The Bad Boy's Secret (Book 1)

Chapter 8: Can't Go Back

Chapter Eight: Can't Go Back

“Why’d you just tell me that?  You barely know me—”

                “I trust you.” He interrupted. 

I should be flattered.  “How do you know you can trust me?”

The corner his mouth turned up, “You didn’t give me away when he asked about me.”

I don’t know why I didn’t; I just didn’t trust that guy.  He must have been following Noah, so he knows he’s here.  “I seriously doubt he’s looking for you because he wants to sell you Girl Scout cookies.”  There was much more to the story, and I was afraid to find out.  He says he trusts me, I just don’t know exactly how much.  “Is he the one that did that to you?” I blurted, gestured towards his battered face.

He looked almost innocent for a moment.  “Yeah.  I was getting Alex’s medication and he kind of caught me off guard.  That wasn’t the first time.”

That doesn’t surprise me.  “Is that why you learned how to master knives?”

                “For the most part, yes.”

Short and simple answers.  At least he’s answering them.  “Makes sense.  And you were punching that bag like it offended you.”

                “I have to protect myself.”

I was about to push my luck.  “What happened to Jesse?”

He hesitated; I could tell he didn’t want to talk about it.  “He died back in May last year.  He was my best friend, basically my brother.  We grew up together.”

Now I felt bad.  “I’m sorry.”  I needed to change the subject and get out of here.

                “I guess I trust you more than I thought.” He laughed a little.

I couldn’t help but smile.  “I guess I should go.”  I stood up and fished the keys from my pocket.  “Thanks for agreeing to help, Ashley will be thrilled.”

He stood up in front of me, “As long as you keep up your end, I’ll be happy.  Just the thought of getting stuck with Laura makes me want to jump out of a window.”

I quickly covered my mouth to keep from laughing.  “I’ve never seen such a negative response to Laura Ryan.  But that’s okay, I don’t like her either.”

He laughed and gestured towards the staircase.  “I’ll walk you.”

                I walked up the stairs to leave the basement with Noah close behind.  The house was quiet, so I assumed his parent’s went to bed.  I didn’t get a chance to meet his mom, but I guess that’s a good thing considering I’m not supposed to be seen here.  “When I find out when this fundraiser is going to happen, I’ll let Ash know and he can tell you.”

He nodded.  “Are you going to get him to do it, too?”

                “Yep, Ashley gave me a list and I’m sticking to it.  I’m sure he’ll do it because you and Rai are.”

He leaned against the door and crossed his arms across his chest.  “And Scott?”

                “That’s where I’m going next.” I grinned.

                “Well, have fun.” I could tell his smirk was sarcastic.

He moved away from the front door and opened it.  As I turned to leave, Laura was reaching to ring the doorbell.  I turned to Noah, “You, too.”  I looked back to Laura, and I swear she has a permanent scowl when I’m around.  I just smiled at her and walked away.