Neveah (Society Girls #2)

by Crystal Perkins

  I turn on my phone as we walk off the plane, and I’m afraid it may actually explode as thousands of messages, emails, and missed calls start loading. I ignore everything when I see Nev’s name, clicking on her message with a smile. My smile fades as I read the words over and over again. She thinks I cheated on her? And she’s breaking up with me.

  “Shit, Dyl. You swear those pictures are old?” Ellie says, looking down at her own phone screen.

  “What? Yes! Why would you even ask that?”

  “Because two of the women are saying they were taken very recently.”

  Which is why Nev thinks I cheated on her. “They weren’t!”

  “I believe you, but it’s bad. The media is having a field day with this, and I think I may have to rinse my eyes out with bleach after seeing the pics.”

  “You looked? Seriously?”

  “I clicked on the link Ainsley sent me before reading her whole message. Damn, bro. Just, damn…and ugh.”

  “Whatever. I don’t even care about you seeing them since you knew they existed. Nev just broke up with me over them. That’s what I care about right now.”

  “She what? How could she break up with you without talking first?”

  “By text, that’s how.”

  “Damn.”

  “I knew Eric was mad, and I thought he was giving in too easily, but I never saw this coming. Those girls must be on his payroll.”

  “The other two girls aren’t speaking to the media, so they must not be part of this. If I can get them to tell the truth, this will look a lot better for you. Audrey’s the PR guru, so I’ll have her help spin it.”

  “Does it really matter? People are going to believe what they want to believe, no matter what the truth is. I haven’t looked at social media, but I’m sure I’ve already been convicted in the court of public opinion, and also by the only person I care about besides you and the rest of our family.”

  “It matters because I’m not going to let you be vilified by some people hiding behind their laptop screens. Getting the truth out there may not stop the trolls, but your fans—the real fans—should know the truth.”

  “If they were real fans, they wouldn’t believe it.”

  “Wouldn’t they? You slept with those women, Dyl. That’s not a lie. The timing is what’s a lie, and since you publicly said you were turning over a new leaf, this makes you look really bad. I’m sure that was Eric’s intention, but he messed with the wrong ball player.”

  I give her a real smile, because my sister is adorable when she’s being fierce. The people she goes after probably don’t think that, but as her brother, I certainly do. “I don’t want Nev back because the lies are exposed.” She should’ve given me a chance to explain things to her.

  “This is about more than Nev right now. I know she’s your priority, but your career, and your endorsements are important too.”

  “I know that. I just…I thought we had a shot. I was going to give her what she needed from me, and I thought things would be perfect from now on.”

  “That was your first mistake,” she says as we get in her car. “Relationships are never perfect. There’s calm between the storms, but the storms still come. Sometimes, it’s just a rain shower, but other times, you’ll be facing a full-on hurricane. You can’t run from those storms, because they catch up to you no matter what, but you can stand strong and face them together. Make it through them together. I’m sorry to say this, but if Nev can’t be with you during the storms, then you don’t belong together in the sunshine, either.”

  “This is more than just the pictures, and the women, and you know it. How much do you really think I could throw at her without her crumbling? I did this to us, El. I’ve made the wrong choice over and over again, and now those choices are overshadowing the one right choice I’ve made.”

  “You’ve made more than one right choice, so stop the pity party right now. Yeah, you’ve also fucked up royally, but if Nev loves you, she should be able to at least talk to you.”

  “Like Aiden did with you? He ran. More than once. You wouldn’t be together if you hadn’t chased him.”

  “Our situations are different.”

  I know they are. She’s told me about what happened to her when she was captured on a mission, and how Aiden felt guilty for not being there to save her. Through Sadiq’s contacts, I also know that my brother-in-law was a badass vigilante for many years. His guilt over Ellie combined with his guilt over keeping his activities from her pushed him over the edge. Oh, and let’s not forget the betrayal from people his family trusted. Yeah, Nev and I didn’t go through all of that, but what she’s had to come to terms with over the last few days is no walk in the park.

  “The situations are very different, yes, but we’re still dealing with the same things—lies, and running. The big difference is that you chased after Aiden, and I won’t chase Nev. She’s going through enough right now without me adding to her stress. She wants us to be over, and I have to honor her wishes, even if it kills me.”

  “While I applaud your maturity, are you sure you don’t want to chase her? You’ve already pointed out that I chased Aiden when he ran, and we all know he wouldn’t have come back if I hadn’t fought for both of us. He wanted me, but he needed to realize that he deserved me, too.”

  “Nev knows she deserves me. Hell, she knows she deserves better than me. I wouldn’t be chasing her to prove to her that she’s worth it—I’d be doing it to try and convince her that I am. Since I don’t even believe that at the moment, how am I going to convince her?”

  “If I wasn’t driving right now, I’d slap you. Don’t you ever say that you’re not worthy of someone, of anyone. You’ve made some mistakes in the past, but Nev is making one now. She’s not blameless in this, and I won’t let you pretend that she is. Should she be pissed? Hell yeah. But just blindly believe some shit about you is not cool.”

