Page 51 of Wicked Rush

“You’re getting it anyway, asshole.”

“Please, G. Don’t shower me with compliments. It’s going to my head.” Lars grew tired of Garrett’s incessant questions about his relationship with Braelynn. Confusion as to his friend’s motive swept through him. Garrett had never reacted strongly to anyone he’d dated.

“Leave her be. You had her, now be done. Move on. She works for the same company I testified against. I don’t want her here again.”

“So now you’re telling me who I can and cannot bring to Altura?” Lars’ face went impassive and he took a slow breath, restraining the anger that fired through him.

“I didn’t say that…”

“I just told you. Let me repeat it slow and clear. You don’t need to worry about Braelynn because after tomorrow, she’s out of my life.” Lars went to pass and Garrett blocked him. His eyes fell to his friend’s arm and his lips tightened in a straight line. “Move out of the way, G. I’ve got limits and even though we’re friends, you just crossed one.”

“I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” Garrett backed away with his palms up.

“Won’t happen. I’m cool.” Lars brushed past him, irritated with Garrett for not trusting him. A knot formed in the pit of his stomach as he stomped away.

Pissed as fuck, Lars climbed the hill into the parking lot, remnant embers crunching underneath his feet. The distant pounding bass dwindled as he moved toward the line of cars. A halo of light morphed into two silhouettes, their laugher spilling into the night. A feminine giggle caught his attention. Braelynn. Seth’s familiar voice followed hers.

A stab of envy pierced his chest, and Lars stopped short, stilling in the darkness. He took a deep breath, questioning not only the jealousy that stirred within but how Braelynn could enjoy another man’s company so easily. He wiped his hand over his hair, disgusted at the existence of his feelings. Exhaling the negative thoughts, he coughed, deliberately drawing attention to his presence.

“Lars,” he heard Braelynn whisper.

“Hey, dude. Nice tonight, yeah?” Seth asked, his reflection shifting in the path of twinkling lawn lights.

“What’s going on?” Lars forced his casual tone.

“Seth,” Braelynn laughed. “It’s embarrassing.”

“Hey, no worries. You’re good to go.”

“What happened? You okay?” Lars’ attention went to Braelynn, whose wide eyes caught his.

“Nothing,” she whispered. Her broad smile faded as her palms flattened down her skirt.

“She took a tumble,” Seth explained. “Rolled down the hill. But it’s all good. I managed to snag her before she took off over the cliff.”

“I was not rolling!” she insisted, a small grin forming on her lips.

“All a matter of perspective, girl. I say rolling. You say rolling.” His laughter died quickly as the tension thickened between Lars and Braelynn. “Hey, you know I just remembered Chase needs some help before the games start.”

“Games?” Braelynn softly repeated, not taking her eyes off of Lars.

“It’s time to go,” he stated.

“Lars…” she began, breaking eye contact.

“Home,” he growled. Lars loathed the seeds of possession that threatened to take root.

“Yeah, okay.” she agreed.

“Get in.” Lars silently cursed.

The anger of the situation with Garrett was replaced with self-doubt, as he wondered how the hell he’d gotten himself in this situation. Emotion swirled like a hurricane vortex. Unable to thwart the storm, he took a deep breath. Soon, he’d help her steal whatever secret she’d refused to tell him about. Then like a feather in the wind, she’d be gone.