Page 153 of The Illicit Play

Shit, I really need to talk to him.

Maybe after I hug Grady and ask about his day, he’ll come with me to see Wily. I’m not sure what we’ll say to him, but maybe if we present a united front to show Wily that we’re not just messing around here…

I mean, I think we’re not, right?

I really care about Grady. I think I might be falling in love with him.

The thought of having to end things just because my brother is pissed off… well, that’s not fair.

Grady and I aren’t over, are we?

Unless he’s still in love with Teah.

My stomach coils as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

Either way, I still want to see him. I still need to hug him and assure myself that I haven’t lost everything. That I haven’t destroyed every relationship in my life.

Please, not Grady. Don’t let me lose him too!

Rushing for the door, I fling it open and listen out for where he might be in the house.

I hear voices downstairs and tiptoe to the landing, figuring out that Grady and my brother are talking in the living room.

Shit!

Holding my breath, I creep down the top few steps and lean against the wall so I can hear what they’re saying.

“…I shouldn’t have done what I did. It was wrong to go behind your back,” Grady’s saying. “I should have told you that I was starting to catch feelings for your sister before I left for the forest. I really tried to fight it, man. I swear I did. I thought I was strong enough to resist her, but?—”

Wily growls. “I don’t want to know the details.”

“I never disrespected her if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Of course I’m not! You’re the most respectful guy Iknow. I’m just pissed off that you kept secrets from me. I’m pissed off that she let you in on all her shit before telling me about it.”

Grady doesn’t say anything, because what is he supposed to say? None of that was his fault. I mean, sure, he encouraged me to open up, but he didn’t know Wily would be so offended.

Wily sighs. “I guess I should expect it. Blake and I can’t be best friends forever.”

“Yes, you can. She was just afraid of telling you because she knew you’d be disappointed in her. She was worried you were going to hate her.”

Wily doesn’t say anything, and my stomach squeezes into a tight ball. I’m desperate for him to deny all of that.

“I could never hate her. She’s my sister.”

But he’s not saying it! Why isn’t he saying it?

“I know this sucks, man. Watching her suffer is killing me too,” Grady murmurs. At least I think that’s what he’s saying. It’s hard to catch everything when he’s talking so quietly.

Wily mumbles something back, and I frown, walking a little farther down the stairs.

“…broke the bro code, and there’s no excuse for that.”

Another huff from my brother. “I just need to know that you’re not using her as some kind of rebound to get over Teah. I?—”

A phone starts ringing, cutting off Wily and making my heart stop. I need to know too!

Answer him, Grady. Assure him. Assureme!