Page 42 of Psycho Killers

“I’ll do anything to stop you from spiraling down this path,” she tries one last time, but the urgency in her voice stings of desperation rather than sincerity.

I bark out a humorless laugh. “You’ve had every chance to pull me back, and now it’s my turn to pull the rug out from under you. This is my life, and I’ll burn it down just to watch it all go up in flames. If you’re in my way, I’ll make sure you get burned, too.”

The roar of the crowd erupts anew, drowning out whatever response she might muster. I see the fear creeping back into her eyes—a promise that I can take her down with all the grit and anger still coursing through my veins.

“Stay out of my fucking way, Elaine,” I warn, my tone lowering into a deadly whisper, knowing I’m standing on the cusp of my destiny. “Or next time, it won't just be a race that we’re running.”

With that, I turn, striding back toward my allies, my heartbeat echoing in sync with the pulse of the night. The crowd parts for me as I push through, adrenaline morphing intopurpose as I clench my fists. I’m no longer just racing for a title or thrill. I’m racing for retribution—a reckoning that has been years in the fucking making.

TWENTY

FASTLANE

A FAVOR HOUSE ATLANTIC: COHEED AND CAMBRIA

FIVE

Seeing her mother unexpectedly appear at the race Calista won has sent her spiraling once again, and this time the descent is even quicker. Instead of relishing her victory, she perches on the balcony railing, her legs swinging carelessly over the edge, as she downs a bottle of liquor alone.

But she isn’t the only one reeling; the rest of us share her shock and confusion. We can’t fathom why Elaine showed up at the underground event, or how she even knew we would be there. It doesn’t take an expert to recognize the fear radiating from Calista’s eyes, and the four of us stand vigil behind her, apprehensive that one misstep or harsh word might drive her to jump.

“What the hell happened tonight?” Killian whispers, inhaling deeply from his cigarette until the cherry glows and nearly singes his fingertips. “Why was she even there?”

Dominic shrugs, his expression grave. “I can only assume she’s trying to get into Cali’s head. She knows her time is ending,and if she can torment her daughter a bit more before it all falls apart, she’ll fucking do it.”

“True, but why didn’t her father show up?” Ash asks, gripping a bottle of water, clearly committed to maintaining his sobriety.

“I doubt he even knows her mother was present. Elaine’s a bigger monster than Thomas ever was, but they both need to be out of the picture for Calista to find the peace she deserves,” I chime in, offering my perspective and triggering a wave of unease among the guys.

“Did anyone see the old man who was with her?” Calista suddenly asks, still not turning around, her lips wrapped around the half-empty bottle.

“I thought I saw someone else, but I couldn't be certain,” Killian replies, cautiously edging closer.

“He’s the same man who took me from the crash that night. The one who held me in that basement. But I have no idea who he is or what his role in this is.” Just then, she spins around, and Killian instinctively wraps his arms around her, pulling her away from the edge.

Her anger flares. “What the hell, Killian?” she slurs, glaring at him with fiery eyes.

“I didn’t want you to fall, Cali,” he murmurs gently, brushing her hair from her face.

“It wouldn’t be the worst thing,” she snaps, breaking free from his hold and stumbling into the apartment.

We all follow, still puzzled by her mention of the enigmatic man she’s never spoken of before, but we know now isn’t the time for questions—not with her spiraling so dangerously.

Calista strides over to me, pushing me back onto the couch, straddling my lap, and crashing her lips against mine, the fiery taste of whiskey flooding my mouth.

“I want you,” she mumbles against my lips, while the guys watch, jealousy etched on their faces despite how long this has been going on.

Turning to meet their gazes, she feels their scrutiny burning into her back and flips her blonde hair over her shoulder, rocking slightly on my lap. Clearing her throat, she laughs softly, taking in the expressions around her.

“Relax, my Psycho Boys. I want all of you.”

The room goes silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air like smoke. It doesn't matter how many times Calista plays with fire; the thrill of it still ignites something deep within us. I take a breath, trying to swallow the tension that thickens our resolve.

“What do you mean ‘all of us’?” Dominic finally manages, keeping his tone light despite the seriousness of her declaration.

Calista’s eyes sparkle with mischief as she leans closer, her lips brushing against my ear. “You know exactly what I mean. We’ve been dancing around this for too long, haven’t we?” She pulls back slightly, a knowing smile on her face, searching each of us for confirmation.

Ash stays rooted by the doorway, soaking in the moment, his mind clearly racing. “This isn’t the right time for jokes, Calista. You’re in a fragile state,” he cautions, concern lacing his voice.

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