Page 109 of Wild Hearts

It only takes me ten minutes to get to the little cul de sac opposite the university grounds where a lot of students live in shared housing. It’s another five to find the address I’m looking for. I push my way through the crowd, trying to spot anyone I know. I finally spot Damon from the surf club and he points his beer in the direction of the back yard. I give him a nod as I head in that direction. There’s not as many people outside, and I spot everyone over by the fire.

Jemima is holding onto Jordan’s arm, whispering furiously into his ear while Felicity has herself positioned in between my mates and Conrad and his jacked-up crew. I run a hand through my hair and make my way across the yard, landing next to Felicity. Relief coats her face as she notices me.

“Conrad’s high as a fucking kite,” she mutters under her breath. “And he’s out for blood.”

I study Conrad, noticing his dilated pupils and the way his leg is bouncing and his fingers are tapping out a pattern against it. This is more than just a casual joint. Felicity’s right, he’s been hitting the coke again.Great.

I turn to Harley, who’s scowling at Conrad. “You good?”

He grinds his teeth and gives a brief shake of his head. “He’s asking for it.”

Conrad speaks up from behind me. “Stay out of this Willis. It’s got nothing to do with you.”

Jordan smirks. “And what’s it got to do withyouConrad? We were having a good time until you showed up.”

Jemima gives up, throwing her hands in the air muttering, “fucking testosterone,” as she shakes her head and heads back over to the house. Felicity cocks her head at me, and I signal for her to go. She glances between the two groups of guys before following her house mate inside.

“Looks like you won’t be getting any tonight,” Conrad laughs, his eyes following the girls. “Maybe I’ll have to go show your girl what it’s like to be with a real man.”

“I don’t think your sister was complaining too much last night,” Jordan quips, making me groan.Does he have a fucking death wish?

Harley turns on him, giving him a hard shove. “Not cool, bro.”

Jordan’s eyes widen as he stumbles back. “What the fuck, dude?” He scowls at Harley, but Conrad pushes past me and grabs Jordan by the front of his shirt.

“You and your mate better stay the fuck away from my sister,” Conrad spits. “No more warnings.”

I move to step in but Jordan laughs, grabbing Conrad’s hands and shoving him away. “Calm down, Connie,” he taunts. “You’re barking up the wrong tree. No one here is interested in your sister.” I don’t miss the guilty look that crosses Harley’s face when he says that – or the flash of anger that crosses Conrad’s. “No one will ever be interested in your sister if it means they have to deal with you.”

“Enough,” Harley snarls. “This is fucking bullshit.” He turns and stalks off, pulling his phone out of his pocket. Something tells me I could take a pretty good guess at who he’s calling, and I shake my head.

I grab Jordan by the shoulder and pull him away from Conrad. “Let’s go,” I say, stepping in between the two of them and using my body to muscle Jordan in the direction of the side gate. The roar of Harley’s bike cuts through the noise of the party and we make it out front just in time to see his taillights disappear around the corner.

“What the hell, dude?” I turn on Jordan. “Why’d you have to goad him? The only person this turns out bad for is poor Ellie.”

Jordan shrugs. “She’s a big girl.”

I turn my head to look back down the street where Harley disappeared. “I don’t think she’s the only one getting hurt.”

“Well he’s an idiot then.” Jordan shakes his head. “No pussy is worth all this drama.”

I grit my teeth to avoid saying something I might regret. I know he’s still getting over losing his mum, but the constant partying and looking for trouble feels like something more is going on. I’m about to ask him, but he interrupts.

“Speaking of...” He glances toward the house. “I’m gonna find Jem and get rid of some of this adrenaline – if you know what I mean.” He winks.

“So, are you two a thing now?” I ask, lifting my eyebrows. I never thought I’d see the day my best friend would settle down with someone.

He grins. “Nah, man. Just a mutually beneficial arrangement, you know?”

I shake my head. “Poor girl.” I glance at the backyard half expecting Conrad and his mates to come after us. “Want me to wait for you? Give you a lift?”

As if my words summon them, Jemima and Felicity appear at the front of the house. I wrap my arm around Felicity’s shoulder as we walk toward my car.

“How’s Wren?” she asks. Jordan and Jemima already have their tongues down each other’s throat, not paying us any attention.

“Good,” I tell her honestly. “The police have said they have enough evidence to convict him without any of the girls having to make statements. We went back to Newcastle to visit her parents last week and caught up with Airlie and Flynn.”

Felicity grins. “Airlie is so smitten with that uncle of yours.”

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