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Ignoring my outburst, he whips a one-eighty, which causes the bike to lean and almost touch the ground. I’m using all my strength and barely hanging on.
As quick as wealmostwent down, we’re back up.
“Asshole!” I bang my fist hard on his shoulder. “Are you trying to kill us?” The bike is so loud, I’m not even sure he heard me, but at least he felt the wrath of my fury.
We’re flying down the trail and I can’t even look. My eyes pinch shut; head turned to the right. The next thing I know, my towel flies off my neck. I try to look to see where it went, but we’re moving too fast.
I’m taken aback when Crew reaches behind him and grabs my hand on his side and pulls it farther around him. Then the other, until I’m hugging his waist.
My heart gallops a few times before settling down.
We turn down another trail and my nerves have gone from extremely high to just mildly annoyed.
It’s not exactly warm out and riding on the back of this bike through the air has chills dancing down my body.
Still unable to look out of fear that I’ll panic and fall off, I rest my head against his back and just hold on, hoping we get to where we’re going safely. I’ve never ridden on a dirt bike and I have no interest in getting on one again. He’s officially ruined it for me.Thanks, Crew.
After a few more turns, he slows his speed, but it still feels like we’re riding in the wind. It’s not as loud, which makes it less scary, so I lift my head. I don’t have those funky goggles on like the guys, so the cool breeze nips at my cheeks.
My anxiety has dissipated, and though I’ll never admit it to him, this is kinda nice.
"I decided to give you your keys back,” I say, loud enough for him to hear me over the rumble of the bike.
Had I known I’d be riding with him, I would have brought them today. Those keys are nothing but a reason for Crew and the guys to fuck with me. Even if they can get me in and out of the tunnels and every other place on The Academy grounds, I don’t want 'em anymore.
He doesn’t say anything.
Holding Crew like this, being so close to him, it feels strange. Almost like old times when I felt safe in his arms. Like nothing could touch me or hurt me. Warmth swarms in my belly and I find myself bringing our bodies closer.
What am I thinking?This guy orchestrated a game that involved me getting thrown into the river blindfolded and running through the woods, thinking my life was on the line.
I loosen my hold on him, straightening my back, so my chest isn’t so close.
In the last forty-eight hours, I’ve had to punch him, scratch him, and headbutt him just to defend myself. I’d have to be completely losing my mind to ever catch feelings for Crew again. Although, inflicting pain on him does turn me on in some weird, sick way.
All I hear is the roar of the bike and the crunching of leaves beneath the tires, but my ears are ringing with my own internal thoughts.
When did everything go to hell?
Was it when the guys caught Crew and me together? When the guilt inside me was too much to bear that I ignored it and continued to chase waterfalls with Crew? Or when they relentlessly sabotaged my reputation, killing me slowly with each strong-arm tactic?
No. It wasn’t any of that. I know exactly when my life flipped upside down. It was the day Maddie fell.
“Crew,” I mumble. Much too quiet for him to hear. It’s a good thing, because when I open my mouth to ask the question I intended, nothing comes out.
Does the guilt of what we did feast on your insides like it does mine?
How Crew feels is not my problem anymore. Therefore, I don’t want the answer to my question.
I was too lost in my thoughts to even notice the beauty surrounding us. My shoulders draw up and I straighten my back, taking in the scenery. It’s breathtaking.
Walls of rolling hills surround us. Behind them are the lofty peaks of the mountains. The leaves have faded in color while the evergreens are still vibrant and un-withered.
Looking to the left, I lean over a tad to peer down and I see the hole of the hot springs. There are around a dozen people prancing around in swimsuits. Laughing, drinking, and dancing. To what song, I’m not sure yet.
We come to a stop at the edge of a hill, at least two hundred feet off the ground. I’m curious, and slightly nervous, as to how we’re gonna get this bike down there without us spilling over the side of the hill.
Crew twists the handle over and over, keeping the bike running. My heart is racing again.
