Dangerous Little Secrets (Saint View High, #2)

by Elle Thorpe

Lacey was different. There’d been an honesty in her words that had slapped me in the face, rendering me speechless. I’d wanted to say it back. Wanted to grab her, wrap my arms around her, and tell her I’d fallen for her a little more every time we’d been together. Except I didn’t know how. Then the moment had passed, though I hadn’t forgotten.

And I was in love with her. So stupidly, head over heels in love with her that I’d follow her to the ends of the earth.

He stared me down with eyes that didn’t blink. “I did it because that girl needed to be taught her place. As did you. You’re eighteen now. You’ve got a week, and then you start working with me.” I opened my mouth, but he cut me off with a glare. “I ain’t fucking asking, Banjo. That stupid girl might have filled your head with dreams of college and a future outside of Saint View. You think she’s gonna want you now? After you showed her dirty little secret to everyone she knows? That’s you by the way, Banjo. That’s all you were ever going to be to her. Dirty. Now get the fuck out of my face and clean this shit up.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. And I truly was. Because this was hurting me as much as it was hurting him. Eventually, he nodded and pulled his shoulders back. “I’m not.” His voice took on a strength it hadn’t had before. “Because this isn’t it. You’re what I want, Lacey Knight. You’re who I want. And I was this close to having you. I’m not giving up.”

I shook my head. “How are we supposed to come back from this? I just don’t believe we can.” “Then I’ll believe for the both of us. I’ll show you, Lacey. Every day. I’ll show you I’m the guy you thought I was. And that starts right now. I’m walking into that school by your side.”

“Who trains at this time? My aunt has already gone to bed.” “What is she, eleven?”

“Give me your keys.” He raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? You want to go sit in the car?” “No, I want them because you’re a cocky son of a bitch. And if that guy kills you, I still want to be able to get home tonight.” Buck chuckled. Colt’s lips curled upward. He leaned in, lips brushing the shell of my ear. “It’s seriously fucking hot when you talk like that, you know?”

Then shrugged out of his leather jacket and tossed it at me. It hit my chest and slid to the ground. “You want me to hold your shit? Ask.” Amusement danced all over his face. “You’re such a fucking firecracker. Please, Lacey. Will you hold my things while I go kick this guy’s ass?”

Colt balled the blood-soaked tissue and raised an eyebrow. “You could just come out and say you want to play doctor with me, you know, Lacey.”

And while she kept coming back, my feelings never changed. I wanted Lacey Knight like I’d never wanted anyone before.

Her big eyes, framed with dark lashes. The long dark hair that looked even better a little mussed up. Her slightly swollen lips I hadn’t had enough of kissing. I doubted I’d ever have enough.

Colt ran his hands through his hair. “Listen. I need to talk to you about something. You probably aren’t going to be happy about it.” What was one more thing to add to the shit list that had become my life? “Spill it then.” “I kissed Lacey last night.” A low growl vibrated through my chest. “You what?” “You heard me.” “I’m just giving you a chance to take it back before I punch you in your smug face. You can’t stand her! And what about Gillian? Since when are you a cheater? That’s never been your style before.” Colt sighed. “It’s still not. Gillian and I are done.”

wasn’t some way to get back at Gillian.” “Was it to get at me then? Rafe? What the fuck did we do to you? You know there’s feelings there. At least on my side.”

“I’m fucking in love with her, Colt.” He froze. “What?” “Did I stutter?” “You never told me that.” “Maybe I would have if you’d spoken to me in the last two weeks.”

made it really clear she doesn’t want me in her life. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop trying. Because I wasn’t playin’ when I said I’m in love with her. But all I want is for her to be happy. And if that means she’s with Rafe, or with you, or both of you, then that’s what I want.” I eyed him, a muscle ticking in my jaw. “But you better step up and give it to her. Don’t fucking break her heart, Colt. Trust me. I’ve done it. And it feels like shit.”

“You need to come back to school.” “I need the money. Can’t work if I’m at school.” He shoved me on the shoulder. “Nah, bro. You need Lacey. And me and Rafe. Football and a fucking education. You ain’t gonna get none of those by dropping out of school.”

Colt grinned and slung an arm over my shoulder. “The gang will be all back together. You. Me. Rafe.” “And Lacey in the middle?” He went quiet. So did I. That was a problem I didn’t have a solution to.

“Why do you keep eyeing that door and gnawing on your bottom lip?” He reached over and popped my lip free from my teeth. “Stop. It’ll fall off.”

