Trapped (Bullied Book 4) (Bullied Series) Vera Hollins (best large ereader txt) 📖

“Because it’s dangerous.”

I took immense pleasure in this additional proof that he cared for my safety, but I didn’t let it overtake me. “Then what are you doing here?”

His face became closed off. “That’s not for you to know.”

I frowned at his cryptic answer. I had thought he would say something like I’m racing, duh, but definitely not that.

“Fine.” I glanced at Mel and Steven, who had moved a few feet away from us and were talking to each other in hushed whispers.

He crossed his arms over his chest. “I can’t figure you out. You’re all over the place these days. What are you doing now? And don’t tell me you came here to watch the race, because I’m not falling for it.”

“I’m not here because of you, if that’s what you’re thinking.” That’s not entirely true.

He took a step closer to me and towered over me. “That’s exactly what I’m thinking,” he said quietly.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Blake, but the world doesn’t revolve around you.”

He gave me an incredulous look. “This isn’t some game, Metts. It’s real and dangerous. You should go home. Come on.” He reached for me, as if he planned to take me home personally, but I stepped away before he made contact, refusing to let him touch me.

“I’m not going to be a coward, Blake. I’m here to stay. So leave me alone.”

I spun around and moved closer to Mel and Steven as the announcer guy declared the race was about to start.

Several engines roared to life, and the atmosphere changed, allowing excitement to take over.

Blake cursed behind me. “Fuck.”

I was about to look at him over my shoulder, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me after him.

“Wait! What are you—”

“You wanted to play? Here, I’ll give you your danger.”

I glanced behind me at Mel, who had a What the heck? expression on her face as she watched us leave. It looked like she would come after us, but Steven told her something that kept her in place.

“What are you doing?” I asked him. My skin burned where he held me. We passed by the announcer, who looked at Blake with amusement.

“Taking a chick with ya?” he asked him.

“Call it my lucky charm.”

The guy winked at him. “Gotcha.”

We stopped next to his car, and he released my hand. “Get inside.”

I placed my hands on my waist. “I don’t want to be next to you when you’re racing.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m not going to crash us into a tree. So get in.”

He didn’t wait for me to accept. He got into his car, assuming I would follow. I looked around and saw the previous week’s winner, Bobby Q. He met my gaze over the roof of his car, which was parked close by. He studied me, unusually motionless, and something terribly cold rushed through me. I didn’t want to be on his radar.

Rushing to get away from his gaze, I got inside Blake’s car. Instantly, I remembered our “almost” kiss before Masen showed up, and my heart rate kicked up. I was too aware of how attractive Blake looked in his sports car. It didn’t help that I was digging guys with said cars.

“I’m not sure this is a good idea,” I said, watching his arm flex as he fired up the engine and hit the headlights.

“Relax. This can be fun if you let it.”

He revved the engine and shifted into first. The car had a manual transmission, and I couldn’t help but be impressed. I had no clue how to drive a manual. My eyes fell on his knuckles. They bore fresh scrapes, which indicated he’d been in a fight recently.

“You better buckle up,” he said.

I glanced at him with wide eyes. “So you don’t actually intend to kill me, worried about my safety and all,” I said, half-joking, half-bickering as I put my seat belt on.

The look he gave me took all the air out of my lungs. “I’ve already killed you mentally. I don’t want to make things any worse than that.”

I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t. I held my hands clasped together in my lap as he lined up with the other cars at the starting line.

Tonight, Blake was racing with two more guys, and one of them was Bobby Q, who was on Blake’s left. I looked through Blake’s window at Bobby Q. There was something about him that I didn’t like at all. I couldn’t be sure in this darkness, but it looked like he had a scar line on his face, which gave me a shiver. I whipped my gaze back.

The crowd huddled around the starting line. Blake turned on the stereo, and a remix of Infected Mushroom’s “Shakawkaw” filled the cabin. The blaring music made my blood pump.

I grimaced. “How can you listen to this? I can’t even hear my thoughts.”

His eyes remained firmly on the track ahead. “That’s the whole point—I can’t hear myself.”

I stared at him with mouth wide open, at a loss for words. The race girl appeared at the starting line, and Blake tightened his grip on the steering wheel. His expression became edged and focused, the shadows dancing over his cheekbones and jaw adding to his alluring appearance.

I glanced away from him, biting into my lip. He’s not alluring. He’s horrible. He’s not alluring.

The race girl announced the start of the race, and Blake hit the gas, sending us flying forward. I grabbed my seat as adrenaline burst through me. Blake took the lead right before he made the first turn, sending dust kicking up around him. Bobby Q was close behind us. He made a sharp turn on the inner side of the track before he straightened out and accelerated, threatening to pass Blake.

My heart jumped into my throat, and I looked in the side mirror, getting restless. The other driver was right behind us, neck and neck with Bobby Q. Blake accelerated, gaining more distance from them, before he slowed down to take the next turn.

Bobby