Page 94 of Fueled Hate

I can’t get him involved now that I know how desperate my dad is to protect Levi.

“I promise I’ll tell you someday, but I can’t right now. Can you promise me one thing?”

“Anything. You name it.”

“Please don’t tell anyone, especially my dad, that you gave me a ride home. Okay?”

He gives me a weary look but agrees. “I can do that.”

“Thank you,” I mutter, so very thankful for him. Recalling the day Dylan made a surprise stop at the shop and Mr. George took an immediate liking to him, I figure maybe Mr. George is a better judge of character than I’d thought. At least I hope so, because I don’t trust any of my own judgment right now because I couldn’t have been more wrong about everyone in my life.

53

Dylan

“I need to buy you a muzzle,” Bryce chirps as he plops on the couch next to me. “You never know when to just shut up.”

“Buy two. I know someone else with the same issue.” My head falls back as I try to close my eyes, only seeing her face. Fuck. How am I gonna fix this—again?

“Seriously, man. I left you alone for a few hours and you decided to dig your hole a little deeper.”

“Like you’re a good influence.” I look out the wall of windows, watching as the overcast morning moves along outside. My world feels like it’s at a standstill, and I’m not sure how to get it going again.

Bryce’s phone rings and after a pause, he answers, “Yep. All good,” then stands from the couch and walks towards the door. “I might not be a good influence, but I am a good best friend. Even when your ass doesn’t deserve it.” He points to his still swollen lip as he flips me off in the process.

Yes. I know I don’t deserve his mercy, though I’ve endlessly apologized.

He grabs the door, swinging it open, then turns to me with a cheesy grin. “Don’t fuck up this time, dude.” Sauntering out through the doorway, he gives Sadie a small nudge to move inside the room before closing the door behind him.

Best. Friend. Ever. I don’t care why she’s here. If he called her, if she came on her own. It doesn’t matter. He’d opened the door to the most magnificent person I’ve ever set eyes on in my life. Inside and out, and I need her. I can’t fuck it up this time. She’s mine.

Rising from the couch, I walk over to her. She keeps her arms folded over her chest, and her skin is flushed, eyes swollen from crying. She’s not okay, but she’s here. I can work with that. I want to make her feel better. Repair the damage I caused and patch up what everyone else has done.

“Sadie, I—”

“I need you to be honest with me. I need to know the truth even if it hurts.”

“I swear it. Just ask and it’s yours.” My fingers ache to reach for her but she looks like a feral kitten, ready to scatter at the first sign of movement.

“Did you know? Did you know that Levi did it? That my dad was protecting him?”

“Did what, Sadie?”

“Killed my mom.”

Speechless. Absolutely and utterly speechless.

“Did. You. Know?”

“No. I didn’t.”

“My dad has been shielding Levi. Keeping him from the consequences of his actions. He chose to protect Levi and use me as a bargaining chip—like I’m worthless.”

I can’t resist reaching for her as her hand raises, covering the sob escaping her mouth.

“You’re worthy of so much more love and appreciation than what you’ve been given.”

Her shoulders shake as she clasps my shirt, fisting the fabric tightly as she buries her face against my chest. I’d give every penny in the world to take this pain away.