Page 73 of Chasing Sarah

Double shit.

I’d need the power of teleportation to make this deal. The Adam’s farm is in the middle of nowhere. Not to mention on the complete opposite side of town than where I need to be.

“I don’t think I’m going to go.” I make a show of being in pain and place my palm on my stomach. “I’ve got cramps and just want to stay in bed.”

With an amused scoff, he ruffles my hair before releasing me. “Yeah right. You never miss a fight. You went even after getting food poisoning from the sushi you bought at the gas station.”

“That was one time.”

We push the doors open and step into the bright afternoon light.

“Who buys sushi from a gas s –” He grunts when I punch him in the arm.

He’s right though. I basically never miss a fight or a race. I live for the energy that pulses through my body when I’m there. I need to come up with a plan. And fast.

* * *

I’m all but sweating bullets. Every muscle in my body aches with tension. My brothers have stuck by my side like damned glue. There are a lot more people than they anticipated, and so because of that, my brothers have taken it upon themselves to be my shadows.

“You guys don’t need to follow me everywhere,” I huff in annoyance.

Xander shakes his head. “There are too many people here and if shit hits the fan or the cops show up, I’m not going to risk any of us getting lost or arrested.”

Okay, his reasoning is valid but the time I have to make this exchange is depleting, and Damien has already texted, asking for an update.

“Why don’t you want to stick with us?” Ronny tilts his head, studying me. “You usually have no issue.”

The number of lies I’ve told my brothers is nauseating. I’ve always been able to share everything with them. Not being able to share this is chipping away at me despite knowing its necessary.

“I told you guys I didn’t feel good, but you dragged me out here anyway.” My arm swings around, gesturing to the crowd of party goers.

My face burns from their assessing stares but I keep the guilt from revealing itself. I’ve never been the greatest liar but I’mhoping because I mentioned it to Colson earlier, they’ll believe me.

“I can take you home.” Tommy finally breaks the awkward starting contest. My body subtly relaxes.

I might just be able to pull this off.

Xander nods then pulls me into his arms. “Get some rest, kid. Lock the doors and we’ll be home in a little while.” He presses a kiss to my temple. Shame grabs hold and I swallow tightly.

“I will,” I reply. Ronny and Colson hug me good-bye then Tommy and I make our way toward the parking lot.

“Do you need me to stop at the store to get you anything?” He asks, sliding into the driver’s seat. Closing my door, I shake my head and buckle my seat belt.

“I have stuff at home. I think I just need to sleep.”

Each mile we drive I wonder if the shame and guilt I feel will go away once the deal is done. Maybe I can talk with Damien and figure out a way for someone to help me when I can’t get away. I hate lying to my brothers.

You know that’ll never happen. He’s just going to tell you to kick rocks.

Can I keep this going when it’s only been a week and I’m slowing beginning to hate myself?

Tommy pulls into our cracked concrete driveway. Our house stands with all its peeled painted glory, solidifying my answer. I can do this.

I’m opening my door before the car is shifted into park. Staying in the confined space with Tommy is suffocating me. I need to put my dark feelings aside to get this done. Being in his presence is making that impossible.

“I’ll see you later.” I shut the door and head toward the house.

My phone pings. I already know it’s Damien without pulling it from my pocket. Tommy finally pulls away from the house when I’m stepping inside.

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