“But I need you,” the words are proceeded with his hands on my sides. “I need you, Jovi.”

“And you'll have me.” Sensing he needs something a little extra I lean down and whisper, “And tomorrow night you can pick me up and have me again...and again...and again...”

A familiar groan crawls out of him as his fingers flex into my flesh. “Fucking tease.”

I wink. “You fucking love it.”

“Damn right I do,” he replies with a smile.

It's the first real smile I've seen in hours.

I need him to keep it.

Instantly, I push my lips against his and drop my tongue into his mouth, offering it up as a sacrifice on the altar of his emotions. Surrendering my tongue for the use of slaving away the pain swirling inside him, I'm thankful when he snatches the gift full force, yanking me back down into his lap. With a hand wrapped around my nape he thrusts his tongue against mine, demanding further submission. Melting into him, I almost forget we're not alone until Hayli's yelling clears the haze.

“I will leave you here,” she snips.

Dragging my lips away from his, I look over my shoulder at her. “I'm just saying goodbye.”

“The French Way,” Daniel teases with a wink.

Merrick flashes his brother his middle finger and delivers another kiss, this one faster than the first but no less intense.

Can we give him a prize for how good he is? What do you mean I am the prize?

Slipping off of his lap, I sigh, “Talk soon.”

He nods and let's Hayli lead me out of the room after I say goodbye to my future in laws.

Oh...that sounds strange. So strange. Also kinda dig it.

After a mildly quiet ride home filled with more Tina Turner than I knew Hayli possessed, she pulls into the driveway.

Preparing to kill the engine she asks, “Want me stay the night? Not sure if you wanna be alone...”

Which really means she needs it, but doesn't wanna admit it.

“If you wanna stay the night you can,” I offer. “I'm okay though. I mean...yeah it's hard to watch Merrick so broken, but there's nothing I can do other than just be there when he needs me, ya know? Ben was his best friend. Ben was his cousin. They were practically twins sometimes.”

“Ben was the better twin.”

I give her a sarcastic look that makes her giggle.

“You know I love blondes.”

“No you don't.”

“Fine. I loved the blonde twin. Ben wore it well.” After I smile again she says, “You know, we're kinda like twins.”

Giggling, I shake my head. “We're nothing like twins.”

“We're really not,” she quickly agrees. “But we're just like them. Best friends. Family. I'm pretty sure I've had more meals cooked by Nadie than my own mother and more lectures from Mr. Carter than my father could ever care to think about.”

The mention of his name causes a little dread on the inside.

I don't feel like finishing that fight any time today. Ever, really.

“True...”

“Well, I guess I'm gonna go home then. Are you sure you're fine?”

“Fine as I can be.”

“Alright, but if you need anything just call me and I'll come over. Got it?”

“Same.” I demand with a point of a finger. “Anything. Just come over.”

“Definitely.”

Exiting Hayli's car, I take the stroll to the front door slowly, cringing with every step. The second I step inside my house, I'm greeted by Nadie who just happens to be leaving the kitchen.

“Hey...” her tone is drenched in sympathy. “You okay?”

I shut the door behind me and shrug.

Am I? It's hard to be there for someone who floats back and forth so easily with letting you in and pushing you out. It's hard to know what to say and when. The worst part of all of this, is knowing there's something he's keeping from me, but won't say what. I thought he trusted me. I thought...I thought we were bonded past the point of needing to speak in riddles and codes. I hate this feeling. I hate it so much.

“That bad?” Nadie interrupts the train of thought.

Unsure of what to say, I start, “I...” When it hits me that I don't know how to finish it, I head for the stairs where I drop down to sit.

Nadie leans against the banister. “Wanna talk about it?”

I shake my head.

“Okay,” she replies slowly. “Then can we talk about the fact your boyfriend is a McCoy?”

Shit. I forgot we would have to deal with that.

Panic ensues, “Did you-”

“Tell your father? No,” she reassures me.

“About any of it?”

“No. However, he had some very harsh, very hurtful choice words for me before he got called away.”

“I'm sorry, Nadie. You didn't deserve that.”

“I didn't, but I've dealt with the temper better known as your father for years. What upsets me Jo' is that you felt you couldn't tell me.”

I knew that it would hurt, but I wasn't expecting it to hurt her this much.

“I'm sorry, Nadie, but what did you expect me to do?”

“For you to be honest. To trust me.”

Okay so I have trust issues with the people I love too. No need to rub that in right now!

“I'm sorry-”

“I don't wanna hear apologies. I wanna fix things. I'm concerned about you and your safety Jovi. Did you know he street races?”

On a deep breath, I nod.

Her hands grip the railing tighter. “Have you been in the car?”

“Not while he races.”

“Have you-”

“Been to the races? Yes.”

“Oh my-”

“It's not like dad thinks it is-”

“But it's still against the law, Jo'!”

I snap loudly, “There are a lot of things wrong with the law, Nadie!”

“Do not raise your voice at me.”

What is wrong with me? Why can't I talk about this calmly?

Nadie runs a hand through her hair. “That may be true. Laws aren't always perfect, but the law is there for a reason Jovi. And it's your father who fights to protect and serve and keep it in place.”

I shake my head slowly. “Doesn't mean he's always right.”

“Hell, it doesn't mean the law is always right either, but that fact is, you follow it or have to deal with the consequences. Whether those consequences are fines or jail time, everyone has to answer for the crimes they committed at some point, especially those involved in the racing world. Your father is relentless about it.”

In a short I whisper I snap, “I know.”

That worries me a little more than I care to confess.

“Now please tell me you've never raced.”

Stop laughing! I can drive!

“No. And I've never asked. Doesn't matter anyway. Merrick may drive a little fast sometimes, but he considers me precious cargo and would never put my life at risk like that,” I coo sweetly, missing him already.

Nadie fights the urge to smile at the comment. “Did you know Ben was involved in criminal activity?”

“No. Well, street racing aside. I had no idea other than what dad mentioned.”

“What about Merrick? Is he involved in anything illegal besides street racing? Drug dealing? Drug using? Stealing? Prost-”

“No!” I bite quickly. “Of course not! God Nadie! Just because he street races doesn't make him some big city criminal!”

Instead of arguing her point, she surrenders a hand.

I am not overreacting.

“How...how is he dealing with Ben's death?”

“I don't know. He's shutting me out.”

“He's just grieving, Jo'.”

“I know,” my voice says faintly. “Doesn't mean it hurts less.”

“I know,” Nadie echoes. “Just...be patient.” When I nod she adds, “And be prepared to fight because now's the time to confess it all, Jovi. You're dad's out for the night I have a feeling, but tomorrow. Tomorrow you're gonna have to come clean. Shiny, Windex clean. You need to face this head on.” Before I have a chance to argue she sighs, “And I suggest you reevaluate everything you wanna say and how you wanna say it because despite how you're feeling right now, I'm here for you. I'm on your side. I'm here to help you get through all this.”