Page 110 of Wanted
“We’re gonna have leftovers fordays. It’s gonna be either turkey or rabbit sandwiches for you.” Knox nuzzled Liv’s cheek just as Jag caught Dex, trying to make him apologize.
Liv couldn’t have felt calmer and more accepted. Here he was, with his boyfriend, his love, and not worried about anyone judging them. It made him realize, he didn’t give a shit if people knew he was bi or not. Those who mattered did, and anyone else? They could go fuck themselves.
He needed a place where he and Knox could be themselves and not worry about someone judging them for kissing or holding hands. And they found it. This could be their home. And if being around all the other guys already felt so natural, so freeing, then it could only get better. Maybe they’d become cousins not-from-abroad, but the kind who popped in every day for a little chat?
“I’m gonna add wood to the bonfire,” Knox said and licked his fingers, getting up. As tempting as the food was, Liv didn’t wantto leave his man’s side for a second tonight. He rose, grabbing Knox’s hand on the way to the burning wood pile.
“I’ll make sure you don’t overexert yourself,” he joked, patting Knox’s ass.
Knox grinned. “Too late. I brought the tables here, and everything. You deserve this for putting up with my shit.”
A brief laugh erupted from Liv’s chest. “Your shit? Are you kidding? You literally saved my life. I’m only giving back,” he said, watching the buzzing flames.
He didn’t let Knox pick up a massive log on his own, and they threw it into the fire together. Knox then wrapped his arms around Liv’s neck, rocking to the smooth music Ezra turned on while Dex was arguing with Jag.
“We can stay here, right?” Knox asked, his denim blue eyes reflecting the sparks rising from the fire. He was breathtaking, and Liv would do anything for him.
Literally anything. Even take part in a scary fucking race in winter.
“Yes. We can get a better trailer in the future, or even a house. Just ours, with a big bed and a shower that can fit us both,” Liv whispered before pressing his lips to Knox’s so he could drink up any uncertainty Knox might still harbor.
“And a dog? Ros said he’d give me a discount on one of their Rottweiler puppies…”
He might just find a little furball under the Christmas tree.
Liv grinned, so lightheaded he felt slightly drunk on all this joy. “And a dog.”
Knox’s mouth stretched into a smile when a little white particle settled on his nose. It was only when it melted that Liv leaned back, glancing into the sky.
The snow came out of nowhere, falling in a flurry, as if an invisible hand scattered them over the junkyard, wanting to spice things up.
Knox’s grin widened as he looked up in excitement. “My first snow!”
Liv stroked Knox’s back. He didn’t want to spoil the moment, but all he could think of was the risk of this happening during the race.
Chapter 36
Knox
On the day ofthe race, the sky was the color of dread—a stormy gray that left little room for hope. The fumes of motor oil and gasoline were so dense that Knox was developing a headache, but this was not a time for weakness. Liv needed him, and if Knox couldn’t convince him to forfeit the competition, he had to be there for him.
Knox was so tense, he decided to go get a look at the competition while Liv tinkered with something under the hood. Knox had already double and triple checked everything from engine to wheels, but everyone had their pre-racing ritual, and this was Liv’s.
Knox hoped for a clear sky, but the snowfall started in the hour preceding the competition.
Which would probably not be a problem for a guy nicknamed Blizzard’, but Liv? He was a California boy. And Frank had warned them that the kind of weather they were experiencing now—just warm enough to melt the surface of the ice that hadformed prior—was the most treacherous. Knox had experienced it first-hand just that morning, when he’d stepped out of the trailer, only to find himself on his ass.
A jagged rock formed in Knox’s throat as he glanced toward Blizzard, who stood by his fancy car, with one arm around the waist of a woman so attractive she could have put on a pair of high heels and stepped straight onto the runway. A flurry of crew fussed around him, checking every single thing, and a man looking suspiciously like the rapper Lil Ka$$ chatted to Blizzard like an old friend.
The tuning on that silver blue machine was surely insane, and the rest of the competition would be left fighting one another long after the star of the show crossed the finish line, endangering their lives for nothing but pride.
Blizzard didn’t need the winnings the way Knox and Liv did. He took part in these illegal races for the thrill and clout. Which, okay, were important too, but not as essential assurvival.
Knox wanted a smoke so bad, but if Liv found out, he’d be stressing about Knox’s heart instead of focusing on winning the race, so Knox bit the inside of his cheek and tried to distract himself.
A group of girls passed him, on their way to become part of Blizzard’s entourage.
“Last year, two people crashed, and one of them had his leg amputated. Wonder what will happen today!” one of the girls chattered, leaving Knox stunned.
