Page 109 of Stealing for Keeps
“No. It’s okay.”
She glances over her shoulder at me, giving me a sad smile. “I’ll be right inside if you need me. We’ll go as soon as you want.” She rubs at her arms and then hurries back into the house.
“I’m sorry,” Austin starts as soon as she’s gone. “I’m so mad at Torrance. I had no idea she would do something like that.”
It’s hard to blame her. We did this. Not her.
Sophie is the next to come out. Her steps are hesitant as she approaches. “Austin, can we talk?”
“It isn’t really a good time,” he says, sounding exasperated.
“I didn’t know about you and Claire. Torrance invited me. She said…” She stops herself and then winces, looking embarrassed. “I thought you were into me.”
“I’m sorry she dragged you into this,” he says to her. “I think you’re a cool girl, but…”
“I get it,” she says quickly before he can finish his sentence. Her stare moves to me. “Sorry, Claire.”
I try to smile, but another cramp in my side distracts me.
Austin moves closer to me, concern marring his handsome features. His hand comes up to the side of my face, and his thumb strokes my hot cheek. “Come inside. We’ll figure this out.”
“I think I should go. I don’t feel well.” The pain in my stomach is almost unbearable.
More voices filter outside, but I double over in pain, unable to process who it is or what they’re saying.
Suddenly Vaughn is squatting down in front of me. Lines of worry crease his face. “Are you okay?”
“Fine.” I force myself to stand straight. Something is wrong.
Austin and Vaughn continue to hover. Plus their twins. There are double of them.
“You guys can go back inside. I’m gonna go home.”
“Please don’t go,” Austin says, taking me by the elbow. “I’m so sorry she did that.”
Vaughn pushes Austin aside to get between us.
“Haven’t you done enough?” he asks Austin. “Let her go if she wants.”
“I didn’t do anything,” Austin grits out.
They get in each other’s faces again.
“Stop it!” I yell, and another stab of pain takes my breath away. I’m hot, nearly sweating, and everything is spinning around me. I reach out to steady myself on my car, but when I lean, I miss it.
“Claire!” Austin yells. Or maybe it’s Vaughn.
Chapter Thirty-One
Austin
Claire crumples into me as I step forward. “Something’s wrong. I think she’s sick or something.”
“No kidding.” Vaughn’s jaw hardens. “Let’s get her back inside.”
We flank her on either side and walk Claire back into the house. The guys on the team are all preparing to leave, as are the rest of the party. They’re giving me and Vaughn worried looks. My eye throbs where he punched me.
Rowan and Lacey move toward us.
