Page 12 of Bleeding Hearts
“Someone I love is in danger,” I admit.
“And you’re willing to walk into this for them even knowing what I just told you?” he asks incredulously.
“I’d do anything for her,” I reply without hesitation.
“I can’t, Alice. I’m sorry.” He goes to pull away, so I grab his neck and tug him forward, nearly pressing my lips to his like I’m going to kiss him so anyone who is watching is fooled.
“I tried being nice. I told you I would do anything for her, and I mean it. If you don’t help me, I’ll expose that you have a hand in Risk, and I’ll either let the police or the people behind it deal with you. Your choice.”
“Fuck.” He pulls away, staring at me in shock. “I heard you’re nice, but you’re fucking brutal and mean.”
“I’ll be anything I have to be to keep her safe. Do we have a deal?”
“Fine. If I find out anything, I’ll tell you?—”
“You will find something or I’ll expose you,” I reply sweetly as I pat his chest. “Can’t wait to hear from you soon.”
I whirl, my hair hitting him as I do, and walk back to my friends, making sure to talk loudly about how hot he is. I won’t risk Lally, but I have things to do, and he’s going to help me.
It’s been a week, and I’ve heard nothing. I’m getting restless, but my life can’t stop just because of Risk. I feel like I’m at a standstill. I need to pretend to be fine for everyone around me, especially Alek and Evan. If they knew, they would yank me from this and lock me away. I won’t let that happen, so I smile and join their activities, pretending everything is fine, until today.
I know who is calling before I even pick up the phone. I can feel Bones’s gaze on me, but I keep my eyes on the table when I answer. We meet every Sunday to catch up and spend time together, but even with the sun shining brightly, the day seems darker, or maybe that’s just me.
“Tonight. Don’t tell them I let you know. Nine at the abandoned beach.”
“Tonight?” I meet Bones’s confused gaze, my brother and our friends oblivious next to me. “I’ll be there.”
“It’s starting?” he asks, sparing the others a glance. I know why—this Silent Rose business. Evan knows some of it, but not all since he’s busy with work. Besides, I volunteered for this. I can do this, and Bones’s trust in me makes me feel strong.
“Yes, tonight. Don’t worry, I’ve got this, Bones,” I tell him. This isn’t just for Silent Rose, but for Lally too. She is in too deep. She’s been pulling away ever since . . . well, that night, butrecently, it’s like she’s gone over the deep end, and I’m worried she’s going to end up dead just like Tommy, especially after we learned what she signed up for.
“Be safe, okay? I know we asked you as a part of Silent Rose, but don’t put yourself in danger,” he implores. Bones used to terrify me, but he’s such a kind person, always caring for others. Skylar softened him, showing him it’s okay to feel and care for others.
“What are you talking about?” Evan asks curiously, and I almost jump. I’m not good at lying, but this is something I need to do alone. I know they’d help if I asked, but they have already done so much. Their lives are getting back to normal, so it’s up to me.
“Oh, nothing,” I blurt, and then I grab my phone and ask Evan about his internship to distract him. I feel Alek watching me, but I avoid his gaze, knowing he will see right through me. It’s one of the reasons I haven’t been home much recently.
“How’s Lally?” he finally asks.
I freeze, swinging my gaze to him and then Evan. “Um, she’s okay,” I mutter. I can’t tell them. They are concerned, and I know Lally and Evan are best friends, but he doesn’t seem to see how badly she’s struggling.
Nobody does but me.
I won’t lose her.
She pushed me away and tried to make me hate her, but it won’t work. I’m not the same girl I was when we met, and I want her safe and happy with me, which means only one thing—I have to lie to everyone else.
I have to enter the game.
I have to become a competitor in Risk.
CHAPTER FIVE
It seems Alice finally moved on and took my advice. I close my phone, effectively turning off the pictures shared across socials. She’s in the background of one, pressed up against some guy, both looking intently at each other. It shouldn’t piss me off, but it does.
She isn’t mine. I made that choice, but I’m pissed.
Leaving my phone on my chest, I stare up at my ceiling. I haven’t been to class in over a week. What’s the point? Unless I win this money, I won’t be here soon. I feel like I’m in limbo, waiting for the axe to drop. I can’t move forward, and I can’t move back.
