The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (99)

He was still all tongue when he spoke, but somehow, he made it work. Still, I had a hard time hiding my amusement, and of course, he didn’t miss a thing as he narrowed his eyes.

“It was Rea Anderson’s—three-time Superstock champion—until she was forced into retirement when her leg crapped out.”

He didn’t seem impressed. “You’ve been gone a while.”

“I didn’t think you’d notice.”

“If my father checks the mileage, you’re fucked.”

I smirked as I twirled the keys around my finger. “Don’t you mean we’re fucked?”

“I’m not the one who will care if you lose the bike,” he bit back.

His words were a blow to the gut. My chin lifted as I crossed my arms. “Then why did you help me?”

“Silly me. That was before I saw you ride.”

My eyes narrowed. “I sure as hell don’t remember asking for your opinion, but while we’re on the subject, let me fill you in: I know what I’m doing.”

“Which is exactly what makes you reckless. You know better.”

“What do you know about bikes or riding one, for that matter?” His silence was all the answer I needed. I kicked the stand in place, swung my leg over the bike, and stomped toward him until there was nothing between us. “What I do may seem scary to you, but I’ve been on the back of a bike before I even grew breasts or learned why the space between my legs makes assholes like you think you’re in charge.”

I was breathing fire and seeing red. How dare he criticize when he knew less than shit? Racing was my life.

Glittering golden orbs stared down at me, and then he was pushing forward. I had no choice but to retreat or be knocked down. I should have known better than to get so close. When pushed, Ever always pushed back. He kept coming until I was straddling my front tire with nowhere else to go.

“You think being a brat will push me away? I promise, it only makes me want to bend you over those handlebars and show you the reason why I’m in charge.” And just like that, I was engulfed by the fire I’d been spitting a moment ago. “Tread carefully.” He turned on his heel and, without a second glance, swaggered back inside.

I was still standing in the same spot when Tyra pulled up a moment later. I was on autopilot as I listened to her retelling of Coach Bradley’s interrogation while I stored the bike away. Inside the house, we found the guys in the family room. Vaughn and Jamie were playing against each other in some first-shooter game, and Ever pretended to be engrossed in their bloody battle when he took the offered key ring. When our fingers brushed, I felt the spark, and I knew he did too, but he continued to ignore me. Rolling my eyes, I retreated upstairs.

Tyra managed to book a same-day reservation for waxing, so after a quick shower, we were on our way. I wish I could say it hadn’t been that bad, but even after marveling over how soft and smooth I was down there, I seriously doubted I’d ever return. Tyra assured me I could get it this way by shaving, although it would require frequent upkeep. On the drive back to McNamara manor, I began to wonder if Ever would like the change. Hypothetically speaking, of course.





WHEN SUNDAY MORNING CAME, TYRA and Vaughn went home, and that night, Rosalyn and Thomas returned from another business trip disguised as a getaway. Rosalyn loved to be the center of attention, so how she managed to endure Thomas’s work ethic was a mystery to me.

I was pouring a glass of milk to go with the cookies Mrs. Greene made when Rosalyn glided into the kitchen.

“Four, how are you?” she inquired as if I were an acquaintance and not her daughter.

“Let’s see,” I drawled with thinly veiled sarcasm. “I still have a 3.5 GPA, no injuries, diseases, or pregnancies, and I’m close to getting Jay D to roll over.” Oh, and I almost fucked your pretend stepson this weekend.

“Four, why must you give me a hard time?”

Because you deserve it. “So, how was Maihama?”

The morning after our argument, they’d taken the company’s private jet to one of the resorts in Japan. I figured pretending to care about her life was better than arguing about mine.

“It was brisk. Even more so than here. I think I may sit the next one out. I haven’t traveled this much since Chet.”

I immediately went on alert at the mention of heartbreak number two. He had been the rock star who’d nursed her back from the dead only to get her hooked on drugs.

“What do you say we have some girl time the next time Thomas goes out of town? It’s about time, don’t you think?”

God, I stopped wanting that years ago. “If you need an alibi, I’m sure your friends at the country club can help.” Even though my intention was to brush her off, I sincerely hoped her growing popularity held. Rosalyn had always had trouble maintaining friendships. Usually, her friends would become frustrated, or she’d lose interest.

“Oh, well, I just thought we could have girl talk. You know—hair, makeup, clothes. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you in anything other than greasy overalls I forgot how beautiful you are.”

“Rosalyn.” Despite my grievances, I felt my cheeks flush.

She giggled and winked. “I’ve embarrassed you.”

“A bit.”

“Honestly, dear, you’d be used to being told you’re beautiful by now if you would just get over this phase.”