  “You’re going to leave her alone, El.”

  “I make no promises.”

  “Please leave her alone. I’m man enough to say I’m hurt right now, and yeah, I’m also angry that she won’t even give me the benefit of the doubt about the timeline, but you going after her won’t make things better for anyone.”

  “I have to work with her, Dyl. If she passes training, I’ll be working with her for the rest of my life. I can’t do that unless I speak my peace. I won’t punch her—even though I want to—but we have to have this out.”

  I nod, because I know I won’t win this argument. She’s right, and I know even though she’s angry, she’ll keep her word and not hurt Nev. Well, at least not physically. All I can do now is take the high road—defend myself, but not at the expense of anyone else. I made that damn bed, and now I have to lie in it.

  * * *

  Neveah

  I’m in Research class with Tegan when Ellie walks into the room. I know why she’s here, but I’m surprised it’s taken her so long. She got back into town this morning, but left me alone for most of the day. Harlow said she seemed on edge when she met with her earlier, and I’ve been anticipating her coming for me. Now that she has, I want to hide under the table.

  “I’d like to speak with Neveah for a few minutes,” she tells Tegan.

  “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea, and we are in the middle of a lesson.”

  “I just want to talk to her.”

  “Then you won’t mind if I sit in with you,” Faith says, entering the room.

  “Seriously? You act like I’m going to kill her or something. I really just want to talk to her.”

  “I’m her mentor, and I will be in the room with you. If I need to call Reina about this, I can.”

  “No one needs to call Reina,” I say, standing up. “I can talk to Ellie without it becoming an international incident.”

  “I’ll take notes for you,” Matisse tells me.

  “Thanks.”

  I grab my stuff and walk into the hall. I wait for Ellie and Faith to walk out, because I don’t kno
w where I’m going. Ellie glares as she walks past me and heads for one of the smaller conference rooms. Faith starts to follow, but I stop her.

  “I can do this on my own, Faith.”

  “You don’t need to.”

  “I know, but I can. Thank you for looking out for me.”

  “She’s my friend, but so are you. I don’t believe she’ll hurt you physically, but she’s going to attack you—I have no doubt about that.”

  “I know. I’ll be okay.” I probably won’t, but I need to do this. Ellie needs to unleash on me, and I have to take it. Having it build up between us would be worse for everyone.

  I square my shoulders and walk into the conference room, ready to take my verbal beating. Ellie doesn’t disappoint, starting in on me the moment I walk in. “Where’s your babysitter?”

  “I’m not a baby, and I don’t need my friend in here with me, either.”

  “Let’s get one thing straight. Faith was my friend first, and she’ll still be my friend, even if you don’t make it here.”

  “I’m going to make it, and I hope you’ll still be my friend when we do. I know you’re angry about Dylan, but how is what he did—any of what he did—my fault?”

  “His actions aren’t your fault, Nev, but how you’re reacting right now is. Can you please just talk to him?”

  “Can you look me in the eye and tell me that he didn’t sleep with those women?”

  “No, but—,” she says before I cut her off.

  “Then that’s all that matters. I meant what I said about us being friends, Ellie. I admire you so much, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving Dylan, but it’s all too much.”

  “I want to hate you, Nev, but I can’t. I do wish you’d let Dylan explain things, because not everything is as it seems.”

  “Maybe in a few weeks—or months—but I can’t see him now. I just can’t.”

  “He’s going to leave you alone. He loves you so much that he’s going to let you run away from him. I thought you should know that so you don’t think he just pretended with you, or that you don’t matter enough for him to fight for you. He wants to, but he doesn’t want to add to your stress.”

  I don’t even know I’m crying until I feel the tears falling down my cheeks. “Thank you. It doesn’t change my mind about things, but I appreciate you telling me.”

  “I shouldn’t have pulled you out of class. Reina’s going to have my ass once she gets back.”

  “I hope she comes back soon,” I say, wiping my eyes.

  “Me too. We’re handling things okay, but it’s not the same without her here.”

  “I might see her tonight. My mom has been Skypeing with my father, and we’re all supposed to get together to talk about what’s going to happen going forward.”

  “Has your mom forgiven him?”

  “For faking his death to protect us? Yeah. For trying to take me away? That one I can’t answer. She said she wouldn’t, but I think she’s leaning that way; although, I’m not sure I want her to. I know kids are supposed to want their parents to get back together, but since they never really broke up…it’s just weird. I’m so angry at him for manipulating everyone—including Dylan.”

  “I’m here, Nev. You are my friend, and no matter what, the Society sticks together. I can never put you before my brother, but I’ll be here for you as much as I can.”

  “Thank you. I wouldn’t ever ask you to choose me over Dylan.”

  “Could you just stop being so likeable, because I really want to be angry with you.”

  “Sorry, but I just am who I am. I can’t change that.”

  “Don’t. No one here expects anyone to change for us or the Society. Be you, no matter what.”

  I hug her, and leave for my next class. My friends all ask me what happened, but I just tell them Ellie and I are fine. As much as I’m coming to love my friends, I don’t want to rehash my conversation, or analyze my feelings. I just want to try and get on with my life.

