Page 94 of Shadowing You

Whoever was on that machine was right there. While her husband was off doing…whatever he was doing, she was going to be caught. She searched the ground for a rock, something to defend herself with, but there was nothing.

She’d been a fool, sitting there fuming at Ethan rather than preparing for attack. She gazed into the forest behind her. Which way should she run? What would be the best escape route?

“Mei Lin?”

It was Ethan, his voice low.

Relieved, and then furious again, she came out from behind the boulder and saw him standing beside a red moped at the edge of the road. His hair was wild, his cheekbone bright red, his pants dirty at the knees. He looked like a boy who’d picked the neighbors’ tulips and was holding them out like a prize.

“Where did you…? Did you steal that?”

He glanced at the bike, puffing up with pride. “Surprise.”

“What were you thinking?”

He blinked. “I was thinking we needed a way off this mountain.”

She crossed the space between them, anger and frustration rising. “You should’ve told me what you planned. You should’ve told me where you were going. I could’ve helped.”

“I didn’t need⁠—”

“Do you even know how to drive one of those?”

“Sure.” But he seemed to be forcing eye contact.

“Have you ever driven one before?”

“Uh…not exactly, but⁠—”

“How do you not exactly drive a moped?”

“I’ve seen them.” He looked at the machine as if it might back him up. “A friend of mine back home had a jet ski. They’re similar.”

She stared at him. “A jet ski.”

“You know, with a throttle. The brake took some getting used to.”

“You’re lucky you didn’t crash.” She gestured at the forest crowding the road on both sides. “Lots of trees on the water, eh?”

His expression hardened. “Just get on. You can yell at me while I drive.”

“I’m driving.”

He had the nerve to look surprised. “Mei Lin⁠—”

“I have experience. I’m driving.”

“We don’t have time to⁠—”

“Then get out of my way.”

He glanced up the road. A muscle ticked in his jaw.

She didn’t move.

He exhaled, long and slow, and stepped to the side. “Fine. I’m happy to let you be in charge.”

There was a lie if she’d ever heard one. Ethan was never happy to let go of control.