Page 65 of Running Play (Gods of Campus #1)

Christian

I have Travis, Letti, and Dani on speakerphone, but they are all busy talking to the police in the background.

The police have already told us not to follow them due to Justin having a gun, but there is no way in hell that’s happening.

With Seth driving, we caught up to them quickly and have been keeping a safe distance for the last ten minutes.

About five minutes ago Shelby’s phone went flying out the window, which means we have no more visual of her on the app.

So, keeping her in our sight is not something I’m willing to give up just because the police think it’s too dangerous.

“He’s got his turn signal on,” Walsh says, pointing between Seth and me.

“I see him,” Seth replies, eyes locked on the car as it exits the highway and rolls into a desolate gas station.

Only a couple of cars are around as we park a safe distance away, so as not to be seen.

Seth places the truck in park but keeps the engine running as he switches off the lights.

“What do we do now?” Randy asks, my heart pounding so loud in my chest I barely hear him .

We all go silent as we watch them exit the station and head back to the car.

Justin holds Shelby close as he pumps gas.

To anyone who sees them, the guy holding his girl around the waist might look innocent, like lovers cuddling.

It’s only when you look closer that you see Shelby’s tear-streaked face and Justin’s white knuckles as he holds her in place.

It also has me remembering a story Shelby told me about the difference in the way Australians and Americans pay for their gas.

I was so happy that night as we got to know each other better.

Justin has obviously been here long enough, he knows how it works, pay first, then pump.

“They’ll have a full tank by now.” I lean over, checking my gauge. “We’ve got a quarter left. If they leave, we might never find them again.”

I watch Justin, how rough he is with her, how terrified she looks. He’s about my height. Maybe the same size. Not as broad, but solid. Built. Probably spent his time inside lifting weights. “I just want my girl back.” I reach for the door handle. “I’m going to talk to him.”

“Easy, man.” Seth catches my arm. “He has a gun.”

I turn to look at him, his face is etched in worry like the rest of my friends.

“I know, but he also has Shelby! Do you have a better idea?” I ask him for any guidance.

“Seriously, anything, man, you’re the fucking genius here.

I’m open to any suggestions!” I look around at my friends who stare vacantly back.

“There is no way in hell I can just let him drive away with her.” My mind is lost, flooded with every emotion possible, my body shaking in anguish, anger, and fear.

He shakes his head, looking as defeated as I feel as he lets go of my arm.

“I can’t just sit here. Look at her, man.” I point, as we all look. “She is terrified! If he drives off with her now, we could lose her.” I drag my hand down my face in desperation. “You guys stay here. I’ll go talk to him.”

“That’s not happening!” Randy snaps, slapping a firm hand to my shoulder to hold me in place. I turn to look at him, and one glance at his eyes tells me everything. He’s not letting me do this alone. None of them are.

“No way,” Walsh says, and Seth nods in silent agreement.

“Fine,” I say, nodding to my friends. “What do we do?”

“Does he know who we are?” Randy asks, his eyes never leave Shelby and Justin.

“I doubt it.”

Then we pull up beside them,” Randy says. “We’ll cause a scene…hell, if there’s one thing, we’re good at, it’s being loud, screwing around. If he doesn’t know us, perfect. We’ll distract him long enough to grab her and get her into our car.”

“It’s a plan,” Walsh says, watching Justin start to shake the gas handle, urgency creeping into his voice.

“Not much of one,” Seth mutters .

Randy shrugs. “Yeah, well it’s the only thing I can think of that doesn’t have him walking over to them alone.”

“Okay,” I say, nodding. “But fuck, guys… be careful.”

They give me a swift nod of their heads as Seth shifts the car into drive and pulls up beside Justin and Shelby.

As soon as we pull up, we are in character, jocks in full egoistic form—hell, we don’t even have to pretend. We all jump out like our asses are on fire, and I head straight to open the gas cap. We share the same pump as Justin. We are loud as we all line up standing next to our car.

I steal Shelby a glance, she shoots me with a worried look and a timid shake of her head.

I divert my head away from her as much as it pains me and grab at the pump handle.

I look at my friends, waiting for their guidance.

Then I freeze, eyes falling closed as cold metal presses firm and unforgiving into my temple.

His heavy voice slides into my ear like venom. “Well, well, well, the famous Christian Stone. How nice of you to join us!”

Fuck!