Secrets of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 3)

by Teresa Greene

  By the time she walked into her classroom, her heart beat so fast she had to take deep breaths to calm down. Maybe she should have taken her sisters’ advice and stayed home a couple more days. She slipped into her usual seat and busied herself by rummaging through her book bag for her books. She heard whispers from a couple of female students directly behind her.

  “Can you believe she has the audacity to show her face on campus after what she did to Bret?”

  “She should be ashamed of what she’s done to his reputation. He could be kicked off the basketball team.”

  Sick dread started in the center of her belly. Lacy opened her book bag and began shoving her books back inside. First the reporter, now students giving her grief. She had to escape before she started crying. She pursed her lips to keep them from trembling.

  Someone reached out and took her hand. She looked into Michael Smith’s sympathetic face. “Don’t you dare let them bully you into running away.” He pointed his finger at the two co-eds and reprimanded them loud enough for the whole room to hear. “You two should keep your bulimic mouths shut.” Primed for a fight, he placed his hands on his hips and cocked his head to the side. “Lacy has been through hell and she doesn’t need you making it worse. Could have been one of your skinny asses Bret drugged.” He snorted, “But then I doubt anyone would ever have to drug you two for sex.” No one made a sound.

  Lacy never turned around to see their reaction. Michael sat down next to her. He had always treated her with kindness. Because of her shyness she didn’t make friends easily. Her standoffishness never seemed to bother him. He was always able to pull her into conversation with his openness and charming ways. He lived in her dorm building and since they had the same major, they often studied together.

  Michael placed his hand over hers. “You’re stronger than this and you know it. They’re just mean spirited girls.” His hand raked over her hair. “Could be they are jealous because you are so gorgeous. Give them some time and it’ll all blow over as soon as they have something else to gossip about.”

  She squeezed his hand. “You are a great friend.”

  “Honey, I’ve been there. I know how cruel people can be.” His eyes mirrored what she felt. Michael was gay. Many times she felt empathy for him when he wasn’t accepted by other people. He was funny, charismatic, and loyal. She couldn’t understand why people didn’t love him. He had style and good looks, everything that should make him popular, but was still ostracized by certain clubs and peer groups.

  Things only got worse when Bret Robertson sauntered through the door. Her heart slammed against her ribs. He sat in his usual place in the center of a gaggle of girls. Lacy looked over her shoulder and Bret winked at her. Fear boiled over into her stomach. It wasn’t fair that his father paid his bail and he was allowed to come back to school. Attempted rape was a serious crime and he should still be in jail. After what he did to her, she shouldn’t be subjected to his presence. Maybe Josh could do something. She’d call him the moment class ended.

  Michael leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Don’t look at him. Stay calm and ignore him.”

  Impossible thought Lacy. All she could think about was what he did to her. She visualized his face above her as his hands touched her. She tried to shrug off the horrible image but to no avail. The tragedy of almost being raped mixed and mingled in her mind.

  Their English professor appeared on stage and made his way to the pedestal. Lacy didn’t hear a word he said. Her mind was a million miles away. School was going to be difficult until she came to terms with what happened to her.

  Last night she had dreamed about the night he gave her the ecstasy. Only in her dream he had finished what he started. It all seemed so real when he raped her. She woke in a cold sweat gasping for breath.

  Josh had scheduled a session with the psychiatrist at the bureau. While she had helped, Lacy still felt dirty and cheap. Bret had used her as if she was nothing but a slab of meat. Josh insisted she schedule three more sessions during the week. It was going to be difficult with her busy schedule. But then she did make a deal with him. Josh told her the only way she could go back to school was if she continued to see a psychiatrist. He was worried about her state of mind. But then so was she.

  Chapter Five

  Without Michael to protect her, Lacy felt anxious. He was still in class so she had to walk back to her dorm alone. Students stopped and stared, some even went as far to taunt her. The disparaging comments cut her to the bone. How was she going to tolerate their abuse? Everyone revered Bret, thought he was the big man on campus. She kept her head down refusing to make eye contact. Someone stepped in front of her blocking her path.

