Page 68 of Quarterback Sneak
“I’ll walk you,” I tell her as she starts down the hallway. Somebody throws their door open and steps out, nearly knocking into Evie. Reflexes have me grabbing her and moving her out of the way before I even think about it. The girl eyes me and then heads down the hallway without a word. Evie looks up at me and then continues down the hallway.
We step outside, and she shivers. I don’t think it’s from the cold, though. Throwing all caution to the wind, I step closer and wrap my arm around her shoulder, pulling her into my side as we walk. She doesn’t say anything, but her shivers fade. When we get to the shop, she unlocks the door and steps inside. Bisch shows up a moment later, and I’m grateful. He’s a big guy, and he’s good to Evie. I stay outside the shop and try to figure out my next step. An idea comes to mind, and I reach out to my sister.
Hey, are you awake?
I am now,she responds with an attitude.
We both know you were awake.She’s got a crazy schedule and is up early almost every day.
What’s up?
I need your help.
If she’s surprised, she doesn’t show it.With what?
Evie.
She pauses a moment, and I can tell she’s surprised.Do I finally get to meet her?
Something happened last night.
She must pick up on my tone.With Evie?
Yes.
Is she all right?
Now it’s my turn to pause because I don’t know the answer to that question.Physically, yes. But emotionally? I don’t think so.
Zane, what happened?
I don’t know, and that’s what kills me. She was attacked by something in the woods last night. She called me begging for help and then screamed. When I got there, she was running from something and absolutely terrified.
What was it?
I don’t know. That’s the thing. Dad’s got the enforcers on it, but so far, we haven’t gotten anything. She won’t talk to me,Riley. She’ll barely look at me.I shake my head, feeling worked up all over again.I need your help.
She doesn’t hesitate.What can I do?
Just be you. You can get anybody to talk, and you can become best friends with a stranger in a hot second. It's your superpower. I need you to use it on my mate now and see if you can find out what all happened out there in the woods last night.
I’ll do it.I close my eyes in relief.Where are you?
I love this about my sister. She’s loyal as all get-out and will do anything to help those she loves.Thank you, Riley.I mean those words from the bottom of my heart.
Of course, Big Brother. I love you.
I swallow hard.I love you too.
Chapter 30
Evie
I get lost in endless coffee orders, but it’s good. I can’t do anything but focus on the next order, the next drink. “Hey, you good?”
I give Bisch a forced smile. “I’m good.”
He tops off his drink with cold foam and hands it off before turning back to me. “Are you sure? I can hold things down until the rest of the crew gets here if you need to take off.”
