Page 114 of Fire Fight

“We’ll take everything,” I announce to the saleslady, sweeping outside like of course I’m in there supervising operations. Doesn’t everyone have a family member to hold their hand? “My little sister is such a fox. There’s nothing she can’t wear.”

And there it is.

The sweet twinkle of murder in her eye.

I loop my hand around her waist, smiling while the flustered assistant tries to pack everything neatly into bags without once looking in our direction.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

CADENCE

Drake takesback the keys on Thursday, announcing my driving is too appallingly slow. “We need to take you to a racetrack and get rid of that fear.”

“That fear stems from the price of the cars you’re giving me to drive. Hand me the keys to a beaten old Honda Civic and I’ll show you my reckless side.”

“We could always skip class and drive into the mountains. Find a secluded park and I’ll eat you out for breakfast.”

My cheeks flame bright crimson, and I resist the urge to fan myself as I stare out the passenger window. He’s teasing. Probably.

But even if the picture he paints is pure temptation, I don’t want to incur Arnold’s wrath. Not when he’s been buzzing around home with a smile permanently painted on his face since Mum accepted his proposal.

An itch of resentment builds. Everything would be perfect if Arnold just knew how to hold his temper.

I’ve already spent years being a hostage to Mum’s passive-aggressive mood swings.

Having to walk a tightrope of caution for another full-grown adult in my life is miserable. A penance for crimes I haven’t committed.

“Earth to Cadence.”

“Sorry.” I give myself a mental shake. “Much as that sounds like the perfect way to start the day, you’ve only got another two days of school. Better make them count.”

His grin spreads from ear to ear and I replay what I just said, searching for the trigger.

But we’re already drawing up outside the gates, Drake’s eyes scanning for the best parking spot.

“It’ll be okay,” he says out of the blue, leaning across to take my hands in his. “You know I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you and your mum.”

I squeeze hard, needing the reassurance. “But I don’t want you to be hurt, either. You’ve already taken far too much abuse on my behalf.”

He gives me the most gorgeous smile. “No, I haven’t.” I try to say something more and he presses a finger to my lips. “Think of it as penance.”

Then he draws back, releasing me as he gets out of the car, his movements bouncing with energy when last week he couldn’t walk a step without grimacing.

I get out, moving to his side where he promptly takes my hand again.

“Instead of skipping school,” I say, “tell me your fantasy about skipping the engagement party tonight.”

“And Arnold thinksI’mthe troublemaker.”

“You are a confirmed arsonist, firebug.”

He kisses the back of my hand, drawing envious glares from nearby students. An emotion that feels like flattery since I’m in such a good mood.

“The party will go without a hitch, you’ll see.”

“Hm.”

“And you’ve already helped plan most of it.”

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