  Slowly she looked up and came face to face with Bret. Fighting for calm, she placed her hand on her jittery stomach.

  “Can we go somewhere and talk privately?”

  “No, please leave me alone.” She tried to step around him but he stepped to the side blocking her path. A strong hand yanked her arm when she tried to pass. The urge to bolt was strong, but it was evident he wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Because she knew what he was capable of, she felt sick to her stomach.

  “Please, we can work through this. It was all just a misunderstanding.”

  Her mouth fell open in shock. She made a strangled sound and snapped, “A misunderstanding!” A crowd was gathering. People stopped and listened. Lacy leaned in and whispered, “You tried to rape me.” She sputtered, “You put ecstasy in my water.”

  “I’m sorry. I got carried away. I wanted you so bad. You are beautiful.” He reached out and stroked his fingers through her hair causing her to flinch.

  Heart beating erratically, she struggled to get away from him. She started to say something but snapped her mouth shut instead. It was obvious she wouldn’t be able to reason with him. She was beginning to understand there was no way out but to talk to him. Problem was she was so close to tears she couldn’t speak.

  “Let her go.” Immediately Bret released his hold on her. Lacy swung around to see Dylan standing only inches from her.

  Bret smiled. “We were just talking.”

  “Sounds like you’re bullying the lady.”

  Bret’s eyes locked on Dylan. The violence in his face had her scared what he might do. Lacy didn’t want to see a fight. “What’s it to you? Maybe you should mind your own business.”

  “It is my business when I see that you’re terrorizing her.” He gave all the people standing around watching a pointed look. “It should be everyone’s business when someone is being bullied.” He turned his attention back to Bret. “Now, move along before I do more than just talk.”

  Bret simply lifted his eyebrows. “That sounds like a threat.”

  “Take it any way you like.” Dylan stepped closer to Lacy. “Don’t come near her again.” She could feel the fury bubbling under his skin. Something told her he wished Bret would give him a reason to do violence to him.

  Bret’s eyes roamed over the crowd. He must have been worried about getting in more trouble because he took a step back. Lacy got the feeling he didn’t back down easily. “They’ll be another time when no one is looking.”

  “Can’t wait.” The chill in his voice caused her to tremble. Lacy had the feeling Bret wasn’t someone a person wanted for an enemy. A man like him wouldn’t play fair. He would find a way to retaliate against Dylan without anyone knowing he was involved. Deep down she felt he was conniving and sneaky. Look at what he did to her. It took a low down scoundrel to drug a woman for sex.

  Bret spun on his heel and stalked off like a spoiled child. Dylan glared at the crowd and they quickly dispersed. He took her arm and pulled her along behind him. “Come on, we’re going to take out a restraining order on Bret Robertson.”

  She shoved his hand from her arm. She held up her hand, took a breath before replying, “Slow down just a minute. We have a class together.”

  “Not anymore you don’t. I’ll have Director Wilson have him removed from
the class. He won’t be able to come within a hundred feet of you. He won’t be able to contact you in any way.”

  A tear slipped down her cheek. When he reached for her, she stepped back in fear. “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m not Robertson.”

  “I know that. I’m just nervous. Bret has turned my world upside down.”

  This time she didn’t flinch when he took her in his arms. “We can fix this.”

  “I don’t think it can be fixed. I’ll never be able to trust another man.”

  He pushed her at arm’s length. “You trust Josh and Grant don’t you?”

  She smiled when she thought of her brother-in-laws. Both her sisters had wonderful marriages. But she felt men like them were far and in between. “Yes, I trust them. They are my brothers. I love them.”

  “Not all men are like Bret Robertson.”

  He offered his hand. Seconds passed before she placed her hand in his. “I’ll drive you to the courthouse.” He tugged her along bedside him.

