Page 76 of The Secret Of Us

I take up my usual position, keeping my eyes focused as the ball passes back and forth between a couple of the other guys. Something feels off though. I count how many guys are on the field and notice one is missing—Ryan.

My mind instantly thinks of the worst. Izzy isn’t here and neither is he. He was definitely here before we took that small break. Josh managed to get the ball away from him and we celebrated it with a high five once he’d passed it on to someone else.

I scan the surrounding area, looking up at the benches and past them to the sports building to see if I can spot either of them. My gut tells me something’s wrong, and I don’t ignore it as I run off the field and up the stairs. I can feel someone behind me, but I don’t turn back to look at who it is.

I keep going until I reach the entrance to the sports building, throwing the door open. My eyes lock on Izzy’s right as Ryan drops his head to hers.

* * *

IZZY

I lost track of time while studying, so I’m already late to watch Noah. I thought getting him a snack from one of the vending machines would make up for my lateness, so I came into the building, not thinking anyone else would be here.

But of course, it could never be that easy. Ryan stands in front of the machine, tapping the buttons until a drink drops down, and he bends to get it. He turns to look at me before I can get away.

“Isabelle. Fancy seeing you here.”

I heave out a sigh, walking past him to the other machine so I can get something for Noah. I refuse to let this boy take up any more mental space and stop me from doing what I came here to do.

I scan the machine to see what’s available, settling on a chocolate bar I’ve seen Noah eating a lot. I lift my phone to tap it to the card reader and pay, hoping Ryan has left.

Unfortunately, the uneasy prickle at the back of my neck tells me he hasn’t. When I turn around, he’s still there, watching me with a strange look as he leans against the wall. I stuff the chocolate bar into my pocket and head toward the door so I can leave and get to the field, but Ryan steps in front of it, blocking my way.

“Move,” I say, my voice stern.

Ryan doesn’t. Instead, he steps closer to me, and I back away from him, my crutches making it more difficult. I don’t want to be anywhere near him, though, so I keep going backward until my back knocks against the wall. He corners me in, stepping closer and closer to me until I have to tilt my head up to look at him.

“Move,” I repeat, more venom in it this time.

“No,” he says. “Come on, Isabelle. This game has gone on long enough.”

“What game?”

“Pretending you like the new guy. I know you’re only doing it because you feel bad for him. I’ll forgive you if you just apologise.”

I can’t believe he’s doing this again. I don’t know when he’ll get it through his thick skull that I want nothing to do with him.

“I have nothing to apologise for. Now move,” I say, trying to step to the side so I can get away from him.

He follows every step I take, and I’m one second away from swinging my crutch at him. But I’m better than that. And I refuse to get in trouble for hitting him when he’s the one harassing me.

“Okay fine, you don’t need to apologise. I’ll take you back anyway.”

Before I even realise what’s happening, he moves his face closer to mine in a move that he has done so many times before, but now has me feeling sick. I want to push him away, cover my mouth, do anything, but I freeze. Fear takes over and I can’t move.

My eyes dart to the side as I hear the door open. Noah rushes toward me, pulling Ryan away and shoving him aside.

“Did he hurt you?” he asks, his hands coming up to cradle my face.

I shake my head, my breaths coming out faster than I can keep up with. I keep my eyes focused on Noah as he tells me to breathe, that he’s here now, that he won’t let him near me again.

I didn’t notice Luke behind Noah before, but I see him now. He looks around the room, taking in the scene in front of him before he cocks his head to the side, his jaw clenched.

“Get out now, Ryan,” Luke says, his voice taking on a harsh tone I’ve never heard from him before.

I look back at Noah, a swirl of emotions in his eyes. I don’t see Ryan leave, but the slam of the door is indication enough.

“You okay?” Noah asks, and I nod.

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