“Oh, you better run!” he shouts after me.
I leap over a rock, whipping my head everywhere, because Lucas is somewhere, but I’m not even sure where I am exactly. I’ve lost the trail, and I never spent much time here. Where’s the damn lake? There will be people down the beach, outside the boundaries of the camp, to watch the fireworks show. If it’s still happening after the rain. I can find my car then. It’s not parked far from the camp dock.
Springing up onto a log, I jump down, continuing to bolt, but someone moves ahead.
Noah walks toward me, holding his hands up to stop me. I grind my heels into the dirt. He cocks his head, a smile playing on his face.
He’s not helping Lucas, too, is he?
Spinning around, I try to escape another way, butFarrow is there. He followed.
I turn, seeing Noah inch closer, and back away, keeping them both in my eyesight as they close in.
“The summer camp is supposed to be empty,” Noah chides both of us like he’s speaking to children.
I can’t catch my breath, my chest rising and falling quickly.
He locks eyes with Farrow and vice versa, the rivalry evident. Noah’s not here to help him or Lucas. He’s here with my brothers.
“Come on,” he says, gesturing with his hand for me to come. “Jared is so pissed he’s forgotten his words.”
I almost laugh. Is he trying to wrangle me like a horse?
But Farrow speaks up before I do.
“Are you getting paid for this?” he teases Noah. “Maybe you should come work for me.”
Noah moves toward me, and I start to escape, but he takes my hand. “You don’t like me,” he reminds Farrow as he holds me.
Farrow grins, eyeing Noah like he’s found a new toy. “But Ilovethat you always do what you’re told.” He thins his gaze, target acquired. “Such a good boy.”
I try to pry my hand out of Noah’s.
“For the right people,” Noah whispers.
I stop at Noah’s taunt. I feel like I’m missing something. Is Farrow going to hurt him? I thought it was friendly banter, but I don’t like their tones.
Glancing at Farrow, I watch his smile fall, and the moment of silence stretches.
Noah laughs, beaming, and I don’t want to be here for some showdown. I’m losing time.
“Dylan!” Jared bellows into the night followed quickly by Madoc, “Quinn!”
Noah’s hold tightens, and he pulls me, running. A gust of wind sweeps through my hair and dress, and I stumble over the uneven terrain as I twist my wrist, trying to free myself. “I don’t want to go home,” I tell him in a quiet but firm voice. I tug, fighting to stop him.
But a high-pitched whistle slices through the air, and Noah and I whip around just in time to see Farrow charge him.
He flies in, Noah releases my hand to catch him, and I jump back just as Farrow takes Noah to the ground.
Noah hits hard, the cords in his arms popping out of his skin as he clenches Farrow’s shirt.
I stumble as they roll toward me, my heart in my throat. “Stop!” I whisper.
I don’t want them to hurt each other. Jesus!
But Farrow looks up at me, Noah holding him down now. “Run!” he growls.
My chest caves, and I watch him shove Noah back over, grunting as he pins him to the ground.
