Page 26 of Heart of the Race

He was right and we both knew it. There was no argument to be made.

“It has to be all or nothing,” I insisted.

“Oh, I know.” He was placating me.

“What does that mean?” And now I was annoyed.

“It means that’s how you are, Bri. Don’t you think I know that?”

His voice, the way it broke, like his heart was aching, made me catch my breath. I wanted to see him almost desperately. “Were you really leaving?”

“I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m winging it.”

The sultry rumble made my stomach flutter.

“Did you come chasing after Aidric?”

“Yeah. I didn’t want him to be the first one to talk to you. I wanted it to be me.”

“But?”

“But he doesn’t want me to race anymore without you, and so he came to talk you into coming back. I mean, I get it. Everyone’s always liked me better when you’re there. You make me nice and cautious and vigilant about my safety.”

“Is that right?”

“Screw you.”

“And you’re saying, everybody likes you that way?”

“I could do without you being so pleased with yourself.”

“Me?” I went for surprise, unsure if it was coming off. “Whatever do you mean?”

“You’re a good influence on me,” he snapped irritably. “That’s the general consensus.”

“Who knew,” I husked.

After a frustrated huff of air, he muttered, “I did.”

I chuckled. “Is that right?”

He grunted.

It felt so good to talk to him, so normal. “I missed you so bad.”

“I know you did.”

The man was insufferable. “You could say you missed me too.”

“But you know that, so why do I have to say it?”

“Varro—”

“Just wait for me. I’ll be right there,” he grumbled and hung up.

I stood there for a moment staring at my phone before turning and walking back up to the house. I sat down on the top step and realized I was trembling.

It was weird to be terrified and flooded with happiness at the same time. Head down between my knees, I worked to calm myself, trying not to hyperventilate.