Page 26 of Wicked

Had Harper’s parents been open to an open relationship, would Ellis Garrix have killed his wife and her lover? Would I be just as calculating if I suspected Harper of going outside an exclusive relationship for sex?

But what Harper’s mom felt for her lover went beyond a physical need and release. She’d fallen out of love and into love with someone else.

“I’m not interested. I’m not going through with the bet.”

No doubt, love is complicated. I’m not planning on falling into anything with Harper. Her pull for me is something different.

She’s vulnerable yet strong. Experienced in life, but unsure about everything else. How come? And I’m curious to understand what kind of relationship she has with this Shephard guy. She lived with him. Harper didn’t have to reveal that important piece, but she did. Why?

What reason does she have to drag me into whatever it is she has with him? Why the hell did he follow her to Oregon? The pieces begged to be put together, and I’m itching to be the one who makes the connections.

“You think she’s interested in you after a week?”

Brett sneers. What did Harper do to give Brett that fucked-up look? This isn’t the guy I’ve practiced with since we were fresh-faced freshmen trying to navigate our way around class syllabuses, parties, and girls. Too many girls wanting a piece of us to count.

“Let’s get back to the house. Clean up. Change. I’ve got something to show you. Afterward, you tell me whether you still want to refuse taking Missy up the ass.”

11

Ryker

Why haven’t I noticed this hole in the wall before? I’ve been in this part of Prescott countless times, walking by this brick building to get to the barbershop and the old man who cuts my hair exactly right.

“What is this place?”

I’ve showered and changed into a pair of jeans and one of those compression T-shirts that shows off my impressive torso.

“Gio’s Gym. It’s where fighters come to train. Some of the guys on the rugby team pay good money to train with retired fighters.”

“Those guys must be old geezers.”

“Nah, bro. Most of them are washed up with injuries by the time they’re in their late twenties. Gyms are where they go to retire.”

He opens the mirrored door and gestures for me to go in first. I do. There’s a tall, willowy blonde with big tits manning the front desk.

“Hi, there. Card access only past this point unless you’d like a tour of the facilities to see if you’re interested in joining our fine gym.”

What a spiel. On any other day, I’d lay down the charm thick on this one, showing her my rows of straight white teeth and flexing my biceps. But after spending time with Harper and seeing the adoration and happiness on those kids’ and their parents’ faces, a girl would have to be Joan of Arc or Wonder Woman to capture my attention.

“Wait, aren’t you a member?” She studies Brett beneath long, mascara-laden lashes.

“I am, sweetheart, but I lost my pass somewhere between my car and getting to practice. I requested another. It’s taking its merry time arriving.”

“I thought you looked familiar. Brett Davies. You’re on the football team.”

“That’s me.”

“And you’re Ryker Conway.” Her blue eyes rove over my body. “My roommates think you’re hot as fuck.”

I chuckle but don’t partake in checking out her tits when she stands and leans over the table to swipe her card on the card reader. Brett, though . . . He can’t take his eyes off her big brains.

“I’ll let you two through and order another card, priority.”

“Thanks. Call me.”

“Will do, sugar.”

“Come on, man.” I collar Brett around the neck. “Show me what I need to see. I have places to be.”

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