Page 2 of Harmony

“Yeah, but they didn’t come looking right away, did they? Chase said it took them a while to call him.”

“Yeah. They were very well distracted.” I cringe.

“What did you do?”

I let out a heavy sigh. “I honestly didn’t plan any of it. It just kind of happened.”

My mind drifts back to that day.

“What are you doing out here, Comet?” Nate’s velvet voice curls around my skin, making me shiver.

“Willow’s being a bitch. I thought I could hang out with you guys.”

They mumble their agreement as they continue to talk. I take a seat on the end of Nate’s chair, unsure what to do.

I glance at the phone on the table between the two, hearing the music softly flowing from the surrounding speakers.

As they continue to talk before I make my move.

“This music sucks. Can I choose the playlist?”

I reach out, grabbing the phone before either can question it. I’m on my feet, moving a couple steps away from them while I pretend to try to unlock it. I know it’s Finley’s phone. Nate’s phone was left at home, swapped for an untraceable, black, nondescript phone.

“Hailee, give it back. What are you doing?” Nate warns, sitting up, ready to attack.

“Fine.” I go to hold it out to Finley, but Nate moves forward, making me jump backward.

My eyes widen as I feel myself falling, my heart racing, knowing what was behind me.

I should have been more careful.

Within seconds, I’m flailing as everything seems to happen in slow motion.

The next thing I know, I’m submerged. Even knowing I’m underwater, I suck in, getting a mouthful of water instead of air.

I choke, the panic rising in my chest. My vision becomes spotty as I frantically kick. My lungs feel as if they are on fire.

I don’t want to die.

Then, two strong arms wrap around me, pulling me to the surface. As soon as my head breaks free, I start to cough, spitting up water as my body desperately tries to pull in air. My throat feels as though it’s burning while my stomach is cramping from the water being expelled. Once the coughing slows down, I open my eyes, seeing Nate’s concerned gaze on mine. It’s then that I feel the concrete beneath me. His forehead comes down to rest against mine for a moment before his eyes flutter closed.

Then he’s on his feet, me in his arms.

“I’m taking her upstairs,” he says gruffly.

I glance over at Finley as Nate moves. “Sorry about your phone.”

My voice comes out hoarse, but he gives me a small smile. “No biggie.”

Then he’s gone as Nate carries me into the house and up the stairs. For a moment, I worry he will find Willow gone, but he doesn’t move toward that room. Instead he moves toward the hallway bathroom. He sets me gently on the toilet as he turns the water on in the shower.

“Are you okay to shower?” he asks, making me nod. “I’m going to go get you some clothes.”

“Okay,” I rasp. He looks at me for a moment before leaving the room. By the time he knocks on the door again, I’ve already stripped and showered quickly, wanting nothing more than to rest.

Standing in only a towel, I open the door and accept the clothes he offers.

Once dressed in a simple pair of boxers and a T-shirt, I leave my wet clothes hanging to dry and make my way back out of the room. Nate’s there, freshly changed, holding out his hand.

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