Page 71 of Wicked Truths

Three hockey players are already in on the business and working for us, and it’s probably only a matter of time before more players join.

Uncle Tony won’t like it. It’s too risky and if any of the players are caught, it will ruin the team’s reputation.

The reputation that I’m working so hard to keep clean and get the community to love.

Why wasn’t I included in this meeting? I was the one that was kidnapped, not any of them.

I’m the one that knows what Jax said to me, not them.

Needing something to occupy my time, I search through Rhett’s pantry and fridge for something to cook.

My stomach lets out a loud beast growl as mygaze lands on a package of easy to make chocolate chip cookies.

“I prefer homemade, but what the hell?”

I rummage through his cabinets, pulling out a mixing bowl, spatula, measuring cups, and extra chocolate chips before preheating the oven and grabbing the ingredients out of the refrigerator.

It doesn’t take me long to mix all the ingredients together and throw them in the oven. While they are baking, I wash all the dishes and leave them in the drying rack.

I head into his living room, toward his entertainment stand, to turn on some music.

“God, I really hate the quiet.” I stare at all the equipment. “Where the hell is the radio?”

Clicking the power button on the largest box, I am rewarded with the sound of a local radio station.

I tune it to my favorite radio station, 97.3. It’s the best radio station for hit songs.

As I dance around Rhett’s living room, in only his t-shirt, my gaze moves to the few pictures he has set up.

All the pictures Rhett has are of the two of us.

Our first date at the diner.

The night we dressed up as pirates and took the Halloween tour of Savannah.

Even the night my father and brother found out about our relationship because he got hurt during a game, and I rushed to his side.

I run my fingers along the picture frames, smiling as I remember each of these memories.

“I can’t believe he kept them all these years.”

He already said he still loves me and was waiting for me. What did I expect?

Loud beeping echoes from the kitchen. Carefully, I take the cookies out and turn off the oven. Rhett still isn’t back.

After the cookies are on the cookie sheet cooling, I grab my phone and call my cousin Angelica.

She answers on the first ring. “What do you need help with now?”

I put her on speakerphone. “Huh? What makes you think I need help with something?” Am I that predictable?

“Last time you called this late, you needed help. Are you in trouble?”

“Nothing I can’t handle, but you’re right, I do need help.” I start gathering the ingredients needed to make my family’s homemade tomato sauce.

“I’ll be on the next flight down there.”

“Actually, what I need help with needs to be done in New York.”

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