Page 48 of Cocky Secrets

“Why weren’t you there?” I ask Shay and Mylar.

“Too dangerous.”

Denita raises her voice, “I’ve heard about The Spiders. My babies are still in training.”

Sofia Sol returns to the subject, “How did Briar save you? That’s what we all want to know.”

“Briar told me to scream.”

“I’ll kill him,” Dad snarls.

“No, Dad, to make itsoundto the others like I was being hurt.” I pause, raking my gaze over the club’s expectant faces. “He then punchedhimselfto make it sound like he was punching me.” A few gasp. Some shift their weight in surprise. “Over and over he punched his leg, his side, his chest, while I kept making thesoundsof pain.”

Dad grunts, “Well, I’ll be…”

Jett mutters, “And now he’s in custody.”

Throwing her white-streaked, long black hair over one shoulder, Luna reminds her husband, “Jett, don’t forget what The Spiders are known for. What they’ve done before.”

Tonk Sr. interjects, “That’s why he said he deserved to be with them.”

Sofia Sol locks her grey eyes onto me, “Your dad might have saved his sister, but Briar isn’t a good guy.”

“Redemption is a powerful thing,” I argue. “He was good tonight. It could have been very, very bad for me.”

Celia frowns, “It’s been very, very bad for a lot of women with The Spiders, Sage. Briar, no exception. We saw it.”

Jett explains with finality, “That’s why he went willingly.”

I inhale sharply, “That showed courage — a voluntary surrender.”

Luna tilts her head, wanting me to understand, “Willing to pay for his crimes means something, yes. But those victims deserve this justice.”

Altas growls, “It doesn’t let him off the hook that he did the right thing at the last second.”

Luke nods once. “He must be held accountable.”

“I guess you’re right,” I whisper before a shudder takes over my body. My head is down as I realize aloud, “I have a very clear idea of how the women were treated. And how they must’ve felt. I was so scared tonight. I was terrified. If that had been me…”

“You shouldn’t have snuck out like that!” Dad barks.

“I’m sorry…” I begin, but I can’t help my own anger sparking. “No, I’m not sorry! I wouldn’t have had to sneak if you’d have let me see him.”

Melody speaks up for the first time. “You just met the man, Sage.”

“What does that matter?” I toss back.

Jett counters, “I knew the moment I met Sunshine that I would never be the same,” using his beloved nickname for Luna. “Nothing could keep me from her side, except her.”

She smiles, and touches his thigh. “I fought it.”

“Yeah, you did.” Jett kisses her, nice and slow.

Melody’s eyes tear up. “What am I talkin’ ‘bout? I felt the same way about my Fuse. May my baby rest in peace!”

Carmen and Mom put arms around her, with Mom whispering, “He’s your guardian angel now, Mel.”

There are a few moments of silence for our dear departed friend before Jett announces somberly, “We need to come up with a plan.”

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