Page 50 of Wicked Rush

“Yes.” She gave a terse reply, her lips pursed.

“I’m sorry. I’ve gotta talk to Garrett. Business,” he lied. Braelynn avoided eye contact as she brushed past him and her cool demeanor stung. As he watched her disappear into the parking lot, he heard Garrett’s voice.

“Lars.”

“Yeah.” He gave a small smile.

“You shouldn’t have brought her here.”

“I’m not looking for a fight.” He blew out a breath. He knew Garrett was right.

“She’s not ever going to be a member here.”

“You’re right. But I wanted to come tonight, and I wasn’t going to leave her alone. It’s the first time we’ve all gotten together here since the fire. And Braelynn,” he looked to the passing car lights, “tomorrow she might not even be around. This is just a weekend thing for us, okay? No strings.”

“You sure about that?” Garrett shook his head and raised an eyebrow at him.

“Yeah, I’m sure.” As the words rolled off his tongue, doubt crept into the pit of his stomach.

“You seemed pretty serious out there on the lawn.”

“Fuck you, G. You know we don’t judge here.”

“Who’s judgin’? I’m just observing things. You brought her here for the first time. She doesn’t know anyone and you fuck her in front of everyone?”

“Yeah, well, I recall you fucking Selby the first night you brought her here. So glass house. Just sayin’,” Lars replied.

“True, but I used a little discretion.”

“Hardly.” Lars had been pissed the night Garrett had brought Selby to Altura. While it was true that they’d been hidden away from the party, he’d seen his friend leaning Selby over the balcony and slamming into her from behind.

“Don’t tell me you’re still pissed about Selby.”

Lars shook his head, refusing to talk about the past. “I’m not going there today.”

“Braelynn, then?” he pressed. “What is it about this chick? You can’t just let go?”

“Like you let Selby go? Seriously?” Lars asked.

“She kicked you out of her hospital room. So what did you do? Follow her to the charity event? Hook up for the weekend? I don’t get you.”

“It’s complicated, all right? She’s in trouble.”

“You can’t save the world.”

“I’m just trying to do the right thing, that’s all.” Lars contemplated telling Garrett everything. A best friend with connections, he could help. But he’d promised Braelynn not to tell anyone, or go to the police. If he told Garrett, it would be a matter of minutes before Dean knew. The situation was hardly black and white but they’d see it as breaking and entering. He’d be at a loss to argue. “All I can tell you is that there are extenuating circumstances, okay? You’ve got to just trust me on this one.”

“You should stay away from her.”

“Yeah, well, I told you this is just a fling. So you don’t need to worry about me.” She’s leaving. The thought was like a punch to the gut. He pushed the caustic emotions to the back of his mind.

“So you’re done with her?”

“Jesus, Garrett. I didn’t say I was going to marry her. I fucked her, that’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. You know how I get. I wanted answers, which I didn’t get. She pushed me away, and I was intrigued. But like all the other women, she caved. I got what I wanted. Now it’s over.” He scrubbed his hand over his beard and sighed at the lie. He’d almost convinced himself but knew the deception couldn’t be further from the truth. Oh it’s over all right, he thought, but not because he wanted it to be. He’d had a taste of Braelynn and craved more. He wondered if it would ever be enough.

“Something tells me this isn’t the end of the story, but fuck, Lars. If you aren’t going to level with me, I can’t make you. But I’m going to give you a bit of advice.”

“I just told you. I couldn’t stop myself from hooking up with her. And yeah, I went to the charity ball. We danced. We fucked. I brought her here, fucked her again. Probably a poor judgement call but whatever…she won’t be back. I don’t need the Spanish inquisition.”