  The sun bore down and Lacy felt uncomfortable. Sweat dripped down her back. “What are you doing on campus?”

  “I’m still investigating the death of Tiffany Swift. Her uncle has asked me to see what I can find out. The case is my top priority.”

  “Have you made any progress?”

  “Not much. I hate to admit I’m not very popular at the moment.” That was hard to believe. Michelle said she’d never seen so much eye-batting and simpering. Said the women at the party were all over him, especially Mallory. Dylan was the type of man Mallory kept around for a couple of weeks before losing interest. The handsome, muscular, charming type.

  “It takes time to gain people’s trust. Problem is I don’t have much time. Director Carter wants to know who killed his niece. He expects me to work miracles.”

  They stopped by a dark gray Mustang. He opened the passenger door. “This is your car?”

  “Yes.”

  “What happened to the hideous thing you were driving two weeks ago?”

  “I only drive it when I’m a gangbanger. For the time being, I’m a rich, spoiled college student.” He hooked his thumbs in the front pocket of his jeans as those unusual gray eyes observed her. “I even have a fancy apartment. Maybe you’d like to come see it sometime.”

  “I’d rather die.”

  He laughed at her comment. She wondered if that was how he saw her. Some spoiled college student that had everything handed to her.

  She had heard Josh say he had had a rough life. He probably thought she was pampered and sheltered. He was badly mistaken because she had worked hard to get where she was. She slid into the seat and he shut the door. The car was clean as a whistle. The light gray interior was shiny and looked brand new. She waited until he took the driver’s seat before she replied, “Nice car.”

  “Thank you. I rarely drive it because I’m usually undercover. My expertise is gang activity so this is very different for me.” He started the engine and it revved to life. The purr of the motor sounded pleasant to her ears. He pulled away from the curb. She took a moment to look at him. He handled the car expertly, shifting the gears through the narrow road since cars lined both sides. He radiated vitality and health. He had sharp bones and a perfectly sculpted face. When he turned and smiled at her, huge dimples popped out in both cheeks. It was hard to believe he convinced gangbangers he was one of them with a face like his.

  Curious about his undercover work she asked, “Have you ever had any close calls when undercover?”

  “A few times. It takes months of undercover work to gain the trust of gangbangers. I have to live with them, become one of them.”

  She wondered if he was addicted to the danger. She couldn’t understand how someone in their right mind would subject themselves to the possibility of being killed.

  Lacy took out her phone. “I need to call Michelle to let her know I’ll be late.” She punched in her number. “Since the party, she feels she has to keep tabs on me.” It went straight to voice mail. “I’m with Dylan. We’re going to take out a restraining order on Bret. I’ll explain later.” She stuffed her phone back into her purse. “She still feels responsible for what happened. I can’t get out of her sight for long and she’s freaking out.”

  “She’s a good friend. A true friend is someone who stands by you in your darkest hour. I think Michelle has proven her loyalty.”

  Lacy smiled. “That she has.”

  Thirty minutes later Dylan pulled into the parking lot of the courthouse. Lacy opened the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. Dylan must have felt how nervous she was because he hurried to her side and took her hand. She lifted her face and peered into his eyes. Just looking at him was arousing. She imagined his hands on her, his fingers on her skin. Only inches from her, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. He pushed her against the car and devoured her mouth not the least worried that someone might see them. His tongue did things to hers she couldn’t begin to describe. Never in her life had she felt the sensations he was causing. Her heart beat erratically and her stomach felt as if butterflies were fluttering inside. It was as if the rest of the world ceased to exist. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him closer. The strong attraction caught her unaware.

  He lifted his head and smiled. “I had to get that out of my system. I have wanted to do that since the first time I saw you.” His thumb touched her bottom lip. Suddenly he took a step back and replied, “Now, maybe I can concentrate. You’re so damn hot.”

