Page 92 of The Love Penalty

I could fuck up everything if I go accusing my cousin of something he didn’t do.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I mumble a few curses as I rub my temples.

“So, she was raped, huh?” Harvey’s voice is soft with sympathy. “Man, that’s… so wrong.” The way his voice is trembling with emotion has a wave of shame washing through me. “I’m sorry that happened to her.”

I open my eyes and stare at his face. The dim light makes it hard to see the detail, but I can see his eyes glittering in the darkness, and he sounds so genuine. So honest.

“I’m guessing she doesn’t know who the guy is? If she thought it was me.”

“Yeah,” I mumble. “You must look like him or something.”

“Well, if you ever find him, let me know. I’ll come and help you pound his flesh.” He lightly squeezes my shoulder.

I nod, silently thanking him for the support.

“You know I can bail on this party if you need me to?—”

“No, it’s okay,” I croak. “I’m gonna go see Lani.”

“Okay.” He nods. “If there’s anything I can do to help, I mean… I’m guessing she never wants to see me if I remind her so much of this guy, but… Please, if there’s anything I can do.”

“Thanks, man.” My mind is reeling as I say goodbye to my cousin and shuffle back to my truck.

I don’t know what to think.

All I know is that Harvey was telling me the truth just then. I’m no lie detector, but everything about his tone and posture seemed honest. He’s my cousin, and I want to believe him.

But I want to believe Lani too.

She wouldn’t make up something like this. In her mind, Harvey is the guy who raped her.

I guess I just need to help her see that it wasn’t him.

But how do I do that without hurting her?

CHAPTER 42

LEILANI

Caroline and Casey stayed with me, even after I told them they should go out and do something fun. They refused, so we sat on the floor nibbling on melted ice cream. I ate a few spoonfuls but quickly gave up. My stomach feels like it’s been put through a blender.

I sniff again, curling my legs against my chest as we watch a movie on Caroline’s laptop. She chose the most unromantic thing she could find, but I’m still struggling to watch it. My brain is mush.

And as much as I hate this about myself, all I want is Asher.

Which is probably why, when there’s a gentle knock at the door and I hear his soft voice say, “It’s Asher. Can I come in?” my heart almost leaps out of my chest.

I sit up with a gasp, then hold my breath, my chest burning as Casey gets off the bed and opens the door for us.

“Hey, man.”

“Is she here? Is she okay?” The worry in his voice makes my heart hurt.

I still can’t believe this is happening.

I can’t believe how unfair this all is.

“Yeah, bro. She’s here.”