19. Chapter 19

Chapter 19

TUCKER

Sitting on the end of my tailgate a few nights later, I squeezed my hands into fists against my thighs as I watched the Firebird and Mustang speed around the makeshift track. Jet was racing David tonight, and it was close, dirt spraying into the air with each turn they made. Always neck and neck. It was so close that I couldn’t even tell who won, the hoods of their cars passing the line together.

They couldn’t tell either. Jet and David slowed before coming to a stop beside each other and opened their doors, standing behind them while they waited for the verdict. Monty came over as the refs discussed, and finally, an arm was held out towards Jet’s Mustang. I’d just seen the smile light his face when he disappeared like he’d been yanked back inside, his car door still hanging open.

I couldn’t help but grin at that. Annie had started riding some of his races with him, and it didn’t take a genius to figure out what she was likely doing to help him celebrate in that car .

Especially when they rolled up next to me a few minutes later and didn’t get out.

I watched the next three races before the Mustang’s door opened, steam fogged over the windows, and Jet ran around to get Annie’s. She straightened her shirt, and when they walked over to join me, I gave her a smirk and a look that told her to expect comments later.

The look I got back was worth it. She was so fun to fuck with at times.

“Not a word,” Annie warned me, gripping the edge of my tailgate to lift herself up. Jet grabbed her hips to pull her back between his legs, his arms sliding around her waist, and Annie looked around as she settled, the next race about to start. “I can’t believe this is probably our last time out here before graduation. Think Monty will work you in for another race tonight?” She glanced over her shoulder at him.

“Wouldn’t mind it.” Jet grinned, and I looked over from my other end of the tailgate.

“You know it’s going to be harder to find time to do this next year with football, right?”

Jet popped a shoulder, his eyes fixed on the next race, assessing the line up. “Guess I’ll have to get my fix in during the summers, then.”

“And if you ever get caught or hurt out here, you’ll be fucking with your scholarship.”

Jet frowned, but he needed to hear it. Watching the races was one thing, but driving was another level of risk. I hated being a dick and screwing with his high, but my mood was shit tonight.

After taking a couple of days to mentally prepare herself and gather evidence and dates, Izzy had finally gone down to the police station with Blake today to file a restraining order against Zane, and I was not happy to hear we had to wait a couple of weeks for a hearing before it might even go through. Blake was almost certain it would, but I was pissed. I wanted Zane out of the picture. Now.

“It’s weird without Izzy here tonight.” Annie pouted, pulling me from my thoughts. And while I’d admit I loved the twins’ antics when the four of us were here together, I wasn’t risking it. Not before we had that hearing and the restraining order was in place.

Plus, tonight, I had other plans.

“You know why I didn’t want her to come.” I sent Annie a pointed look.

“I know. You’re right. She doesn’t need to be around Zane if he’s here. I’m not arguing that. I’m just saying it’s weird without her.”

Her eyes went back out to the crowd just like mine did. Izzy hadn’t even argued when I’d asked her not to come. She’d just given me a warning look, a kiss, and then called Leo so they could practice in her studio.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she knew what I was planning to do.

I hadn’t looked for him before, knowing it would have been hard to hold myself back, but now, my eyes scanned the crowd on the other side to search for Zane, knowing which section I’d likely find him. My brow shot up when I spotted David’s Firebird parked between Zane’s Mustang and a now familiar Pontiac GTO.

Annie must have seen it right when I did.

“Tell me that’s not the shadiest shit.” She glared at where Zane and David were hanging out with Ruby and her crew .

“Yeah.” My eyes narrowed, now wondering how deep Zane’s roots were in what Ruby had pulled. I wouldn’t put it past him after learning about Lisa.

“God, I can’t wait until your dad decides what to do about her ass, babe. You did file that sexual harassment complaint, right?”

Jet made a face, and I had a feeling it was good Annie couldn’t see it. I’d feel weird about it, too, though, so I didn’t blame him.

“Yeah,” he answered. “I did, which reminds me that I forgot to tell you it didn’t go over well. Dad pulled her into the office about it today, and she snapped at him. Rodrigo and I could hear her going off through the door.”

I winced, just picturing how that went over with Stef.

“You’re kidding?” Annie gaped, and Jet shook his head.

“No, and you know my dad. He cares about his employees, but he has no tolerance for disrespect. He sent her home, but I don’t think it’s looking good for her.”

