Page 121 of Twisted Trails
“He didn’t do it.”
His brows draw together slowly. “He didn’t?”
“No. It was all Raine. It was Isaac telling his sister to spread rumors about Mason, to get rid of him. It’s the same thing with your fiancée, the same way he made Luc lash out, and what happened to Dane and me. It’s all connected, Finn. It’s all him.” He doesn’t respond immediately, and anxiety twists in my chest. “You don’t believe me?”
“I believe you. It’s just…” He exhales slowly, dragging a hand across his face. “Fuck. This is all so messed up.”
“I know, and Mason doesn’t deserve it. He deserves every bit of help you can give him. I want him to have a real shot at winning.”
“Even if he takes the overall from you?” Finn asks, searching my face. “Because, Al, Payne isgood.More than good. When he finds the right melody, he’ll probably be faster than you and Luc.”
That doesn’t surprise me. Mason Payne is a phenomenal rider, calculated and stupidly fast. He’s already secured two overalls at twenty-four. That says enough.
I nod eagerly. “Yeah. I’m fine with that.”
And the thing is, it’s the truth. If Mason or Luc took the title, I wouldn’t be bitter. I’d be proud. I’d be actually happy for them.
That realization hits me like a slow punch to the ribs, and a crooked smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it.
Shit.
Everything has changed so fast. For years, all I wanted was revenge and a trophy.
And now?I want so much more.
Not just for myself, but for these men, Finn included, even if that doesn’t includeme.
Finn watches me intently, like he’s seeing all of thatplay out behind my eyes. A soft, bittersweet smile spreads across his face. “You’re into him.”
I shrug, but the words come out almost breathless. “He’s mine.”
Luc’s laugh echoes nearby, and Finn glances toward the sound.
“And Luc’s mine too,” I add softly.
That gets his full attention again. I bite my lip as my pulse thuds at the base of my throat. “We’re together. All three of us. Mason, Luc, and me.”
Surprise and hurt flash in Finn’s eyes, but then he nods, and the hurt softens, folding into something warmer. “As long as you’re happy, Al.”
Something inside my chest cracks open at his gentle sincerity.
“I am,” I whisper, and it’s mostly true.
“Okay,” he says, straightening his shoulders. “If you want me to help Payne, I’ll do it, but he has to actually let me.”
“He will. I’m sure of it.” I offer him a small, grateful smile. “Thank you.”
“Of course, baby girl.”
The endearment echoes between us, dredging up all the things we haven’t said. I take a deep breath, holding his gaze just a moment longer, wishing things could’ve been different, and the what-ifs between us hadn’t cracked into a thousand sharp edges.
But the world isn’t that kind.
“Come on.” Finn nudges me lightly, the gesture familiar enough to break my heart just a little more. “We have a track walk to survive.”
My heart aches as we rejoin the others, not because I don’t want Mason or Luc, but because I know Finn will always hold a piece of me I can’t take back.
Dane has Piper tucked close to his side, but when he sees Finn, his smile drops away, replaced by a cold glare.
