Page 60 of Puck Right Off

She sighs, averting her gaze. “I’ve received some creepytexts from an unknown number. And I swear some of my clothing is missing.”

I shiver as a chill runs down my spine. “Chelsea…” I choke out her name, fear slithering up my spine. “You need to get out of there. Can you go home?”

Chelsea shakes her head rapidly. “You know my parents….”

A sick feeling rises inside me. “Yeah, I do. Selfish bastards,” I mutter. “What if you leave New York and stay here? At least temporarily.”

Her phone beeps, and she smiles at the screen before turning her attention to me. I know immediately she’s received a text from Alex by the look on her face. “I’ve debated doing that, but what if my parents figure it out?”

“Not to sound mean, but they likely won’t figure it out until the end of the semester. That buys you time. Since they regularly deposit a lot of money in your account, you can take some courses at WHU. It’s much cheaper than Cornell. Maybe Josh and Tristan will let you stay?—”

“I don’t wanna be a burden, Jordyn.”

“And I don’t want you dead, Chelsea,” I snap without thinking. Her face pales, and the fear contorting her face before she turns away makes my heart ache. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

She exhales before turning to me, a smile pasted on her face. “No, you’re right, Jordyn. If it is Erik, I’m in serious trouble.”

I’m goingthrough the motions as I dance on the stage at Sinful Sirens, but my heart isn’t in it. I’m distracted by everything Chelsea confessed. On the way inside the club, she told me the picture of her and her deceased brother, Shawn,disappeared on Monday. Erik would take it, especially since that photo sent him over the edge before.

The first time Erik had seen that picture, he didn’t bother asking who it was. He just assumed Chelsea was “cheating” on him, even though she and Erik had only gone on a few dates. When he flew into a rage, Chelsea broke it off.

After he slammed out of our apartment, Chelsea curled up against me and told me Erik freaked her out. She said he was unstable, planning their future even though they barely knew one another. When she tried asking him to slow things down, he flipped out and started screaming she couldn’t leave him. He told her he’d waited all his life to find her.

I completely supported her decision to cut all contact with him and stayed glued to her side as much as possible. We were shopping one day, and as we passed a thrift store that benefited the local animal shelter, a baseball bat caught my eye. I immediately tugged her inside and bought it, putting it in her room after we went home.

I’m glad I did. It saved her life.

Pulling myself from my thoughts, I realize the song is about to end. Chelsea gives me a grin and a thumbs-up. I relax, focusing all my energy on the routine. She’s standing beside Gary, my favorite security guard, who has looked after her both times she’s been here.

Once backstage, I change into my street clothes while Chelsea counts all the tips I made. “Holy crap, girl. I had no idea you could make so much money stripping to your bra and panties.”

Raven Starling walks into the room to get ready. She wiggles her brows at Chelsea as she throws her duffle bag on the bench. “You earn more doing private shows. I don’t recommend it for her. Those guys would go insane over the hot schoolgirl look Jordyn has going on.”

Shaking my head, I slide onto the bench to remove my makeup. “It’s not a look.”

Chelsea giggles at Raven’s stunned face. “That’s her normal look, except for the makeup and stripping to her lingerie. Although she may do that for the hockey player obsessed with her.”

“Chelsea.” I slap her leg, a giggle coming out of me as I scrub my face with a wipe. “Stop it.”

“A hockey player, huh?” Raven wiggles her brows at me.

“Stop.” I stare at my reflection, not believing the words as I choke them out. “It’s not that serious.”

“What isn’t? You and Tristan?” Chelsea gapes at me incredulously. “The hell it’s not.”

My cheeks are burning from the lie as I straighten my shoulders, trying to convince myself and them that Tristan is just a short-term thing. “It’s not. He’s going through a rough time, and I understand it. I’ve been there. Plus, the fact that we could get caught by Josh heightens everything, even as it causes anxiety.”

Chelsea gapes at me as though I’ve lost my mind. “Are you kidding me? I’ve been around the two of you. Remember him ripping Bryce’s jersey off you and replacing it with his own? He didn’t give a fuck about the risks then. He claimed you, Jordyn.” She laughs, her gaze meeting Raven’s. “Thank God her stepbrother is as dumb as a box of rocks. I can’t believe he didn’t notice.”

Raven laughs. “Oh, honey. if he’s refusing to allow you to wear another man’s jersey, he’s staking his claim.” She grabs a brush and begins applying powder to her face. “Better get your head outta your ass. This guy sounds as serious as a heart attack.”

I bite my lip, worry coursing through me.What happens when Josh finds out about us and kicks me out of the house?

My dreams and Tristan will vanish, leaving me withnothing.

CHAPTER 35

Tristan

---