Page 135 of The Illicit Play

Blake looks so small beside him, her cheeks pale, her eyes wide and a little wild.

I try to catch her attention behind Wily’s back, waving my hand at her.

She darts me a quick look, her headshake subtle but oh so clear.

I am not allowed to say a fucking word.

Dammit!

I’m here. She should just do it now. I’ll support her, protect her as best I can.

I make a move to enter the kitchen fully, but she bulges her eyes at me, then glances at the screen, putting on a smile.

“I really don’t want to argue about this.” Her voice is sweet but strained. “Why won’t you all let this go?”

My eyebrows dip together, and it’s not until I hear afemale voice coming out of the phone that I suddenly realize she and Wily are talking to somebody else.

“Blake, we can’t let this go.” It’s her mom. “You’re not sticking to your plan, and we’re confused. Concerned. We know you’ve found college a breeze this year, but that doesn’t mean you can just slack off. You should be aiming for top grades in every single subject.”

Blake closes her eyes, looking sick for a second, and I wish I could step forward and defend her, explain the situationforher, but I doubt that’s gonna fly. I’m nobody to this family, and I can’t go blurting that I’m more than just an acquaintance to Blake. If they knew what we got up to in the forest, I can only imagine what her parents would say… let alone Wily.

Shit, this is bad.

“If you don’t get your butt back to Chicago, I’m driving up to Nolan and will take you to the airport myself.” Her dad’s voice comes out of the phone, and Blake’s eyes ping open—wide and bright and etched with fear.

Part of me wills her to say it, to just shout out the truth and be done with it all.

But she bites her lips together, refusing to look at me when I try to stare her down. I know she can sense my gaze on her, but she won’t connect because she already knows what I’m going to try and convey.

Her muscles coil tight as she crosses her arms, her fingers digging in just above her elbows, like she’s holding her slender little body together. She’s so fine-boned. Like a fragile bird. But I know how strong she can be. She was so tough in the forest, never complained about aching muscles. She just soldiered on.

But right now?

She looks on the verge of breaking, and I’m starting to worry that she’ll have another panic attack.

Dropping my gaze, I lean against the doorframe and clench my jaw. I should walk away and give them some privacy, but like hell I’m moving right now. I’m gonna be here if she needs me.

“Come on, Blakey.” Wily gives her shoulder a little nudge with his fist.

She sways on her feet, glaring up at her brother. I’m wondering if the dynamic is usually them against the olds, but he’s siding with her parents right now, and she’s feeling pretty alone over this whole thing.

“Would you guys stop ganging up on me!” She flicks her arms wide. “I have a plan here.”

“What plan?” her mother demands. “Explain it to us.”

She huffs, and I can only imagine how fast her pulse must be racing right now. “Can’t you just trust me?”

“You should be back in Chicago, Blake.” Her dad’s voice is firm. “Your finals are going to be here before you know it, and Wily doesn’t need you anymore. Enough is enough!”

She flinches, her expression crumpling for a second before she pulls it back into line.

Wily steps forward with a softer approach. “Hey…” He rests his big hand on her delicate shoulder. “Is there something else stopping you from going? Is everything okay in Chicago?”

She shakes him off, her eyes darting across to mine. I silently beg her to spill. This is the moment. This is?—

“Of course it is,” she lies. “Chicago’s great. I just…” With a little shrug, she gives her brother a half smile, then looks at the phone screen. Her smile is growing more plastic by the second, and my insides coil. “I’ve just been enjoying hanging out in Nolan. Believe it or not, I actually like spending time with this shithead.” She points her thumb at Wily while her father booms with laughter and her mother groans.

“Language, Blake!”