Page 26 of Pursued-

It goes down smoother than I expect. Three tires are shot up, but no people.

Trick convinces Rachel to come back to the castle while other members of C Crue distract Frank’s guys and disable their vehicles.

We make it back to the compound with no losses. And when we bring Rachel into the house, she and Zoe run to each other, hug and start crying.

Now she and Zoe are cuddled under a blanket together on a couch in the media room. C has brought them a tray of gin and tonics. They talk and drink nonstop. C likes it. When Zoe’s animated and laughing, he’s happy.

“Anvil,” Zoe says.

I walk past the media cart.

“We’re going to watch a movie. Would you like to join us?”

I shake my head.

Zoe makes her lips pout, and I smirk because I know it’s the reaction she wants.

I leave the media room. Trick and C are drinking Jack and Coke and playing pool.

“C’mon,” Trick says, waving me over. “Play me.”

I pick up a cue.

“So it’s all good for the night?” C says, his gaze cutting to me.

“Good that she gets to see her friend,” I agree.

Trick breaks, sending balls in every direction.

“What’s on your mind?” C asks.

I shake my head, not interested in telling C the other shoe hasn’t dropped yet. Zoe and I have been on good terms, but I’m not sure we’ll stay that way if Rachel tells her the details of what happened last night. Zoe’s been protective of Rachel from the jump. There was no reason for us to clash before, but there is now.

I take my turn at the table, biding my time.

RACHEL

It feels sogood to unwind. I know there’s a lot to still sort out, but for once I’m not letting that get to me.

“Let’s take a road trip,” Zoe says wistfully. “What about somewhere back woods? Arkansas? Alabama?”

“The Appalachians?Deliverancecountry? I’ve been meaning to go.”

She wails with laughter.

“Z,” Connor says.

“Oh, my baby.” Zoe jumps up and hustles to C. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him. “My girl and I are planning a road trip.”

“Hmm. Let’s go to bed.”

“Not yet,” Zoe pouts. “It’s her first night in the castle. I have to keep her company.”

“I need you to keepmecompany.”

“I always keep you company. You’re very?—”

C lifts Zoe and flips her onto his shoulder, walking out with her still protesting.