Page 4 of Wicked Devotions: Part 2

Emerson turns the television onto the morning news show on NNC. The ticker across the bottom readsDEEP FAKE VIDEO OF DISGRACED REV SCOTT FLYNN’S DAUGHTER CIRCULATES INTERNET OVERNIGHT.Emerson looks over at me, surprise written on his features.

“That was fast.”

“Thank god. Hopefully this minimizes any damage done.”

“Who do you think did this? Could it have been her stalker?”

“No. I don’t think so. Whoever leaves those notes is possessive, I doubt they’d want her put on display for the world to see.” My mind won’t stop spinning.

He runs his fingers through his hair as he watches the anchors lead into the story. Cyrus comes in, dripping sweat from running. He meets my gaze with caution as I walk over toward him with my hand extended.

“I’m sorry for getting in your face.”

He knocks my hand away and pulls me for a quick hug. “I get why you were pissed. I should have told you what I was doing with her.”

“I would have said no.”

“And I would have said fuck off and done it anyway.” He shrugs. “Did you call Banks?”

“Yeah.” I relay what he said and what my dad said. None of us really know what to do at this point. If she saw Bank’s message and immediately took off, it would have been about three hours ago which means she’d have another hour until she gets to him.

We are going to have to figure out a way to track her consistently, so we always know where she is. Because her stalker could have been watching the house, waiting for an opportunity to snatch her. I’m sure there’s a way to inject a small chip into a person the same way people do for pets. Highly unethical, but if it keeps her safe, I’ll do it. I don’t give a fuck what I have to do to make sure she’s never hurt again.

Chapter

Two

HARPER

The chilly morning air on my bare legs should be uncomfortable, but I’m numb to anything at this point. I just want Banks. I have to get to Banks.

By the time I pull up to the small parking lot by his dorm and get off Cyrus’s bike, my legs are so shaky I can barely walk. I don’t remember any of the drive, I just slipped into autopilot and made my way here. People cast curious looks my way, but it’s probably because I’m leaving my helmet on.

I barely make it up the sidewalk when Banks comes running out the front door of the dorm with a hood up. He scoops me into his arms and carries me inside as I wrap my legs around his waist. Neither of us talk as he runs up the stairs, taking them three at a time.

“God Harper, everyone is so worried about you.” He pulls the helmet off my head as soon as my feet touch the floor. “You’re freezing.”

His hands rove over my body squeezing my arms and hands to help warm them. I still haven’t said a word. What would I even say? Tears prick my eyes as he pulls me into his bedroom and shuts the door behind us.

My breath hitches as he cups my cheeks and lifts my face until I look at him. “I’m sorry,” I rasp.

He shakes his head and pulls me into another hug. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

“People know we’re together. They’re going to think I cheated on you. If you stay with me, they’ll think you’re weak.”

“Fuck what anyone else thinks. I know the truth, and you know the truth.”

“I’m a whore.” Tears roll down my cheeks as my mind starts to race to all the dark and scary corners it can. “Everyone knows.”

“No.” Banks drops to his chair and points at the floor by his feet. “Sit.”

I follow his directions immediately. His fingers thread through my hair as I rest my head on his lap. The sound of laughter filters up from the street outside, but otherwise the room is quiet. I inhale the familiar and comforting scent of chlorine that has always clung to his skin. Silent tears continue to roll down my cheek, landing on his knee.

“Hey,” Banks says as he answers his phone. “Yeah, she’s here.”

It sounds like Declan.

“Let me ask her.” He tilts my head until I meet his gaze. “They want to switch to FaceTime, so they can see you with their own eyes. Is that okay?”

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