Chapter 67

Sebastian's POV

I’m in a blind rage now as we enter the track. If it was possible, I know I’d have smoke coming out my ears.

Evelyn is still trying to convince me to stop whatever it is I’m doing. “It’s not worth it!” She’s been stressed the entire ride, but I can’t stop seeing in red.

The guys are at the track, hanging out and laughing with one another as they’re cleaning up tools and trash.

“Sebastian?” Mario calls out, the other 3 turning to face us.

“I can’t believe you would do this, all of you!” I spit out in disgust.

“Not following,” Bobby states, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, don’t even bother lying to me! I have proof, I know you’re taking payments, looking for ways to ruin my life!”

Jack holds his hands up in surrender. “Hey, Seb, bud, what’s going on? What are you talking about, ‘taking payments’?”

“You’ve all brought this on yourself. You think I can trust any of you with my life ever again? Everything we’ve worked so hard to build!”

“Sebastian, stop!” Evelyn screams, grabbing my arm. “How do you even know this is true?!”

I don’t listen to her. “You’re all disgraceful! I thought I’d seen the worst in people that I care about, but this is a new low. So, congrats, you’re all fired!”

All the men seem shocked, like they had no idea this would be coming.

Mario tries to talk first. “Seb, bud, this isn’t adding up. What are you talking about, because none of us are on the same page as you right now.”

“I guess I should be grateful for that!” I pull my arm away from Evelyn. “My integrity, my heart, and the people I put all the wrong faith in! This isn’t going to continue. I won’t rely on any of you again.”

“I’m still not even sure what’s happening and why we’re fired?” Jack is shaking his head.

“Because karma’s a bitch.”

“Seb, take a second.”

I don’t know who in front of me is truly guilty, and who’s innocent. But in my head, they’re all bad. There’s no use in trying to explain anything. What I’ve said is enough—they’ll have to deal with that on their own.

“I’m going to get a new team and win this year’s events without you. You take your payout and go fuck yourselves.”

“What?” Bobby screams.

“Enjoy your money. Good luck finding another gullible racer with too much faith in a team that betrays every ethical moral.”

Eve’s still trying to pull me away from them, but I don’t need her to. I’m done. I shake my head and grab her hand. “We’re leaving.”

“I don’t know why you did that; how do you know they’re guilty?” She begs.

“I just do. They’re the problem. Your life is worth more than a team that betrays me.”

“How are you going to get another team together before your next race? Or even with enough practice time?” She asks me, sniffing when the cold air hits our faces.

“I just will. I’m going to get my revenge. On all of them.”

---

My mind hasn’t stopped ruminating. I’ve been contacted by the entire team at different points, but each message I get ends with me blocking the number. I’m not going to put up with people who put Evelyn in danger.

That’s the thing she doesn’t seem to understand with my quest of revenge.

I could have lost her if there was a real bomb, or if someone messed up. The only good thing left in my life, why would I risk her safety? Tank is one thing. But having an untrustworthy, two-faced team who let this happen?

That’s not okay by me.

“Earth to Sebastian!” Ava calls, waving her hand in front of my face.

I look up, shocked to see Ava. The blonde looks distressed.

“Okay, so you are alive in there,” she notes, taking a seat next to me. I don’t know how long I’ve been in the coffee shop.

“I’m here.”

“I know you’ve got a lot going on, Seb, but you look like shit.”

I snort. “Thanks, Ava.”

She moves her hair aside and takes off her winter coat. Then, she pulls out her phone.

“I’m gonna be honest with you. I’m worried about you. I’ve been worried for weeks.”

Her phone is a string of texts between Ava and Evelyn. Most of the talk is the two of them wishing they know how to help me.

I push it away. “I’m fine, Ava.”

“Like hell. Seb, you’ve been through a lot in the past year. Not just with Evelyn, but with your dad and the wedding and your so-called friends betraying you—”

“Thanks for the recap, but I really don’t need to be reminded about any of this.”

