Page 34 of Shattered Rhythm

“All right, just get on behind me and wrap your arms around me. You can scream or cry if you need to, but just hold on tight and never let go, okay?”

She nods, and I snap the visor closed.

I put on my own helmet and swing myself onto the bike, helping her on and showing her where to put her feet. Then I take her hands in mine and pull her toward me, placing her hands on my belly. She pulls away, moving a little farther back and creating some space between us, and only holds onto my hips with her hands. I start the engine and give it a quick rev before engaging the brake. The momentum presses her body into my back, and her arms wrap tightly around my stomach.

“I said hold on tight!” I yell over the roar of the engine. She tightens her grip even more before I give it gas and we speed off.

* * *

I take off down the road, feeling the wind rushing past us. Liv’s body is pressed tightly against mine, and her grip on my waist is firm. I can feel her warmth on my back, and it sends shivers down my spine.I don’t like the effect this girl has on me.

I push the bike harder, taking sharp turns and speeding down the open road, but I can hear her screams of joy and excitement over the roar of the engine. It’s dangerous, but it’s what she needs right now. The rush of adrenaline is what she’s been craving, and I’m happy to give it to her. We ride for what feels like hours, the wind rushing by and the sun setting in the distance.

Eventually, I pull up to a secluded spot overlooking the ocean, park the bike, and we dismount, taking off our helmets. Liv’s eyes are shining with happiness, and I can’t help but smile. I take her hand and lead her to a small patch of grass, where we sit and watch the waves crashing against the shore.

“You’re insane,” she says, turning to me with a grin on her face. “That was the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I reply with a chuckle.

We sit in silence for a few moments, just enjoying the view. I can feel her eyes on me, studying me, and I turn to look at her. She’s so gorgeous, with the sun setting behind her and the wind blowing her hair, that I can’t resist leaning in and tucking one of the flying locks behind her ear.

“Do you mind if I tell the others that I found you? They were worried sick the whole day,” I ask Liv.

“Oh, sure, I’m sorry,” she replies with a blush. “Didn’t you guys see my note?”

“Oh, we did,” I say, giving her a mock frown. “Never do that again to us, gorgeous.”

“I won’t,” she replies, pulling her shoulders to her ears.

“Also, we need your phone number. Give me your phone please,” I continue, and she hands it to me unlocked. I enter all our numbers and create a group chat, then give her phone back and message in the group chat from mine.

I found her, took her on a ride, and now we’re watching the sunset. She’s ok. Say hi to the guys, Liv.

I smile at her when she reads it and rolls her eyes at me playfully. She types a message, and my phone chimes.

Liv: Hi, guys. I’m still alive, so no need for the cavalry, even though my note already told you that. Thanks again for everything. XOXO

Then my phone chimes a few more times.

River: Good to hear you’re okay!

Ryder: It’s not right to just disappear from a man’s house, Liv.

Jaxon: Text when you’re home safe.

“I don’t think he’s talking to me, so please make sure you do,” I tell her with a chuckle, and she smiles at her phone, nodding.

I interlock my pinky finger with hers, just as she did yesterday, and we sit there, gazing at the sunset, completely at ease in each other’s presence. It almost feels romantic, but I’m not the romantic type. I don’t do romance.Why do I have to keep reminding myself of that fact when I’m with her?

I stand up abruptly and reach out a hand to help her up.

“Let’s get you back.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

Liv

I’m sitting in dance history class on Monday morning after our choreography class. We got a great grade, but Sofie and Camilla were icy towards me. The fact that dancing in the cage didn’t go as planned bothered them. May was right—they really don’t like not being the center of attention. They asked if I was okay, but it came across a bit sarcastic. I think our little friendship was over before it began.

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