“Not one bit. Your apology is too little and too late,” I say, shoving him off me.
Being around these guys is dangerous for me on so many levels.
“I’m sorry I hurt you, Harlow. I—”
I slam my hand over his mouth. “I don’t want to hear it, Theo.” I harden my heart and plaster a matching emotion on my face. “I. Don’t. Care. And I sure as fuck don’t care about anyone or anything connected to The Sainthood either.”
He shakes his head, pleading with his eyes and his tone. “All that kind of attitude will do is get you killed.”
I shrug. “I’d rather die staying true to myself than live a life that’s a lie.”
“Why haven’t you told them?” he asks quietly.
I shrug again, playing it casual. “That’s not how I roll,” I lie.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. I can bring them around if you just give them what they want.” He steps in closer, gripping both sides of my face in a tight hold. “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. Please, I’m begging. Just do what Saint says. He’s a good guy, Lo. And if you get him on your side, he can keep you safe.”
I contemplate his words for about point five of a second. “Fuck you, Theo. And take your hands off me unless you’d like to be nursing your balls like Galen.”
He steps back, shaking his head, a muscle ticking in his jaw, as his expression morphs into something familiar. “You’re smarter than this. Engage your fucking brain, Lo.” He jerks his head at the door. “You have three minutes. Get your fucking shit, and let’s go.”
I grab my bag, slam the door shut, and lock it from behind, racing to my closet. I pull the carpet back and lift up the loose wooden panel in the floor, removing the box I keep hidden there. I grab the keys, before securing the box and rushing out to my window.
I climb out and shimmy down the side of the house in a well-practiced maneuver, slipping into the garage on the far side, ducking down low as I scan the layout. Saint’s Land Rover is gone, so he must be waiting in front of the house for us.
Perfect.
I dash to the Gran Turismo, taking a quick moment to run my hand along the sleek, black bodywork before throwing my backpack inside and sliding into the driver’s seat. I haven’t driven this car in ages, and I’m glad Dad’s cars haven’t been transported to the cabin yet. I decide on the spur of the moment to keep this car here as a backup because I doubt this is the last time the assholes will tamper with my SUV. I make a mental note to ask Diesel if it’s possible to get tamper-proof tires before I kickstart the engine, welcoming the familiar feel of the car as I floor it out of the garage.
This car can go from zero to sixty-two miles per hour in mere seconds, and I whizz by Saint’s vehicle as Theo emerges from the front door with a scowl on his face.
I flip them the bird, throwing back my head and laughing as I fly past them, taking the small wins where I can.
_______________
“Maybe Theo is right,” Sariah says, washing her hands in the sink as I touch up my makeup in the mirror. We’re early, thanks to our speedier than usual journey, and the bathroom is empty. “Perhaps, you should play along and act more amicable.”
I slick lip gloss on my lips and thread my fingers through my hair. “They’d smell a rat if I started cooperating all of a sudden.”
Sariah dries her hands on a paper towel, her brow creased as her mind works overtime.
I’m so glad I told her and the guys and that they are solidly behind me. It helps to have someone to bounce stuff off.
“Maybe you could play a different angle,” she muses, tossing the used towel in the trash.
“What do you suggest?” I ask, straightening the straps on my top.
“Maybe you should seduce them,” she says. “Get them to lower their guard and let you in.”
“I’ve considered that, but it won’t work.”
“Why not?”
I lean back against the wall with a sigh. “Because they’re already fucking with my head, Sar. I’m struggling to keep my emotions on lockdown around them, and getting closer could majorly backfire on me.”
“Please tell me you’re not falling for them?” she groans.
“Things are complicated between us. You know the backgrounds. And if Mom goes through with this wedding, which I think she will, then I’m tied to them more permanently. I need to find a way of getting the intel I need without falling into their trap.”
She taps a finger off her chin. “Focus on Caz. You don’t have shared history with him.”
I rub a hand across my chest. “Maybe, that’d work.” I push off the wall, slinging my arm around her shoulders and tucking the little pint-sized beauty into my body. “It’s worth considering at least.”
“Whatever it is you’re planning, it won’t work,” a whiny voice says, pushing into the bathroom, and I stifle a groan. It’s too fucking early to deal with Parker’s shit.
She’s flanked by Beth McCoy and another girl I don’t know.
“Whatever it is you’ve come to say, say it.” I separate from Sariah, and we stand tall with our shoulders back, facing the three girls.
“Saint is mine.”
I burst out laughing. “So fucking delusional.”
Her mouth pulls into an unattractive sneer. “I have something he wants, and he’s willing to trade.”
“What does Finn think is happening?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Finn is none of your concern!” she exclaims, and I’m tempted to tell her.
“And Saint is none of yours,” Sariah says.
“If either of you stand in my way, you’ll be sorry. This is a friendly warning. Next time, not so much.”
Her threat holds about as much weight as Nicole Richie. “Gee. I’m quaking in my boots,” I deadpan, snatching our backpacks up from the floor. I pass Sariah’s to her, and she slides it over her shoulders.
“You should be, whore.” She steps right up into my face.
I smile. “Your desperation makes you pathetic and careless.” I let the smile slip off my face on purpose. I don’t have time for petty distractions, and Parker is as inconsequential as the dirt under my boot. “Trust me, you don’t want to make an enemy of me, and that’s the only warning you’re getting.”
CHAPTER 13
“WOW.” EMMETT WHISTLES under his breath as I guide my friends into the house Saturday night. “Your place is something else.”
“I’m betting it’ll be fucking trashed by morning,” Sariah says, shedding her jacket and handing it to me.
“I’m betting it won’t.” I hang their jackets up in the closet and steer them toward the belly of the house where the party is in full swing. “This whole setup reeks of Neo’s involvement, and he probably has a cleanup crew scheduled to clean the house before Mom returns.”
“Fuck. You look hot,” Emmett adds, casting appreciative eyes over my short black leather dress.
It’s got a straight neckline and a myriad of straps that crisscross from my bust up over my shoulders, wrapping around the nape of my neck. It offers a glimpse of cleavage without being too slutty. The dress dips to midway down my back, showcasing some of my tattoo. “That’s a work of art,” he murmurs from behind as he inspects my ink.