Page 19

HALLIE

W hen he steps back, I feel like I’ve lost something.

“This reminds me, I need to get mine serviced soon.”

I’ve put it off because, simply, I can’t afford the expense. First I have to get on top of my bills, then I’ll make sure my car is in tip-top shape before I start racing her again. This was something I used to help my dad with, but I am in no way qualified enough to do it myself.

“I’ll do it.”

“No.” I blurt it out too fast.

“Don’t trust me? I know what I’m doing. And there’s a few scuffs on the paintwork I can fix too.”

I hold up my hand.

“No, I don’t mean that. I mean, one, I’ll have no car, and I need to get to work. And two, I’ve got bills to pay that are more important, unfortunately.”

Conan tuts.

“You keep the McLaren until I’m done. It won’t take me long. I’d like to work on her. See what’s under that hood. And I don’t want your cash. You can just owe me one.”

My heart rate picks up.

“Owe you what?”

“I’ll call in the favor one day.”

I squeeze my legs together.

“I’m not a whore.”

The words roll off my tongue before I can stop them.

He frowns.

“I-I don’t mean— I was talking about patching me up most likely. Got a few fights lined up. I’m bound to need medical help. Might free up Finn if you can do it instead.”

“Oh.”

I let out an awkward laugh.

I want to hit my head against the wall. Sometimes my brain and mouth don’t communicate fast enough.

“Sorry. And are you sure it’s not too much hassle? You seem busy.”

He shrugs.

“Not too busy for the right people, trouble.”

A burst of excitement runs through me. I get to drive the McLaren.

I can’t believe he trusts me with it.

Shame there aren’t any races coming up. I’d wipe the floor with them in that thing.

“And this place, Hallie. If you ever don’t feel safe and can’t get hold of me, come here.”

He pushes a key into my hand and holds it tight.

“Or, if you’re bored and wanna help me fix up my Bugatti, you can always do that too.”

He grins, and my heart races.

“Now that sounds like fun. Maybe you could teach me some self-defense too.”

He rubs a hand across his forehead.

“That actually isn’t a bad idea, trouble.”

I offer him a small smile.

He’s fun to be around. He gets me. He makes me laugh.

“I gotta go take care of your problem now. Want me to follow you home first?”

I press my hands on his chest.

“What exactly are you going to do to him?”

A darkness flashes across his eyes. It doesn’t scare me, though.

“Depends how he reacts, Hallie. But he won’t ever bother you again once I’m done. That a good enough answer?”

“I guess it’ll have to be. And no, I don’t need babysitting all the way home. I wanna drive your car for as long as possible.”

He gives me a curt nod.

As I step back from him, it feels weird just leaving. So I wrap my arms around his waist.

He goes tense, but then his huge arms wrap around me and squeeze back.

“What’s this for?” he asks softly.

“A thank you.”

He rests his head on top of mine.

“No need to thank me, darlin’. I got you.”

I didn’t even realize I needed someone to catch me when I was falling.

And then Conan crashes into my life.

Making me see how fucking miserable I am, dragging myself through life.

The spark I lost seems to ignite again when I’m around him.

But he’s just a friend.

“I’ll give you a text when she’s ready for you.”