Levi laughs, his eyes twinkling. “Don’t worry, Little Bird. If we ever step up on that stage again, she’ll be sitting front row.”
Right. They stopped doing shows after their uncle died.
Ugh… I’m a horrible person.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to see a text from Annabelle.
Belle
You and Koen Lane???
I sigh and feel eyes on me, so I glance at Koen while slipping my phone back into my pocket. His gaze is forward, but amusement dances in his expression.
Not wanting to entertain that conversation, I ask, “So, why do I need a dress?”
“Because you proved yourself,” Koen says matter-of-factly. “And what we need your help with is going down tomorrow evening.”
“I didn’t steal the car,” I point out, frowning.
“You don’t have to,” Koen replies. “Even Alaric sees that now.”
Alaric? Is that Captain Bossy’s name?
“You need me that bad, huh?” I huff.
“We do,” Levi joins in, tapping my nose. “But you’re also fucking good at what you’re doing.”
“Yeah, you’re impressive.” Koen nods along.
Okaaay?
We exit the building, and there’s a classic golden Ford Bronco parked in front of it. It’s beautiful, gleaming in the sunlight.
Right. We have to drive there.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
I don’t care what the Uber drivers think when I roll into a ball on their back seat, they’re used to my shit by now, but the realization hits me.
I care what these two think.
I have to get over that quickly, though, because there’s no way I’m not going with them, and at the same time, no way I’ll get through it while keeping my pride intact.
“You okay?” Koen asks, his gaze sharp as he notices my new tension.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take the back. I know it’s cramped,” Levi tries to reassure me, opening the door and pulling forward the passenger seat to slide into the back seat, but I reach out to grab his shoulder and stop him.
“No, can I?” I almost beg. Levi looks back at me, puzzled. “Please?” I beg, after all.
Levi scrunches up his brow but steps aside. “Sure.”
“How long is the drive?” I’m shaking, and I have no idea if I can do this.
“Twenty minutes, maybe? I don’t know.” Koen frowns, his eyes studying my face. “You okay?”
“Sure,” I whisper, forcing myself into the car.
I slide into the back seat, curling up sideways with my back pressed against the side of the car.At least the leather feels cool. Levi and Koen get in, Koen taking the driver’s seat.
