With shaky hands and a racing heart, I keep a watchful eye out for the vehicle as I turn onto my aunt’s street, but I do not stop. I circle back around to double check that they are not following me.
When I am satisfied, I drive to my aunt’s house, sighing when I see Grady’s squad car on the street.
Stopping behind his car, I sink into my seat and turn my car off. I stare out through the windshield, everything rushing through me. My emotions take over, and I scream loudly, my heart racing. My body is vibrating with anger and fear, and while my lungs hurt, and my throat burns, I needed to get it all out.
I close my eyes and try to steady my breathing, taking slow, even breaths. My skin feels tight, and my fingers flex on the steering wheel.
A knock on my side window makes me jump, a yelp escaping me.
My door gets yanked open and Grady is there, his handsome face frowning in concern.
“Fuck.” He reaches in, undoing my seatbelt and pulls me from the car.
His arms wrap around me, making me feel safe, so I let go of every emotion. Sobs wrack my body as my cousin squeezes me.
“You are okay, honey. I have men looking into the car— they are checking CCTV for it. Do you have any idea who would be chasing you?”
I shake my head against his chest.
“Aunt Cass said that you are involved with a biker.”
“Not anymore,” I sniff.
He huffs. “Come on, I think you need a stiff drink.” He chuckles.
“I am working tonight.”
“Not anymore. Aunt Cass already called in for you, telling them that you are feeling unwell.”
“Maybe I will take the bottle instead, then.” He laughs.
I hate calling out of work, because I hate leaving them short staffed. My body is still shaking, my heart is slowly returning to a normal rate, but I have to agree, I am not sure I will be able to get through a shift with how scared I am right now.
My phone rings from inside of my car, making me sigh.
“I got it,” Grady says.
Reaching inside of my car, he collects my things, my phone ringing again.
“I wish he would stop.”
“He fucked up, huh?” I nod.
Digging for my phone in my purse, I turn the device off, tired of him trying. If he wants to explain or lie to me, he can do it to my face.
“Come on. Let’s get you inside.”
I nod and he keeps his arm around me, leading me inside of the house. My aunt comes rushing toward me, puling me from my cousin. She rocks back and forth, keeping me tightly to her.
“Oh, my girl, you gave me a fright. Are you okay?”
“I am. Just a little shaken.”
“I can only imagine. Well, you are not going to work tonight and you are staying here in your old room. Cale knows and is cutting practice short to come home.”
“He didn’t have to do that.” She cups my face, and I hear Grady moving around the kitchen, no doubt getting me a drink.
“You know he loves you; he sees you like a daughter.” I nod. “He wants to be here for you and help if he can.”