Page 34 of Love Collided

“Why are you making things sound worse than they are?”

“I’m not. Do you not like honesty?”

“No, I prefer it, but that’s not honesty.”

“No? Interesting. And here I thought I was being more honest than ever. If we are being honest right now, then I am going to need you to tell me why you don’t want anyone here toknow what’s going on? I thought you were all one big group and have each other's back type of group. Why hide it?”

“Because,” I said, the shame of it turning my neck hot, “I know they won’t approve of it. I know they will tell me not to pay, not to help him, and worst of all, not to worry about them. They won’t care if those guys come after them. They will all say we will take care of it.”

“And? Everyone here seems more than capable of taking care of themselves.”

“I’ve always been the one they take care of. I’m the youngest, their little sister, the one they never want in danger. They have taken care of me in every way possible from day one. Why would I turn around and put them in danger in return? How can I tell them I’m not able to handle this, so now they might have to suffer? It doesn’t matter anyway. It’s taken care of.”

“For now. Don’t let your guard down and think that’s the end of it. You need to get a hold of your dad, and actually figure out what the amount they are after.”

“I am. I mean, I’m trying at least. He still hasn’t picked up.”

“Just stay alert and keep me updated. I’ll keep your secret for now as long as you tell me what’s going on. Now come on, show me how to fix this damn car.”

He turned away, heading back to his car and pulling open the door to pop the hood.

Fox and I had already looked over the car, and I knew where to start. There were two parts already waiting in the office with more on the way.

We got started, both of us working and only talking when it had to do with the car. It was nice, and before I knew it, two hours had gone by. I was apparently too busy enjoying seeing Chase fight with the wrenches and then fight with the parts. His arms were now streaked with grease and sweat and I was having a hard time ignoring them.

“I think your hands work a lot better at holding that wrench without the watch weighing you down,rich boy,” I said, leaning down and pulling at the wrench to try to loosen the last bolt, but it wasn’t budging.

He leaned down at my side, running his fingers along my arm until his hand enveloped mine, then he pulled back with me, the bolt breaking loose immediately.

His lips were at my ear and that dark, threatening tone was back. “Call me rich boy all you want, that heavy watch bailed your ass out.” He pressed into my side, the heat of him making me lean in more. “And honestly, my poor wrist is so light I can barely function.”

“Then fix the car and I will go buy you a new watch. Not a ridiculous Rolex, butawatch.”

“And here I thought I would always end up being the sugar daddy. I should have guessed you would try taking that title from me, too,” he said, smirking when he stepped back and I grabbed the next part.

“If you're going to be my sugar daddy, maybe you could start by having someone else fix your car, or just buy a new one I could drive.”

“Yeah? What kind of car should I be buying you?”

“A neon green Hellcat,” I said, smiling harder when his eyebrows shot up.

“Wow, you are not a cheap date. Fine, why don’t you be a good girl and get your sugar daddy some water, and then maybe we can talk about getting a car.”

My mouth dropped open at his audacity. I was almost angry until I realized I could do exactly what he asked.

I was going to get him plenty of water.

I grabbed a bucket, filling it as heavy as I could with cold water from the hose, before heading back to where he was bent over.

Kye and Jax walked out from a garage bay, watching with quiet laughs when I brought the bucket up and tipped it over his head. Cold water splashed back onto me as it crashed over him, and I bit my lip, suppressing a shriek. I wasn’t sure how he would react, but I didn’t really care with the guys here. It’s not like he would get away with much.

He was still bent over, shaking water from his hair before standing up and turning to me.

Without a word, he charged forward, wrapping his arms under my ass and lifting, pinning my legs and stomach against him.

“Chase!” I yelled, the cold water already seeping through my clothes.

“Yes?” he asked with a laugh, lowering me until we were almost face to face.

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