“Zara McKinley, are you trying to get yourself killed?” Aurora Valentino huffs. She’s Lorenzo’s sister. My sister’s sister-in-law.
“Not exactly,” I tell her. I mean, I’m not opposed to the idea but death by wine bottle is not exactly how I’d choose to go out.
“Why are you snooping around here?” Aurora asks.
“I’m not snooping. I’m hiding.”
“Obviously. From who?”
“My dad. He’s lost his damn mind.” Well, he will when he finds out what I’ve done anyway.
“What’d you do?” Aurora asks.
“I got caught street racing last night. Cops locked me up, so I had to call my Uncle Xavier to come and get me.” It’s partly true.
“You got arrested? Holy shit, no wonder Dom is pissed.” Aurora laughs. “Street racing? Really? Why?”
“Some asshole said I couldn’t beat him. I did. So worth it.” I shrug. Technically, Spencer didn’t say I couldn’t beat him, just that he didn’t think I could race.
“Worth your father’s wrath?” Aurora gives me a doubtful look.
“I also had to endure one of my Uncle Xavier’s lectures. You know, considering the type of criminals he defends, I didn’t think he’d get so pissy about a little street racing charge.” I sigh.
“Those other criminals aren’t his nieces,” she reminds me. “How long until you think your dad will find you?”
“I give it another two hours, tops.” My dad has always been good at finding us whenever we’ve wanted to hide. It wasn’t thatlong ago that he came all the way to Sydney to drag me home from my grandmother’s beach house.
“Good. I need a drinking partner, and you’re already dead, so what’s one more charge against you?” Aurora holds up a bottle of wine. “But, if your dad asks, you supplied yourself. I did not give a minor alcohol.”
“Deal.” I smile. This is a good idea. “So, why are we drinking. Wait. What are you doing here?” I ask, just now realizing she’s in Australia when she lives in New York.
“Long story,” Aurora groans.
“I’ve got about an hour and fifty-eight minutes until I’m pig food.” I raise a brow. I really do want to know why she’s here.
“Were you the only one arrested?” Aurora turns the discussion back to me.
“Yeah. I made sure I got caught so he didn’t.”
“Hewho? Who is he?”
I smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Right. Let’s find somewhere comfy to sit.”
“I know a spot.” I take Aurora into the library. No one really comes in here other than my sister.
I’m really buzzed by the time the door slams open.
“One hour, fifty minutes.” I laugh. My dad was faster than I thought.
“Zara McKinley, you have three seconds to get your ass outside and in my car!” My dad’s voice echoes off the walls.
Chapter Fourteen
I’ve been holed up in my room all day. Partly because my dad is pissed at me, and partly because I had a heap of books delivered overnight from Amazon. I’m learning everything I can about depression. I can’t do a full medical degreeovernight, though. And the more I read, the more I’m realising that Zara needsactualhelp.
Luckily, my parents are focused on doting on my sister right now. She’s been gone for months. Having her home is their dream come true. I prefer Cara at home as well. I hated having her so far away.
