Page 95 of Racing Hearts

Crouching, I take her hand. “The person who attacked you tonight, who sent those flowers, and who . . . who killed those boys—it’s the same person.”

“What do you mean?” she asks, scared.

We lay everything out, and I keep nothing from her. I won’t lie to my sister, not about this. She needs to know. It’s her life, and he is targeting her, so she needs to understand how serious this is.

After, she’s pale as she stares at us. “He’s targeting me . . . to kill me?”

I share a look with Evan, who sits at her side, and he takes her hand. “No, I don’t think it’s to kill you. I think he wants to . . . possess you. He thinks you are his. Has there been anyone like that in your life recently, Alice? Anything at all could help.”

“No, no one, I swear.” Tears fill her eyes and begin to flow down her face. “What if he hurts you two? What if he doesn’t stop?” Her bottom lip begins to tremble. “I couldn’t live if something happened to either of you.”

“Hey.” Evan tugs her into his arms. “That isn’t going to happen, you know that. We can handle ourselves. We are more worried about you, you silly, kind girl. We will figure out who this is, and we will stop them, okay?”

“But to do that, I need to know you are safe. You will be with one of us at all times, is that understood? Apart from school, you won’t go anywhere else,” I warn, laying down the rules. “I mean it, Alice. I won’t have you in danger, not even for your independence. I’d rather you hate me but be alive.”

“Okay.” She sighs, glancing between us. “I’ll do as you say.”

Evan and I share a look, silent messages passing between us.

We will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

It’s been suspiciously quiet for days, and it’s putting me on edge as we wait for something to happen. I watch Alice like a hawk, and she is never alone. Both Evan and I escort her everywhere. It means I have no time for racing, and I’ve cut my hours at work, but I’d do much worse to keep her safe and happy. Her fear is starting to wear off and turn to annoyance, but it can’t be helped. I’d rather she hate me than be dead.

We accompany her to visit her friend in the hospital, but he doesn’t want to see her. I guess he’s scared. I don’t blame him. Evan said word has gotten around campus that some maniac is obsessed with her, and everyone is avoiding her apart from us.

We have been in the background, looking into the person behind Clarissa’s father’s care as quietly as we can, but we haven’t gotten anywhere. I know Evan has approached his society about it, and they are also searching, so it’s just a matter of time until we find this creep, but for a young girl, time goes slowly, especially with an overbearing brother.

It’s Friday, and she wants to go out. She won’t, but I can see it in her face. She’s desperate to be normal and not miss out on college life. I might not understand that, but I can comprehend her wanting to be happy. I hate seeing her so downtrodden, and even Evan’s sunshine can’t seem to warm her.

I can’t stand my sister’s sadness, so I sigh deeply. “How about we have some friends over tonight?”

She perks up, looking hopeful. “Really?”

“Really. Evan can invite Lally and Tommy, and I’ll ask Bones and Skylar to come over. We can watch movies and chill. We are safe here anyway. It can be like a mini party,” I suggest reluctantly. At least if it’s here, I can keep her safe. Besides, with us here, the creep wouldn’t stand a chance.

She giggles. “You hate parties.”

“I do, but I love you.” I sigh as I glance at Evan, who’s giving me a thumbs-up behind her back. “Both of you idiots.”

“Aww, so sweet,” Evan teases as he heads my way, grabbing my neck and tilting my head up as he places a soft kiss on my lips. Alice gags as Evan chuckles and grins down at me, his eyes sparkling. “Does that mean I get to see you dance?”

“Never,” I vow vehemently.

FORTY-SIX

Alek is a liar. All it took was one pout and sad eyes, and now he’s dancing.

I invited Tommy and Lally, and they jumped at the chance to hang out since I’ve been with Alice and Alek a lot recently. Alek said he’d invite Bones and Skylar, but so far, they are no-shows, but it’s still early.

Pizza covers the table, along with beer and soda, and music fills the room. Alice dances happily with Tommy. He swings her around, dipping and twisting her until she laughs. That’s one thing about Tommy—he can always sense when you need to be cheered up, and he will do anything to make it happen. He truly is an amazing friend, and from the glow on Alice’s face, I know it’s working.

I notice Lally watching them. More specifically, she’s watching Alice, and my eyebrows rise before Alek turns me in his arms, moving slowly to the music. He doesn’t match the tempo at all, but he doesn’t seem to care, and neither do I. The next song comes on, a crooning indie rock melody, and we sway to the music.

His hands are on my hips, and mine are around his neck. I lay my head on his chest, listening to his racing heart, which makes me smile. He always gets nervous around me regardless of how much time we spend together.

I hope that never changes. I hope he always gets this flustered with me because it’s sweet.

We sway to the music, lost in our own world, as his arms wrap tighter around me. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. He sighs and pulls away, striding over to answer it as Lally comes over and dances with me. I spin her in a circle as I keep watch. A grumpy, slightly wet Bones slaps Alek’s shoulder before he heads inside, bags in tow. They go into the kitchen when there’s another knock. I swing Lally to Alice, and Tommy collapses back on the couch, letting them dance.

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