Page 65 of Deception
“Gracie, what’s going on? You’re scaring me.”
“Can we just… Can we go inside and lie down?”
“Sure,” Kent says, holding the door open for her.
She walks into her room, and she strips down to only her tank top and panties before crawling into bed. Kent doesn’t hesitate, and he climbs in wearing only his boxers. There’s no excitement as he presses against her, holding her tightly in his arms, while they lay together, but she appreciates the comfort.
“I have to tell you something,” she says, her voice shaking.
“What’s going on, kid?”
“Promise you won’t say anything to anyone.”
“Cross my heart.”
Swallowing, she fights the tears. “I don’t know what to do, Kent.”
“About what?”
Here goes nothing.“Cole can’t patch into the club.”
“You don’t like him, either?”
“No, I actually really hate him. And you will, too.”
“Why?”
“He’s Nolan’s father.”
His body stiffens, and she can’t look at his face. A part deep in her gut worries he’ll get up and walk right out because it’s terrible. Even though it would kill her, she couldn’t blame him.
“Cole’s the guy who talked you into giving him your virginity and refused to acknowledge it or Nolan?”
“Yeah. He was outside right before you came out, and I told him he couldn’t join the club. He told me I can’t stop him, and I can’t.”
“Sure you can. Tell your dad, and we’ll get to beat his ass.”
The tears fall as she shakes her head. “You don’t understand. If I tell anyone, Klaire finds out. I didn’t know they were together when things happened, and I can’t hurt her.”
He holds her even tighter, and she breaks down. Rather than leave out of disgust, he offers her silent comfort. It won’t fix thesituation, but at least she’s not alone anymore. Kent Conway is the only other person who knows who Nolan’s father is.
Chapter Twenty-One
Griffin’s Beach
Gavin
Walking up to the clubhouse, Gavin shakes his head. “What’s so urgent? It’s not even ten yet.”
“I gotta tell you something,” Kent says.
His fists clench at his sides, and he looks angry. No, he doesn’t look angry. He looks ready to go on a murderous rampage. For someone who looks like he lights up multiple times a day to stay as mellow as he does, his demeanor has Gavin immediately on edge.
“Is Gracie okay?”
The two of them have been dating for a while, and he trusts Kent with his sister’s life. He’s actually pretty glad they’ve found each other.
Kent shakes his head. “I… I have to tell you this because I need your help, but you gotta keep your mouth shut. Especially to your pops.”
