See No Evil (Brotherhood Trilogy #1)(45)

“It had to be easy enough for Kade to memorize.”

I laugh at Riley’s short explanation.

He grins, then steps a little closer to me. “Now, come on, learn it.”

I roll my eyes. “Why do you want me to me do this?”

“So you can call us.” Riley’s gaze fills with meaning. “Anytime. No matter where you are.”

I go still.

“Riley,” I whisper. “I’m supposed to start over. No ties to my past.”

“I know,” he mumbles. “But…” He sighs. “Trey’s being sliced in half over this. I mean, the guy really cares about you…like a lot. We’ve never seen him like this before. So, maybe after the trial, when you feel safe again, you could…you know…”

Riley’s jacket rustles when he shrugs.

I swallow. “This person I’m testifying against. He’s got connections. He could still reach me from prison. It wouldn’t be safe.”

His lips pull into a sad frown. I have to close my eyes, unable to look at him. That puppy dog expression’s going to undo me in a second.

I sigh. “Does he know you’re doing this?”

“It was Kade’s idea. Trey doesn’t have a clue.” He shakes his head. “Look, I…” Puffing out a breath, Riley runs his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know all the details of what’s happening to you right now. Maybe the danger factor is too high. But come on, I saw you two on the ice yesterday. It was like a big feels overload. Trey’s not the kind of guy who can just turn his back on that. And I don’t think you can either.”

I blink, trying to take the sting out of my eyes. My forehead wrinkles as I sniff and press my lips together. Finally my head starts to bob and I choke out my question. “What’s the number again?”

“Five-one, five-two, five-three, five-four, five-five.”

“How did you even get that?”

“Don’t ask.” He winks. “You think you can remember it?”

I nod. “I got it.”

Holding my gaze, he takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “You promise to call…once it’s safe?”

“I don’t know if it’s ever gonna be safe.” My face crumples as I fight the tears that want to take me down.

Riley’s pale eyes fill with compassion. “Don’t forget about us, okay?”

I smile. “How could I possibly?”

His smile is sweet as he wraps his arms around me. “What you’re doing…it’s amazing. You should know that. If my—” He squeezes me a little tighter, then lets out a short sigh. “Witnesses can be instrumental in solving cases.” Pulling back, he holds my shoulders and gives me an earnest smile, but not before flashing me a look of pain. He’s thinking about his dead parents right now. His voice is thick and husky when he speaks. “You’re fighting for justice. There’s no greater fight than that.”

It’s hard to talk. The emotions swirling around us are like a thick fog, but I manage to choke out a small, “Thanks, Ry.”

He gives me a good-natured slap on the shoulder, trying to break the cloudy spell, then turns and heads out of my room. The door clicks shut and I’m left alone with a ten-digit number and a promise that I should ignore.

I’m not going to be able to.

Wrapping my arms around myself, I pace to the window, gazing out at the blue sky, unable to move or think straight.

The thought of seeing Trey after this is over gives me wings, but then I think of Robbie’s twitching foot, his sudden elimination, and I’m plummeting for the earth. Watching Robbie dying was hard enough, but Trey… He’s a whole new level, and I don’t think I could handle his murder.

The clomp of shoes on wooden floors grabs my attention. I stiffen, my shoulders pinging back when knuckles rap on my door.

“Mr. Lorden?” a stern voice calls.

I roll my eyes, tempted to reply, “Dean Cockhead?”

I manage to resist the urge. The thought makes me snicker though and I open the door with a smirk.

His severe face catches my expression. His forever frown deepens. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, sir. I’m just pleased to see you back.”

His eyebrow peaks and he mumbles, “Yeah, right,” before getting down to business. “Ms. Beasley was impressed with your effort over the break and Mr. Adler had no complaints either. You are now off in-house suspension and are welcome to attend the winter dance next weekend.”

“The…winter dance?”

“Yes.” He nods. “A time for boys and girls to mingle together. The young ladies from Williams Academy will be attending this year.” He pauses to study my reluctant expression. His bushy eyebrows knit. “It’s the expectation that every student attend, Mr. Lorden. Since you are no longer grounded, I suggest you get excited.”

I swallow, my lips quivering as I try to force a smile. “Sounds great,” I croak.

“Right.” He nods, obviously not believing me. “Good. Okay. Carry on.”

And with that, he spins on his heel and clips next door to check on the wolf pack. Closing the door, I slump against the wood and close my eyes.

I’ve just spent a week training how to be a guy. I shouldn’t be worried about some stupid winter dance.