I clutched the mug, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. He knew damn well what I’d bring up. “Kaia and me. You acted weird at Ale’s.”
“I was just surprised.” He took a sip. “I had no idea you were together. Does Russell know?”
Of course it came back to Russell. Everyone seemed more worried about his feelings than he was about anyone else’s.
“Should he?”
“She’s his daughter.”
I stared into the dark coffee, forcing myself not to snap. “Yeah. The daughter he doesn’t give two fucks about.”
“Even then”—Dawson drained the rest of his mug and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand—“nobody’s perfect at hiding, Ash. Especially when you live under the same roof. Wouldn’t it be easier if you just talked to him?”
I set my full mug down, untouched. “And said what? That I’m dating his daughter?”
“Isn’t that what you’re doing?”
“You don’t get it.” I shook my head. “He’d never be okay with us. He didn’t even let Kaia have dinner with me and Javi. The other night she had to lie about staying at a friend’s. Do you really think we’re hiding because we want to?”
Dawson crossed his arms, exhaling hard. “I just don’t think lying will work long-term. And if he finds out, he might…” He rubbed his forehead, trailing off.
Kick me off the team. Throw me out of his house. Ground Kaia until graduation. He didn’t need to finish for me to picture every possibility. But he was wrong—telling Russell the truth wouldn’t solve a damn thing. It would only make him find new ways to wreck our lives.
“I know what he might do,” I said. “I won’t leave her.”
“I’d never expect you would.” Dawson’s gaze searched my face. “Just be careful.”
Not exactly a blessing, but maybe a first step. I could only hope he’d get used to Kaia and me.
“I will. By the way, do you know if Ethan’s here?”
Dawson’s eyes narrowed. “He should be. Why?”
“Racing’s more fun with him.”
Bullshit.Putting that asshole in his place was fun—and I’d been waiting for the chance since the gala.
“Asher.” Dawson planted his hands on his hips, narrowing his eyes.
“Tranquilo.” I squeezed his bicep. “It’s just a race.”
I left him behind and headed for Ethan’s garage. He stood with Hugh, scrutinizing the bike like it was to blame for his weak performance. A few guys I recognized from his house party lingered in the back.
I couldn’t stomach looking at Ethan’s smug face. He’d cornered Kaia at the gala, made her uncomfortable, and even if we couldn’t be public yet, that didn’t mean I’d let him get away with it.
“Asher,” Ethan drawled as I walked in. “What a nice surprise. Haven’t seen you around. Guess your stepdad’s keeping you busy. How’s your little sister?”
My fists balled tight, jaw locking until pain shot up the side of my face. Asshole. She wasn’t my sister, and her age hadn’t stopped him from staring at her.
“I don’t have a sister,” I snapped.
Ethan chuckled, the sound scraping my raw nerves. “She said the same—‘I don’t have a brother.’” He pitched his voice high, mocking Kaia, and nailed his aim. Rage surged, but I knew exactly how to shut him up. “Anyway, what are you doing here, champ?”
“I thought we could race.”
The garage stilled. Hugh’s brows shot up. A mechanic from Ethan’s crew edged forward. “Want to get your ass kicked again?”
“Why not.” I yanked off my cap and shoved my fingers through my hair. “It’s practice, right, champ?”
