30
JILLIE
We get to the beach and all the guys are already there—including Elan.
“I’m not sure how I feel being around Leo right now. I know why he did what he did, but he still did it,” I ramble.
“Just don’t talk about it until you’re ready,” Isla reassures me.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m tempted to punch him in the face—but my finger’s already broken,” Audrey hisses. “He should’ve just told you.”
We’re near them when she walks straight up to Leo.
“It included her, too, you dick!” Audrey shouts, poking Leo in the chest.
Leo flinches then rubs his chest. “They already nailed me at practice.”
Carlos and Brent grin. “Pays to be friends with the guys on the line.”
“Well,Ididn’t,” Audrey says and pokes him again. “Dick.”
Isla burns Leo a look. “I didn’t either.”
Elan looks at me. “Can I?”
I shake my head and mouth, “No.”
He looks seriously dejected, and I struggle not to laugh.
I look at Leo and ignore the way my heart pitter-pats in my chest. I ignore the red hearts floating around him. I ignore the way my body responds to just a memory of being with him. I harden myself.
“The bitch is going down. Either you get on board or get out of the way.”
He looks surprised.Is he serious right now?
“She broke the law… at least one. I’m sure there are more. No one gave her permission to film that. That wasprivate, and, honestly, I’ve had enough of the tip-toeing around her. I have dirt on her, and I’m not afraid to use it. The kid gloves come off now because what she’s got is very, very adult,” I tell him.
He nods. “I’m done playing games. Playtime is over.”
“Well, it’s about fucking time,” Elan sneers.
Leo sends him a look. “I’m not too sore to kick your ass.”
Elan laughs, then shoves Leo’s shoulder. Leo cringes.
“Yeah, I can see that. We can see your bruises, man,” Elan reminds him.
Leo’s wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts. He’s bruised from head to toe. I feel a twinge of sympathy for him. That was a little harsher punishment than I’m comfortable with.
“I have a plan,” I tell them.
Leo walks up to me, leans down, and whispers, “After all this is said and done, we need to talk.”
I nod. Talk, and then some.
I smirk. “So, here’s what I have in mind.”
