Page 130 of Boys of Brayshaw High (Brayshaw High 1)

I wish I didn’t run on impulse. I wish I could stop and think a little longer, but my brain doesn’t work that way. I can’t be controlled or convinced.

Warnings and threats go right over my head and every action taken is for one reason and one reason only.

Because I want to, consequences be damned.

They’ll be angry, but I can’t worry about that.

I have to stop this, and I know exactly how to do it.I knock on the door, turning to look over my shoulder as I do.

I know the second I split through the trees, they came looking. Three engines fired up and screams filled the orchard as they called my name over and over, curse after curse until finally, they sped off down the street. But I ran through the alleyways until I hit the neighborhood across the bridge.

My lungs feel like they’re caving in and my head is pounding but this can’t wait.

It’s the last place they’d come searching, at least tonight.

I’m not new to this shit, so I know this, what I’m about to do, is only the beginning, which is strange since it also seems a lot like the end.

The thought shouldn’t leave such a void in my chest. Yet here I stand, appearing strong and tall and so damn sure of my next move when for the first time, there’s a shrieking cry in the back of my head, begging me with all its got to turn back, to go to them.

To trust Maddoc could fix this and believe he’d want to.

But again, I’m not new to this and I know how this goes. I know I have to stay standing where I am until the threat is gone.

I already know it won’t be cat and mouse, it’ll be the snake and the savage, a game of street smarts versus dollar signs.

The thing about the streets though, no price is too high, no bid too low.

We make it happen, get what we want no matter the cost. And I’m not talking money.

The door opens slowly, a weary look on his face as he scans the area behind me.

“Only me.”

He relaxes when he’s satisfied with my answer and leans against the doorway. “Then what can I do for you, Brayshaw?”

Pressure hits my chest, but I fight to hide it.

“I want the video and every backup copy you’ve made gone.”

He pretends not to know what I’m talking about for a moment, then nods slowly. “What’ll you give me for it?”

His arrogance tells me he knows he’s locked me in, yet still, I’m the one that holds the key. Fact is, I could walk away right now and the upper hand he’s counting on would be as good as gone, but even if I did, he’d still come out on top. The video would still be his to do with as he pleases, and I can’t accept that.

I swallow the bile in my throat and say a silent prayer if such a thing exists that I can stomach what comes next. “The only thing you’re willing to take in exchange.”

His frown is instant. “Just like that.”

“Just like that.” For them.

His slow malicious smirk appears as he opens the door farther and steps back. “Come on in, Rae. Let’s have a chat.”

I step through the entryway, knowing when I step out, I’ll have given up everything I didn’t know I wanted until recently while becoming the one thing I knew I never thought I’d be.

My mother’s daughter.

They’ll think I’m disloyal, a con or a liar, and that’s almost enough for me to turn around and run. But that would be selfish when I can help them, easy. And the only thing they have to lose is in the process ... is me.

Moisture fights for a place in my eyes, but I blink it away with a final thought.

I’m sorry, boys.