Annie sent Jet a look over her shoulder. Whether she was just pissed or wounded, it was hard to tell. “She deserved it. She knew you had a girlfriend, and she made a pass at work like it was no big deal. Bitch deserves what she gets. If she’s making it worse for herself, even better.”

“You’re right,” Jet quickly agreed, giving her waist a reassuring squeeze.

“Yeah, happy rainbow colors.” I scowled. “How about the fact that Zane’s getting away with so much shit?”

Annie groaned, and Jet sent me a serious look. “Just wait until we’re sure I’m done racing to do what you need to with that.” I stared back at him, aware that racing was his priority tonight, just like I knew Annie rubbing in that she still had Jet into Ruby’s face was hers .

The girl had seriously gotten under her skin, and with the way Jet had dismissed our warnings, I didn’t blame Annie for hating the girl. It wasn’t a trust issue. It was a lack of respect. I knew it from my hookup days. If a girl had a boyfriend, she was off limits. You didn’t fuck with what wasn’t yours.

Annie gave me an understanding look after Jet’s warning, not that it helped. Dick mode was wired into me tonight until I got this done.

“Just let tonight be fun, Tucker. You know Izzy will be pissed if you fight.”

“Says the one just bitching about Ruby. And it wouldn’t be a fight.” I clenched my fists by my legs again. “It would be one and done, just like the last time I took his ass down out here.”

“And you’re gonna get me banned from racing out here if you keep up with that shit.” Jet glared. “Deal with him. Warn him off. Whatever you need to do but hold the damn punches.”

My jaw clenched, and I swallowed. “If I’m holding punches, then there’s no reason I have to wait.”

I slid off the tailgate and started across the crowd, ignoring the panicked looks Annie and Jet exchanged.

“Fuck.” I heard Jet curse behind me, scrambling to follow. He was flanking my side within seconds. “You better keep it under control.”

I popped my knuckles as I fisted my hand. “You don’t have to come.”

“Tucker, I’m fucking serious… Shit,” he cursed when I didn’t answer. “Annie, we’ll be back,” he said over his shoulder.

“But– ”

“No.”

I smirked. I wasn’t the only one he didn’t trust tonight.

We were just a few yards away when David spotted us, and he nudged Zane’s arm to get his attention. Ruby and her crew didn’t move, but David held back, letting Zane step forward to take the lead.

“The fuck do you want over here, Pierce?” he sneered, crossing his arms over his wide chest.

I stopped just a few feet in front of him. Close enough to get my message across but far enough away I might not swing. Taking him in now, I couldn’t believe we’d missed the steroids. Unless it was like Izzy had suggested and before prom we were just in a fog. I’d seen him in the weight room enough to explain some muscles, but the bastard was fucking huge now. Bigger than the last time I fought him.

I’d still take him out in a punch.

“I have a message for you.” I let my voice roll out deep around us, filling it with warning.

“Then stop fucking wasting my time and say it.”

“Careful.” My eyes narrowed. “Just one talk with my fiancée and I can make sure those assault charges still come back to bite you in the ass.” His jaw clenched, biting something back. “She knows how fucked up you are now. We know everything you did to try to get between us, and if I ever see or hear that you’re plotting shit again, I will take you down. You’re not the only one that has money and connections. I just don’t rely on them. But I will if it means protecting her . You? You’re the fucking past, Zane, and one day, you’ll be a fucking ghost of a memory she never even has to think about anymore. We’re done. She’s done. Fucking be a decent human for once and leave her alone.”

David gripped Zane’s shoulder when he moved to lunge, and I turned away, my fist clenched and ready if he broke free. I caught Ruby’s gaze, her eyes locked on Jet.

“You.” I zeroed in on her. “Learn your fucking place. You’re not wanted. And I don’t know what the fuck that asshole has on you, but you better fucking wise up and get some distance.”

Her face went white even as her eyes hardened, and I took off before I could say anything else. The girl deserved shit but not from me.

“Thank you,” Jet said when we’d walked far enough away.

I just nodded. I didn’t even know if he meant what happened with Zane or Ruby. The Ruby part was for Annie. Keeping myself from pounding Zane’s face in? That had been for Izzy. Fighting had only brought the worst for us. And now that I’d said my piece, given Zane his fair warning, I was good to move on. His ass could stay in the past.

