Phoenix's Lies

Midnight Misadventures

River

Once I'm sure he's not going to back out on me I start the engine again and drive the rest of the way down to the clearing. Well onto a hill that was almost near it and that overlooked it. Stopping again. "Seriously North. Now is the time to tell me if you have cold feet or any doubt about this."

He laughs, body shaking against mine where we were still pressed against each other. "Still trying to get rid of me South? I already told you, not going to work. I'm in. all the way. No matter what."

That has me thinking. "No matter what?"

"No matter what."

Ok then, if he's sure I'll go with it. Kicking the bike into gear I drive down the hill and search for Ari, Ash, Hunt, Mal or Michael. Weaving in between people I finally spot them and inch my speed up before either I or Nix are seen. Making it I signal that I've arrived and park behind a tree. Stepping off we're both about to move when I take his wrist and pull him to a stop. Nix frowns. "Hood up, before someone spots you."

"What about you?"

I roll my eyes, fighting a laugh. "They already know about me but not you. The last thing I need is someone to spot you and start asking questions. It could end badly, just trust me." He continues to frown, looking a little confused, until I lean and whisper something to him. "That and if you want the second part of tonight to work you need to blend in. Wouldn't want to ruin the fun before it starts."

Now he looks even more confused. "What fun? What do you mean Riv?"

I smile and lean in further to pull up his hood, careful that all his hair is trapped underneath the dark material. "Guess you'll have to wait and see. Unless this is you giving up and wanting out?"

He smiles and shakes his head at me, eyes bright. Fighting a smile I check one last time to make sure he can't be recognised before we walk to join the others. Most of them look stunned. All but Ari who is strangely smiling. Weird. Ash however looks less than impressed.

"What the hell Riv? Why bring him back here? You remember it's Connor you're racing tonight don't you?" I hadn't but it's too late now. "He's not safe here. Or of age."

"Neither am I Ash. that didn't stop you, Michael and the others from training me. Both for the track and the cage. And he's here because I asked him. It's on me and I'll keep him safe. Just don't attract too much attention and we'll be fine." Ash looks unconvinced and I sigh, "No one saw him before and no one from school comes here. I'll make sure he's ok."

Ash looks even more unconvinced. "How?"

I sigh, taking a breath and hoping that what I answer won't do more damage or attract attention that we don't need. "Because he'll be in the car with me. The safest place there is." I reply, attempting to hide a smile at Ash's confused expression. Something that laughter from Michael, Ari, Hunt and Mal does little to help with. I sigh. "Look he's staying, I don't want anyone else trying anything."

Ari laughs louder when I say that, whispering something to Mal whose shoulders shake from the force of trying not to laugh. I shoot her a look and see her regard me coolly with dark eyes lit with mischief. "Sounds like your jealous chica." She keeps laughing even as I see Ari's subtle smirk in my direction.

I narrow my eyes, jealousy striking my chest as I watch her. Eyes on Mal especially since I know what she's angling at. "Míralo Chisaka. Manos fuera, él es mío Comprendido?"

Mal just laughs and smiles, hands raised and shaking her head, "Sure hermana, I am just messing with you. Just a joke. But I'd keep watch. Not everyone here will be respectful of your words. No matter how true they may or may not be. Or how good you are at this. Just because you might be the current undisputed queen of the tracks doesn't mean people suddenly all respect you. Si?