Page 53 of Twisted Secrets

“Good.”

My surprise in her response is shown with my drawn-back shoulders and creased forehead. “Good?”

Her voice drops a few octaves. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course you can. Remember when we used to call each other our human diaries? That still stands.”

Maddie swallows and looks down slightly as she speaks. “The truth is, I think some of my feelings for Crew left with my memories, Scar. And it scares me.”

“I don’t understand. Are you saying…you don’t love Crew anymore?”

“No,” she blurts. “I mean, yes. Or no. I don’t know. Of course I love him. But I’m not sure what that love means anymore.”

I should be happy to hear this. I should be overjoyed, but instead, I feel sad. Sad for my friend, who has already lost so much. I hate seeing her lose any more.

“Give it time, Mads. I’m sure it’ll all come back.”

She lifts her head, forcing a smile. “You’re right. I’m just being silly.”

“No, you’re not,” I assure her. “And anytime you want to talk, I’m here. I’m no good at giving advice, but I’ll always listen.”

“Thank you.” She wipes a tear from her cheek with our clenched hands. “Now go to bed. You’ve got school tomorrow.”

“Yes, Mom.” I snort.

As soon as I leave her room, I feel the weight of a thousand bricks on my chest.

It’s cool. I can totally walk in Neo’s room and seduce him with my body, just so I can tie him up.

I’m Scarlett Sunder, and when I want something, I get it. And right now, I want to know this secret, so I can keep it, if need be.

After a quick stop in my bedroom, tiptoeing so I don’t stir Riley, I drop the handcuffs into the pocket of my robe and head to Neo’s room.

Once I’m there, I knock softly on the door. “Neo,” I say, my tone low.

When he doesn’t answer, I knock again. This time louder.

The door flies open, and I’m face to face with a soaked Adonis. Dripping from head to toe, with only a towel wrapped around his lower torso.

“Jesus, Scar. I was in the middle of a shower.”

Don’t look down. Don’t do it, Scar.

Instead, I pin my eyes to his, where they’re nice and safe. “And I should be sorry for interrupting you? You’re the one who told me to come talk to you, so why were you even taking a shower?”

“I said ten minutes, and it’s been fifteen.” He turns around, leaving the door open for me.

I step inside, closing it behind me before stuffing my hands in my pockets, accidentally rattling the handcuffs. I grip them tightly, so they don’t make another sound. “What did you wanna talk about?”

He shuffles through some shirts in his drawer, before retrieving a solid white one. “Why did you have snow on your robe when you came to Maddie’s room?”

“I didn’t.”

“You did. So either you went outside to melt snow for Maddie’s water, or you were out there doing something else. Which is it?”

“You caught me,” I beam with sarcasm. “I wanted her water extra cold, so that’s exactly what I did.”

He walks into his bathroom and I use this opportunity to quickly hide the handcuffs under his bed. “Are you mocking me?” he asks when he returns.

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