Page 127 of Heresy

Something unsaid flashes across Shane’s expression, but he bumps fists with the twin and says, “That’s fine. But you’re taking the back seat.”

The twin groans but accepts his fate, the three of us falling into an easy stride as we walk past the carnage around the garage and head to Shane’s car.

I wish I could tell you that Shane drives much more carefully in city traffic than he does on an open road.

My heart wishes it could tell you that.

But by the time we reach Myth, the way my hands are clutching onto any available surface and my eyes sting from being clenched so tight, I’d be a liar to try to tell you he drives carefully at all.

I think this drive was worse than the first and second. Not that he was able to go faster, but because he has reflexes like I’ve never seen before, easily changing lanes back and forth, damn near rear-ending one car, just to slide one direction and cut off another.

We made it in one piece, though. So there’s that.

The twin, Damon as I learned on the drive over, loved it. He was laughing the entire way, just as shocked as Shane that it wasn’t my idea of a good time.

Fortunately, we survived, despite the ways my legs shake as we approach Myth through the parking lot.

Patrick smiles to see me, but those lips tighten into a thin line to see the two men walking behind me.

Outstretching an arm across the door, he blocks our entry.

“No offense to you, Brinley, but the company you’re keeping isn’t exactly welcome here. Especially not together.”

Shane steps up beside me.

“We’ll behave this time, Pat.” He pulls his wallet from his back pocket and extracts three hundred dollar bills. “I have this much to bet on it.”

Patrick stares at Shane then looks to Damon. “And how much do you have to bet? You’re in more trouble than him.”

Damon grins and pulls his wallet free. “Door charges are getting expensive these days.”

Both hand several hundred dollars to Patrick who inclines his head and opens the door for us.

“Both of you behave. I’d hate to have to toss your sorry asses out of here … again.”

Must be nice, I think.

I can barely afford the bare minimum with what my dad gives me. Meanwhile, these two can toss hundreds around just to get into a club.

Disinterested in anything downstairs, I make a mad dash for the stairs.

Damon and Shane keep pace with me, their presence enough of a warning that the crowd clears in front of me.

I won’t complain about that. It feels like having security. For the first time, I’m not having to shove people aside while mumblingexcuse mejust to get by.

Ascending the stairs, I trip over my own feet, Shane’s hand grabbing onto one of my arms to keep me from falling.

He presses his mouth to my ear and I ignore the shiver it sends down my spine. It has to be because he’s done so much to me today and not for any other reason.

I’m beginning to believe that when Shane appears in your life, you better believe you have some karmic atrocities to make up for.

My question is… What the hell did I do in a past life that was so bad as to deserve him?

“Careful, Brin. There’s no reason to rush and break your neck just to see she’s all right.”

That’s not the only reason I’m rushing. If Ames isn’t okay, I’ll lose it right here in the middle of the club and demand they call the cops to rush in to rescue me.

It’s stupid to give them the benefit of the doubt in the first place. But the way their cars were burned? The warning left behind? Everybody is involved in something, and if it means finding my father to ensure he’s alive, I’ll join whatever team is necessary.

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