Page 118 of Little Psycho

CRASHING

ARTIST IN THE AMBULANCE—THRICE

CALISTA

The familiar glow of bright neon lights flickers enticingly in the near distance, their comfort mixing with the invigorating vibrations rumbling beneath us, awakening every one of my senses and temporarily burying the chaos of tonight's events to the deepest, darkest place in my truly fucked-up mind.

The guys, still visibly shaken from what just transpired with their fathers, sit in silence, their thoughts racing with questions and concerns that threaten to consume them completely.Yet, through it all, we're alive, more determined than ever to keep up the fight for our freedom—a determination that tonight has only strengthened.

I gently nudge Ash's shoulder, drawing his focus to me as he turns with a small, tentative smile.His hand roams to my upper thigh, while his fingers dance delicately across my exposed skin, and I try inching closer to him in a subtle attempt to comfort him.

"Just smile; we’re here now," I say, leaning in to kiss his cheek, coaxing a breathy moan from his bloody, battered lips."Let’s set all that other bullshit aside for now and just try to enjoy the race."

He sighs heavily, painfully almost."I’m trying, Cali," he replies, glancing at Dom and Kill for some reassurance.

"How are you holding up, guys?"I lean forward, resting my elbows on the center console as I gage their expressions.

"I’m fucking pissed, and not to mention, my fucking entire body is sore as fucking hell," Kill admits, still grappling with the weight of the nights unexpected events.

"Same here," Dom agrees, maneuvering the car into an empty spot behind a line of vehicles participating in the race."But, fuck, I’m ready as shit to race.We all need this."He turns in his seat, concern etched on his face as he looks at Ash, then back at Kill, sitting beside him in the passenger seat.

"Nah, I’m sitting this one out," Kill declares, his disheveled appearance reflecting his mood, a distant flicker in his dark, tired eyes.

"I’ll join you.I can’t fucking focus on racing right now, even though I’ve been looking forward to it," Ash mumbles, fighting back disappointment, turning to glance out his window.

"Then I’ll ride with you, Dom."I wink, reaching for the door handle, eager to get out and explore this new and exciting territory.

His grin widens as he gives me a knowing look, swinging open his driver’s door.A gust of cold air rushes in, rattling the car as we step out into the rambunctious crowd filled with pulsating music that reverberates through the streets, mixing with the overwhelming scents of exhaust, marijuana, and gasoline that hang heavy in the night air.

We stroll down the street, taking in the vibrant sights and sounds, making sure to stay close to one another.As I scan the crowd, I spot Five lounging on the hood of his car, laughing and seemingly carefree, and a pang of jealousy tugs at me—I wish I could know what it's like to be carefree.

"I'm going to talk to Five and fill him in," I tell the guys, glancing at our surroundings."Why don’t the three of you go freshen up?That bar over there seems to be open."

They nod, drifting into the sea of eager bodies awaiting the start of the tournament.Once they’re out of sight, I spin on my heel and anxiously head towards Five.

He catches sight of me almost instantly, his broad smile lighting up his face as he opens his arms for a hug.I embrace him tightly, taking a moment to breathe, letting my tension melt away just for the moment.

"I didn’t know you were coming tonight," he says, peering curiously behind me and surveying the street for the guys.

I return his smile, sitting close to him, drawn by his addictive warmth in the cool air."Yeah, it was a last-minute decision.But there’s been a change in plans with the drivers," I explain."Only Dom has his car, so it'll just be me and him."

His interest piques, and he raises his brow to match his smirk, both tugging upward."Are Kill and Ash here too?"

I nod, accepting the blunt he offers as he passes it to me."Yeah, they’re here, just not in a racing mood.They’ll be watching instead."

"Sounds good to me.Where did Dom park?I need to put his tag on," he says, already eager to spring into action.

I point down the street to the far end, where I can make out the matte black Mustang beneath a flickering streetlight.He nods in approval before sliding off the hood and standing upright.The way he turns to face me, grinning with a mischievous glint in his eyes, sends a shiver down my spine, as if he wants to devour me whole.

But I resist the overwhelming temptation, intending to keep my promise to the guys...even though Five is fucking irresistible, and it's absolute fucking torture to keep my hands to myself.

But I do, because if I've learned anything during the time I've been back with my best friends, it's that there's no doubt in my crazy mind that I am fucking madly in love with all three of them.

I need them more than I had thought, more than I ever anticipated.They keep me grounded.They keep me sane.They continuously shower me with love and affection, making me feel like I'm the only girl in the world.And most importantly, they keep the voices in my head at bay—even Addy—and they've shown me what it's truly like to be free.

As long as time will allow it, I'll stay by their sides.I'm theirs, and they are mine, and together, we are fucking unstoppable.

"Are you racing tonight?"I ask, glancing around in hopes of spotting the guys.

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