“It’s a place built on lies, Briar. That’s why I find you so interesting. You have every reason to be angry with everything, and yet you let the world move through you like water through a screen.” He taps the powder over my arm and rubs it in. I hiss at the sharp sting and then let out a breath of relief once it’s done.
“It’s because I’m tired,” I say weakly. “So fucking tired. Anger requires so much, I’d rather enjoy what little I have…and survive another day.”
Roman blinks at me like he wasn’t expecting that reply. His eyes dip to my lips before he inhales and refocuses on my arm. He uses his undershirt to wipe the blood from my elbow and stares at my arm with a bit of pride flashing over his gaze.
“There. Your story has been rewritten.” Roman sits back and watches my reaction. It’s just him, and yet it feels like I’m standing in front of a crowd of people.
Tell him your name isn’t Briar.Now would be the time to come clean, but my lips won’t part, my voice won’t come.
I swallow and look down at my arm. A small gasp escapes me.
He made it look like the ivy vines on his arm. The old scar looks like a branch, and the vines wrap around it as if to swallow it whole. I blink down at it in awe.
“Now I will only ever think of you and this moment,” I say sheepishly, granting him a small grin.
“Exactly. You’re a part of the squad now, Squirt,” he teases. He sets his hand on my knee, and my pulse quickens at the warmth that spreads from his hand.
I roll my eyes at him. “Uh-huh… If my code name is Squirt, I’ll resign now.” He laughs. But I wonder what we’re supposed to do now with Sub-Rosa attacking…and with Callum being back in town. “Where do we go from here? What if they attack again?” My stomach curls at the very thought of that. There’s not really much sense in running anymore. It didn’t go so great last time, and I have no doubt Roman would just track me down easily again.
I need to get back to the farm and find that flash drive at the very least. If it will help the guys, then it’s important to me too.
Roman puts his knife and powder container back into his pocket and stares up at the view as the moon crests over thetreetops. “We have to get to them first, don’t you think?” His jaw feathers with whatever thoughts are floating through his head right now. “Who was that guy earlier anyway?” His voice lowers, and he lets his heavy gaze shift to me.
I know Roman’s not stupid. He likely saw the whole scene with me and Callum unfold and instantly knew something was off. I rub my hands together and try to think of where to even start. I sigh and lift my arm to my new scar. “His story has already been rewritten.”
Roman’s brow furrows, and he lets out a long breath and nods with understanding, even though he looks like he wants to ask more questions about him. “Fair enough.”
“Any chance we can go to my farm and look around for a flash drive? I meant to tell you guys at the house yesterday, but I was just so overwhelmed that I couldn’t bring myself to say anything. I think it’s valuable for the information it holds.”
Roman gives me an understanding look. I was expecting him to look a little surprised that I know of a flash drive, but he doesn’t. Did he already know? “I’m glad you told me. I actually sort of knew about it and was going to root through your farm today after the shooting practice, but one thing led to the next.” That’s an understatement. “We can go there, but it might be dangerous. They know you’ve been staying there, so it’s not as safe as the auto shop.”
“Do you know what’s on it?”
He shrugs. “I think I have an idea. Remember Sub-Rosa and their gate we discussed? Well, our main goal is to infiltrate so that we can put a stop to it.”
“And the sooner you guys have what you need, the better, right? Then you can take out whoever you need to deal with to eradicate this underworld outpost in Bane Falls?” I want his word that this isn’t going to be for nothing.
Roman stands and shakes his jacket before zipping it up, his back facing me.
“Yeah. And then you can have a nice, quiet life somewhere, Squirt.” He sounds distant. And I have to admit that the idea of living somewhere quiet without troublesome boys like them sounds a bit boring. I refuse to invest too much thought into that feeling in this moment.
“Well then, let’s go.” I brush by him and head toward his motorcycle, glancing over my shoulder and shooting him a playful smile. “Can we stop by the grocery store first?”
23
ROMAN
I thoughtshe wanted to look at wine. I didn’t expect her to be on a mission of her own to find some lady she’s worried about after the race over a week ago. I snag an orange and toss it in the air as I trail her in the store.
It’s probably a good idea to watch from afar just in case some of Sub-Rosa’s guys are out here waiting for us to leave the store. I’ve already checked my cell a few times and haven’t heard anything from the squad, so we’re more than likely fine. I’d rather err on the side of caution than leave anything to chance, though.
Briar’s brow is furrowed and she looks down every aisle before she stops and talks to one of the other store clerks. It’s pushing ten p.m. already so I wouldn’t be surprised if the lady she’s looking for is off for the night.
My attention gets pulled to the front of the store, where a group of four men enter. They are familiar enough; I think I recognize them from the races, but they don’t look like any of the Sub-Rosa men, so it’s not enough for any concern.
I glance back at Briar and watch as she gently rubs her arm where I rewrote her past. A subtle warmth blooms in my chest. I wish I could reach in and tear that feeling out with mybear hands. There’s nothing good that can come from having emotions again. Especially not for someone like her.
Someone I could never be with.
