Page 78 of Their Wicked Secrets: Untouched, Vol 5 of 6

Mom holds me away from her, and her eyes sparkle. “Cathy, this is my daughter, Harper.”

Cathy smiles and holds out her hand. “I met you when you were about four for the first time.”

I shake her hand. If there’s a memory attached to that, it’s long gone. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Why don’t we sit and talk before Lucy finds out you’re here.” Cathy and Mom take their seats. “She’s been ‘cleaning her room’ since she found out you’d be staying with us.”

Jack pulls me down on the couch beside him. “She’s not staying in Lucy’s room.”

His mom laughs. “No, I don’t think she’ll fit on Lucy’s bed or on Lucy’s floor, even if Lucy figures out where to hide all her stuffed animals.”

My mom clears her throat, and I tense. “Cathy knows that we’ve been having issues, and that’s why we’re here and not home.” Her eyes meet mine. “We’ve discussed it, and while we’re not condoning anything other than sleeping, we think it’d be safest for you to sleep in Jack’s room when he’s here. If he’s not here, we’ll figure out something else so that you aren’t alone.”

My cheeks are burning. I don’t know what to say. Their logic is solid, and I’m glad I don’t have to sneak around at night to get to Jack from wherever they put me, but I didn’t really expect them to straight up put me in his room.

“Thank you,” I say softly.

“Have you been home?” Jack asks my mom.

She nods and glances at me. “You’re going to need a new dress for the dance, sweetie. Whoever broke in destroyed the one Kenz gave you.”

“Oh.” I don’t know what to say. I didn’t know what happened in the house. Whatever happened, the guys didn’t want me to see, and I was so shell-shocked I didn’t think about it. I’m sure that’s not all of the damage. “I guess I’ll need to get one tomorrow.”

“We can go after school if you’d like.” Mom smiles. “I can pick you and Kenz up. It might be nice to do a little girl time with everything happening.”

“Lucy and I do dress shopping once a month.” Cathy smiles, and her pale blue eyes light up. They aren’t the vibrant shade of Jack’s or his father’s, but they’re beautiful and kind. “Robert might love being a stay-at-home dad, but there are some things Lucy and I like to do together. Besides, Robert is excellent at braids and nail polish.”

“Are you giving away all my secrets?” The smile is evident in Robert’s voice. He comes in and stands next to Cathy’s chair. “I also cook a mean dinner and make the best sundaes ever. According to Lucy, at least. But between you and me, she’s a sucker for chocolate.”

“Isn’t everyone a sucker for chocolate?” Jack chuckles.

“Just a second.” Touching his wife’s shoulder, Robert steps away and disappears down the hallway.

“We have a few seconds before Lucy gets here.” Cathy leans in. “You know if you need any help...”

“I know, Mom.” Jack releases a breath.

She nods and her lips thin after she studies him. “Maybe sleep more? All that caffeine can’t be good for your heart.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll get sleep now.” Jack squeezes my hand.

I still can’t believe they’re going to let us sleep together. I expect a nanny cam or leaving the door open, but no one says anything.

Little footsteps pound down the hallway, and something jingles like bells. “Jacky!”

“Hey, Lucy!” He stands, releasing my hand, and a fluffy princess in purple hurls herself into his arms. She giggles as he lifts her and tosses her in the air slightly.

He sets her down, and the most perfect little replica of Jack turns her pretty blue eyes on me. My heart stops at the beautiful creature before me.

“I’m Lucy.” She curtsies, holding her poofy skirt out to her sides.

“It’s nice to meet you, Lucy. I’m Harper.”

She twists side-to-side with a big grin. “Do you want to see my room?”

“I’d love to see your room.”

When she grabs my hand, Robert shakes his head. “After dinner, Lucy.”