Page 25 of Torqued

She elbows, and I fumble her. “You’re such an asshole.”

“Careful dear, people are watching.” I jerk the door open to my hauler, helping her in first. She flips around as soon as she’s in the living area, crossing her arms in defense.

“You do not put hands on me again unless I’ve given you permission to do so. Do you understand? I am not your property, and you will not treat me as such!” Her brows pull tight, leaving a V between them. I think her face is even red with the way she’s fuming. I take a step, closing the distance between us, and lean over her.

“Did we not discuss Lane? If I’m not mistaken, the last time we were around him, he gave you the ‘willies’ and you thanked me for coming to you. What’s changed? Are you interested in him or something?”

Her hands land on her hips as she cocks her head. “And if I do? It’s not your business!”

“Spencer, you don’t know him. You have no idea what he’s capable of or what he might do. I’m warning you for the last time, stay the hell away from Lane!” I swallow hard as my heart pumps like an engine from our proximity. Her scent is tantalizing and intoxicating, drawing me to her like a bee to nectar. I want to taste her, soak her into my pores.

She glares at me, her nostrils flaring. “You have no right over me, nor will any man tell me what I may or may not do! Who do you think you are, Rush?”

“No one.” I hesitate before taking a step back. “You’re right, I mean nothing to you. I need to get some air, clear my head before the practice run.”

“I need you to trust me on this one,” she takes a shaky breath. “I know what I’m doing. Besides, we’re friends. Right?”

I reach for the door, refusing to look at her again. Somethings, you don’t show before you should. “Yup! Besties.”

Spencer’s heels click on the floor, but I don’t wait for her. I slam the door behind me and put as much distance as I can between us. My mouth fills with a bitter tang from the sting of her words.

“She incenses me!” I seethe, storming through the garages. Margo locks eyes with me, and then hers flicker to the right. I follow them, just in time to catch Lane headed in my direction.

He slaps me on the back, cackling. “I’ve already told you. She’s taken.”

“Get the fuck off, Shifter!” I slap his hand, wrapping it in mine and yanking him to me. “You’re going to keep her name outta your mouth, and stay the hell away from her.”

Lane fists my shirt, trying to pull me down to his level. When I resist, it enrages him. “What’s wrong, Hatch? You don’t like sloppy seconds? Well, get used to it. That’s all her ass is good for.”

“Stay away from her, or I’ll end you.” I flip my foot around his calf, dumping him on his ass in front of everyone. I bend over him, putting my finger in his face. “I’m taller than you. I had the leverage, as I always do. Stay. The. Fuck. Away.”

“Get the hell off me!” He swats at my hand, making our witness’ laugh at him. His face reddens, and he tries to scramble to his feet. I allow him up, ready to move on after my final warning.

I hold my hands up, backing away. “We’re good. It’s all good.”

“You son of bitch! I’m coming for you.” He flips me off, thinking he’s embarrassing me. Far from it, he’s just set the world on fire, and I’m the flame thrower.

“What are you doing?” Margo jerks on my arm, pulling me toward my garage area. “Spencer’s gonna fire you. Stop playing with that idiot!”

I nod, walking off my extra adrenaline. “I know! Arghhh!”

“You have to stay away from him, he’ll be your downfall and you know it. He’s doing this to screw with you and you’re gonna end up losing all of this!” Margo shouts, throwing a towel across the room.

I lace my fingers behind my head, dragging in a deep breath. I slowly release it, after realizing all I could smell was Spencer. She invades my dreams; my waking hours are nothing without her.

“I need to keep him away from her.”

Margo gives me a tight nod. “I think I have an idea, but let me suggest it to her.”

“So, what is it?”

“I’ve got it! You need to get your head clear and hit the track. This is it Rush, make your mark.” Margo’s right, I have to prove him wrong, and to myself. I’m worth being here.

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. There’s a weight on my chest and I don’t know how to get it off. I can feel it in my bones, something bad is about to happen.

“Margo…”

“Please, Rush. It’s written all over you. It has been from the moment she walked into your life.” She giggles, pushing me away.