Page 46 of Run From Me

“Cas, smack him.”

I glared at her and turned right as Cas’s hand connected with my cheek.

“What the fuck, Caspian? You literally slapped me,” I said.

I looked over to Zeid and shit.

“Zeid, just you wait to be on Rylee’s bad side, you asshole. Wipe that smirk off your stupid-ass face. And you. Caspian, bros before—” And I didn’t get the rest out because this time I was in a headlock. “Fuck,” I coughed.

“You fucking say my wife is a hoe, and I will figure out how to taxidermy your fucking ass so I can punch you even after you’re fucking dead,” Cas said. Zeid’s laughter was fucking riotous and echoing off the shop walls. Too much metal in this place, but I guess that was best to keep the place from lighting up at the sparks of Cas’s welder.

“Fine. Truce. She can go.”

Rylee squealed and Cas dropped me. At least I hit the couch and not the floor.

I ran my hand over my face.

“Why does it feel like I didn’t gain just a sister but more like a new boss?”

I went over to the same shelves Rylee stood at and grabbed my own gear. I could love the thrill of the ride, but we had gained enough targets on our backs that we no longer took all the risks that once seemed rebellious.

“Cause you did, Xander. I own Cas’s balls, and therefore, I get to boss you all around.”

I knew that my look was deadpanned, but hell if that wasn’t just too funny.

“That shit’s too cute that you think you own Cas.”

I winked at her. We all knew she owned him.

“Shut the fuck up, X.”

Cas slapped the back of my head.

“If you hit me one more time, we are heading to the gym, and your wife won’t get to embarrass me in front of her friend, now will she?”

Rylee’s lips turned into a pout, and seeing how fast Cas was over there kissing his new bride said it all. The feeling in the pit of my stomach? Well shit. Was it the fear of having his most prized possession on my bike and her life in my hands? Or was it the fact I really wanted what they had and also knew it wasn’t a good idea.

Cas’s life would end if she was ever hurt.

“Alright, love birds. Rylee, you can back out now if you want. Otherwise? Well, I’ll be driving like a little old lady with such a precious little backpack as my cargo, and I’d really like to get going before the day is over.”

I ignored the way they said goodbye or whatever. I put my helmet on and headed for the garage on the other side of the shop through another door. At least an old factory gave us plenty of space to do everything we needed. I couldn’t deny just how far we’d come. If anyone had told me even ten years ago that I’d be running the Spectors with Cas and Zeid, I’d have committed them. If you would have told me we would have money, and not just enough to buy a damn meal at the diner, but enough to do whatever the fuck we wanted? I’d have laughed and committed myself for dreaming about that shit.

The door slammed closed behind me and the locks clicked back into place before Rylee pushed through, disengaging the lock from the other side.

“Bring her back in one piece,” Cas called. He strode over to my bike as I kicked my leg over the seat. I checked the monitors in the corner of the garage, making sure there wasn’t anyone out there that shouldn’t be before I hit the button and the massive rolling door opened.

“You know I love her like an annoying little sister.” I smiled at Cas before I flipped down my visor and waited for Rylee to get on behind me. I paused and lifted my visor.

“Cas, the gift?”

He pointed, and I tried to twist my head to see what he was looking at.

“Rylee’s got the bag on her back.” He nodded toward me and a silent ‘bring her back alive’ was said without him ever saying it. He knew I would protect her with my life. And wasn’t that the rub? We would all give our lives for each other, and that meant for each other’s happiness. There just wasn’t enough of us to go around, was there? Not for all of us to have someone.

“You ready, short stuff?”

She gave me a thumbs up before I felt her wrap her hands into my jacket. At her confirmation, I turned the key and my bike roared to life.

---