Page 64 of Wicked Rush

“No, Seth kept you iced down in the car.”

“He must have just clipped you. Didn’t get a clean shot. Pussy,” Seth growled.

“Brae. We’re not going anywhere for a few days. Not you. Not me or Seth, got it? Tomorrow we’re going to sort all this out. I’ve been understanding and kept my word, haven’t called the police, but that chip in there…that’s not the kind of technology you can buy online.”

Braelynn lowered her eyes, exhaling. She bit her lip and met his gaze. “I know. I told you. I’m involved with something very bad.”

“I’m tired and you know what, Brae? This conversation is for the morning. We aren’t doing this tonight.”

“Okay,” she quietly agreed.

“Right now, I think we should wash up, get something to eat. Get some rest.” Lars looked to Seth, and gave him a closed smile. “You wanna take the guest room? I have extra clothes in the closet that should fit you.”

“Take your time.” Seth nodded. “I’ll get a quick shower and get some grub going.”

“I keep the freezer stocked, but I’ll need to call in some more supplies tomorrow. There should be some steaks in there.”

“I’m on it, man.” Seth stood and turned to them. “I texted work that I wouldn’t be in tomorrow. I was supposed to be at the beach testing out some equipment anyway. No big deal if I’m gone for a few days. You know me…a good surf going and I’m hittin’ the waves. I figured you could give Garrett the run down tomorrow. Did you text him?”

“Yeah, Garrett.” Lars hedged, unsure if he could trust his lifelong friend. He needed to confirm the connection between him and Braelynn, before he called him. “I’ll text him in the morning. I called Dean about the break in at my house. He asked me a million fucking questions I wasn’t ready to answer. Told him I was fine and I’d call him in the morning too. So if G contacts you, do you mind just holding off the conversation until tomorrow? It’s too fucking late for this shit.”

“Hey, I wasn’t planning on saying anything. Aside from the shit that just went down, I don’t know anything anyway.”

“This isn’t your battle.”

“I got your back, Lars. You know this.”

“I appreciate it, man.”

“And, I’ve got dinner. K’?”

“Thanks.” Lars nodded.

“Hey, that’s a killer drive. I know you must be beat to hell.”

“Pretty much.”

“Right. See you in a bit,” Seth said, leaving them alone.

Lars turned his attention to Braelynn, whose heavy eyes stared through him. “I’ll be right back.”

Braelynn remained silent as he went into the bathroom. He flipped on the dim lights, and moved toward the oversized granite tub. Switching on the spigot, he glanced around the open area. Lars had helped design his home, ensuring that the bathroom overlooked the Pacific. As he stared toward the ocean, dusk had evolved into darkness. An array of twinkling stars was painted across the evening sky. The moon shone onto the rolling white breakers that crashed into the rocks along the cliffs. He loved the rawness of Big Sur. The dichotomy of its brutal environment and spectacular beauty existed in perfect accord.

The hot water bubbled upward and Lars reached to turn off the flowing stream. Opening a decanter, he shook Dead Sea bath salts into the tub. Steam swirled into the air, the scent of lavender wafting into his nose. He stripped off his shirt and crossed the room. As he strode through the doorway, he spied Braelynn sitting on the edge of the bed, her face buried in her hands. A soft whimper came from her lips.

“You okay, sweetheart?”

“I can’t do this…” she repeated over and over, shaking her head.

Lars knelt before her and slid his hand onto her cheek. She closed her eyes, refusing to look at him. “We’re going to get through this. Together.”

“I want to believe you.” Her reddened eyes opened, giving him an empty stare.

“First things first. Let’s get a bath. Yes?” He nodded, seeking her agreement. She’d already had enough taken from her today, had experienced a total lack of control. The last thing he’d do was ignore her wishes.

“Yes.” She sighed.

“Let me help you.”