“Why do you think he did it?” Rafe shook his head. “He says he didn’t.” “But the evidence…” “Yeah.” I squeezed his leg. “I’m sorry. This is worse for you than for me, I think. He’s your best friend.” “You love him, too, though. Don’t you?”

“So much for slow,” I moaned. “You want me to stop?” “Are you insane?”

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he declared, breaking the awkward silence we’d descended into. “Not avoiding. Just busy.” “Thought you wanted to train?” “I do.” “Then open your car and let’s go.” “Now?” “Why? Got other plans? Sucking Rafe’s dick tonight?” I glared at him. “Jealous?” “Completely.”

“Figured you wouldn’t want an audience for your first attempt.” “That’s unexpectedly thoughtful of you.” He shrugged. “Maybe I wanted to get you alone.” I deliberately played dumb. “So we could train?” His warm breath brushed over my neck. “If that’s what you want to call it.”

“I’m good with whatever you want. If that means we bring Colt in on this, then…actually, that’s kinda hot.” I kissed him back then laughed against his lips. “You kinky fuck.” He grinned and kissed me harder. “I know. I’ve got issues.” “I like your issues.”

“I will. Friday night, after the game. I promise. I just need time to get my thoughts together. I need to work out how to say it right, so I don’t make things worse between us. I’m not ready yet.” His expression turned desperate. “Please, Lacey. Don’t force this. I can’t fuck it up any more than I already have. I’m terrified of losing you for good.”

His feelings were out there for the world to see. And mine were just as raw. Just as frayed. Just as broken. I still loved him. That wouldn’t go away.

“Thank you.” “For what?” I shrugged. “Being a voice of calm when I was about to lose it?” “I think I owed you one.” I didn’t say anything. “I hate that I hurt you.” I glanced up at him. “I know you do.” But the damage was already done.

Jagger gripped my other hand. “At the risk of sounding unsupportive, you forgave Rafe. Why can’t you do the same for Banjo?” I blew out a long breath. I’d wondered the same thing myself. I blinked back tears. “Because I wasn’t in love with Rafe. It wasn’t his bedroom. His bed. Banjo swears the camera was planted by Augie, and I believe him. But I know there’s more going on that he’s not telling me. He’s got walls up, and I can’t let mine down until I know he’s being honest with me.”

nodded, but Jagger gave me a knowing look. Deep in my heart, I knew Banjo was worth it. He was worth waiting for. I had to hope he could get past whatever was going on with him and let me in. It was the only way we were ever going to get back to where we were.

“Oooh,” I singsonged. “Your first co-hosted party. Does this mean you two are an official couple now? You in love?” She smiled softly and stared down at her hands in her lap. I froze. “Holy fuck. You are!” Jagger’s eyes lit up. “He’s amazing. He’s so sweet and kind—” “And hot as fuck,” Meredith jumped in. “I bet his dick is massive.” Jagger giggled and lowered her voice again. “The sex is off-the-charts amazing. Like, multiple-times-a-night mind-blowing.”

These games were definitely getting colder as the season progressed, but that never stopped our supporters from coming out to watch. Rain, hail, or shine, Saint View turned up for us. I loved it. Almost as much as I loved Lacey.

You think they don’t want it as bad as you do? You’re wrong. Stop thinking about Lacey and start thinking about your future.” “She is my future,” I said quietly. Rafe glanced at me. “I’m in love with her, Rafe. That hasn’t changed.” He blew out a long breath and nodded. “She’s easy to love.” “So are you.” He looked at me sharply. I shrugged. “It’s written all over your face. Tell her how you feel. She might feel the same way, you know.” “Is it that obvious?” “Only to me. I’m your best friend.” “Were.” “Still here, Rafe. Still want your friendship.” I darted a glance around, checking there was no one else in earshot. I dropped my voice. “Still want you.”

“I don’t want what he has, you know? I don’t want some rigid life and a woman too afraid of her own shadow because I’m an overbearing prick. If Colt and Banjo make you happy, then that’s what I want for you.” I lifted up onto my toes and brushed my lips over his. “You blow my mind.” “If we go home, I’ll blow your mind in other ways.” I grinned. “Promise?”

He wasn’t the same boy I’d fallen in love with. But it didn’t matter. Because I still loved him, no matter what. A sob ripped from my throat, one born of the fear I’d felt for him the last twenty-four hours, plus something more. I ached for whatever had hurt him, because I knew, just from his face, it was something bad. Something that had destroyed the happy-go-lucky boy he’d once been.

