Page 12 of Renegade Rift
With a firm but gentle hand, he deposits me in the back seat and quickly heads to the front. The moment he closes the door, he hands me a bottle of water and switches the radio to my favorite station that plays only the classics. It’s the kind of music that has had the power to grip the hearts of millions and make them feel everything from elation to heartbreak.
Creedence Clearwater Revival fills the space between us, and a hint of a smile tugs at my lips as I think of Lodhi, waiting for me at home. Only I’m not sure even his cuddles will be enough to erase the rising panic in my soul.
Ford knows I’m still in the city. His teammates know. It’s only a matter of time before they come looking for me.
“Where would you like me to take you?” Isaac asks.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to sayhome to Lodhii, but the last thing I want is to be alone right now. “Can you drop me off at Paige’s?”
“You got it, E.”
The car jerks forward, but just before Isaac pulls away, I dare to look back through the glass doors of Renegade Row. Towering in the middle of the lobby is Ford, ragged breaths heaving his chest as his gaze connects with mine. There’s sorrow and pity in his eyes, but also something more. Something I don’t understand—hope.
At least one of us still knows what that feels like.
CHAPTER FOUR
FORD
She’s alive.
Catch.
She’s in New York.
Throw.
She’s safe.
Catch.
I think she’s safe. The jury is still out on that one.
Throw.
She’s a topless maid.
The ball goes whizzing by my head as I fail to make the catch, distracted by the thought of a very topless Juliet in my apartment.
Yup. Still going to hell for that one.
Sure, I could blame it on the fact she’s a gorgeous woman, and I’d be insane not to notice. But I’d only be lying to myself. She’s my stepsister-in-law and absolutely not mine to consider that way. She never was. Even if I did see her first.
The image of her in high school chemistry floats through my mind as I jog onto the warning track and grab the ball, but by the time I look to throw it to Smitty, he’s already on his way over.
He stops a few feet away and tucks his glove against his side. “That’s the third ball today you’ve missed.”
I lower my chin to my chest, focusing my eyes on where my cleats dig into the dirt. “I know.”
“You want to talk about it?”
“Talk about what?” I glance up to find Smitty with his shoulders dropped and adon’t play stupid with meexpression written on his face.
Fuck. How is it possible this rookie already has that stare down when we’ve only been playing together for a little over two months? What’s worse is it’s actually working.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” I scoff and shake my head.“I found her. She’s safe.”
“And…” he presses.
