Page 31 of Untouchable

She scoffs playfully, crossing her arms over her chest. “Someonewas supposed to fix them.”

“I will. When we get back.”

“And what if I say no?”

“Cute of you to think I was asking.” I’m almost to the bottom when she throws her leg over the side, climbing down above me and giving me a glorious view of her ass absolutelyeatinga pair of boyshort underwear.

“By the way, I—Ahh!” Katarina’s foot misses a step, and she squeals, causing me to act on instinct and catch her when she falls.

The only way this could look worse is if I leaned in a couple of inches and actually kissed her. “I’m gonna have to strap you to the bike, aren’t I?” I plop her feet on the ground, and she fixes her dress.

“Well, it’s not my fault my car isn't available for the trip.”

“What trip is that?” Both of our heads snap in the direction of Mikey and Bodine. They’re leaning against the back door, smoking, and looking at us like they just caught us making out under the bleachers.

“The road trip we’re all going on, boys.” This causes Bodine to perk up, looking a little more excited than I’m comfortable with.

“All of us?Kitty Kat too?”

The way I wish I could punch him when he calls her that.

“Wait, where the hell are we going?” Mikey asks, looking confused as he throws his cigarette down.

Katarina walks over to Bodine, ignoring Mikey’s question. “If you call me that again, I’ll shove that cigarette up your ass.Lit.” Then she takes it from his hand and places it between her lips. Taking a drag before blowing smoke back in his face with a smirk. I take it from her fingers, drop it on the ground, and stomp it out.

“No smoking.”

She gives me a confused glare. “Literally everyone smokes out here.”

“Not you.”

“Ugh,you’re going to be insufferable, aren’t you?” The smile that creeps across my face this time is genuine. “Fine. Text me when you want to leave. I’m heading home to do laundry.” She walks through the back door, letting it slam shut once she’s inside. I run my hands through my hair, inhaling deeply as I realize how much harder it is to breathe anytime she’s around.

“How the fuck did we get volunteered to go on this trip Lenny askedyouto take his daughter on?” Bodine pokes me in the chest, catching a warning glare that causes him to back up.

“Hi, um,again…where the hell are we going?” Mikey asks, clearly annoyed he’s been ignored for so long.

“Lenny asked us to get Katarina out of town while the trial is happening. So he’ll know she’s safe and can focus on getting this shit settled.”

“Actually… Lenny askedyouto get her out of town. Why the sudden addition? Not that I’m complaining.” Bodine smirks and I inwardly groan.

They look at me expectantly as I wrap my arms around their shoulders. “It’ll be fun, boys. Only two rules to follow.” I lean down between the two of them. “She can’t know why we’re going. Lenny doesn’t want her to know anything is wrong, so as far as she knows, it’s just a road trip on a highway to nowhere until we want to come back.” They nod their heads, and Mikey looks over at me.

“What’s rule number two?”

“No one fucking touches her.”

No matter how hard it is not to.

CHAPTER 18

Katarina

“TULIPS AND CHINOISERIE”

“Tell me everything. What did he say? Every little detail!” Tabitha demands, sitting on my bed as I sort through what laundry to wash next. I’m wearing my laundry day sweats with my hair piled into a bun on top of my head as I try to figure out how thehellI’m supposed to pack for a trip when I don’t know where we’re going or how long we’ll be gone.

Note to self: bring lots of quarters for a laundromat.

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