Page 38 of Torqued

Margo nods, patting my back. “Good luck with that.”

I take the steps two at a time after they got finished with me, my nerves are shot. As I open the door, I find Spencer standing by the counter in the kitchen. She’s staring at the paper Lynn left this morning.

I closed the door, meandering over to her. “At least they didn’t list your name, just ‘unknown sponsor.’”

“Yes, I’m grateful for that at least.” She pushes it away, finding my gaze. The emotions swimming beneath the surface of her blue eyes entrance me. I want to dive in and never come out.

I toss my ballcap over on the table, working up the courage to do what I need to. “Spencer…”

“Rush…” she shakes her head as we break the silence at the same time.

“Please, go on.” I lay my hand over my heart, hoping to look sincere but honestly, I’m trying to keep it from jumping out of my body and curling up next to her.

She traces a pattern with her finger on the counter. “I’m doing my best here, Rush. I need you to meet me halfway, please.”

“Spencer, he provoked me the entire day. I didn’t retaliate once, and I have every right to.” My chest constricts when she looks up at me again. All I can see is a disappointment, and that’s something I can’t handle.

“My understanding is MAXCAR levied fines of twenty thousand on each of you.” She inclines her head, glancing at me.

I nod, leaning closer to her. “Yes, they did.”

“I’ve been directed to add ten thousand to your fine, make sure you get it paid by next week.” She crosses her arms, mulling over her next words.

I shake my head, as my pulse races, fueled by anger and directed at the wrong person. “Let me get this straight. You’re fining me for avoiding ripping Lane apart every chance I got today. That makes perfect sense!”

“Do not to speak to me like that, Rush. I don’t have a choice because you never left me with one.” Her hands begin to tremble, making her voice quake with every word.

I bulk at her defense, Spencer decided to do this to me to keep the system happy. “I can’t believe this. Better yet, I can’t fucking believe you! You’re taking their side over mine?”

“I wish I didn’t have to choose one, but I wasn’t left with anything else.” She pins me with her glare. “How dare you question me or my loyalties. This is my team, Rush!”

I step back, affronted by her statement. “Oh, no. I would never question you, Spencer, you’ve made for damn sure that I know I’m not allowed to do that or anything else.”

“What is that supposed to mean? Huh? Tell me, Rush. Go on, put the little lady in her place.” She crosses her arms, her face reddening by each passing second.

“Are you kidding me with this shit?” I round the counter on her, moving her back. “The only position I want you in is bent over this fuckin’ counter.”

Her mouth hangs, sending all the right vibes below my waist. When I bite my lip, she closes it slowly. “I was saying, I have a hard enough time in a world full of men, I don’t need to catch hell from you too.”

“You’ll never hear this man giving you hell unless it’s up against a wall somewhere.” I watch as her lips twitch, suppressing a smile.

“I cannot express my utter displeasure of having to sit there and be berated by them over something we had no control over, but because his father was in the room, it became our problem.”

I rear back, getting a better look at her. “Lane’s father was in the owners’ meeting?”

“Yes, he owns the company that sponsors Lane.” She studies me as I turn away from her, venom building in my veins. It’s no wonder his dad stayed in the room, but Spencer was angry and left.

I run my hand through my hair. “Did you agree to fine me, or did you want to show them you could play hardball?”

“I don’t understand.”

My hands tremble with the realization. “Lance Shifter goaded you into fining me, didn’t he?”

“Not exactly, but in the end, I felt as if I had to, or it would be presumed we were sleeping together.” She huffs, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder.

“So, you’d rather alienate me than let them think we’re having sex? His daddy was in the room, but please protect your investment and not interests. Good to know I’m not a factor in either.”

Spencer’s brow shoots up to her hairline, fury brewing like a storm in her eyes. “What you and I decide to do privately is of no consequence in this matter. Pay the damn fine, asshole. I’m going home!”