Page 103 of Inside the Wicked

“Have I ever told you how sexy you sound when you’re angry?”

I can’t help my smile as I imagine his absolutely seething scowl.

“I’m coming to get you.”

“Don’t! You can’t. I’m, uh, taking the long route, but I’ll be back soon.”

“I can hear sirens.”

“They’re just passing.”

“Ana,” he warns.

I hear Rix in the background next. “Oh, hell no! Gimmie that phone.”

There’s muffling through the speaker like a struggle before Rix’s voice comes through more sharply.

“Please tell me I’m watching some other maniac in the same deep blue baby trying like a damn idiot to outrun a police squad.”

Shit. Fuck. Shit.“It’s on TV?” I blanch.

“My TV, yes! Not broadcast, as I’m sure your dad has a leash on that, but what the fuck, Ana! Did Adam put you up to this?”

“No, I’m alone. I think he got detained in the house. I don’t know how he was onto us so fast.”

More muffling, and I wince this time at Rhett’s outrage. “You’re alone?”

Now my panic is starting to seep through my adrenaline.

“I don’t know what to do, Rhett,” I admit quietly. “I’m scared he’ll find a way to keep me locked up if I stop.”

All that keeps my foot pumping the gas and disregarding all logic are thoughts of getting back to him. My vision blurs, but I blink it back, and a delirious laugh escapes me because it’s official ...

My love for Rhett Kaiser has made a crazy, unhinged, thoughtless fool out of me. And I think I’m the happiest woman alive because of it.

“You have to stop, baby. There’s no way out of this.”

“You’re telling me you’ve never successfully outsmarted the police?”

At that a small note of amusement filters into his voice. “Three times, in fact.”

I laugh, but my brow pinches in fear. “Then tell me what to do.”

“I’m telling you to stop. For me. It’s the safest way, and you’re not a criminal with nothing to lose.”

“I have you to lose.”

“That’s impossible, little bird. Stop, please. Your father is only concerned for you—he’s not a villain in this.”

“He made a villain out of you. That’s enough for me.”

“Please, baby.”

My hands tighten on the wheel and defiance locks my bones.

But I know he’s right. I’m a risk to more than just myself right now.

“Don’t leave me,” I say, finally slowing on the gas when I dip down into a city underpass.

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