Page 157 of Law Maker
To my father, he was a reckless law maker. But today I saw the truth—a hurt, neglected boy who’d never healed.
I prayed one day he would.
And I prayed one day I would, too.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Asher
Istood in the back of the packed Willowbrook auditorium, hidden by the crowd and the shadows. Rain hammered the roof, but the families’ applause drowned out the storm.
She was about to be called. My muscles coiled, heart lodged in my throat.
“Kaia Demeri.”
The crowd erupted. Alba threw her arms around Kaia, and then Kaia strode up to the principal, confidence in her step, a smile lighting her face.
Pride swelled in my chest. She fucking did it.
She’d never believed in herself—but I always had. Always would.
With a triumphant grin, she lifted her diploma high.
Alba cheered, bouncing in place. I couldn’t stop my own smile.
Kaia wouldn’t see me. I wouldn’t intrude on her moment. But I’d promised I’d always be there for her, and I knew how much this day mattered.
Near the stage, I spotted my mother and her husband. At least they’d shown up.
Like Kaia, they believed I’d gone to Spain after the wedding. But I couldn’t stay away—not when she was reaching this milestone.
After one last look at her, I slipped from the building and jogged to my bike.
Rain streamed down my face, mingling with my tears.
PART TWO. BECOMING
CHAPTER FIFTY
Asher
El Puerto de Santa María, Spain
Late-June afternoon rays warmed my face, waking me from a nap. I tossed my arm over my eyes, rolled onto my stomach, and buried my face in the pillow.
I hadn’t slept this much in forever. Back then, I had better things to do.
Racing. Kaia.
Now I had nothing.
I was at Grandma’s because I had nowhere else to go. Ale had traveled with me, but he was off visiting his family, taking a break he’d earned. I stayed here, stewing in failure, crushed by losing the only girl I’d ever loved and ashamed of letting my dad down.
Ale moved mountains but couldn’t land me a team. Rumor said someone had spread the word I wasn’t reliable. My money was on Ethan—or Russell, still pissed I refused to keep racing for him. I’d been his ticket to a world championship. Now he’d have to pin his hopes on Ethan and whoever filled my spot.
Not my fucking problem.
“Asher.”