A sigh from my friend. She’s really one of the last I have. Everyone I’ve put my faith in, who’s seen anything I’ve worked through, they’re all gone. How is it one person could cause such a riff in the world around me?

“I love Evelyn, alright? I know you don’t like it or approve, but this isn’t just some stupid game. We know what we’re risking. I’m sorry if you don’t like that.”

“I don’t,” she admits, leaning against the back of the chair. “But you’re an adult. So is Evelyn. And I know this isn’t just a game. It took time to get, but as long as you both remember to be there for one another, then there’s nothing more you owe the world.”

Surprised, I raise a brow. “You’re serious?”

“Seb, come on. You know me.”

“I do. And I saw how this hurt you and Eve. She was a wreck.”

She nods. “And we’re working on getting back to where we were. But I also miss you.”

“You miss me? Why do I have a hard time believing that?” I give her a smirk, making her laugh and shove me.

“Tell you what. Olivia, Evelyn and I are going to the bonfire tonight. Why don’t you come with us? I know it’s lame, but sometimes life needs a bit of cliché.”

I cross my arms, and Ava flips her phone over. Looking around the coffee shop, she lets out another sigh.

“I genuinely want you there. Please?”

The coffee shop’s still buzzing as usual, but it’s getting dark out. I know I’ve spent enough time angry at the world, but the thought of Evelyn being put in more danger just continues to cause an itch I’m not able to scratch.

“You’re a good friend, Ava.”

She shrugs. “Oh, I know.”

I text Evelyn to let her know I’ll be joining, but then text Tank to help keep an eye out on her. I’m not taking any chances.

The bonfire on campus is held a few times a semester, with tonight being the first. Everyone’s bundled up in their winter coats, holding handwarmers and passing around alcohol to stay warm.

Tank is positioned out of sight of most people, but I am fully aware of him. I’m also aware of Evelyn, who’s laughing with Ava and Olivia.

Every time I turn around, looking around to see if anyone could be watching our every move, the hair on the back of my neck continuously standing straight up.

“Seb! Pass the whiskey!” Olivia laughs.

I do without thinking, but I can tell Evelyn’s watching me. She has a certain look she wears when she’s pondering how to approach a subject. It’s not like she doesn’t know my fears and now, paranoia.

“What’s wrong?” Evelyn’s pulling me away.

I shake my head.

“Come on,” she pushes, taking my hands in hers. “Is this about finding a new team?”

“Not exactly,” I reply, not sure how to explain this entire mess.

“Then talk to me. Please.”

I roll my eyes, but it’s not because of her. It’s because I know I’m overwhelming myself with worry, but I still don’t want to put her in any danger.

“I want you to move in with me.”

“What?”

What? Did I just ask her to live with me?

“You want me—”

“Yes.”

I didn’t think that was where this was going to lead. But it’s the logical step not only in keeping her safe, but also getting to be with Evelyn.

“Why? What’s changed?” She’s searching my eyes in the firelight.

I sigh, drooping my head for just a couple of seconds to gather my thoughts. I don’t want her to think I wouldn’t ask if she wasn’t in danger. Because the truth of the matter is that I love this woman.

And if I’m willing to push away anyone who denies that, then I’ll be damned. I want her happy, but I want her safe as well.

“But, what if people find out about…us?” She worries.

“I’d rather the world know our secrets, but you are still safe and by my side through it all. That’s what’s important to me, Princess.”

I’ve never worried about someone this much. To feel my heart ripping from my chest and bleeding on the ground. She knows that I love her.

She knows I’ll hurt anyone in her way.

But she also knows that I’ll do whatever it takes to make her happy.

“I don’t want to lose you, Evelyn.”

She raises her eyebrows. Every time I say her name, it’s like she’s never heard it before. Her eyes shine, and I can see the love pouring right back out.

“You won’t lose me.”

“So, you’ll do it, then?”

She hugs me tight, whispering in my ear so no one else can ruin this moment.

“Of course I will. I love you.”