Page 49 of Law Maker
I only wished he’d tell me flat-out he didn’t want me instead of confusing me with his hot-and-cold behavior.
One step forward, ten steps back. His words and actions never aligned, and it was driving me insane.
I curled beneath the comforter, eyes squeezed shut.
I had to forget him. Focus on school. Maybe even give someone like Kyle a chance.
After what felt like twenty minutes, footsteps made every nerve snap taut.
The mattress dipped as Asher sat beside me.
Even now, a sliver of hope betrayed me, whispering he might’ve changed his mind.
“Kaia.” His hand settled on my back. “Look at me.”
I shook my head. If he saw I’d been crying, I’d see pity in his eyes, and I couldn’t bear it.
He sighed. “It’s not a game to me. I’m sorry for acting like a piece of shit. I hate that I made you feel this way. I just…” His hand rubbed slow circles over my back, but instead of comfort, the tenderness hurt worse. “I made a huge mistake saying what I did.”
My heart cracked all over again. I pulled the comforter tighter and slid lower until it covered my face, hiding the tears soaking my skin.
What had I expected? That he’d say he wanted me? He was Sharon’s son. She and my father would never be okay with us. Racing was everything to Asher, and he rode for my father’s team. He wanted to make hisown dad proud. Could I forgive myself if mine decided Asher no longer belonged in Forward Racing?
More tears clogged my throat. I couldn’t ruin his career. I couldn’t keep hoping he’d fall for me.
“Say something,” Ash whispered. “Say you understand.”
“I do.”
The lie burned, but it was what he needed to hear.
“You should go to your room, Ash,” I added, my voice shaking. “Our parents will be back soon.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Asher
Whatever game this is, I can’t play it.
My sneakers pounded the asphalt while Kaia’s words looped in my head like a sad soundtrack to my run.
I hated myself for hurting her. She’d been there for me on one of the hardest days of the year—offering reassurance without asking for anything back—and I made her cry.
Who tells a girl he wants to kiss her and then takes it back?
Me.
I needed to make up my damn mind. Ale was still waiting for my answer about the Spanish team, and I kept stalling. The thought of leaving Kaia twisted my insides, but even if I stayed, we couldn’t be together. Which left me back at square one.
“Ash.”
Ale caught up, panting. Sweat glistened on his forehead, hair plastered to his temples.
“You’re out of shape,” I said without breaking stride. He was ripped and ran daily, but it felt good to rib him.
He let out a dry laugh and stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. Running in his neighborhood wasn’t bad, but I’d take grass over asphalt any day. Since moving to Stetbourg, I hadn’t spent nearly enough time in nature.
I slowed. “That’s it? All you’ve got?”
