Page 142 of Downforce

He snorts a derisive laugh. “I don’t have to make it a big thing?” He points to his chest. “I’m not the one who’s been sneaking around for months. Or was it years?”

That question causes me to reel back like he’s just struck me.

“It hasn’t been years,” I say through gritted teeth. “And you know it.”

“Do I?” he throws back.

At this point, both of our voices are rising.

“Do I know that for a fact, Annalise? Because the sister I thought I knew wouldn’t lie to my fucking face every day while smiling with the guy who regularly tries to sabotage me.”

“He has not⁠—”

“Hey, hey,” my mother says, rounding onto the pathway in our direction. “What’s going on here?”

I groan when I look up to see both of our parents along with Tristan standing behind Travis.

“Why are you yelling at your sister like that?” Dad asks, Travis glaring at him.

“Why don’t you tell him, sis?” Travis says, challenging me.

“It’s because your son is an asshole,” I respond while glaring at Travis.

“I’m the asshole when you’re literally playing fucking footsies with my biggest rival.”

“Watch your mouth,” Mom and Dad interject. “Both of you,” Mom finishes, scolding us like the time we were seven years old and she caught Travis holding me on his shoulders so that I could reach the double-chocolate chip cookies off of the top shelf.

Tristan was supposed to be our lookout, but apparently, he got bored and went to read in his bedroom.

“Annalise, what is your brother talking about?” Mom asks.

I shake my head, annoyed because I don’t want to have this conversation with everyone right now.

“Max and I are together,” I say flatly.

“Max Ferreira?” Dad asks, incredulous.

I nod.

“He’s using her,” Travis says. “He knew it would fuck with me to know he’s with my sister. That’s the only reason he went after her.”

“What if I went after him?” I throw at Travis. “Is the only reason someone would be interested in me to get to you? That’s it? I have nothing to offer anyone besides my connection to you?”

For the first time, Travis’ anger slips, the fire in his eyes dulling to a simmer.

“You know that’s not what I mean,” he offers. “But he is a conniving, piece of sh⁠—”

“I told you not to talk about him like that. The same way I would never let anyone talk shit about you, I won’t let you say whatever you want about him.”

Mom and Dad seem to be shocked by my declaration. Even Tristan’s eyes widen.

“Now, she’s defending him again.” Travis tuts as if my defending Max is a betrayal. “I see where your true loyalties lie.”

“What?” I jut my head backward, surprised by the tone he’s taken on.

“How do I know you haven’t been talking race strategy with him?”

“Travis,” my mom snaps, offended on my behalf.