Mark’s features soften and he takes a strained swallow before turning his glance at me. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
The forgiving person in me would love to believe him, but he’s nothing but a manipulative liar. Not two minutes before, he silently threatened my friend.
Logan steps up, blocking me with his body. “Get the hell out of here.” The deep voice beside me pierces through the night, and Mark’s attention falls to Logan before nodding and running off like a dog with his tail between his legs.
Crew spins, shooting Lana a glare.
“What? I had that handled.”
Crew shakes his head with a curse. “Jesus Christ.” Then looks for the woman he previously had clinging to his arm.
“Sorry, but I think your booty call is leaving with that hot guy over there.” Lana points to the two flirting with each other as he escorts her to his Ferrari. Guy must not be from around here to be driving around in his shiny expensive sports car in our little town.
I just saidourtown.
“Dammit,” Crew grumbles.
“All right. Tonight’s over. Everyone get in the damn truck.” Logan doesn’t wait for answers as he stalks over to his Tacoma, unlocking the doors and slamming his side shut with force. We don’t question; we just move. Besides, Lana and I walking home isn’t too smart.
Crew’s got shotgun while Lana and I squeeze into the back seats.
It’s silent except for the faint sound of the truck’s engine. We’re all too tired to speak, Mark exhausting any energy left.
Logan is still scowling as he turns into our drive. Why is he so angry? Is he still holding a grudge from the lake incident? Was it our talk at the garage? Because I still wonder. The list is forever growing.
Lana and Crew part ways without even a glance at each other and he takes off on his motorcycle. Logan heads for his door, me stopping with my hand on the splintered wooden frame to Lana’s. When I take in Logan, his gaze is already on me. That flutter in my chest happens again.God.I hate the way he looks at me, only because with every gaze, it becomes more lethal.
“Goodnight, Sora.” He walks in, shutting the door behind him.
“Goodnight, Logan,” I whisper doing the same.
Seventeen
Lana groans. “Stop moving the house.” She rests her forehead on her arm that lies on the kitchen table. I’d say it’s the aftermath of all the shots we drank, but something tells me it goes deeper than that.
“I hate to break it to you, but the house isn’t moving.” From the cabinet, I grab a mug for Lana after filling my own with this morning's brew.
“Ah. So it’s only my humiliation swirling and waiting to devour me whole. Got it.” She gives a thumbs up while burying her face in her arm once more.
Last night started as fun but ended badly. I slide one of her silly mugs filled with liquid gold next to her. The aroma of dark roast causes her to perk up instantly.
“I’m sorry.” Regret fills her voice.
“Don’t be sorry, Lana. I feel like we’ve been apologizing way too much lately. You were just sticking up for me.” I smile because she was, and her friendship went to a whole new level. Like superwoman mode.
“Between the alcohol, Crew, and seeing Mark, I lost all control over my compulsions.”
“You did. But I must admit, seeing you slap Mark was insanely satisfying.” I laugh.
Lana smacks her hand on the table. “Right?! God, that sure felt good. I’ve been wanting to do that since we broke up.”
“Thanks for having my back.”
“Always.”
When my butt hits the chair, I take a sip of coffee and study Lana’s frowning face. “Hey. You okay?”
Her concerning eyes lock with mine. “I can’t help but think Mark is just the appetizer of what’s coming.”
