“Did you know about your dad’s affair before this year?” It’s dark in the room, but I can just make out Nico’s face in shadows from the webcam’s dim light.
“That’s one of the reasons we moved away.” He draws me in closer to him. “My dad and Ashley’s mom went to college together. Our parents used to get together for dinners and to play games. Since Ashley and I really didn’t get along, we ignored each other.”
I rest my cheek against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
“I’m not sure how it came to light, but my mom yelled at my dad about it. That’s how I found out. Neither of them wanted a divorce so they compromised and left for a job opportunity my dad had been offered.” Nico kisses the top of my head. “It was supposed to be a fresh start, but then this year, Dad wanted to come back here. It had been years so Mom thought it would be fine.”
“But it’s not,” I murmur.
“No.” Nico’s breath tickles my hair across my scalp. “He made it a few days. Maybe a week. I don’t know. I was wrapped up in you and the guys. But it’s been more obvious lately.”
“I’m sorry you and your mom are going through this.” I slide my hand down his side. He’s only in his boxers.
“Mom’s not dealing with it. I do what I can for her, but I also want to spend time with you and the guys.” He threads his fingers into my hair and lightly massages my scalp.
I wrap around him, wearing a tank top and pajama shorts. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s happening to us. But the guys have their own things they’re dealing with.
Nico and his dad’s affair. Eli and his parents. Caden and Ava now. Jack and spending time with his sister.
“Do you think it’s odd that Mom had to go in tonight?” The thought crosses my mind and out of my mouth before I even think about it. “Did anyone else know Luke was going to take over for Jack?”
“No, sunshine. Just us.” Nico draws me into his warmth and the worry drifts away. I must fall asleep, because a crash startles me awake.
CHAPTER 26
The Captured Enemy
Nico
It should be easy to fall asleep with Harper safe in my arms, but her words keep me awake. Would anyone else know Luke had to leave Harper alone? Jack assured me our conversations are completely secure, but that doesn’t mean someone isn’t watching.
The cameras in Harper’s house are also secure. Luke’s house may be compromised, but who else might want to know what’s happening here?
My father. Potentially Caden’s. Definitely Luke’s. The threats from school, probably not as much. Then there’s the question of who has access to change Harper’s mom’s schedule? Or know when it has been changed?
When Harper rolls out of my arms, I decide just to take a quick look around. Just to assure myself we’re truly locked up. I glance at the webcams. The others are asleep in their rooms.
It looks like Jack just got back. He’s sitting at his computer typing with his headphones on.
I pull up my text.
Me:
What if someone knew about tonight?
Jack glances at his phone and then looks at the computer with Harper’s room.
Jack:
You think it’s a setup
Me:
Maybe
Maybe a coincidence that Harper’s mom got called in when Luke needs to leave at night
Jack:
