When Rivals Lose (Bayshore Rivals 2)

For the first time in three days, my heart is in my stomach. I don’t know what to think or even feel. Have the brothers been lying to me? Do they know about this? Every time it feels like I’m getting my footing, something else happens.

“I don’t know what’s happening between you and them, but I felt like you should know. I think it’s very likely they’re the ones trying to hurt you. Why else would they want to know about you and their sons? None of these things started happening until after they approached me.” God, I hope not. Shivers rack my body at the thought.

The brothers’ parents wouldn’t try and kill me over some stupid family rivalry, would they? There are so many pieces to this puzzle missing, and a headache is starting to form behind my eyes. I can’t think about this anymore.

“It’s okay. I believe you, and I trust you. You’re really the only friend I have here. I just wish you would’ve told me sooner. I’m having a hard time telling who is friend, and who is foe.”

Shelby nods, and takes a step back, giving me a chance to breathe. Immediately, I start gathering my stuff; a couple changes of clothes, my toothbrush, sleep shorts, and…

“Have you seen my birth control pills?” I ask Shelby, after looking where I’m pretty sure I had put them last.

“No, I haven’t seen them, and where are you going anyway? You just got back. I thought maybe we could have a movie night and catch up, spend some time together. It seems like we never see each other anymore.”

“Come on, girl, we haven’t hung out all week.” Shelby’s voice echoes in my head, a memory starting to surface.

“Fine, how about we watch a funny movie?” I really need a good laugh after the week I’ve had.

“Rom-com?” Shelby chimes.

“That’s fine, as long as the main character doesn’t resemble any of my stalkers.”

“Oh, Harlow… I’m so sorry you’re having a hard time. Do you want me to kick their asses? Because I will!” Shelby throws her arm over my shoulder, pulling me into her side.

“The Bishops are really starting to get to me. This is not what I thought college life would be like,” I lean into her, letting my best friend comfort me.

“I’ll always be here for you. Don’t you ever forget that.”

My heart warms toward Shelby at the memory. She has been a good friend… the best.

“I promise we’ll hang out soon, but not today. I’m going to stay with the guys.” Shelby sighs deeply at the mention of them but doesn’t say anything to stop me. “I trust them, and whatever their parents did, is not on them.”

Shelby folds her hands in her lap, “Okay, Harlow, but be careful.”

“I will,” I tell her and keep gathering my stuff. I finally find my birth control in one of my drawers. I shove them in my bag with the rest of my belongings. “I have my phone with me this time. I’ll text you.”

After a quick hug, I head for the door. I step out and find Banks leaning against the wall, his lips are pressed in a tight line, and his eyes look a shade darker. I close the door behind me before I ask, “Did you hear?”

“I did,” he says through his teeth. He takes my hand and starts pulling me down the hallway.

“What are you thinking?” I’m assuming he still thinks that Shelby is lying, especially now that she’s accused his parents. That’s why I’m so shocked when I hear what he has to say next.

“We had suspected that our parents had a spy, someone to keep tabs on you, even on us, but we didn’t know who it was, and we definitely didn’t know that they would go to such lengths and resort to threatening anybody.”

“Do you think… they want me dead?” I don’t know much about his parents or the relationship the brothers have with them, but the need to threaten Shelby for information about me has me terrified. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch Banks’ face morph with pain. He looks angry and frustrated but above all, disappointed.

“I can’t imagine they would. I just can’t. They’re good people…” his voice trails off as we reach the bottom of the stairs. The front door opens, and two girls walk inside. I don’t think I know them, but they must know me, or at the very least Banks, because they both stop to stare at us. A sickening smile forms on one of the girls’ lips, her eyes narrowing.

“You can’t use the dorms as a place to whore yourself out, you know? Some people actually come to this university to get an education.”

She didn’t… yes, she did. This bitch just called me a whore.