Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 135792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 679(@200wpm)___ 543(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 679(@200wpm)___ 543(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Liv’s mouth itched to touch Knox’s again, but he knew better than to make the guy offering them freedom uncomfortable, as idiotic as that was. With his hands now free, he sat and grabbed Knox’s warm hand under the table, where it couldn’t be seen.
Liv was ready to take in the details of the whole new crime they were about to commit. But for Knox, he’d lie in court, no questions asked.
Talking through all the particulars took at least two hours, and was only the beginning of a longer process, but, around midnight, Liv and Knox were free to walk out of the police station. Frank had been with them every step of the way, only leaving for a coffee, and while Liv was a grown-ass man, it felt nice to know someone had his back.
Working for Frank in the future would surely have its tough moments, but it wouldn’t be about returning a favor, or being obligated. He and Knox fit in with their new junkyard family. He’d help them for free just because. And Frank surely wasn’t sticking his neck out for them to get himself free labor. He cared in his own gruff way.
As much as Liv itched to talk about all of this with Knox, they didn’t get to have time alone just yet. When they all stepped out of the station, Liv instantly spotted Frank’s gray sedan, but to his bewilderment, right next to it stood Blizzard’s shiny blue car.
He went so stiff, Frank walked into him, forcing him onto the next concrete step when the beautiful vehicle opened and the man himself stepped out in a puffy jacket the same shade of blue as the frost on his fancy ride.
This day had already been long, nerve-wracking, and surprising, but when Blizzard leaned against his car and nodded, Liv pulled at Knox’s hand and headed toward the unexpected presence.
Blizzard didn’t look all that impressive from up close. He was Knox’s size, with a long torso and a mole on the side of the cheek, but his smile was bright enough to put Liv at ease as he approached.
“Liv, right?” Blizzard asked, offering his hand in greeting.
“And you’re the legend himself,” Liv responded, giving Blizzard’s fingers a firm squeeze.
Blizzard glanced at Knox as well, and they exchanged a nod, but Liv remained his focus. “That was some race, right? Shame we didn’t get to finish, but I’m gonna say it, I think you would have won, man. That leap was a ballsy move, and you didn’t chicken out when you spotted the cops. Respect.”
It was more a matter of Liv not noticing they had unwanted company soon enough, but he wasn’t about to correct Blizzard on that one.
“Thanks. You were an incredible driver. I studied videos online in preparation for the race, but your technique is even more impressive in person. I guess what I’m trying to say is that your opinion matters to me a lot,” he said, breathlessly squeezing Knox’s hand.
Blizzard shrugged. “It’s no fun to never feel an opponent’s breath on my nape. But I’ve heard you were especially motivated to win this thing.”
Liv licked his lips. “Yeah?”
“This biker with a fake red eye told me you want to pay for your buddy’s surgery.”
Liv glanced Knox’s way and cleared his throat, unsure where this was going. “That’s right. Too bad I didn’t get to reach the finish line, right?”
“But we both know you would have,” Blizzard said. “It’s only fair that the cash pool goes to you.”
Liv opened his mouth, stalling as his brain did a little backflip. “I— what?”
Knox held his breath. “All the bets…?”
Blizzard shrugged. “I talked to the club. Because you got closer to the finish line, they agreed to treat that as your win. You deserve it man. But…”
Liv braced himself for the strings attached to the money. Sure, Frank had already offered them a loan, but the less they borrowed, the better for their future.
Blizzard grinned and pointed to their hands. “If this story ever ends up as one of those sappy Hallmark sports movies, I will be playing myself.”
Joy sparked in Liv’s chest, and he shook Blizzard’s hand with a wide grin. This was the best thing that ever happened to him. Well, other than meeting Knox, of course. “You got it. Always the star.”
Blizzard laughed, shaking his hand. “And I hope to see you on the track again?”
“Maybe. Once I take care of the important things,” Liv agreed, patting Knox’s chest as the star racer shook his head and sat in his car after a brief goodbye. He was off within moments, leaving Liv to contemplate this strange new reality where strangers actually showed him kindness and compassion.
“So this day ended… on a weirdly good note,” he mumbled, joining Frank in the car, but before he could have done anything else, Knox kissed him so hard Liv’s head hit the window.