Banjo stared. “I thought I’d blown it with both of you. I didn’t even mean to come here. I just got on my bike and rode.” Rafe fisted his fingers in Banjo’s shirt and shook him roughly. “You fuckhead. I was mad. That doesn’t mean we’re finished.” He dropped to his knees in front of Banjo and cradled his face, pulling it toward him. They only hesitated for the briefest of moments before Rafe finished what he’d started. A lump rose in my throat at their kiss. It was softer and sweeter than the last time I’d seen this happen. They held each other tight, fingers punishing in their grip on each other. My heart ached. They were soul mates, these two. There was no denying it, seeing the two of them like this.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispered against my lips. My eyes filled with tears again, and I nodded, for fear of saying anything would make them spill over. “There was something I never got to tell you, that night of your birthday. And I’ve hated myself every day since. I love you, Lacey. I have this entire time. I never stopped. I’m so sorry, baby. I’m so sorry I hurt you.”

Our bodies moved effortlessly, while his eyes said everything I’d ever wanted to hear. I missed you. I love you. I’m not leaving again.

“I love you, Lace,” he whispered in my ear, only for me to hear this time.

Augie took a long drag on his smoke, eyeing me. “Fucked off to the rich bitch’s place, probably. Surprised you aren’t there, too. Isn’t it some sort of gang bang? Those fancy sluts are always up for it.” “Shut up, Augie. Don’t fucking talk about her like that.”

“I’m glad you did it,” she choked out. “I’m glad you killed him.” I opened my mouth to answer her, but then a movement to my right caught my eye. In the doorway, Mom and Coach stared at me, horror written all over their faces. “Colt,” Mom whispered. “What have you done?”

Selina patted my shoulder. “Banjo?” she called. “Can you come out of the bathroom, please? I want to speak with you.” The bathroom door cracked open, and Banjo’s beautiful green eyes shone out over a cheeky smile. “Hey, Sel.” She raised one eyebrow. “We’re on a nickname basis now, are we? Shall I call you Ban? Or maybe Jo-Jo?”

Banjo wrinkled his nose at both suggestions and came out of the bathroom, a fluffy white towel wrapped around his hips. Well, this was embarrassing. But at least she didn’t know about— “Tell Rafe to come out, too. Little point hiding in there after the racket the three of you made last night.” Kill. Me. Now. Rafe came out wearing an identical towel to Banjo. “So, I can explain…” Selina raised one eyebrow in my direction. “I’m old and widowed but not stupid, sweetheart. You don’t need to explain.”

She smiled and nodded at him. As she went to leave, she paused in the doorway. “Notice I said you could have the pool house? Perhaps if the three of you want to have sleepovers in the future, it could be out there? Where I can’t hear you?”

“Thanks for not judging,” I said quietly, glancing over my shoulder at the boys. Neither of them paid us any attention. “And for what you did for Banjo.” “What’s to judge? Those boys worship the ground you walk on. I’m glad you’ve sorted things out. I just want you to be happy.”

A knock at the door had Selina glancing at me curiously. “You expecting a third member of your harem?”

I’d teased her about it as kids. She wouldn’t remember that. But I had. I’d known exactly who she was the minute she’d walked into Saint View High. There was no forgetting your first love. And Lacey had been mine. At five years old, I’d loved her so fiercely I would have moved mountains for her if that sort of thing were possible for a five-year-old.

“Lacey,” I whispered. She swallowed hard, her eyes suddenly glassy. She shook her head. “This can’t be how it ends. I don’t want you going to jail and Lawson’s killer going free. This isn’t fair. I made that deal with Owen to keep you out of jail, and now you’re going to end up there anyway? No!” I blinked at the ferocity of her last word. A tear rolled down her face. My stomach clenched into a painful knot. “Don’t,” I gruffed out but then immediately softened. “Please don’t. I can’t handle it.”

Everything I’d been trying to keep buried shot to the surface. Every feeling. Every need that rose when she was around. What the fuck were we doing? This back and forth arguing when all I really wanted to do was bury my face in her neck and breathe her in. “I don’t want this,” I growled. “I want you.”

But I knew her. And I liked that she would never be that submissive. I could try to own her body, but I instinctively knew she’d always give as good as she got. That was always the way with the two of us. I gave her shit. She gave me hell.

All that mattered was getting as much of each other as we could in this one tiny pocket where everything felt right. If this was all we had, if I went back home and cops had my house surrounded, then this would be enough. This one night with the girl who had owned my heart for as long as I could remember.

I walked him up through the main house and to the front door where he kissed me goodbye, so soft and sweet my heart ached. “I love you,” he said, pulling away. “I love you, too.”