Page 26 of Theodore

Laura shook her head with exasperation as I followed Theo outside.

I stood by his car, and he frowned at me, motioning behind him.

“We’re taking the truck, honey,” Theo crowed as he climbed into the driver’s seat, winding the window down. “Best hurry before Papa realizes.”

With that, I hot footed it around the truck and climbed up on the step to sit beside him.

“He’s going to fuckingkillyou.”

Theo slid the key into the ignition before fixing me with his killer gaze.

“Hold on.”

The engine roared to life as he sped away from the curb, my heart in my throat as I imagined Alonzo running after us angrily.

“Theo,” I groaned, glancing back anxiously.

“I love it when you moan my name like that.”

Fuck’s sake!

12

HANNAH

After a heated conversation on the car speaker, I finally believed Alonzo wouldn’t just hurt Theo.

He is going to kill him.

“I’m removing your tv, your PlayStation—”

“Alright, Paps. Can we talk about this later? I need to watch the road.” Theo smirked as Alonzo cursed.

“If you can hear me, Hannah, dump his sorry ass.”

“Bye, Pap.” Theo yawned, hitting the end call button. “See. Even my dad knows you’re my girl.”

“Hmm. He’salwaysthought that.” I shrugged, gazing out of the window.

The sky was a mixture of blue and purple, the sun casting its farewell as it retreated behind the horizon.

“That’s because you always have been.”

I was silent for a moment, reflecting on his words.

“Where are we going?”

“To the carnival.” Theo grinned when my eyes widened in delight.

“Yes, De Luca!” I hooted, and he laughed, taking a sharp left turn.

The road was a bumpy dirt road that led to the carnival grounds, but the truck handled it with ease. The air crackled with the aromas I loved so much; burnt pecan nuts drizzled in maple syrup, cotton candy, and popcorn, making my taste buds dance in anticipation.

“First stop?” Theo drawled as he opened the door, grinning at me.

“You’ve got to win me something,” I chirped.

He rolled his eyes as we walked towards the carnival, nodding at people we recognized from school. Being there together didn’t attract any extra attention, but when he pulled me close and kissed my head, his arm wrapped around my shoulder, I felt like peopleshouldbe staring. It was just so…intimate.