18 TOBIAS
I scan the dark stretch of road as we pull up, my heart hammering against my ribs. The Camaro sits crooked on the shoulder, front tire completely shredded. Through the window, I can make out Rhea's silhouette hunched over the steering wheel.
"Clear on the east side," Julian calls out, jogging back from the tree line.
"Nothing this way either," Corey confirms from the opposite direction.
I approach the driver's side, keeping my movements slow and deliberate. The interior light shows tear tracks down her cheeks, her mascara smeared. Her knuckles are white where they grip the wheel.
"Rhea." I tap gently on the glass. She jumps, head snapping toward me. "It's just me. You can unlock the door now."
The lock clicks and I ease the door open. "Fuck. They-they came out of nowhere," she stammers, voice raw. "Kept swerving at me, trying to run me off the road."
My blood boils seeing her like this, mascara-stained cheeks and trembling hands. Someone made her cry. Someone made her afraid.
The urge to hunt them down burns in my chest.
"You're safe now," I say, keeping my voice low and steady. "We've got you."
She swipes at her cheeks, straightening her spine. The keys jingle as she pushes past me, heading for the trunk. The latch pops.
"What are you doing?"
"Uh, changing my tire?" She says it like I'm slow, already reaching for the spare.
A laugh rumbles from my chest. "Hell no you’re not, Rhea. There are three perfectly capable men here to handle this."
Her eyes flash, that familiar spark of defiance lighting them up.
"I'm perfectly capable too. Just because I called you for backup doesn't mean I need your help. I could have handled it myself."
I close the distance between us in two strides, backing her against the trunk. Her breath catches as I lean down, bringing my face inches from hers. The scent of her shampoo - something sweet and floral - fills my lungs.
"I know you don't need anyone, bella," I murmur, watching her pupils dilate. "But humor me and act like you need me for a minute."
The sass drains from her expression. Her lips part slightly, and a flush creeps up her neck. The effect I have on her sends a surge of satisfaction through my veins. She doesn't argue further, just gives a small nod and steps aside.
Julian and Corey make quick work of the tire change while I keep Rhea distracted, telling her stories about the stupid shit Julian's done when he used to travel for fights. Her laugh, though still shaky, helps ease the tension in my shoulders.
"All set," Corey announces, wiping his hands on his slacks.
"Tobias, take her car. Get her home safe."
"What about his bike?" Rhea asks.
Julian's eyes light up as he pats the sleek motorcycle. "I got this.
Been itching to take her for a proper ride anyway. Though I hate it's under these circumstances." He winks at Rhea. "Don't worry about me, sweetheart. This beauty and I have some catching up to do."
"I can drive myself," Rhea protests, but there's no real fight in her voice. “If it were my bike, I’m not sure i’d let you drive it.” I muffle a laugh. She’s right, but I’m not about to get into that right now.
"Not tonight," Corey says firmly. "Let us handle this."
She tosses me her keys with a defeated sigh. "Fine. But if you scratch her..."
"I know, I know. You'll kick my ass." I catch the keys, metal warm from her grip.
Julian swings his leg over the bike, revving the engine.
“Catch you losers later.” I open the passenger door for her, breathing in that intoxicating mix of her perfume and the leather interior as she slides in.
Maybe getting run off the road isn't the worst thing that could've happened tonight. At least not for me.
"Which way to your place?" I adjust the rearview mirror, catching her reflection. The streetlights cast shadows across her face, highlighting the tension in her jaw.
"Take a left at the next light." Rhea shifts in her seat, fingers drumming against her thigh. "You don't think this has anything to do with tonight's fights, do you?"
"Hard to say." My phone buzzes. "Can you check that?"
She grabs my phone from the cup holder. "It's Corey."
"Put it on speaker."
“Hey it’s Rhea.” She says in her best customer service voice. It’s cute.
"Been thinking," Corey's voice fills the car. "Those assholes might know where you live, Rhea. You should crash at our place tonight."
"Your place?" She glances at me. "You two live together?"
"Yeah, after the Marines. Old habits die hard." I take another left, following her earlier directions. "Julian's got the apartment above the garage."
"Wait, all three of you live together?" A small laugh escapes her.
"What is this, some kind of frat house?"
"Perhapst." I can hear the smile in Corey's voice. "So what do you say?"
Rhea chews her bottom lip.
I watch her shift uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers twisting in her lap. The hesitation rolls off her in waves.
"Look, I appreciate the offer, but I don't even know you guys that well." She tucks a strand of wild hair behind her ear. "Plus, I don't have any clothes or anything..."
"We've got plenty of sweatpants and t-shirts." I drum my fingers on the steering wheel. "And contrary to what you might think, we're not complete animals. Three bedrooms, two baths, fully stocked fridge."
She snorts. "That's not what I meant."
"I know what you meant." I catch her eye. "But you're not some damsel in distress who needs protecting. You're staying because it's the smart play right now. Nothing more."
The tension in her shoulders eases slightly. "Fine. But I need to text my roommate so she’s not expecting me."
"Done." I whip the car around, tires squealing against the pavement. The Camaro handles like a dream, responding to the slightest touch. "Damn, this thing really moves."
"Easy with my baby." But there's a hint of pride in her voice.
"You rebuilt the engine yourself?"
"Most of it. Dad helped with some of the heavy lifting." She runs her hand along the dashboard. "Though I'm starting to think maybe I should've invested in a more practical car."
"Practical is boring." I push the accelerator, feeling the engine purr. "And this? This is anything but boring."
"Just remember whose car you're driving, speed demon."
I ease off the gas, but can't wipe the grin off my face. "Yes ma'am."
Her phone chimes. "Brianne's cool with it. Says to text her if I need anything."
"See? Everything's working out." I take the turn onto our street.
"Now you just have to survive a night with some reformed jarheads."
"Reformed?" She raises an eyebrow. "That remains to be seen."