Page 59 of Mayhem

Chase grabs my arm, stopping me. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He reaches up and turns my face toward him. “If nothing is wrong, then why haven’t you looked at me?”

He’s frowning, his eyes questioning.

“I’m going to be late, Chase.” I close my eyes, loving and hating how close he is.

Why do I want him?

Chase turns me into his arms, lifts me up, setting me on the counter, and steps between my legs. Leaving little space between us.

“Why are you mad, Willow?” he asks, resting his forehead against mine.

“Where did you go last night?”

“You know I can’t tell you that,” he rasps.

“I don’t like secrets, Chase,” I say, pushing away from him.

Chase steps back, giving me space.

“If I could tell you, I would, but there are some things I can’t tell you. It’s for your safety.”

I hop off the counter and walk over to my bag, picking it up. Walking toward the front door, I look over my shoulder at him. “Maybe for your own safety you shouldn’t come home smelling like someone else,” I say before slamming the door shut behind me.

Jogging down the porch steps, I think about Chase. If there is one thing I know, it’s that he’s loyal. But loyalty only goes so far. He is a man with needs and he isn’t getting it from me. Do I think he did something with someone? No, but at the same time, he didn’t smell like himself.

What’s more concerning is how I feel right now. The ache in my chest is something I’m not familiar with.

Why do you care though, Willow?

Twelve

“Hey. What are you doing here?”Hailee asks as I join her at the bus stop.

“I needed a break from all the testosterone. They are getting on my last nerve.”

She snorts. “Of course they are. I don’t know about Chase, but Nate is like an annoying gnat that won’t go away.”

“I’d have to agree with you there. He is always trying to get me to watch movies while Chase runs off to do God only knows what. It’s like he’s my babysitter. I almost regret agreeing to stay with them.”

“Almost.”

I shrug. “As much as I dislike my mother, it’s not right to put her in danger because of my mistakes. I could rough it outside, but I doubt Chase would let that happen. He would probably camp right next to me.”

“Yeah? Do you think he would snuggle? Keep you warm with his body heat?” she teases.

I bump my shoulder into hers as my face heats. “No way. He would likely let me sleep on the ground by myself while he made himself a fire, got a sleeping bag, and maybe even a tent. Trust me, the only reason he’s only watching me now is because he feels responsible for my involvement,” I say, refusing to acknowledge the hints he’s been dropping.

“Why would he? He didn’t make you chase that guy down.”

“No, but it was my quasi-loyalty to him that did. For whatever reason, the people around here are loyal to him. I didn’t even realize that I was too until the situation arose. Whatever it is he does, it’s a big part of why he is respected.”

“I heard he runs a gang,” she muses.

I shake my head, laughing. “Chase in a gang? Highly unlikely. The man doesn’t dress in designer clothes or suits, but he is no gang member. Gang members are punks living life on the edge with no real purpose. Chase might be into some shady shit, but he has a purpose.”

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