by Raathi Chota
“Yet he still worked for you after that,” I stated as I remembered Keene’s story with the ice.
“Of course he would after I threatened to kill his family.” James laughed. I remained silent as I stared at the two figures and recognized the one upright, which I assumed was James since he held something. The other one was crouched down, though. “It’s quite simple what I want from you, Lana. Shut your mouth, and nothing happens. If you don’t, well…let’s just say I’ll leave evidence on your dad’s doorstep,” James muttered. “Or is Detective Kale better? Yeah, he’d like that.” He lowered his gaze to the guy on the ground. I furrowed my brows then realized it was Mike who had a rifle aimed at me. “I’ll also have someone killed. It’s your choice, Lana Willson.” I watched as Mike turned the rifle. I followed it and saw that it aimed at Keene, who was across the street. “He’s useless anyway. No family, still owes me money and lives with Noel Brighton.” James hissed as my bottom lip trembled.
“We’re his family, and he’s not giving you anything.”
“No, they’re my boys. I can do anything I want with them. If they don’t cooperate, then I’ll hurt you. And you and I both know that those boys will put you before themselves.” James laughed bitterly. “So, Lana Willson…” James began as the race finished. It got louder and crowded as I tried to walk away. “Until we meet again, everyone has a purpose in life…what is yours?” he asked then ended the call.
Aidan won the race, and everyone crowded around his car to congratulate him. I glanced up at the building again to see that James and Mike were gone. I stared at my phone for a while then felt a hand on my shoulder. I immediately spun around to be met by Keene. I let out a sigh of relief and instantly wrapped my arms around his neck.
“Whoa, I was just across the road with Carter.” He laughed.
“Yeah, I know…I just…wanted to hug you,” I mumbled then stepped back.
“Okay, well, come on. The next race starts soon, but everyone is going to the bistro,” he said and took my hand in his. We caught up with everyone else, and I congratulated Aidan. He grinned like an idiot since it was the first time Tiffany saw him race. We entered the packed restaurant. I slid into the booth and sat next to Levi and Keene. Blake was opposite me with Melissa and Aidan on either side of him.
“Who did you race against?” Levi asked Aidan.
“This one tall dude and freaking Austin. Oh, how I rubbed it in his face when he came in second,” Aidan replied.
“Fuck, if he’s here, then that means…” Levi trailed off but stopped when someone approached us.
“Well, hey, gang.” Parker smiled, and I glanced at the curly blond. He wore a black shirt with baggy jeans and combat boots.
“What the hell do you want, Parker?” Blake demanded.
“Just came to say that the next race is starting soon,” Parker said, then turned to Levi. “Radcliff, you’re up.”
Levi stood and sized up to Parker. Everyone else slowly got up, but I remained where I was. Parker smirked at Levi, and I glanced down to see that his knuckles turned red.
“Good luck,” Parker said and walked off. Levi shook his head and turned to our table. I noticed that Blake hadn’t gotten up, either.
“You two coming or what?”
“We’ll be there in a sec,” Blake said as he stared at me. I gave him a questioning look then watched as our friends walked out. “Who was on the phone?”
“What?”
“Who. Was. On—”
“No one. Nobody,” I cut him off then tapped my fingers against the table.
“What’s wrong? You’ve been acting weird lately,” he said then stopped my taps as he placed his hands over mine. I shook my head because I was scared. “Don’t you wanna be here?” he asked. “Are you scared because your dad is the sheriff?”
“Why do you keep asking me that?” I asked as I pulled my hand away.
“I won’t stop until I get a proper answer, GG,” Blake responded as the corner of his mouth rose.
“GG? Really? I thought I proved that I wasn’t a GG.” I tried to change the subject. “You of all people should know that by now.”
“Yeah, well, you lost the bet.” He smirked.
“For a good reason, but I was doing very well!”
“All right, then, prove that you’re more badass than me,” he said as I raised a brow. “That you’re not a GG.”
“Am I sensing another bet?”
“Yeah, whoever can be the most badass before prom wins.”
“If you win then?”
“Then you have to tell me everything, Lana.”
“And if I win?”
