Page 106 of Love Collided

Ash sighed. “What does my dad want from us now?”

“He wants us all to go to the party that someone is having? He said you already know what it is and he would like us all there to show our support.”

She groaned. “Yeah, it’s a party for some guy and my dad is trying to partner with him. I guess he’s hoping the party will finalize the deal. He wanted me there to play up how great theracing division is going. I don’t know why, the guy is obsessed with my dad. He’s obviously going to work with him.”

“Well, we have to go, and if that’s all it takes to keep your dad happy, I’m going.”

“Do we all have to go?” Kye asked.

“No, don’t even worry about it. Scout and I can go, and he will be fine,” Ash said.

They all nodded, dispersing into the living room.

“Well then, I need to run out for a few things before we go.”

“Scout, I have plenty of dresses. You can borrow something of mine.”

“I already have a dress,” I said, already knowing I was going to wear a green dress that hung in the back of my closet. “I have other errands I need to do. I’ll be back with plenty of time for you to do my hair and makeup,” I said, smiling as she laughed.

While I didn’t need a dress, I did need shoes after I broke the last pair of heels that actually looked good with the dress, so I stopped and got those first. Then I had a few errands for the garage and a stop at the grocery store before I was finally ready to head home.

My car was parked in the middle of the parking lot, a black SUV behind it. I adjusted my grip on the bags in my hand, wishing I had a free hand to reach down and grab my knife from my boot. I went right back into the habit of carrying it around with me, and would drop the bags if the doors to the car opened.

Every move I made was hesitant as I reached the car and put the bags in. The windows were as black as the SUV and there was no way to know if it was the gambling goons or not, but I wasn’t risking it. My heart rate spiked as I jumped into my car and locked the doors.

There was still no movement, but that didn’t mean anything yet.

I pulled out, trying not to look back the entire time, but seeing the car pull out not far behind me. Worry settled into my gut, but I tried to ignore it and focus on driving.

Anyone could be pulling out at the same time. It’s not like that didn’t happen, and just because they parked behind me meant nothing.

I made a right turn, heading towards the highway, and watching as the car followed. They kept in sync, turning when I turned, going where I went.

Fear and anger flared as I thought back to the night the stupid guys had found me and pushed me into my car. I couldn’t believe that my dad still hadn’t paid his debts and sent them after me for more. I picked up my pace, pulling into the garage under our apartments and shutting the door fast behind me. I froze, watching as they drove past, slowing down for a second before speeding off.

At this rate, I would never have any money.

Or Chase would just never have a watch again in his life.

Ashand I walked into the large ballroom already flooded with people.

“I always forget how big these things are,” I said.

“It seems like they get bigger each time. Come on, let’s get drinks first. That always helps.” She gave me a smirk and pulled me into the crowd.

I pulled us to a stop, catching sight of the man across the room, the man I knew so well now. I knew the way his eyes brightened when he smiled, the crinkles around his eyes, and the dimples that came out when he smiled hard. I knew the way heheld me, how sweet he could be, and how he really liked to give me orgasms.

I knew that guy, but this wasn’t him.

Chase’s eyes were a haze now, his lips pulled into a tight frown that never let up. The way he moved wasn’t calm and sure, like I had grown used to. Now it looked robotic. He reached out to shake someone’s hand, the stiff posture of it a harsh contrast of the relaxed way he greeted the crew.

I could barely recognize him now, the hollow look about him making him a zombie.

“Is that Chase?”

Ash looked around. “Oh yeah, I didn’t know he was going to be here. I mean, he comes to some of them, but it’s rare to find him anywhere but hiding out drinking in the back,” she said, laughing.

She didn’t know my heart was thundering, the roaring sound drowning out the party. A girl walked up next to Chase and smiled up at him. I was surprised when he gave her a half smile back. She reached up, resting a hand on his bicep as she talked. He didn’t shake her off and didn’t step away.

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