Page 24 of Bound by Desire
She groans and lets out a scream, then grabs the phone and takes thecall. “Yeah?”
It’s faint, but I can hear. “Yeah?What the fuck are you doing, Austyn? Who’s the guy, and why is your facebustedup?”
She looks at me. Guess I forgot to tell her I’d already told him she was with some asshole. Lies, all they do is compound, making each heavier than the other until they collapse. When they do, it takes down everyone in their path. Me, I don’t give a fuck. This isn’t my business. My life is in Grayson. Not in Sumner. Never inSumner.
“Deke misheard. I took the Greyhound up here tosurpriseDeke.”
At least that’s thetruth.
“Why?”
“Because I needed to get away, Lennox. Now get off my ass!” she bites back, gripping the phone tightly. I wouldn’t be surprised if I hear plastic cracking at anymoment.
“You bring your ass to the clubhouse, Austyn,” he fires back, all while I take in their conversation and continue to drive, knowing I’ve fucked up, but no way would I let Austyn fend for herself togethome.
“No, I’mgoinghome.”
“I’m not fuckin’ playin’. Dad’s pissed beyond measure. You don’t even want to know how Cooper’s taking your disappearing act. I mean, really, Austyn? Where the fuck is your brain? Takin’ off without tellin’ anyone where you’re goin’? Then we can’t track your cell. It’sfuckedup.”
“No, I’m going home. I’m tired. I’ll deal with you alllater.”
“If you’re not here, we’re comin’ to you. Don’t be stupid. Make the rightdecision.”
She pulls the phone away from her ear, staring at it. “He hung uponme.”
“Noshit.”
She huffs. “Don’t add to my plate, Deke. It’s deep enough without you piling moreontop.”
“You did this to yourself. And you’d better figure your shit out, because I sure as hell don’t want to drop you off at the clubhouse, but it’s your best damn bet at themoment.”
“Great, gone for four years and you taketheirside.”
I clench the wheel. “Fuck off. You think I want to go to that place? You’ll be lucky if I don’t push your ass out of the truck and keepdrivingpast.”
“You wouldn’t.” No, but she doesn’t need toknowthat.
“Fuckyeah.”
Her eyes narrow. “You’re a dick. Just like all theotherguys.”
“You expected different? You got a lot to learn, woman.” It feels different calling her a woman. She’s not even legal to drink yet, but here she is, dealing with a responsibility she didn’t intend on doing. All in all, she’s handling herself damn well, considering thecircumstances.
“Fuck, this isn’t how Iplannedit.”
“Nothing ever goes as planned. That’s why you need to know every possibleoutcome.”
“You know, Emery said you didn’t talk much. I think I’d like it better if that were true.” I feel the urge to chuckle, something I haven’t done in a long-ass time, but I holditin.
There’s no need to respond, so I don’t, just turn my attention to the road and drive. She needs time to think, and I need to prepare myself for what’s about tocomenext.
“Deke, please,” my mother pleads, tears running like rain down her cheeks. Each one that falls to the ground guts me just abitmore.
Since as long as I can remember, all I’ve ever wanted was to become a brother in the Ravage MC; to take a seat at their table with my father, grandfather, and uncle. Life decided to throw me a big “fuck you,” though, crushing those dreams intoshards.
“Mom, I have to.” More like, I don’t have a choice at thispoint.
If I even wanted to stay here, it’s not an option. Nothing is an option, besides leaving. It’s for the best. The brothers think I’m a joke. Hell, my own family thinks I am. What else can I expect from them after I got high to numb it all for overayear.