“Then you don’t tell me, I’ll get a tattoo of your choice, and I’ll stop calling you GG, baby girl, and nerd. It’s a maybe on those last two names.” He shrugged and held his hand out. “Deal?” he asked as I stared at his hand. I wanted the names to stop, I wanted him to stop, and I tried to get it clear in his head that I am no good girl, especially for the things I did. I slowly shook his hand with a wicked look in my eye.
Blake and I walked out of the bistro in time for the race. An idea sparked in my brain back to when I drove with Aidan. I walked to Levi, who was about to get in his car.
“Come to wish me good luck, princess?” Levi asked as he opened the door.
“Sort of,” I said then looked over my shoulder to Blake. “I wanna drive with you.”
Levi’s eyes widened, and he studied me. The last time I drove with Levi in a race was summer 2015, and we got into a car accident. From there, Levi didn’t want me to drive with him.
“Are you sure?” he asked. I slowly nodded as I took a quick glance at his car.
“Yeah, that happened almost two years ago. Plus, you had a few drinks that night,” I mumbled then walked around the car. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Blake stare at me. I got in and turned to see that Carter was driving Ethan’s Lamborghini. Blake was going to take the next race since he said it was the last race of the night and that’s when they’d put in the highest pot. Austin also drove again, as well as another guy who drove a dark blue muscle car. I let out a shaky breath when the flag girl walked between the vehicles. Levi took my hand in his and rubbed it as he gave me an assured look. Levi’s engine roared as he turned to his opponents. The Lamborghini sounded beautiful, and I saw Carter grin. As soon as the girl lowered the flag, we were off. My nails dug into the seat, ready for it all. The car swerved as we turned right. Carter led with Austin right behind us. I searched in the rearview mirror for the muscle car, but I couldn’t see it anywhere. Just as Levi overtook Carter, the muscle car appeared from the left and cut in front.
“Shit,” Levi muttered, and I watched as he put his palm against the wheel and turned it. Instead of going straight like everyone else, he turned left.
“Levi, where are we going?” I asked as we went to an underground parking lot.
“Shortcut, princess,” Levi answered with a smirk. The underground parking was empty, so it made it easier to drive past. In the rearview mirror, I saw the tires screech against the ground as we turned. The tires left marks as we shifted from left to right. I saw the exit up ahead, but it was uphill. My body shook as Levi hit the gas pedal and we sped up. I shut my eyes as the car rose then dropped, but we continued to move. I slowly opened them to see that we were on a dark road. I looked over my shoulder to see Carter ahead of us while Austin and the muscle car trailed behind. They seemed shocked while Levi and I cheered.
“You really wanna win?” I asked since they were so close. He gave me a weird look, but I smirked as I saw the finish line up ahead. I lowered my window then took my jacket off.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Levi yelled as I sat on the window.
“Making sure that you win!” I exclaimed and laughed as I hung out the window. People cheered for us, yet I noticed Blake’s glare. I looked over my shoulder to see Carter slow down as he saw me hang out the window. My hair was in all directions, and I raised my one arm and
cheered. I closed my eyes for a second as I took the moment. I felt Levi’s grip on my leg as we drove past the finish line. Noise erupted around me, and I got back in to put my jacket on. Levi gave me a baffled look, but I kept a grin. “You won!”
“Yeah and you almost died!” he exclaimed while I rolled my eyes then got out of the car. Everyone rushed toward me and told me I was crazy. I laughed when I saw Carter run toward me.
“What the hell was that? You could’ve fallen or died.”
“But I didn’t.” I smiled at Blake, Levi, and Carter.
“Other than the almost-dying part, that was cool,” Aidan pointed out. Everyone glared at him as I laughed. Levi shook his head in amusement and walked off. I trailed behind, and I saw people gape at me. It’s not like something like that hadn’t happened before. Geez. I even noticed Parker and Austin stare at me. Levi noticed then locked his arms with mine as we walked away from them. We waited for the guy to pass out the prize money, and I felt Levi pull me closer.
“Thanks for the win, princess,” he whispered as we watched the guy count the money. I smiled and nodded. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Blake join us. He folded his arms and looked forward.
“That was a ridiculously stupid move to pull.”
“Yeah, but guess who’s in the lead?”
