Page 91 of Prey Tell
Chase grabs my suitcase and hauls his bag on top before walking out into the living quarters.
“You are welcome here anytime. I mean that, Parker. Luna lives on site, so she can give you a tour of anything you want to see.”
I nod, but I don’t answer him. As we exit the living quarters and walk down the hallway, Chase looks over his shoulder and glances down at my feet.
“Are you okay to walk? I can carry you.”
Ialmostlie, but then, being carried like a blushing bride before I have to say goodbye to him probably isn’t wise. Especially since I have no idea if we’re continuing whatever it is that we’re doing.
“I’m fine.”
The elevator ride down to the ground floor is quiet. When I look up at Chase briefly, he’s staring at the wall over my shoulder, his jaw tight as he rubs his lips.
Once we’re outside, I see a pristine vintage yellow convertible. My mouth drops open.
“It looks like a toy,” I joke, and Chase scowls as he loads the trunk up with our bags.
Once it’s closed, he walks around to the passenger side and opens my door, glaring at me with those piercing blue eyes. His lips quirk with the hint of a smile as he pops a pair of black Ray-Ban aviators over his eyes.
“It doesn’t drive like a toy, Parker.”
I climb inside as he shuts my door, and I study the vintage interior as he climbs into the driver’s seat. Tracing my fingers over the shiny, polished silver and the black leather, I cock my head and turn to him.
“What kind of car is this?”
“A 1960 Ferrari California.”
“Of course it is,” I mutter, watching as Chase turns the key and the engine purrs to life. His muscled forearm works the clutch as we lurch forward. “How many cars do you have?”
“Right now? Five. Liam helped me restore this one last year.”
I nod. “Liam. Your oldest brother. Does he live in Crestwood?”
Chase chuckles. “He prefers a more rugged setting. He lives north of here in a remote house that isn’t connected to the internet.”
I laugh. “He sounds fun.”
Chase shrugs. “He’s a good brother. Professor of Creative Writing. Never been married, so he keeps himself locked up in that massive house of his like a fucking recluse when he doesn’t have classes.”
I’m quiet as I digest this information. I hardly know any of the other brothers—only vague recollections from what Jackson tells me in passing.
“So, what animal does he keep as a pet?”
Chase laughs. “What?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. The menagerie. Which animal did Liam take?”
Chase glances at me as we come to a stop at a light. “You’ll have to ask him yourself. We’re all sworn to secrecy.”
I grin. “Why a rooster for you?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. It was better than the other options. I’ve formed quite an attachment to him, though.”
Just as I’m about to ask about his other two brothers, Chase makes a sharp left, and we merge onto the freeway. It’s too loud to talk, and I laugh as the wind runs through my hair. Taking my hairband out, I shake my hair out and raise my hands as he speeds down the 405. It feels amazing, and I close my eyes, relishing in the feel of the warm air whipping around me. We drive like this for a few minutes, and every time I look over at Chase, he’s watching me with a smile.
Finally, he pulls off, and we head toward my house. I manage to sort my messy hair out—at least it’s dry now—and then we’re pulling up to my house.
I’m not ready to say goodbye.