ANNIE

It took everything in me to not pace the entire time Jet was over there with Tucker. I was already hyped up from the race, and the guys had now walked straight into enemy territory where Zane sat with Ruby. Staying back was torture. Like they thought I was some damsel that couldn’t hold her own. With Zane, maybe not, but I sure as hell could against Ruby. Her attention had been rapt on Jet the entire time he’d been over there, and I was just begging her to make a move.

Crossing my arms, I tucked my hands against the sides of my ribs to keep them still as my feet gave up the battle and began to pace the stretch by Tucker’s tailgate. The second the guys got back, they were getting a piece of my mind. My nerves were a wreck right now, my constant stress mounting as I waited and watched to see how this would go.

A breath of relief rushed through me when they turned to head back, but when Tucker stopped to go off on Ruby, a sick satisfaction hit me. Appreciation swelled in my chest for my friend. That he took that moment to stick up for me. I wished I could see Jet’s face then. He’d been wonderful all week, but if he was looking at her with even an ounce of pity, I really thought I might lose it. I knew he was mine, no question. He loved me, completely, like I did him. But for once, I needed him to defend us.

I took off at a sprint, hating the distance between us when I was feeling this way. Overwhelmed. Not knowing what to do with it. I just wanted to be in his arms right then. Feel the connection between us. But when Ruby hopped up from her chair and called out to Jet, heat flashed over my body in a wave.

Oh, hell no.

I sped up, catching the warning look Tucker shot Jet, and leaped in his arms before he had the chance to turn around. She wasn’t getting an ounce of my man’s attention .

“Babe!” I beamed, and Jet reached below my ass to hold me up as I threw my arms around his neck, planting my lips on his. His mouth immediately opened, his tongue meeting mine, and we stood there for who knew how long making out in that random portion of the crowd. Eventually needing air, I brushed my nose along his before leaning back, smiles splitting both our faces.

I couldn’t help but glance past him and found Ruby scowling back in her chair.

“I take it you made your point?” Jet asked, sounding amused.

I pressed another kiss to his mouth. “Pretty sure. It looked like it went well for you and Tucker. No fights. Did he get his point across?”

“He did. Just like you’re still using me right now to make yours.” He hoisted me higher in his arms, his grin wider.

“Dang straight.” I gave him another kiss, but as I leaned in, I overheard Ruby’s catty voice.

“She’s such a psychotic bitch. Just wait until he wakes up about her. I’ll be right there waiting when I make it happen.”

Red hot rage flared, and I scrambled over Jet to reach her. “Psychotic bitch? That’s rich coming from a fucking whore.” Fear flickered in Ruby’s eyes as I stormed forward, but it quickly shifted into challenge as she stood. That Shelby girl shot up by her side, but I didn’t care. I’d fucking take them both. I was so fucking tired of shit. Tired of the stress and the drama. I’d shut the bitch down for good.

But before I could pull my fist back, I was scooped up and thrown over a shoulder. Growling at being called off, I flipped my ponytail out of my face. “ You’re the one who’s psychotic if you ever think Jet will be yours!”

“I think she got it, sweetheart.” Jet’s voice was somewhere between a stern growl and amused.

“You think it’s funny? Babe, she just fucking admitted she’s still trying to get you.”

Jet flipped me back over and set me on the hood of his car. He looked down, those blue eyes driving back my anger with their calm. “And nothing she tries is going to win me over.” He leaned over me, placing his hands on the hood at my sides. I had to rest mine behind me to hold myself up, locked in his stare until he closed the gap and swept me up in a kiss.

All the frustration, tension, and stress that threatened to overtake me, overwhelming my life so often now, melted away with everything I could feel in that kiss, and Jet kept it slow, deep, packed with the fervency he wanted me to feel before pecking the edge of my mouth. He rested his brow against mine, calmness and contentment now buzzing under my skin.

“Yeah…” At Tucker’s voice, we rolled our heads to the side, finding him leaning against his truck. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“All good, man. What’s up?” Jet didn’t move from his place over me, and Tucker scraped a hand over his mouth and jaw.

“Look, I know you’re looking to get another race, but I said what I needed to say back there. I really better go. I’m just…” His fists clenched and unclenched at his sides, and I frowned at seeing him still so wound up. His body was looking for an outlet even if he wasn’t. He needed Izzy to bring him down like I’d just needed Jet .

“Go, Tucker. It’s fine,” I encouraged.

“Yeah, man. I get it. You saw the last one. It’s fine. Go find your girl.”

He nodded and took off, and Jet rolled his forehead back to face me, his lips brushing mine. “I’ve got mine right here.”