Page 17 of Secret

“Fine! Sorry for caring!” I shout to his back as he slips around the kitchen door. I wait before running up to my room a few minutes later and slamming my door. I stand with my back against the door holding back my tears.Stupid brother, is it that bad I care about him?They are my family now. I just don't know how to cope with the crazy amount of secrets that are going on in this house.

They own a massive house, expensive cars, and the clothes they wear. I know Harley has his own business, but it can’t bring in this amount of money. They never seem to have a problem with money, so where is it all from? It’s got to be a job, and if Harley is that defensive about it, it cannot be good.

I'm brought from my thoughts at a knock on my door, and I walk into the room, sitting on my bed. I shout, “Come in,” and sit farther back on my bed.

Luke pops his head around the door with the cheeky grin I’ve gotten used to seeing, and it instantly relaxes me.

“Hey, sis, can I chill with you for a bit?” he asks.

“Yeah, sure,” I say and pat the bed next to me.

Luke jumps on the bed, nearly knocking me off and laughsat me. “Sorry, I forgot how little you are. How are you doing, darling?” I don’t answer, but I do need to look away from him.

“I heard what happened with Harley,” he says gently, making me look back at him, and he stares at me like he is trying to read me for something.

“Have you seen his face, Luke? Fuck, how does he expect me to react?‘Oh it’s fine, Harley, it happens every day to everyone, what's for dinner?’ Seriously?” I roll my eyes at Luke who frowns at me, clearly not liking my sarcasm.

“When I first came here, Sebastian looked like he had fought someone, too. Is that just a coincidence?” I ask, watching as he struggles to answer me.

“I don't know, sis. Look, I can't tell you what's going on, but he is all right, okay? You’re safe, and so is Harley, but you need to let it go. It is business. Nothing more,” he states, looking at me with pleading eyes, and I know he wants me to drop it.

“So, I'm not allowed to ask questions? Not to care. Whatever, Luke, just leave.” I climb off the bed and walk into my bathroom, shutting the door. I wait a minute, calming my breathing before I turn on the shower.

I stay under the shower for maybe half an hour, thinking. Should I say something? Do I want to risk them kicking me out for the answers I may not want once I get them?

I finally decide I should stay quiet and out of their way. If they don't want to tell me, well, I can stop caring, as it doesn't matter. I’ve been alone for years now, it’s not like I’m not used to it.

Chapter8

BLAKE

"Damn, I told you your face is going to look like shit today," I say to Harley, who is holding ice to his face.

"The bastard liked my face." He smirks.

"A little too much," I mutter while looking at the damage. His opponent nearly knocked Harley out last night with around five punches to his face, which Harley let him get away with for the stupid crowd. The fight last night was hard for Harley to win, but his face looks worse than it likely is. The boys told me last night they have decided not to tell Izzy anything about the fighting, which I think is a bad idea. I promised them I’ll never tell her. I care about her, but I promised them, and I keep my promises.

We are sitting in the kitchen while Elliot makes plans to invite Lily over so we can all play games. Lily has been Elliot’s girlfriend for the past few years. They have broken up a few times, but Elliot doesn’t seem to really care when they aren’t together.

I look up at Harley, who looks deep in thought, and I’m guessing it’s about Izzy. I know Izzy came back and saw Harley before I arrived because Harley sent Luke to talk to her after she became angry with Harley. I want to text her, but I can't while I know Luke is around in case he sees it, and she might not want to talk. I’ll see her tonight anyway. I can't wait to see her.I'll make sure she smiles after a crap day and . . . fuck, what is wrong with me?

"I haven't seen you in ages, Lily. You avoid me all the time, and you’re never home. Come to my place tonight," Elliot shouts the last part over the phone in the kitchen. He doesn't seem to care we can hear. Seb raises his eyebrows at me, and I frown. I know Seb thinks the same as I do; Elliot needs to leave her. He isn’t fucking happy, but I won’t get involved.

"I get that, but look, it's been over two weeks since you've spent more than half an hour with me."He grunts at whatever she says. "No, don't you even want to date me anymore? I don't understand you!" he says more gently, but he looks angry.

Lily and Elliot have been together a while now, but recently she hasn't been around, and it's odd.

"Look, I love you too. I'm not breaking up with you. Just come and see me tonight. Stay over," he says the last part quietly. “Good; yes, you can meet Izzy.See you later," he groans and puts the phone down before resting his hands on the counter, looking down.

I'm surprised Elliot stayed in the room while he had that conversation. I’ve never heard him say he loves Lily, but I'm not shocked. I know he cares a lot about her, but I didn't think it was love, I figured it was more lust. The room is silent for a second, and awkward.

"Are you doing all right, man?" I ask, slapping his shoulder.

"Yeah, she is just fucking with my head now. Hot then cold, I don't get it,"he says.

"Who gets girls? They are damn confusing, bro," Seb says, smacking Elliot’s back as he walks past him and grabs some beers out of the fridge, then handing me, Elliot, and Harley one.

"They don’t get easier as you get older, boys," Harley says, even though I’ve never seen him with one for more than a night.

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