going to be at a different party.

Footsteps thunder up the stairs, getting closer to my room and I pull myself up in bed a little knowing that they're either coming to me or Ellis if they're making the effort to come to the top floor.

Two seconds later, my door flies open but the person standing in the doorway is not who I was expecting, nor is the passed-out body in his arms.

"What the fuck?" I jump from the bed, pulling the sheets back so Reid can lay her down.

Her legs are covered in scratches and mud, she's wearing a man's hoodie but neither of them are the most concerning things because that is the dried blood that's covering the right side of her face.

"What the hell, Harris?" I bark, dropping to my knees beside her and gently moving her hair to get a look at her injury.

Reid only responds with one word and it makes my blood run cold.

"Victor."

"Motherfucker," I spit.

"Why?"

"Why do you think? She didn't get him the intel he wanted on the shipments."

I glance over my shoulder as Reid drops into the chair at my small desk.

"This is bullshit. It's got nothing to do with her."

"Victor pulled William in for it."

"Oh shit. Does she know?"

He nods and I blow out a long breath.

"Yeah. He had them both tied to chairs. If I didn't show when I did… well…"

He doesn't need to say any more, there's already a shiver running down my spine. I'm more than aware of what Victor is capable of.

"How'd you get her out?"

"William hasn't done anything wrong, he just got caught up in the bullshit."

"Did he expect you to hurt her?"

"Probably. I didn't touch her though." He holds his hands up in surrender.

"I know, man. Didn't even think it."

She stirs in my bed and I wonder if she's conscious enough to be aware of where she is.

"I should go," Reid says, pushing from my chair.