“Not for long. You’re racing with me next, then I’ll be in the lead.”
“What are you guys talking about?” Levi asked.
“Yeah, and then make you look like a winner? No thanks.” I ignored Levi’s question and pulled away from him to get a better look at Blake.
“Oh, baby girl.” He laughed and looked down at me. “That wasn’t a question; you are driving with me.”
“No, I’m not!” I stepped closer to Levi as he collected his money. Once he finished, he put it in his jacket pocket then turned to us.
“Yeah, you are. You’ve driven with my cousin and Levi. I think it’s fair if you drive with me next,” Blake said as he stepped closer.
“Oh yeah? Well, you can’t make me.” I turned away to join our friends. I was picked up bridal style and scoffed at Blake. His hold on my legs tightened as he swung me around so that I was over his shoulder.
“Yeah, I can,” he said as I balled my fists and hit his back. I glanced up at Levi, who enjoyed every moment of it. He had his hands stuffed in his pockets as he walked behind us.
“Blake, I’m wearing a dress!” I squealed as I tried to pull my dress.
“Don’t worry, only I can see,” he said, and Levi laughed. Behind Levi, I saw people move to their cars and into the bistro. I raised a brow then motioned with my head for Levi. He looked over his shoulder to the person who ran.
“Cops!” someone yelled, and I jolted upright. As soon as that word echoed throughout the place, everyone ran. Levi ran forward to catch up with Blake while I observed everyone from his shoulder. In the distance, I saw lights flash toward us.
“They’re close!” I shouted as the guys ran. People even got into other people’s cars to get away. I admitted when I came with Levi, it never happened. Then again, it was spring break, and that’s another reason why Dad was always on patrol. I was pushed into a car, hoping it wasn’t just a random person’s car. Thankfully, it was Levi’s, and I saw him get into the driver’s side. My door shut, and I didn’t have time to see where my friends went. Levi started the car then sped off. He tried to find a shortcut but instantly stopped, and I almost flew forward, but he managed to hold me back.
“What?” I demanded as I turned to Levi. His jaw clenched, and I watched as his eyes trailed up into the rearview mirror. I followed his gaze to see those two unwanted people in the back. I looked over my shoulder and stiffened when I saw Parker and Austin.
“Get the fuck out of my car,” Levi demanded, and I looked into the side view mirror to see the cops in the distance.
“Drive, Radcliff, or we’re all fucking screwed,” Parker stated then leaned forward. “And I’m pretty sure you don’t want your princess getting caught by the sheriff.”
Chapter Five
Lana
Levi got stubborn at times, but that was rare. He only got stubborn when he cared or didn’t feel like doing it. Yet he had to drive.
“Drive, Radcliff!” Parker demanded.
“Get the fuck out of my car,” Levi said through gritted teeth. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Parker lean toward me. Everything happened so fast as he pulled my hair and pressed a knife against my throat. I swallowed in a breath as my nails dug into his arm.
“Drive,” Parker stated calmly.
“Whoa…dude,” Austin exclaimed. Even though Parker never wore his coat, his pockets were always full. Levi started the car and took another route to escape the cops. Parker still had a firm grip on me as I bit the inside of my cheek. When I bit it, I thought of Blake when he’d tell me not to. Then I thought of where he disappeared since he threw me in the car. When the cops were out of sight, Parker slowly removed the knife from my throat. I exhaled loudly then turned to him. Austin seemed shocked by Parker’s actions while Levi drove. We stopped ten minutes later at a park, and I recognized it as the one from New Year’s, where James shot that other guy. The silence stretched between Levi and me as Parker and Austin got out. When the door closed, Levi opened his and stepped out.
“Levi, don’t!” I yelled as he shoved Parker. I quickly got out of the car and ran around the car to see Austin and Parker beat up Levi. The only light available was Levi’s headlights, so I barely saw anything. “Stop it!” I screamed and jumped on Austin’s back. He staggered and released his grip on Levi. We fell, and I hit him repeatedly. He managed to grasp my wrists and stop me. I didn’t even notice that he brought his knee up and kicked me. My head hit the car, and I shut my eyes. I bit the inside of my cheek because I didn’t want to cry as I heard Austin and Parker. I slowly opened my eyes to see Parker and Levi face each other. Everything was so blurry as Levi fell. Parker backed away, and that’s when I saw the knife sticking out of Levi’s bicep. “No…” I managed to croak out. My throat closed as my eyes widened. I used all my energy and pushed myself up then approached Parker.
