Chapter 26 Chapter: 26
ADDISON
“Everything okay?” he asked, voice deep, as he moved a clump of hair away from my face, tucking it behind my ear. He nodded at Asher, who nodded back, winked at me before walking away.
“What were you talking about with Asher?”
“He was just explaining—” I started.
“Stay away from him, Addison,” he cuts in. I frowned, confused at the anger I saw in his eyes. I was starting to get pissed too.
“What do you mean? We were just talking. Asher is being super nice. Besides, why should I listen to you? It's not like I was chasing after him even if he was attractive.”
“What the fuck did you say?!” Shepherd gritted, moving towards me so fast. I stumbled back, my back slammed against his car before he corners me, towering over me.
My heart beats wildly in my chest at his nearness and the intensity of his anger. Shepherd lower to my height, his hands caging me in. Those molten silver eyes this close made my breath hitched, I swallowed. Eyes wide and trapped in his.
“Shepherd, whh—what are you doing?” I stuttered, voice low.
“What. Did. You. Fucking. Say?” he cuts in, his voice deep, husky and thick with something I couldn't identify.
“Move back, Shepherd. You're scaring me,” I whispered, my heart pounding.
“Answer the fucking question, Addison and I will.” His body is literally touching mine at this point, my chest against his. He feels warm and bigger than life at this moment. There’s also a tinge of whiskey mixed with expensive dark cologne that teases my senses.
“You’re always telling me to stay away from boys,” his eyes narrowed. “And you don’t want to?”
I rolled my eyes despite the anger on his face. “God, Shepherd, let me fucking talk, will you?” he frowned. “What I’m saying is I’m not boy-crazy that I’ll go after one boy today and another the next day. Besides, I’m not attracted to any of these boys, so you can relax. I’m not trying to hook up with your friends and ruin your perfect friendship.”
He scoffed. His expression wasn’t angry now, but serious. “Good, just keep your distance from Asher, he’s not for you.”
I frowned. What does that even mean? Not for me, how? “Then who’s for me?” I blurted, forgetting Shepherd was still caging me in.
He just stared at me for a few heartstopping moments, before he growled, “No one.” Then he pushed away from me.
“The race is about to start,” he says, taking off his jacket and shoving it into my hands, then he strides away, leaving me a little confused with his reaction.
I can't fucking understand him. Every time I think I have him figured out, he does something to confuse the hell out of me.
Suddenly, the music got louder, startling me from my thoughts. People moved instinctively, clearing a long stretch of road flanked by cars and bodies. Engines revved, loud and aggressively. The music grew louder.
Clutching Shepherd’s jacket, I move along with everyone. I could feel the thrill and excitement like a live wire. But there’s also a twinge of fear when I recall what Asher said about getting hurt.
“Here, drink this, it will help calm your nerves,” Cole's voice startled me from my left. I glance down at the beer he’s offering me, and take it.
“Thank you.”
“You don’t have to worry, you know, Shepherd never loses and he doesn't crash,” Nathan said from my right.
“He doesn’t?” I asked. He nodded. “I know you think he's reckless, but he knows what he's doing.” I nodded and opened the can of beer.
I took a sip and sigh, reminded of what Nathan said. I frowned and said, “Also, who said I’m worried about Shepherd? I don't care what he does.”
“Of course not.” He deadpanned, then both he and Cole chuckled. I glared at them and turned forward.
Two cars rolled into position, Shepherds Mclaren and a black Porsche.
The blonde girl from earlier sashayed in front of us and stood before the two cars, waving a red bandana in the air and laughing. “On the count of three, one, two, go!” The bandana dropped.
I held my breath in my lungs as Shepherd shot his car onto the road like the hounds of hell were after him, tires screeching against asphalt. People screamed, cheering,
Tires screeched against asphalt. Engines roared. The crowd surged forward, shouting, cheering, I found myself yelling, too, though I didn’t remember deciding to.
I watched Shepherd’s car tear down the road, headlights flashing in the dark, before it disappeared in seconds.
“Come on, we can watch them live,” Nathan said, guiding me to where Asher and Trick were standing with several others.
Most of the guys and girls had gone back to their makeout session. My face flamed when I heard a loud moan as we walked past one of the vehicles that had the popped off hood.
They were a couple inside having sex, their legs tangled together, although you can’t see much, everyone knew it, and it seems they weren’t the only ones because a few more vehicles we passed had couples in a similar situation.
Cole chuckled when he glanced back at me and saw how I was trying not to look at those vehicles. Fortunately, he didn’t say anything to embarrass me further.
Another couple was dancing beside the guys; honestly, it was more like they were dry humping each other. They were fused, mouths tangled, hands roaming. The music had shifted into something slower, dirtier.
The loud cheering of the men around the big screen distracted me. My gaze snapped to the screen. My heart hammered with excitement when I realized Shepherd Car was in the lead; they were headed back this way.
“Told you, shepherd never loses,” Nathan said proudly. I couldn’t help smiling as the guys all erupted, screaming a few minutes later, Shepherd’s car appeared. People clapped as he got out of his car, women surrounded his car screaming.
Cole, Nathan, Asher, and Trick all rushed towards him, clapping his back and grinning. I stood in the back grinning like a fool, and as though he could sense me, his head turned my way.
Then his grey eyes collided with mine and held, dark and intense, and for the life of me, I couldn’t look away.
He jumped out of the car without bothering to open the door. His chest rising and falling, as he crossed the distance between us in long strides.
“Let’s go,” he said. Holding my hand.
I race after him, trying to keep up with his stride. “Where are we going?”
His gaze dropped to my lips for a split second he looked back into my eyes. “I know a place, you coming?” It was a question, and for some dumb reason, I nodded.
“Yeah.”