The road is covered in snow, but the path already has several tire tracks heading up the desolate road.
“Kill the lights,” Ashton commands, as if I take orders from him.
“And run us off the road? No, thanks. And our conversation isn’t done.” It’s too dark to shut off the headlights and safely make it up the narrow road.
“Wouldn’t dream of it ending now,” Ashton seethes. “Don’t worry, if you want to go at it on the ice, I’m game.”
“Are you really going to fight me? You know I’ll kick your ass, Rinaldi.”
He’s got some nerve! After betraying me and hooking up with my little sister, now he wants to fight me?
He laughs, shaking his head. “Do you really think you can take me?”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” I shoot daggers at him as I attempt to keep my focus on the one-lane road.
“That’s rich, you thinking that you’ve ever beaten me. I let you win, Ricci.” The smug sound of his voice sickens me.
He’s so full of shit. “Is that what you’re telling yourself?”
I climb the mountain slowly, not wanting the roar of the engine to alert anyone of our presence. But I swear the shouting match between us is far louder than any hum of the vehicle.
At least it’s dead outside and the middle of the night.
We crest to the top where it’s flat. On our approach is the battered building of what used to be a cabin. It’s abandoned, dark, and run-down.
“You ever touch my sister again, I’ll end you with my bare hands.”
“She’s not yours to protect. Not anymore,” Ashton grinds. “She’s mine. I’m hers. You’re just her older, annoying brother who is interfering in her life.”
“Get the fuck out of my car.” I hit the brakes forcefully, the wheels spinning on ice, kicking up sludge.
Ashton shoots off another order, ignoring my command. “Turn around. We’re out in the open. We can’t park here.”
I ignore him. “Get. The. Fuck. Out.” Heat burns my cheeks, and I grip the steering wheel so tight, I wonder if I might peel off the leather.
“Gladly. By the way, Nova will hate you when I call her and tell her what a dick you are.” Ashton yanks open the door and steps out.
“Tattletale.”
The cold air whirls into the car. It’s frigid, the night air a reminder of the job we’re here to do.
My stomach plummets.
“Ashton—”
“Fuck off, Ricci.” Ashton slams the car door shut, slinking off into the darkness.
I can’t chase after him and leave the car abandoned in front of the cabin.
I make a three-point turn on the narrow road and turn around. Glancing at the clock, we have less than an hour until the real fun begins. It took longer to climb up the mountain than I anticipated.
And I just left Ashton out in the open, in the cold, alone.
It doesn’t take minutes for shame to build within me, merely seconds.
Regret.
But I can’t park out in the open, not without being seen.
