Page 120 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

Probably thinks I was the one who planted the drugs in Caleb’s car. Oh God.

“I don’t think she saw it, whatever that thing is. Is it really coke? Geez, Angel Face. I didn’t know you were into that.”

“No, no! God. This day is officially shot to hell.” A strangled laugh escaped me. “It’s not mine, Damon. I don’t know why it’s there. I… Beatrice-Rose probably planted it there. I’m going to kill her!”

I was breathing hard. My eyes filled, tears threatening to spill.

“Okay, let’s think about this for a second,” Damon interjected. “Do you have proof?”

“I don’t need proof. Didn’t you see what happened? She planted the drugs in Caleb’s car, wore the same dress, knocked my purse out of my hand deliberately… My God, I’m going to tear off those demon’s hairs one by—”

Damon raised both his hands, palms up. “Listen, I share your feelings. But there are many witnesses at the moment…so why don’t we just breathe in and out, okay? That’s good. Breathe in. Breathe out.”

I did just that for a few moments. He was right. When I was feeling slightly calmer, I looked up at him gratefully.

“You’re very good at this,” I commented.

He shrugged. “I have experience with Kar. Do you know how many times I had to keep her from killing someone

when we were kids?”

“Kar! Oh my God. I have to call her and check in.”

I rummaged for my phone in my clutch.

“I thought she came here with you.”

“Damon…” I started cautiously. “I guess you didn’t hear about it yet. There was a fire at the garage.”

“What?” Fear leapt into his eyes, and his voice shook.

My stomach clenched as I remembered the wreck in the garage.

“Tell me everyone is okay.”

I nodded. “Don’t worry. Everyone is safe.”

Relief washed over his face. “What happened?”

“According to the police, a group of kids set fire to the shop. You know there are chemicals and equipment there. It burned half of the shop and—”

I gasped as I felt a strong hand grip my arm from behind, whipping me around. Cameron’s intense blue eyes drilled into mine with urgency and pain.

“Kara? Is she okay?” Cameron asked.

“She’s okay. Everyone is okay.”

He swallowed in relief, releasing me from his hold. “I have to go,” he said, looking at something over my shoulder.

I turned around and spotted Caleb standing there. His jaw was hard, his eyes cold with anger. And he was looking right at me.

Chapter Thirty-one

Veronica

Caleb’s green eyes were like burning daggers as they glared at Damon. They turned hot and accusing as they shifted to me.

He looked beautiful and dangerous as he stalked toward us. His eyes never left mine as he grabbed my wrist, then turned and dragged me behind him.

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