Page 46 of Bound By Secrets

Does he know where we were today? Do they know about Kat, Brad and Nate?

“My fun’s over now. I’ll see you all bright and early for breakfast.” He heads over to the front door and steps on Callum’s hand, digging his foot into it before pulling open the door and strolling out, Hudson following behind.

I limp over to Callum and roll him over so that he’s lying on his back. I check his pulse and watch his chest, making sure he’s still breathing.

“You okay, Little C?” I turn to look over my shoulder and nod my head, assuring Connor I’m fine.

“Let’s get him upstairs. I’ll get us all some ice packs, hopefully, we’ll look okay by Monday before going to college,” I mutter. Connor crouches, sliding his arms underneath Callum, and easily hefts his body up from the floor. I huff and then lift myself from the floor as well, hobbling into the kitchen to grab a few ice packs for us all.

Before heading upstairs, I pull my phone from my pocket and check my messages. Disappointment washes over me when I don’t see a reply from Ryker.

What could he possibly be doing that’s keeping him so busy?

Chapter Twenty-Four

Brad

Callie and her brothers have tried their hardest to avoid us for the past three days. In all honesty, they’d done a pretty good job. On Sunday, none of them answered their phones, texts, calls, or nothing.

They were already at college when we arrived Monday morning, but they seemed to ignore our whole existence. Even in the classes that we shared, they’d made sure to be there early so that they could sit together or with other people, meaning there was no space left for us to be close to them.

At the end of classes, they’d rush out the door and be gone by the time me, Kat and Nate had even made it out the door. Lunch was no different. The three of them just seemed to vanish whenever our lunch period came around.

Nate's been moping around because he misses Callie’s presence and aura – his words, not mine. Kat's acting like a detective, coming up with all sorts of conclusions as to why they’d started to avoid us after opening up about their home life.

I, on the other hand, have been observant. I’ve noticed Connor’s split lip. I’ve seen Callie’s slight limp and the bruiseon her head that she’s attempted to cover with makeup. I’ve also seen her constantly checking her phone and frowning at it with a hint of longing in her eyes before shoving it back into her pocket. I don’t know what happened between Saturday night and Monday morning, but I have an inkling, and I’m determined to find out.

It’s now Wednesday and here I am, sitting in my seat ten minutes early; waiting for Callie to walk through the door. Surprisingly, I’ve only known this girl for almost two weeks and yet I’m already so invested in her. We all are.

It warms my heart to know that it’s mutual. It has to be, she confided in us. She told us her deepest, darkest secret, something she’s kept a secret for years. That’s why I know that they’re probably avoiding us because they think it’s the safest option. Little do they know, we’re not afraid of the dangers. Kat, Nate and I want to help them. Callie deserves justice for everything she’s been through. The twins do too.

I’d spoken to my parents last night and I mentioned Callie. I didn’t tell them about her struggles. That’s not my secret to tell. I did tell them about my growing feelings towards her, though. I explained how I felt connected to her. I spoke about her beauty, her laugh, her smile, and everything else. My mother was ecstatic, going on about marriage and babies, cue the eye roll. Both of my fathers were happy, too. All three of my parents expressed their excitement for when they eventually get to meet her.

I mentioned the fact that she seemed to like Nate as well and also had some unfinished business with an ex-boyfriend. Shortly after that, I had to end the phone call because Mum thought it would be a good idea to give me some tips on sex positions that involve multiple parties.

As much as I love my parents' bizarre relationship, I don’t need to hear about all the little details. I’m sure I’ll figure itout for myself if the situation arises. I’m unsure whether Callie would even be interested in dating us all. As weird as it may sound, I think I’d prefer that she did choose to date us all.

I’m snapped out of my thoughts when the classroom door squeaks open. I quickly glance at my watch and see that it’s still five minutes before class starts. I look in the direction of the door to see Callie frozen in the doorway, staring at me in disbelief and confusion.

I take some time to admire her. Her luscious chocolate hair is pulled into a high pony, accentuating her slender neck. Her plump lips are parted from the shock of seeing me and her cheeks are tinted red. My gaze travels down her curvaceous body, over the light blue t-shirt that moulds to the shapes of her breasts and her slim waist.

My mouth starts to water as I glance down at her thighs, covered by a pair of black skinny jeans. I can see each dip and curve of her body. I quickly snap my eyes back to her face, stopping thoughts of her body from consuming my mind. After what she told me on Saturday night at Nate’s house, I don’t think she’d appreciate me thinking of her sexually just yet.

“Are you gonna come sit down, cutie?” I ask her, hoping that she’ll relent and finally stop avoiding me. She looks around the empty classroom and pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. She looks so unsure, as if she’s in a debate with herself about what she should do.

I try to reassure her by saying, “I just want to make sure you’re okay, Callie.”

Her gaze clashes with mine, sparkling blue irises capturing my full attention. She takes a step toward me before stopping herself again.

Okay, that’s it.

I stand up, swinging my backpack over my shoulder and march over to her. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” I say,intertwining her hand with mine. She watches me in shock but follows after me as I lead us out of the classroom at a measured pace, knowing she’s still struggling with her leg.

I drag her through the halls, ignoring her badgering questions about where we’re going until we’re outside in the carpark, and then I walk over to my Jeep.

“We’re going to get some food, and then we’re gonna sit somewhere and talk,” I tell her. She purses her lips, and her eyes glisten.

She shakes her head. “I don’t want to talk, Brad.” I hold both of her hands, her palms against mine and I pull her towards me.

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