  Chapter 17

  Neveah

  I don’t know what to expect on the other side of the door, but I give myself a little shake, and force myself to turn the knob. Everyone else is already here—my mom, Sully, Matt, and Reina. “Sorry I’m late,” I tell them, trying to smile.

  “There’s no rush, my beautiful girl. I know things have been hard for you today,” my mom says.

  “They’ve been a little rough.” Understatement of the year.

  “I heard that Ellie pulled you out of class. We’ll need to talk about that later,” Reina says.

  “There’s nothing to talk about. She loves her brother, and I wouldn’t expect anything different from her. She just wanted to talk, and I promise we’re fine.”

  “If I didn’t have more important things to think about now, I’d push this. If you’re sure, I’ll let it go.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Nev is just as important as me,” Matt argues.

  He’s wrong, though. What I’m dealing with sucks, but what he’s dealing with is so much worse. He’s lost some weight over these few days, and the dark circles under his eyes tell me he’s not sleeping. Reina needs to take care of him. I can take care of myself.

  “I’m okay, Matt. Really.” He raises an eyebrow at me, so I amend my statement. “Maybe I’m not, but I will be.”

  “So will I,” he says, smiling at Reina. I haven’t seen him smile since everything was exposed, but I can tell that this one is real. He’s moving forward, and I couldn’t be happier.

  “It makes me happier than you know to see the two of you realizing that we can all go on with our lives, and not let what we’ve found out stop us from living,” my mom tells us.

  “I’m going back to school,” Sully says. “I know you all think it’s not safe, but I can’t go on with my life if I can’t live my life.”

  “I’ve already put security in place for you. I knew you’d want to go back soon,” Reina tells him.

  “What about you, Mom?” I ask, acknowledging the giant elephant we’ve all been ignoring. The one that’s taking up most of the room.

  “I will be staying here for now. Your father and I have been talking, and while I don’t know if we can ever go back to where we were…before…I can’t just walk away from him. I’m still angry about how he manipulated you, Nev, but I hope you can understand that I need to at least see if there’s a chance for us.”

  “I do. I totally understand,” I tell my mom, and then it hits me.

  I understand how she can give my father a chance after all he’s done, but I’m not giving Dylan a chance? Even if he did cheat on me, I should let him tell me himself. And what if he didn’t? Ellie wouldn’t deny that he slept with the women, but what if it’s not how it looks? Camari said things can be slanted in a certain way, and I know it’s true, so why did I just blindly believe what I saw on the news? I didn’t even look at the pictures. I just let my insecurities get the best of me.

  I don’t want to look at the pictures, but I need to. I need to see it all, and then I need to call him. “I have to go,” I tell them, getting up. “I have to give myself my own chance at happiness.”

  “With the ball player? Come on, Nev, it’s all over the news. He was with those other women,” Sully says, curling his lip in disgust.

  “Yes, he probably was, but I’m not sure I believe it was really while he was with me. I don’t believe he’d cheat on me. I let myself get distracted, and thought I did, but in my heart, I don’t believe it.”

  “Go to him, my sweet girl.”

  I walk to the door, but the sound of an alarm going off stops me. I turn and see Reina put her phone to her ear. “They breached the gate? When? How? Who was hurt? I’m on my way.”

  “What is it?” I ask, afraid that I know the answer already.

  “Some men have breached the security we have in place at Dylan’s house. They took out three guards, and disabled the rest. I need to go now.”

  “I’m going with you.”

  She lo
oks conflicted, but nods. “Come on.”

  I race out the door with her, trying to keep my thoughts positive. I can’t think that Dylan could be dead, I just can’t. I need him to be okay, and then I need to tell him that nothing matters but us. I don’t have time to get out my prayer rug, so I pray without it, begging Allah to spare him. I pray for my father as well, but as wrong as it may be, if only one of them can be saved, I need it to be Dylan.

  * * *

  Dylan

  I’m down in the gun range when the alarm goes off. I wasn’t planning on shooting today, just reminiscing, but I run to the safe, and pull out two guns. I load them and place silencers on both, holstering one on my shoulder, and placing extra ammo in my pockets. I don’t hear anything as I climb the stairs, but I didn’t really expect to. After all, they’re not here for me. I have no doubt they’ll take me down if I give them the chance, but I’m not planning on letting that happen.

  Once I make it to the main floor, I see two men tossing my things around. I take them both out before they even see me. I don’t know how many more are here, but I’m going to take advantage of every minute of training Sadiq has given me over the years, and do my best to hold them off until the Society gets here. My sister and her friends will come—of that I have no doubt.

  I don’t encounter anyone else as I make my way through the kitchen, and look outside. What I see makes my stomach roil. There are four more men outside, along with Sadiq. They have him on his knees and I know that if I don’t do something, he’s going to be dead in the next couple of minutes. I owe Sadiq so much, and although he’s told me my debt is paid, I can’t let the man who saved my life die without trying to do the same for him.