  Too fragile to speak, Lacy felt faint. What just happened? She brushed her fingers against her lips. It was the first time in her life she wanted to jump someone. All she could think about was what came next. Places began to warm she didn’t even know existed. Before she had time to analyze what the kiss might mean, he tucked his arm into hers and led her up the steps of the courthouse. She stumbled several times causing Dylan to laugh. “By your reaction, I assume that was your first kiss.”

  His comment embarrassed her to the point of wishing she could run away and hide. He was so worldly and she was so naïve. A young woman of her background shouldn’t find him attractive. In his line of work he probably had sex with different women every day. Maybe he found her reaction to him humorous. She jerked her arm out of his grasp. “I am perfectly capable of walking by myself. And in the future keep your hands off me. A gentleman doesn’t accost women on the street.”

  He leaned in so close she thought he might kiss her again. She held her breath hoping he would. It had been the most pleasing experience to feel his hands and lips on her. “We both know I’m no gentleman.”

  Shocked, she stopped on the top step and watched him saunter toward the entrance. Just watching him walk caused her heart to flutter. He opened the door and stood waiting for her with a devilish smile on his lips. “Come on, honey. I don’t have all day.”

  ****

  Lacy tossed and turned trying to get comfortable. Nothing worked. She couldn’t get Dylan out of her mind. She placed her arm over her eyes and tried to get his image out of her brain, the taste of his lips out of her system. Why did she find the need to analyze everything? It was obvious the kiss meant nothing to him. By the time she sat down to fill out the paperwork for the restraining order against Bret Robertson, he was all business. He sat in the chair next to her and talked to the officer in charge completely ignoring her.

  The drive back to her dorm had been extremely awkward. He tried to draw her into conversation but she was so ashamed of her earlier behavior that she refused to talk to him. Now she feared their friendship was in danger. How could she have let something as simple as a kiss effect her? But it did mean something to her. She wasn’t the type of woman to kiss a man she didn’t feel something for.

  She heard Michelle put her key in the lock. For the past three nights she had been out with Tommy. When Michelle tiptoed to the bathroom and turned on the water, Lacy listened to her scrub her face and brush her teeth. In her bare feet she padded to her bed and flipped back the
cover. Before she had time to lie down, Lacy whispered, “Did you have a good time?”

  “Yes, I did.” She crossed the room and sat on the side of Lacy’s bed. “What are you doing still awake?” She turned and looked at the lighted dial on the alarm clock. “It’s after twelve.”

  “I can’t sleep.”

  Michelle took her hand and pressed it to her chest. “I should have stayed in tonight. We could have watched a movie.”

  “You don’t have to babysit me. I’m okay.” Wanting to see Michelle’s face, Lacy switched on the lamp by her bed. “Are you in love with Tommy?”

  “It’s too soon to tell, but I do like him a lot. He’s so sweet and kind.” Her eyes went soft and dreamy. Her best friend was in more trouble that she wanted to admit. Tommy was the first guy Michelle had shown an interest in since she broke up with her high school boyfriend a year earlier. Yes, she had dated, but she had not felt an attraction. That was until she met Tommy Ross.

  “He asked me to go to the mountains next weekend.”

  “Are you going to go?”

  Her eyes brightened. “It’s tempting. We haven’t had sex yet and I’m sure he expects me to sleep with him. I just don’t want to move too fast. I want it to mean something. Not that I’m looking for a long-term commitment.” By her expression a long-term commitment was exactly what she wanted. It was obvious Michelle liked Tommy a lot.

  Lacy replied, “The simple truth is you’re taking a gamble. There aren’t any guarantees. Sometimes you just need to take a chance. I like him. He’s such a southern gentleman. Then there are his physical attributes to consider.”

  A dreamy look appeared on Michelle’s face. “He does have great shoulders, ass. . . ” Her eyebrows rose. “I want to have sex with him. I pray it is more than lust.”

  “I see the way he looks at you. It is more than lust. I think he has strong feelings for you.”