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“And Shae?” The burly dude asked.

A pinched expression twisted Cole’s features. “She’s mine. I’ll deal with her.” His response was cold and clipped with anger. “Let’s take care of the situation before it gets out of control any further.”

A lanky man with dark hair spoke. “Get out of here, Cole. We got this.”

“All right. Thanks, I appreciate it.” Cole hugged him, then hopped on his motorcycle. It roared to life, the sound of the engine splitting through the night.

The burly looking one gave him a helmet, then approached Cole again, but I couldn’t hear what was said over the deafening rumble of the bike.

While the noise covered my movements, I removed my shoes and hurried away from the group. If they found out I’d witnessed a murder, I would be the one that turned up dead next. Jesus, what was Cole into? My heart pounded against my rib cage as I broke into a run and hauled ass across the property and back to my car. The soles of my feet ached and screamed as pieces of gravel bit my tender skin, but I couldn’t stop.Cole killed someone.I had to figure out how to get home before he did and clean up. I couldn’t let him know I’d been there and had witnessed him killing a man. A little voice in my head nudged me, reminding me that I hadn’t been able to see everything from my hiding place. Maybe Cole hadn’t delivered the final blow, but his knuckles were busted, so he’d definitely participated.

Identifying my car, I nearly broke into a fit of maniacal laughter. First, Cole had humiliated me. Second, my best friend shared the video. Third, I witnessed a murder. The fact that my vehicle was no longer blocked wasn’t the hilarious part. It was the Audi and Camry in front and behind mine … they’d been rolled over until they were no longer in the way, resting on their sides. That shit was funny, and I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. Someone had decided to help me out even after the video fiasco. I just wish I knew who to thank. A part of me suspected David and his high school football buddies. It would take a team of strong people to move the vehicles.

Using the key fob to unlock my doors, I shoved my feet into my shoes and climbed into my BMW. Glancing around, I started the engine, then maneuvered out of my parking spot and down the driveway. I hoped like hell I could beat my stepbrother home.

The half-hour drive to my place was sheer torture. Not only did I have to get ahead of the video situation, but I had to pretend my life was normal. My heart twisted, leaving a painful ache in my chest. I’d also lost Zoe tonight. I shouldn’t have ever told her about the recording, but I’d trusted her—my mistake.

* * *

Once I arrived, I parked the car and used the side entrance. I quietly closed the door behind me and listened for any sounds or voices. Although I didn’t hear anything, I was on the opposite side of the house from Cole’s bedroom. I removed my heels, then tiptoed through the kitchen and into the living area. Multiple lights were on, but that didn’t mean shit. Annabelle lived in one of the guestrooms, so I knew someone was here.

I hurried to the stairs and took two at a time. Since it was dark, I realized that Cole hadn’t made it home yet, and I heaved a sigh of relief as I rushed to my room. I spotted the doorknob on my bedroom door and made a mental note to replace it. I’d seen what Cole was capable of, and I wouldn’t feel safe unless I could lock up from both sides. It would also keep him from snooping or planting a camera. I entered my room and froze.

ChapterSix

Ipeeked over my shoulder, ensuring no one else was in the hallway, then I closed the door behind me.

“Shae,” Zoe shot off my bed. “Please, we need to talk.”

My pulse kicked up a notch. I didn’t want to discuss a damn thing with Zoe. She’d done enough damage to last a lifetime, and I had more serious shit to deal with. She could wait. “I have nothing to say to you. You leaked the video instead of erasing it. End of story.”

Zoe’s face paled. “I didn’t leak the video, Shae. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. If you would just give me a minute and let me explain.”

I glanced over at Isabel, Sibyl, and Dani as they sat at the edge of my bed, wearing hopeful expressions. They all nodded in unison, supporting Zoe.

Dani nervously twirled a lock of her long brown hair around her finger. Out of all of us, she dealt with the most anxiety from her picture-perfect family.

“I don’t believe you.” I folded my arms over my chest, staring at her. “Do you know what you did tonight? Not only am I ruined, but every guy will be trying to fuck me, and every girl will try to slut shame me. Don’t even get me started if this reaches Daddy or Julia.” I dropped my arms, disgusted with Zoe. Even if we’d been in a huge argument, I would have never betrayed her the way she had me.

“Are you fucking kidding me? How long have we known each other?” Zoe placed her hands on her slender waist and tapped her Coach tennis shoe against the floor.

“Since elementary school,” I snapped. “Too long for you to have fucked me over like that. I mean seriously, Zoe ...” My nostrils flared. “We’re supposed to be best friends. I trusted you to help me, and instead this is what I get?” My eyes flared in warning, furious with her. She was lucky I didn’t punch her in her perky little nose.

“Trusted me? You hid your extracurricular activities for three years!” She held up three fingers in my face like I wasn’t capable of counting on my own.

I smacked her hand away, my gaze narrowing. “You were the only one that had his access code and knew the video was there.”

“First, you’re being a total bitch, Shae,” Zoe spat. “Second, you’re not listening to a word I’ve said, so let me say it one more time in hopes I can get through to that thick ass brain of yours.” She tapped her finger against her temple. “I didnotrelease the video. I couldn’t find Cole’s phone. I swear. I would never, ever do that to you.” She blew out a sigh, her expression softening. “I know what it looks like, but you’ve known me for years. I’ve never hurt you on purpose. I’ve never been that malicious to you, either. Others? Sure, but never you. Please, Shae. You’re my best friend. You have to believe me. I wouldn’t do that.”

Still fucking furious, a little voice inside my head told me to listen to her. Zoe had never screwed me over before. She knew what was at stake. Plus, I’d bailed her out of some shitty situations and naked pictures a few times as well.

My thoughts whirled around, sifting through the events of the party. Rubbing my temples, I realized a critical piece of information. “Now that I think about it, I didn’t see Cole’s phone in his back pocket.” I stared at the floor, trying to process all of this while my brain was still fuzzy from the alcohol.

“That’s because he didn’t have it, Shae. After Cole ... escorted you out, I knew my time was limited, so I asked him to dance.” She chewed on her lower lip. “I might have run my hands over his ass, checking for his phone. It wasn’t in his back or front pocket.” A light flush crept across Zoe’s cheeks.

“Glad you enjoyed feeling up my brother,” I snapped. Chills skated down my spine as I recalled his mouth brushing against my ear earlier … only half an hour before he killed someone.

“Stepbrother,” the girls said in unison.

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