Page 41 of Secret

I come across the women’s locker rooms and pay a pound for a key to a locker before stripping down in one of the closed rooms. I put my things in a locker before clipping the locker band key around my wrist.

The pool is huge with white tiles surrounding it, and there are about ten people in the pool already swimming. My hair is up in a tight bun, so it doesn’t get too wet, and I spend the next hour swimming. I’m resting next to the wall, calming my breathing before I get out, and I turn to see the old man from The Cage leaning against the wall next to me. I jump from the shock of seeing him so close to me, staring.

“I remember you. You’re Tristan’s friend.” He draws the word friend out slowly and grins at me. He makes my skin crawl.

“Yes, I remember you, too,” I say politely, looking away from his creepy eyes to watch someone swim past us.

“What’s your name?” he asks nicely.

“It’s Elizabeth,” I say. I don’t bother asking his name, as I don’t want to encourage him to keep talking to me.

“It’s a lovely pool, isn’t it, Elizabeth? I do enjoy swimming.” The way he says my name makes me shiver; it’s like I’m the prey, and he is the predator. One look in his eyes tells me he enjoys the chase.

“Yes, it is. It’s nice to see you again, but I have to leave now. Goodbye,” I say, moving away, but not quick enough as he grabs my hand roughly and, to my shock, brings it to his mouth, placing a kiss on it. It makes me want to puke, and I quickly pull my hand away, putting it under the water.

His eyes darken when he sees that, but I can see the amusement. It’s all a game to guys like this and I have a feeling I’ve made the chase better. I really need to get away from this creep.

“See you around, sweet Elizabeth,” he says with a gleam in his eyes.

I quickly swim to the ladder, and I feel his eyes on me all the way until I’m out of his sight. I dress quickly and leave the gym as I watch out for the creepy man, but I don’t see him, thankfully.

“Are you all right? How was swimming?” Harley asks as I hop into the car. I’m tempted to tell him about the old man, but as I think about it, I decide not to. Harley said that people from The Cage might be at the gym, so I guess it must be normal. If I did tell him, he would hurt the creepy man, and then everyone would know that I’m his sister.

“I’m good. It’s a really nice pool,” I say, looking out the window as he drives through town.

“I enjoy it, too. I’m glad you like my gym. I’ve spent so much time working on it, and I’m happy it’s such a success.” I glance at him, and his face is proud.

“It looked busy. Is it always like that?” I enquire, because everywhere I looked was full of people.

“No, weekends are our busiest days. Your friend, Allie, goes to our dance classes in one of our rooms every Saturday,” he comments.

“Yes, she invited me to join her, but I’m not much of a dancer.” I laugh to myself; hell, I’m a terrible dancer, and it’s embarrassing to watch.

“I’m glad, some of the dances they do are a little too–” He stops, clearing his throat, and shakes his head, “it doesn’t matter, but I’m glad you at least like swimming.”

“Am I ever going to be able to date anyone?” I ask, referring to his over protectiveness.

“Yes, but no one around here is nearly good enough for you, that’s why we are a little protective.”

“A ‘little’? I don’t want to be a virgin at thirty.” Harley swerves the car a little at my statement as his cheeks go red. I can’t exactly tell him I’m not one anymore, and that I’m in love with Blake.

“So, is there any other exercise you like to do?” He changes the subject, as he seems very uncomfortable.

“I did like to run, but I haven’t done that in a while,” I humour him by answering and try not to laugh a little.

“How about you and I go running sometime? I’m busy this month, but how about we start every Sunday morning at the end of the month?” he offers.

“I would like that.” I grin.

“Good. Now, have you applied to your university yet?” he asks in his serious tone again.

“Yes, all sent. Just have to wait for my results, but I think I’m doing well.” I hope so anyway.

“Good girl.” He grins proudly at me, making me feel great as we drive home.

Chapter18

BLAKE

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