Page 67 of Secret

“Actually, I am.” I smile as I accept his glass of water.

We all eat sandwiches and crisps in silence before Harley says, “Izzy, you should have told us about your relationship with Blake. I know why you didn’t, but I believe he is good for you. We have all discussed it and we may be a little mad with you both, but we know he loves you, and I’m guessing you love him.”

“Blake is everything to me,” I say, blushing.

“Well, I can’t say we will be letting him stay over in your room anytime soon, but I’ll get used to the idea.” Harley laughs.

“Thank you,” I say in tears, reaching a hand out to Harley, who accepts it with a small squeeze.

“Izzy, there is one more thing. Do you want to see someone? Like, a therapist?” I don’t say anything as I think about it. “You went through something quite traumatic, and I’m worried it will have a long-term effect on you. But it’s your choice,” Harley says firmly.

“I don’t think I need that, but if I do, I’ll ask. I promise,” I say, nodding at Harley.

“Okay, we’ll put a film on then.” He grins, sitting in the spare chair next to me and kicking his feet up at the end of my bed. I smirk at him as I put on a romantic film, and I hear both their groans as I sit back, relaxing.

Chapter29

IZZY

It is now five days after my kidnapping, and I'm still stuck in the hospital feeling bored. But I'm up and walking around now, alone, without any dizziness.

The stitches on my head hurt, and my arm stings sometimes, but I'm feeling better.A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts, and I turn off the TV as I shout for whoever it is to come in.

It’s Summer, and she walks over with a big smile before she kisses my cheek. "I wish I could hug you, but I don't want to hurt you, honey," she says and takes a seat in the chair by my bed.

"Blake is having the same issue." I laugh, and she smiles with me.

"How are you feeling?" she asks.

"Good, but I’ll be happy to go home," I say honestly. I miss my brothers, and even school.

"I wanted to speak to you alone. Blake is waiting at home for the man at the garage to pick up my car and mentioned the brothers are busy. So, I thought I'd try to catch you alone."She gets straight to the point.

"Ok, what's up?" I ask nervously.

"I know it wasn't just a car crash, Izzy," she saysfirmly.

My heart beats against my chest, not wanting to lie to her. I tell her, "I'm not sure what you want me to say."

"The drugs in your system came up as a date rape drug. I'm guessing you were kidnapped. So your brothers, and I guess my son, got you back." She stops talking, shocking me to my core at her guess.

"I knew your dad in school, and I knew your mum, too. Lisa and your dad were inseparable in school, but around the age of eighteen, he got into some bad stuff.” She stops to take my hand as I wait for her next words.

“He met Arthur, and, well, I'm guessing you know how that went. Your mother left. I didn't know that she never saw your dad again, or had you, but you look so much like her. Lisa was heartbroken when she left, and I believe she asked him to pull out of The Cage,"Summer tells me, with a far-off look of affection for my mother.

I sit there in complete shock. Summer knew my mum. The fact that my mum was from around here, and grew up with my father, is news to me.

"Sorry, I'm just in shock, she never told me any of this. I thought I was a one night stand at best," I say.

"That's all right, honey. Lisa was good for your father. He was a good man when she was around, but he got into drugs and fights. Your mum was such a sweet person, and she couldn’t handle it." She squeezes my hand in comfort.

“You were good friends with her then?” I ask, as she clearly knew her.

“Yes, we all went to the same schools. I always hoped I would see her again, but I know why she didn’t come back now. She protected you from him.”

"You are right. Arthur took me. He was trying to bribe my brothers into more fights for him I think, but it didn't work out well for him. I owe your son my life," I saytruthfully.

"I don't believe he feels that way."She shakes her head at me.

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