CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE Lies and Uber Rides

Rebel—

Tucking the phone under my chin, I check the oil level on the dipstick. “It’s good to go. Tell him he can pick it up today. If I’m not here, I’ll park it in the lot with the keys under the mat.”

The black Jeep Wrangler belongs to a friend of Ethan’s. Hammer’s nephew and I are close in age and have always gotten along.

“I’m sure that’s fine, Rebel.”

I hear a motorcycle and turn to see Blood pulling in the lot. It’s hot as blazes out there, and he backs into a shady spot. “I’ve gotta go, Ethan. Talk to you later.”

Slipping the phone in my pocket, I slam the hood and wipe my hands on a rag.

“You cut out of the party early yesterday,” Blood says, strolling inside the garage where the air is cooler.

“Did anyone miss me?” I ask, knowing the answer.

“I think your mother did. She was the birthday girl, after all.”

“Seeing as how I bought the cake and balloons for the party, I kind of know that, Blood. Besides, she had a ton of guests. Even you and Undertaker came up for it.”

“That’s true, but they noticed when you left.”

“Things have been strained between us lately,” I reply.

He glances around the garage, then slips his hands into his hip pockets. “I know that, and I know why. When I left for home two weeks ago, I’d hoped with time you’d have gotten over it.”

“Brayden has been gone for a month, and I can’t find enthusiasm for anything. I don’t think I’m going to get over this.”

“C’mere, Lil’ Bit.” He opens his arms and I’m drawn like a magnet. He enfolds me in a warm hug and I lean my shoulder on his chest.

“It’s not fair. None of this is fair,” I whisper.

“Life isn’t fair. That’s a fact.” He kisses the top of my head.

I push out of his arms. “I haven’t even spoken to my father. I have nothing to say to him.”

“Rebel—”

“No, it’s true. And the sad thing is, there was a time when we were so close, and now it feels like he doesn’t know me at all. It’s like he’s blind to my pain.”

“He probably just doesn’t know how to deal. It’s not like you’re one of his men.”

“And yet he tries to order me around like one.”

Blood folds his arms and leans against the Wrangler. “You’re his daughter; that may never change.”

“If I tell you something, will you keep it to yourself?”

“Depends what it is.”

“I’ve made a decision.” I stare out the garage doors, which now have all the glass replaced.

Blood tilts his head, studying me. “What decision?”

“I’m leaving.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m going out there.” By the arch of Blood’s brow and the stiffening of his body, I know he understands exactly what I mean.

“Did you tell your mother?”

Guilt washes over me, because she doesn’t deserve any of this. It’s like she’s collateral damage in this silent war between me and my father. And I know it’s a war I can’t win. “I can’t bring myself to crush her like that.”

“But that’s exactly what will happen when she realizes you’re gone. Not to mention the worry you’ll put her through. She doesn’t deserve that, Rebel.”

“No, she doesn’t, but that’s how it is.” I shrug like it doesn’t matter, but it does. Deep down, it’s tearing me apart. I want to be with Brayden so badly, yet I hate I have to leave my family, my home, everything I’ve ever known. My chin comes up. Like my mother said, I am my father’s daughter, so I’ll be strong and do what I have to do. There’s no other option. If I want a life with Brayden, this is how it has to be. I have to go to him. “If I tell her, she’ll try to stop me, Blood.”

“That’s true.”

“So, I just have to do it. Please don’t tell them.”

“When are you leaving?”

“There’s a flight at 6:00 pm.”

He peers toward the stairs, and spots my carryon bag sitting at the bottom. His lips part. “You already booked a flight?”

I nod.

“We need to have a heart-to-heart, Rebel.”

“It won’t change anything.”

“Humor me. Look, I know this was the same thing that happened with your parents. Your dad fought for your mom. He went against Undertaker for her. And I know it seems odd that when the tables are turned, he’s doing the same damn thing, but he loves you. You need to at least acknowledge that. I remember when you were born. He was in awe, and so in love from the second he held you in his arms. Your mom told me that. Said he teared up, staring down at his precious little newborn.”

“I’m sure he did.”

Blood’s jaw tightens. “Guess I’m wasting my breath.”

“I get what you’re trying to say. Really, I do. But I need to make my own life, and to find my own happiness.” I lay my palm on my breastbone. “I have to take responsibility for my own path.”

“I get that.” He blows out a breath. “Does he know you’re coming?”

“Brayden? No.”

“Don’t you think you should tell him? He needs to meet you at the airport.”

“I change planes in Dallas. I thought I’d call when I got that far.”

“I see.”

“You think I’m making a mistake, don’t you?”

He shrugs. “I like the kid. I do, Rebel. But this is a big step. Huge.”

“Do you think he won’t want me? Do you doubt his feelings for me?”

“Do you?”

“Not at all. I’m surer than I’ve ever been about anything.”

“Okay, then. I won’t stop you. Just be safe. If you need me, you call me, yeah? I’ll get on the next damn plane.”

My eyes glaze. I know he means every word.

“And if that boy rejects you, I’ll come kick his ass.”

I huff out a laugh, and it lightens the mood. Wiping the tears from my cheek, I look at him. “Please don’t tell my father.”

“Ain’t gonna lie to the man, honey, but if he doesn’t ask, I won’t say a thing.”

“Thank you.”

An Uber pulls in and honks, and we both turn. It’s time for me to go.

“Could you do me a favor and lock up the garage for me? Oh, and the keys to the Wrangler are in it. Could you move it outside and leave them under the mat?”

“Sure, honey.”

I move to grab my bag.

“Where’s Daisy?”

“Mom agreed to watch her. I dropped her off this morning. I told her I was spending the weekend with my girlfriends.”

“More lies, huh?”

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“Sure, you did. When are you going to tell them where you really are? If you disappear, they’re going to worry themselves sick.”

“I mailed her a letter this morning. She’ll get it Monday before she realizes I’m not with my girlfriends.”

“Wow, you really planned this all out, didn’t you?”

The Uber honks again. “I have to go.” I kiss his cheek. “Thank you for everything, Blood.”

“Text me when you get there. I’ll worry until you do.”

“I promise.” With that, I dash to the car and climb in the backseat.