Page 70 of Shadow and Skulls

Ash nods sadly. “I didn’t get to Lexi in time.”

My dad turns back to me. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“Because nothing happened. They got there in time.”

“They?”

“Tank and him.”

Everyone is quiet as the sun continues to shove the dark to the far corners of the forest. “I’m going to make those boys understand what it feels like to be coerced and then cornered.”

Jackson rubs his hands together. “This is going to be good.”

My dad rolls his eyes, folding his arms across his chest, but at least he’s listening.

“You can all be there,” I tell them before going into my plan. “I won’t be in any danger, but I will have to put myself in an uncomfortable position. It will be worth it.”

Dad shakes his head, staring up at the steeple of the church. “The Lord is really testing my patience today,” he grumbles.

I smile wide. “I love you.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kelsie

Lexi looks at me nervously as we climb out of her pool. “Are you sure you want to do this?” she asks.

I hug her arm. “Yes, it’s meant to be. I can’t believe they even agreed to come over after what they did to you. They weren’t even worried you’d be upset with them.”

“It’s because I’m easy, Kelsie. You can say it.”

I yank on her arm, pulling her to a stop. “Don’t say that.”

She hangs her head, her wet hair falling over her bruised face. “But it’s true.”

The doorbell rings, making us both jump and ending our conversation. I run my hand down the back of her hair, not sure if I’m trying to comfort her or myself.

“The guys are outside. Ash has eyes on us right now. We’re safe, okay?”

A little red dot flits over my chest before disappearing.

Lexi looks at me. “He’s just letting you know he’s here,” I assure her.

She takes a deep breath and then goes to answer the door. I know she doesn’t trust the club like I do. This must be hard for her.

I’m a little nervous myself. I’ve never thought I was a good actress, but when Matt and Jason walk into Lexi’s living room, I realize I won’t have to act. Fear creeps up my spine. I drop to the couch and pull my towel over my bare stomach.

“What do we have here?” Matt asks, his eyes roaming over me slowly.

Jason sits down, running his hand through his hair. He’s not as happy to see me as his friend is.

“Well,” Lexi says, plopping down on the sofa beside me. “I know how you guys have always wanted to see two girls together, and tomorrow is your birthday, isn’t it?” she asks Matt.

He laughs, grabbing a handful of M&Ms from the coffee table before joining us.

“I’ve got to go,” I say, attempting to rise from the couch. Lexi grabs me around the waist and pulls me against her, our wet bodies slapping together.

Matt’s eyes dilate. He likes that she’s being rough with me. My heart begins to race. This isn’t the same Lexi who was crying in my bed last week. She’s a much better actress than me.

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