Page 38 of Timber's Line

“Thank you,” I say.

“Alright, let’s prepare for the elimination ceremony. Axel and Silas, you are safe from elimination. See you all in a few hours,” Sal says and then looks my way.

“He can be a scary guy as well.” Silas chuckles.

“And weird.”

“Fuck, Axel, that was something else.” Memphis joins us with Ever.

“I think he needed it,” Axel says.

“And Silas, you’re a scary fucker,” Memphis adds.

“I knew that if Hulk man over here did what I did, he wouldn’t’ ever have a chance to get back in the cage.” Silas chuckles.

“Remind me never to fight Silas, baby,” Memphis says to Ever.

“Unless you piss me off,” she adds.

Everyone laughs.

“We’re all going to go swimming. Shane is hauling the grill down there,” Memphis tells us.

“I’m down,” Axel says, taking off in a sprint. He doesn’t even stop, just cannonballs in.

I just laugh. Everyone starts to join us, even the other guys. Everyone but Timber. Where is she? Is she still crying?

“Pull your head out of your ass yet?” London asks.

“No, I made it worse.”

“I figured when you stormed toward the house.”

“Shane might not be a big man, but man, he can be scary,” I say. London throws his head back and laughs.

“You would want him on your side when it comes to Timber. Him and Austin.” He gestures to the man who acts as Timber’s father.

“Austin is a good guy. Rough marriage. He would want what’s best for her, and if you can’t win him or Shane over, you got shit,” he says.

“For right now, I should keep my distance.”

“Probably for the best.”

I don’t want it to be that way, but she doesn’t need me.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

TIMBER

I watched the fight from my window and almost cheered that big guy on. And then I watched as another guy practically smashed Ashton on the ground. He said something to Dayton, and I could see he was pissed off. I’m guessing Ashton told them what a slut I was.

Everyone went to the lake or pond—not sure what we’re calling it these days—to swim. Even Easton and the other guys joined them. I didn’t feel like being festive. I threw on some jeans and boots and headed down the road to Linc’s farm.

“Hiding out?” Skye asked as I entered the barn.

“No,” I lie to her.

“Want to help?” She was feeding the horses, so I helped her with the new hay, and I needed to check on Dwight. He had been sluggish last time I was there. He perked up when I poked my head into his stall.