Page 41 of Mine to Take

My lungs empty of air until little spots dance across my vision.

His expression is grim as he slides into the driver’s seat of his Chevy Blazer and stabs the ignition. Anger vibrates off him in suffocating waves. Any moment, he’s going to blow a gasket.

I’m terrified to ask what happened, because it’s apparent from his stony expression and demeanor that something transpired.

The only one capable of setting River off like this is Maverick McKinnon.

Oh god.

I never should have gone home with him.

What the hell had I been thinking?

If I could go back in time and?—

I gulp as my brain somersaults.

Would I make different choices?

It’s surprising to realize that I wouldn’t change one single second that transpired between us. He’s the only man to make me feel alive. Like I could soar above the earth untethered. Before him, I had no idea that kind of pleasure existed. And for all I know, it’s not something I’ll ever experience again.

My heart clenches at the depressing possibility.

So, no, I wouldn’t change a single second.

No matter the fallout.

It’s only when my fingers drift to where my necklace should be that I realize they’re shaking.

Before I can work up the nerve to ask what happened in the restaurant, my twin’s stormy gaze settles on mine. “Did you know that Maverick McKinnon was in there?”

My teeth scrape against my lower lip.

It’s so tempting to lie.

But I’m already keeping too many secrets from my brother.

I’m loathe to heap any more onto the pile.

“Um…yeah, I caught sight of him on the way out.”

The muscle in his clenched jaw tics a mad rhythm. “I really fucking hate that guy.” His gaze sears into mine. “You know that?”

“You’ve mentioned it a time or two.” It takes effort to swallow past the lump that has formed in my throat, and even more to keep the thin waver from invading my voice. “Did you two have another run-in?”

“Yup.” A smirk lifts the corners of his lips. “Told him that it was great to see him twice in one week.”

I groan. “So you’re the one who instigated it?”

His brows slam together as his expression contorts. “After the fight he started during the game? You bet your ass I did. The guy is a total dick. He deserves to have the loss shoved in his face. He thinks he’s so fucking special.”

I release the painful breath clogging my lungs. “Maybe he’s the one who has something to be angry about. Have you forgotten you stole his girlfriend in high school?”

River’s upper lip curls as he glares. “Exactly whose side are you on?” There’s a beat of uncomfortable silence before his tone turns suspicious. “Why are you defending him all of a sudden?”

My eyes widen as I shake my head. Fear slides through me and I gulp. “That’s not what I’m doing.”

“Yeah, you are.” He reverses the SUV and nearly gives me whiplash.

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