“Parker, what the fuck did you do?” Austin demanded.
“You lost four grand tonight. Two to Aidan and the other two to this prick!” Parker pointed at Levi. “He obviously cheated!”
“What’s wrong with you?” I yelled then shoved him. “You’re fucking sick!”
While I tried to hit Parker, another car drove up in front of Levi’s. I recognized it as Austin’s car that he raced in. Parker held my wrists, and I turned to look at the Willis Twins.
“Dude, what the fuck?” one of them demanded as they stared at Levi. The one in the passenger seat got out and approached us. Parker shoved me away, and someone’s arms wrapped around me. I glanced up to see one of the twins. I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. I heard a round of curses and turned my head to see Parker pull out the knife from Levi’s bicep. I let out a pathetic scream as I felt the tears well up in my eyes. I stopped resisting and collapsed in his arms. He pushed me to the ground, and I landed face first. As I coughed slowly, I raised my head to see them run to the car. I slowly sat up to see Austin get in last with an apologetic look. I turned my head to see Levi clutch his arm as he limped toward me. I got up and noticed the blood on his face from the kicks and punches. My eyes slowly traveled down to his arm where blood oozed out of it.
“Are you okay? I’m sorry, princess.”
“I-I’m fine. We need to get you to a hospi—”
“No.” He cut me off as I helped him to the car. “The knife didn’t go in deep; I’ll be fine.”
“Then we’re going home. Mom can help, she’ll understa—”
“No, princess, your parents will hate me,” he said as I put him in the backseat. I got in, then stared at his wound. I anxiously bit my lip and looked around for something to stop the blood. My eyes traveled down to Levi’s belt, and I immediately pulled it off. I struggled a
t first because he was hurt everywhere. Once I got it off, I put the belt around his bicep, and he cussed as I pulled on it. After I was sure the blood stopped, I looked at Levi. He cracked a smile through his bloody, beaten face yet I couldn’t. I got out of the backseat then jogged to the driver’s seat. I put on my seatbelt, placed my hands on the wheel, then looked at Levi through the rearview mirror. “They’ll hate me because I took you racing. Remember the last time? They’ll fucking lose it.”
“Then we’ll go to Keene. He’ll know what to do.” I let out a shaky breath, too scared to even drive.
“No, no, no. His apartment is near where we raced. We can’t go back there.” Levi breathed out. My bottom lip trembled because I didn’t know what to do. A tear rolled down my cheek, and I felt a headache appear from when Austin pushed me against the door. “Come on, princess; you can do this,” Levi croaked out. “Call Blake.”
My eyes snapped open at the mention of his name. I instantly grabbed my phone and dialed his number. It went straight to voicemail, and when it said to leave a message, I cracked.
“Blake, where are you? Why aren’t you answering your phone! Levi got stabbed by Parker in the arm, and I-I can’t fucking doing this!” I demanded as tears streamed down my face. “Why did you leave? Where did you go? We…I need you, so where the fuck are you?”
“Go to Uncle Griff’s house,” Levi suggested. My eyes widened as I sent the message then looked at Levi. “We haven’t been there for a while, and he’s the closest. I know he’ll shout at us, but please, princess.”
I slowly nodded and stepped on the accelerator. As we drove to Uncle Griff’s apartment, I thought of Blake. Wherever he was, I hoped he was safe.
***
Uncle Griff lived on the top floor, which was difficult since the elevators didn’t work. Even though Levi got stabbed in his bicep, he limped because of the multiple times Parker and Austin kicked and punched him. We stopped at the oak door. I hadn’t been here in almost three years because Uncle Griff mostly came to our house or I’d see him at school. It felt weird yet brought back so many memories of when Levi and I used to sleepover. I knocked on the door while Levi leaned against the doorframe. After a few knocks, the door opened to reveal an exhausted Griffon Bronx in a tank top. He squinted his eyes then took in our appearances.