Page 93 of Headstrong Like Us
“Your dad’s home.”
Luna takes a sharp breath, about to fling herself off the table.
“Wait.” Donnelly rolls back to her. “I have to clean your tattoo first.” He wipes her thigh.
“I’ll stall him,” Maximoff starts, but flinches at the sound of a door banging.
“LO! FUCKING SLOW DOWN!” We all recognize the voice—it’s Ryke Meadows.
And Maximoffbolts.
I’m right behind him.
18
MAXIMOFF HALE
My dad isn’t aimedfor my sister’s room or seconds from burying Donnelly in a pit of damnation. As I run down the staircase, I see my uncle ischasingmy dad into the kitchen.
They have zero clue about the tattoo session upstairs.
That’s all I know.
That’s all I’m processing.
I follow their tracks, Farrow hot on my heels, and they barrel out the back door.
We sprint outside to the patio, the May air temperate. Clouds roll over the bright sun. Shadows dancing on the stone-edged pool and lounge chairs.
My dad skids to a halt near the grill.
I go cold, seeing the bottle of Maker’s Mark in my uncle’s hand.
Ryke fists the red waxy seal.It’s sealed. Still full.“Why was this in your fucking car?!”
“I’m not doing this with you!” my dad yells. “Go back to your cottage and eat your cardboard granola cereal—”
“Just answer the fucking question—”
“What do you want me to say?!” my dad sneers, walking up into Ryke’s chest. “That I’m the bastard who went to a liquor store and bought whiskey?”
Ryke is trying hard not to shove him back.
I run ahead and push my dad and uncle apart. They fall back immediately like I shocked them with a live wire. “What the hell?” I growl, staring from my dad to Ryke. Both are still zoned in on each other.
Farrow hangs back, but as our eyes touch for a moment, I’m met with his deep understanding.
My chest rises.
Ryke hoists the bottle. “This is—”
“I bought thatthree weeks ago,” my dad cuts him off. “Jesus Christ, I forgot it was even in my car.”
“You forgot?” Ryke asks harshly, doubtful.
“Yeah, big brother.” His voice tries to soften onbrother.“If I’d remembered, I would’ve thrown it in the goddamn garbage to save myself the lecture.”
Ryke rolls his eyes.
