The Harper Family: Second Chances (Wattpad Version)

Settling in

Ricardo

Since I waited for word from Brady, I kept busy and ran in the morning. My running shoes hit the dirt path as I passed trees. The rising sun peeked through the leaves and branches. The peacefulness of an early morning run helps clear my head.

I reached a clearing and slowed to a stop. Keaton was sitting on a rock, looking off into the distance. What was he doing out here alone?

I walked toward him and found a boulder next to him. "It surprises me to find you awake so early and alone."

Keaton glanced at me before looking ahead. "When my parents bring me here, I venture to this spot. I could be myself without people questioning me."

I rested my forearms on my legs and let my hands dangle between my legs. "Yeah, I get it."

Keaton glanced at me.

"When I left home, I searched for a place to be myself. No expectations. No dealing with my family. Living my life on my terms."

Keaton turned to me. "Why are you helping us?"

"Truth?"

"It would be nice."

"I hate my family's lifestyle. My grandparents wanted to escape that life without looking over their shoulders. My great-grandmother had other plans. It's not a life for me." I shrugged.

"I made the mistake of listening to the wrong people."

"How did you end up in that life? Your family doesn't strike me as criminals. Your dad's a lawyer, for crying out loud."

"Joshua invited me to a party. I thought it was because he liked me. Dexter agreed to go because he had been looking for Chelsea since she was pregnant. We talked Kolton and Jaylen into going with us. When we got to the party, something felt off about it. Kolton and Jay bolted. Dexter wanted to find Chelsea, then leave. I didn't get the chance."

"Why?"

"Joshua drugged me, then gave me something to counteract it. Afterward, he threatened to hurt the baby if I declined his offer. Joshua introduced me to Andre and turned me out."

I furrowed my brows. "Joshua prostituted you?"

Keaton nodded in response. "Joshua gave me pills and pot to relax me to service guys."

I stared at Keaton with pinched brows.

"If I made a mistake or didn't bring in enough money, Andre would punish me or others. It's how Andre controlled us."

"Does your family know?"

"My family knows about the drugs. They don't know about the prostitution. It's not something you announce to your family. Guess what, Ma and Dad? Your son is a male prostitute that turns tricks."

"That's why you weren't looking for a relationship when we met."

"Yeah, but I couldn't stay away from you. You were different."

"I won't lie. You were the last person I expected to meet and want something more with."

Keaton looked at me with an arched brow.

"Then I realized what would happen if I pursued you."

"Why?"

"The job frowns upon us getting involved with a perp or key witness."

"No one has to know."

I looked at Keaton. "It's not that simple."

Keaton stood up. "Why not?"