Page 77 of Forever Relentless

Not a ring. Not anything stupid.

Just something that pushed back.

I didn’t want to get caught, though.

I didn’t have enough time to really explore this college. I arrived and went straight into the training program, then the season started. The season was intense, in the best way, and then came the playoffs, and finally the championship.

I’d been to Halston, the neighboring town, once. Maybe twice. I hadn’t had a chance to explore.

I slipped on my sneakers and cracked my door open a fraction. The living area was empty. Grabbing a hoodie, my keys, and my phone, I closed the door behind me and made my way quickly to the main door.

Dustin’s car key sat on the counter. I stared at it for a second longer than necessary.

Borrowing it wasn’t technically stealing.

He’d understand.

I slipped it into my pocket.

By the time I stepped outside, the night air had cooled. The campus looked peaceful. Quiet. But I knew better than anyone that looks can be deceiving.

I walked to where Dustin had parked his car, slid into the driver’s seat, and started the engine.

I needed an escape, just for tonight. I didn’t need a destination.

I just needed to move.

Chapter 17

Noah

Halston is a small-ish town, and I suspected that it was probably here due to the college campus. There were plenty of eateries and bars. Small shops and a general college vibe in the town itself.

I was in a booth in a bar, nursing a soda and a restless mind.

I’d taken my friend’s car to drive away from the college and think. I could have done that in the pub on campus.

I wondered if he would need the car. Would he notice it was gone? What if he had an alert or something? I sniffed. Well, I could see the car from where I’d parked it, and so far it was cop free.

Still . . .

Me: I borrowed your car

There was no sign he’d read it, so I set the phone down and thought about grabbing another soda or a bucket of wings. The whole bar smelled like grilled chicken wings, and even though I had eaten earlier, it made my mouth water.

I ordered from my table and skipped the second soda. I’d stick to water. I wasn’t broke, but I liked to be careful with my money. I’d worked too many crappy jobs over too many summers to make sure I had some savings, so I tended not to be careless with my money. I’d need to work through the summer after the semester ended. But then again, that was just normal.

Why had I not declared for the Draft? It was a question that haunted me since all this shit began. Because I knew I needed one more year at a D1 school, I needed more tape before I declared.

I was doing a generic business degree that the program advised was a ‘good foundation’ for all athletes.

The server brought my bucket of wings and topped off my water glass.

The first bite was worth the splurge. Tangy, succulent, delicious. I grunted in appreciation.

“Good?”

I looked up as Briar slid into the seat opposite me.