Page 137 of Devil's Bargain

TWENTY-TWO

Rick.

I scoop another spoonful of pasta into my mouth.

“I’ve invited the mayor over for dinner next week,” my dad says to my mom, swirling his glass of whisky.

I’m only half-listening to their conversation. My mind is elsewhere. Or rather, it’s with someone else.

“Are you paying attention, Son?”

I finish chewing before saying, “You invited the mayor.”

He eyes me disapprovingly. “Ever since you broke up with Emily, your head has been all over the place.”

I twirl pasta around the fork. “I have a lot on my plate. The next away game is a big one.”

“You’re on a winning streak this year.” My mom smiles as she reaches for her wine glass and takes a sip.

“Your grades better not slip, Son.”

My jaw tenses. “They won’t.” He’s always on my case. Even when he’s got nothing to complain about, he drags something up.

My phone starts ringing in my pocket. I put the fork down and dig my mobile out from the front pocket of my jeans. It’s April. I wave the phone in the air, “I’ll be in my room.”

My dad frowns, but my mom smiles, and that’s all the encouragement I need. I scoot the chair back as I swipe the screen and press the phone to my ear.

“Hey.” Somehow I manage to leave the dining room without smiling like a fool.

“Hello, Quarterback.”

I freeze, a trickle of fear running through me.

“Someone wants to say speak to you. Say hi to Quarterback, little slut.”

“No!”

April’s voice.

“It’s time to play a little game. Look at your screen, Quarterback.”

I take the stairs two at a time and then hurry down the corridor to my room. “If you hurt her!”

“Oh, I plan on doing more than that.”

I shut the bedroom door and look down at the screen in my hand. April is naked and crying with her arms tied behind her.

“She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” Jared says and pats her cheek. I can hear the sick smile in his voice. “What do you think, Rick?”

I don’t reply.

“You’re no fun, Quarterback. Where’s the rage? The threats?”

“Please, stop!” April whimpers, ripping her chin away when he cups it.

He grabs her hair and brings the camera close to her face. “Did you enjoy fucking her, Quarterback?”

“I’m going to kill you!” I seethe, surprised the phone hasn’t cracked in my tight grip.

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