Page 24 of Their Wicked Secrets: Untouched, Vol 5 of 6

She gets out of the car, but I sit there for a moment as she walks around it and waits on the sidewalk for me. I want to tell Kenz about my mom. I want to tell her about everything, but I know it’s not smart. If they bugged us, they’ll definitely bug my best friend.

I drag in a breath and shake off the despair at Mom being gone. For now.

Joining Kenz on the sidewalk, we walk up to Nico’s house. Mrs. Lee opens the door before we can even knock.

“Harper!” She smiles and nods at Kenz. “Who’s this?”

“My friend MacKenzie.” I want to rush past her to find Nico, but instead I wait with that anxious feeling building inside me. I need my guys. Maybe a little too much right now. “How are you today, Mrs. Lee?”

She touches her heart and smiles softly. “It’s been a rough day with surgery and all. Nico’s been in and out of sleep all day. But I know he’ll be excited to see you.”

And yet, I’m still standing outside. “I’m excited to see him too.”

Mrs. Lee smiles, and then it finally sinks in. “Come in. I’m sorry. It’s been a while since I had company over.” She steps back. “Do you want something to drink? I could bring you some snacks. Nico is in his bedroom.”

“I know where it is.” My little admission makes me blush.

Her smile stays the same. “Okay, you head on up, and I’ll bring some drinks and snacks.”

She disappears into the kitchen before I can say no thank you. Kenz nudges me with her shoulder, and I lead the way up to Nico’s room. I knock softly before opening the door.

Nico’s asleep in his bed. His leg is propped up and the TV is on low in the corner, some action film playing on the screen. I step inside and inhale his rain scent.

“Do you want me to wait out here?” Kenz whispers.

“Maybe after his mother checks in on us?” I shrug. This isn’t something I’m used to dealing with. Parents and boyfriends and injuries and needing a bodyguard.

Kenz comes in and sits at the desk. I sit next to Nico on the bed and brush the hair that’s fallen over his eyes to the side. When he’s asleep, I can see the boy he used to be. The one that used to race me through our neighborhood.

The Nico I have back is stronger. I can’t imagine being with these guys without him. We’re all a work in progress, but I love him.

He moves to roll toward me, wrapping his arm around my waist and dragging me down against him. “Sunshine.”

“And friend,” Kenz blurts out. “And possibly your mom in like ten seconds.”

His dark eyes blink open at me. My upper half is down on the bed next to him.

“Nico,” I say softly and push his hair back from his face.

He gives me a soft smile and brushes his lips over mine before helping me sit back upright.

The door opens, and his mom comes in looking down at the plate of cookies on the tray in her hands.

“It’s not much. I should have thought about all the friends Nico would be having over.” She sets the tray down and gestures to the cans of soda on the end of the bed. When she straightens, she looks around at us with a smile. “It’ll be nice to have more voices here.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Lee.” Kenz leans forward and takes a cookie, biting into it. “This is good.”

Mrs. Lee smiles and stands there. The silence grows awkward.

“Mom, could you get my pills? I think it’s wearing off.”

She almost jumps to it. “Of course. I’ll be right back.”

Kenz takes a bite of cookie. “Is your mom okay?”

“She’s got a lot going on.” Nico sits up a little more, and I help with the pillows behind his back. “How was today? Rough?”

I smile. “Not as rough as I thought, but definitely not easy.”