Me: I have plans with my boyfriend, but maybe I could escape for a little while.

Gemma: Do I know him?

Me: I shouldn’t say.

Gemma: You know I won’t say anything to anyone!

Guilt twists in my gut. Of all people, Gemma wouldn’t want to do anything to hurt her brother. Maybe it’s safe to tell her. Eventually, people will find out, especially after the school year is over. If she finds out then, she’ll be hurt.

Me: You can’t tell a soul….for reasons.

Gemma: I’m intrigued. Is he married?

Me: No. But…you know him.

The dots move and stop.

Gemma: It’s not Spencer or Dempsey?

Gemma: Oh. My. God.

Me: What?

Gemma: Is he a teacher at our school?

Me: Yes.

Gemma: I knew it! I could tell something was off with the way he looked at you. You slut, you’re fucking my brother!

I can’t tell if she’s angry or shocked, so I chew on my bottom lip, wondering how I’ll reply. Luckily, she’s already texting again.

Gemma: He could get in serious trouble for this.

Me: I know. It’s why you can’t tell a soul.

Gemma: I can’t process this. This is craziness.

Me: I love him.

Gemma: It’s about time he found someone to love him. How do you put up with his grouchy attitude? If that’s some weird kind of kink…ewwww.

Me: Don’t kink shame me! LOL!

She then proceeds to send me GIF after GIF of Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street. It makes me laugh. Texting with Gemma certainly helps the time pass. I’m about to reply when I hear a thud at my bedroom door.

The nightstand is pushed in front of the door—a habit I never fail to do—and blocks Levi from entering. I jump to my feet, glowering at the door.

“Willa, let me in.”

His voice sends chills running down my spine.

“Leave me alone,” I bite out. “Leave or I’ll call the cops.”

He laughs. “I live here, stupid. What are they going to do?”

Though he’s right, I don’t feel any better. I dial Callum’s number, but he doesn’t answer. I’m in the middle of typing out a text when Levi kicks the door hard. I cry out in surprise, nearly dropping my phone.

“I just want to talk to you,” Levi growls. “Let me in or I’ll come through the window like your boyfriend does.”

My heart stutters to a stop inside my chest. He knows about Callum? Oh God. This is bad. This is really bad.

“It’s locked,” I lie. “And I don’t have a boyfriend.” Another lie.

Silence.