Page 25 of Their Wicked Secrets: Untouched, Vol 5 of 6

He nods. “The doctor wants me to stay off it another day at least. It was a pretty complicated tear.”

“Of course. You need to do what your doctor says.” I cup his jaw, and he turns to press a kiss on my palm. A shiver rolls through me.

His dark eyes meet mine, and his lips curve into a smile against my palm, making me melt a little more. Kenz clears her throat, alerting us to footsteps coming down the hall. I drop my hand and mouth thank you to Kenz.

She winks at me as Nico’s mom comes back in. She stays for a little while, asking about school and talking about football and Nico’s recovery. How someone will have to help him with his books. Which I don’t think will be a problem.

When she leaves the room to run to the store to get more snacks, Kenz stands and stretches.

“Oof, those cookies and soda went right through me. I should be in the bathroom for ten to fifteen minutes at least.” She winks at me.

Nico chuckles. “You’re a good friend.”

“The best.” She arches an eyebrow at him. “I know you were her first best friend, but I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good.” Nico picks up my hand and kisses my knuckles.

“That’s my cue.” Kenz slides out the door and walks down the hallway.

“How was today really, sunshine?” Nico cups the side of my neck and his eyes search mine. “Jack made two sweeps of my room. If my dad planted something, it either doesn’t work or he pulled it.”

I release my breath. “It was a long day.”

“Have you heard from her?” His eyes narrow.

I shake my head. He means my mom. My constant presence. Even when she was working, she was there for me.

“It’s not forever, sunshine.” He presses his forehead to mine and more tension eases from me. “She’ll be back.”

“I know.” A tear escapes, and suddenly my throat thickens.

Nico captures my tear and sighs. “It’s hard right now. But we’ll make it through this. We’re not alone.”

He pulls me into his arms, and I hug him with my head on his shoulder, breathing him in. We’re not alone anymore. He and I have this family in Caden, Luke, Jack, and Eli. They’ve let me in, and I’ve let them in.

There’s nothing that could come between us now. Nico and I just hold each other for however long Kenz is gone.

Kenz coughs loudly outside the door.

“You can come in, Kenz.” Nico laughs. “As long as you’re okay with hugging.”

“As long as clothes haven’t come off...” Kenz comes in with a smile. “Dammit, I was hoping for clothes to come off.”

I shake my head and sit back on the bed. Nico traces the edge of my jaw.

“We brought you your homework that wasn’t online.” Kenz sits in the chair and swivels it. “We’ve got an hour to kill before the guys get off football practice.”

“We could play a game of cards?” Nico offers. He gestures to his desk. “Top right drawer.”

Kenz pulls out a pack of cards. I stand.

“I need to use the bathroom.” I glance between them.

“We’ll be good, H. Do your thing.” Kenz grins and shuffles the cards from hand to hand. “I won’t win all your boyfriend’s money.”

I shake my head as I slip into the attached bathroom. When I get in there, I get a buzz on my phone. I forgot to check what the earlier text was.

I pull out my phone, and the most recent text is from Penny.