Page 125

“I can’t just stop racing. It doesn’t work like that. There’s a handful more to go and then Turbo’s calling it quits, so once that happens…”

“You’re going to choose racing over me then?” I asked bluntly, wiping my eyes as hurt filled me. “I don’t want you to die.”

“I’m not going to fucking die.”

“You can’t make that promise!” I snapped, glaring at her. “You could’ve died multiple times tonight. I don’t want a girlfriend who’s going to risk her life just for thrills. How do you think it makes me feel to know you might not come home to me? This isn’t racing, Riley. This is stupidity.”

“Once the races finish, I’ll stop,” she said weakly, and that was the first time I’d ever heard her lie to me. She got too much of an adrenaline rush from racing on the street, so once Ander stopped running races, she’d find someone else.

I couldn’t live in fear of her not coming home to me for the rest of my life, and if she really loved me like she claimed, she wouldn’t want to risk leaving me if she died.

Realization hit me like a freight train, and I shook my head as she reached for me again. “I can’t do this.”

She stared at me silently as she processed my words, her voice coming out as a whisper when she finally replied. “You don’t want to be with me?”

“No. I don’t,” I bit out. “Because it’s not fair for you to expect me to be okay with this.”

“Jesus. I’ll see if I can get out of racing then if it’s going to upset you that much,” she said firmly. “You’re more important to me than racing.”

I scoffed, starting to walk again as I spoke over my shoulder. “That’s the second time you’ve lied to me tonight. Also, if I meant more to you, you would’ve chosen me straight away.”

“I can’t lose you, Lou,” she choked out, but I kept walking, refusing to turn around and see how upset she was or I’d crumble.

“You just did.”

I walked past Ander’s Supra, and he poked his head out the window with a cringe. “Do you want a ride?”

“Fuck off,” I said sharply, hating that I was being a bitch, but I blamed him too.

“Okay,” he winced, putting his window up and letting me walk off in peace.

I didn't get far before a car pulled up beside me. I knew Rawson Grove was a little rough at times, so I panicked for a second that I was about to be kidnapped but relaxed when the window went down and Cruz leaned out with a grim look on his face. “Hey. Get in.”

I glanced back to find Riley standing by her car still, watching me as if I was going to run back to her. I deserved better than someone who didn’t give a shit about life or death.

I opened the door and climbed in, securing my seat belt as Cruz started driving. “Thanks. How did you know I was here?”

He handed me his cigarettes and lighter, giving me a small smile. “We have access to every surveillance camera in town. I saw Riley racing and figured I’d keep an eye on her. I didn’t know you were with her until you got out of the car. Are you alright?”

I shook my head, biting the inside of my cheek to stop myself from crying. “She chose cars over me, so I broke up with her.”

“Do you want me to drive you home? Or you can stay at my place. It’s only a few streets away,” he offered, and I fiddled with my hands on my lap awkwardly.

“I don’t think I’d be allowed to stay at yours. My parents are really strict on strangers.”

“Call them. See if they’re okay with it, and let them know Beckett can vouch for me if they’re unsure. I can drive you home first thing in the morning and I’ll even introduce myself to them so they know who I am.” He shrugged, making me snort.

“You’re brave. Dad’s likely to aim a gun at your head.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time someone’s done that,” he replied with a chuckle. “Call them so I know where I’m taking you.”

I turned my phone on, finding messages from Mom asking where I was. She hated it when she couldn’t see my location.

I called her, not surprised when she answered on the first ring. “Where are you? I’ve been trying to get hold of you for hours,” she scolded, but she paused when I choked on a sob. “Luna? What’s wrong?”

“I’m in Rawson Grove. Can I stay at a friend’s house tonight?” I forced out, trying to control my emotions. “You don’t know them, but they’re nice.”

“Who? Weren’t you staying with Riley? Where is she?” she demanded, and I started crying more.