Page 43 of The Chase

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Austin

Kit had brought the podcast to my attention. If he hadn't, the three hundred plus messages I've received since it went live would have been an obvious indication.

It kind of puts the whole confession at Momma's into perspective. I hadn't wanted to tell them what had happened in my past. I hadn't had the time to explain fully how we’d lost Matt. But talking within our small group, sharing that part of myself, is easier than the podcast sharing it with everyone. The podcast goes out to every–fucking–one in existence in the state.

It doesn't actually bother me that Harry has done it. There's nothing he brings toOff Topicthat hasn't already been said. My mother has definitely met my expectations of her, and they have always beenverylow.

"Austin?" Sawyer's voice brings me into the room, and that's when I instantly see her standing awkwardly in the entryway of our apartment.

I smirk. Yes, we had to talk about what had happened at Momma’s, but fuck me, I’m happy to see her, and she’s come without me having to force her. I stroll towards her, but only asI get closer do I trulyseeher, and that smile drops like lead into my gut. I rush to her. "Who the fuck did that to your face?"

Mia smirks, and then grimaces, her lip breaks and oozes blood. "You should see the other guy."

Sawyer chuckles as he hands her a bottle of water. "I don't doubt it."

"Here," Kit adds, handing my girl a pack of ice.

I grab her hand, leading her to the couch. "Spill." And then I’ll leave her here with my crew while I kill the motherfucker.

She sighs, hissing as she puts the ice to her lip. "Harry has-"

"I know about the podcast,” I interrupt.

Her mouth falls open and she's never looked more fucking adorable.

"I didn't tell anyone."

"I know." I frown. Has someone told her that I would be mad? "M.I.A., who did that to you?"

She frowns. "Harry...like I said."

Every muscle in my body tightens, vibrating with so much energy I feel like I'm going to combust. "You have to be fucking kidding me!" I'd jumped to the wrong conclusion with the podcast.

"I'm going to kill him," Lucas hisses.

"Get in line," I seethe as Mia is already shaking her head.

She won't convince me, or them, otherwise. R.I.P Harry, and that fucking podcast.

"I've already dealt with him," she tells us.

I touch her lip tenderly and see the surprise light up the green. "He got one in, darling, I'm not letting that go."

"I don't need you to do that. It's not the reason I came here."

I know when to pick my battles, but she won’t win this one. "What is your reason?"

The crew are standing around us, each of them prepared to protect her.

"I came to warn you... I didn't want you to feel..."

She stammers, and all I want to do is hold her. I hope there’s nothing else I need to handle today because my attention, everything inside of me, is hers.

"It doesn't matter, we’re good." What matters is the damage done to her face and making sure he pays.

"Your mom..." Her hand reaches out for mine. I give her it. I’ll give her anything she asks for.

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