Page 67 of Wild Hearts

“But I really like him,” Ellie whispers.

Ivy sighs. “I don’t doubt it. He’s a great guy.” She shakes her head sadly. “But that’s the thing, El. Harley’s a great guy, and he deserves to be with someone that doesn’t have to hide him away. He deserves to be with someone who can be with him for real, without putting him in danger.”

Ellie’s tears are flowing freely now. “Conrad threatened to plant drugs on him,” she chokes out. “He said because of his brother’s history, he’d end up in jail.”

I share a horrified look with Ivy.Shit. That’s messed up.

“Can you at least tell him I was staying away for him for his own good? That I’m sorry?”

“I’ll tell him.” Ivy’s voice is softer. “But you need to keep away from him. Don’t give Conrad any reason to follow through on his threat. And you should probably avoid coming here for a little while.”

Ellie’s whole body deflates but she nods. “Thanks, Ivy.”

We watch in silence as she walks away.

“Fuuuuck,” Ivy breathes when she’s out of sight.

“Poor Harley.”

“I can’t believe Conrad can be such a dick.” She shakes her head. “Actually, scratch that. He’s always been an arrogant prick.”

“Should we warn Harley?”

Ivy bites her lip. “I don’t know. I don’t want to piss him off and have him go after Conrad. But on the other hand, we need to tell him something to make sure he leaves well enough alone with Ellie.” She runs her hands through her hair. “Ugh... I don’t know. Maybe I should say something to Lachy and let him decide? I just don’t want the guys doing something stupid.”

My thoughts drift to Brady getting into a fight with Conrad and I swallow the lump of fear in my throat. “I hate that we’re in this position. I don’t want to say the wrong thing and have something happen to any of them.”

“Maybe the boys will be able to convince Harley that Ellie’s not worth the drama on their little boys’ night?” Ivy looks at me hopefully.

I laugh. “I highly doubt that. But we can pray.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders. “Come on, let’s go back to my place and binge someOne Tree Hill, get lost in some fictional drama for a little while.”

“Sounds like a plan!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Brady

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