Page 116 of Start Your Engines

“Ever since I was seventeen,” I reply, waiting for a challenge, but none comes.

With his back to me, I’ve no clue what he’s thinking. Maybe he’s preparing to throw the Cokes at my head. “I always thought she was just another game to you.”

“I didn’t think I had a chance with her, especially after the accident. And I didn’t think she loved me back. She’s distant with me now, but I keep hoping things will be okay after the end of the season.”

Niki hands me the Coke. It chills my hand, but his following words make me shiver. “I had it out with her in Vegas. I reacted so fucking badly because I felt betrayed, and I took it out on her. I’m sorry for being a dick to her and you. I’ve not been in a great space.” I open my mouth, but he cuts me off. “And I’m not telling you about that. Anyway, I’ve tried apologising to Senna, but she won’t speak to me. She loves you, but she’s terrified of letting people down. Don’t give up on her.”

“I couldn’t. Are you saying the pact is null and void and giving me your blessing?”

“Only on three conditions.”

I raise my eyebrows.

“One: if me and her are arguing, you have to pick my side over hers.”

“Not a chance.”

“For fuck’s sake, Connor.”

“Niki, I will always pick her. She is the beginning and the end for me. I still love you, though.” I open my arms for a hug, and he shoves me away.

“Fine. Two: if I tell you any secrets, you can’t share them with her.”

“Nope. If she asks me directly, I’m sharing everything.”

“Connor!”

He grabs a stress ball from his pocket and throws it at my head. I manage to duck, and the squidgy lobster sails past. Acolourful friendship bracelet falls out of his pocket, and we both stare at it.

I reach for it, and he yanks it away and returns it to his pocket. “What was that about?”

“I can’t tell you now because you’ll tell her.”

He’s got me there. “Fine, but we’ll get it out of you. What’s the third condition?”

“You don’t kiss in front of me.”

I laugh so hard that I’m bent double. That gets me a punch in the arm.

“Ouch!”

“You deserved it. You broke the pact.”

“Whatever. But I’m going to kiss your sister whenever I can.”

“La la la,” Niki shouts, trying to put his hands in his ears while holding his can. “If you ever hurt her, I will rip your intestines out and strangle you with them.”

“Fuck.”

“Yeah, I’ve been working on how I’d hurt you since I saw you kissing her. And yes, you get my blessing, you arsehole. Not that you need it, because she doesn’t need protecting, according to some jackass who’s a fool in love.”

I grin as I square him with my stare. “Senna is the strongest member of your messed up and amazing family. She never needed your protection. All she needed was for you and your dad to believe in her and let her run things her way. Let me tell you the plan.”

CHAPTER 55

Senna

Jacshugs me so hard it knocks the air but not the everlasting anxiety out of me.

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