Chapter 57

CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

Harper

“Harper, honey. Ace just called. I told him you aren’t feeling well. He sounded worried sick. Can you call him?”

I shake my head. I still can’t fucking speak. I can’t call him because the second he hears my voice, he will know something is wrong, and he will walk away from his championship. I know Ace well enough to know that.

And I’m not letting him lose this.

I go to pick up my phone, but then I’m reminded of what’s on there. That website. The videos. And my stomach churns.

“Can you tell me how he does? Please? I can’t look at a screen right now.”

Mom smiles. “Of course, get some rest. We’ll be watching him downstairs.”

She places a glass of water next to my bed and places a kiss on my forehead. I have to protect my parents. Ace. Everyone.

How would they look at me if they knew the truth? If they saw what I do with Ace? What about kids I might one day have?

Things don’t die. They’ll always be there. And I’ll be worried, waiting for one day for more people to see it.

I can’t do that. Not to my future, however that might look. To the people I love now.

“I love you, Mom,” I croak as she reaches the door.

“I love you too, Harper.”

The door closes, and darkness surrounds me. I’m numb from the inside out.

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