Page 62 of Ignite

I raise a brow, wiping the blood off my hand on my tee. “Why the hell do you even need a medical room in your house? Should I sleep with one eye open in case you start needing test subjects or some shit?”

“Start?” he laughs.

“You better fucking?—”

“Bye, bro.”

My phone buzzes again. My heart skips.

HALLIE

Thank you again for fixing up my baby. I appreciate it more than you know. Speak to you soon. Have a nice night. <3

A heart. It makes mine race.

I look at the man at my feet and laugh. Told her I’d fix it.

Me

You’re more than welcome. I’ll text you tomorrow. Get some sleep. And it’s safe to go home, trouble.

She replies instantly.

HALLIE

Do I want to ask?

Blood smears my phone.

Me

Probably best you don’t. Just take my word. Night, darlin.

HALLIE

Sweet dreams, beastie.

I check the McLaren tracker again. She’s nearby. A bar. Maybe I’ll swing by.

I don’t know what this is between us. But I know one thing.

Around her, it’s calm.

“Get off your damn phone and clean the mess you made,” Reggie barks.

I scowl. “You forgetting who works for who?”

He stands his ground as I stride over until I’m in his face, then we both crack up laughing.

“You think I wanna test you after that? You’re good. Me and Rowan will clean. You keep sexting, buddy.” He claps my shoulder.

Rowan nods fast. “Yeah, what he said.”

“Pussies. Find his phone and wallet while you’re at it,” I tell them.

They might not be blood, but they’re family.

The doors crash open and Finn strides in.

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