Runaway

Chapter 36

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~Uploaded March 29th, 2015

My hand was still hurting when Dylan came into the living room and gave his brother a flying tackle hug. Jack ceased his glaring and turned his attention to his brother.

"Hey you." Jack squeezed Dylan tight and ruffled his hair a bit. "Haven't seen you in a while. How've you been?"

Dylan was grinning like an idiot. "I've actually been pretty good. The garage is doing well, I've got an idea of where I want to go for college, and we won the paintball tournament back in October."

"Seriously? That's awesome. Did you kick Luke's ass?"

"Only a little. It's thanks to Dani, really. We co-captained, and she really helped us out." Dylan let go of his brother and put his arm around me instead. I decided it would be wise to just keep my gaze fixed to the floor. "She's also friends with him now, which is a feat of amazement in and of itself."

"I see", Jack said slowly. "That's good then. How long have you known each other?"

"Just since September. I guess you've heard by now about how I almost ran her over", Dylan said nervously. "Still sorry."

When I stayed silent, Dylan squeezed my arm. "Hey, are you okay, angel? You've been awfully quiet."

"Fine", I said quickly. "I'm just fine. I do need the washroom though so..."

"I can show you there." I gulped as Jack volunteered. "This house is enormous and easy to get lost in if you don't know where you're going. Come on."

I looked back at Dylan for help as Jack took my arm and escorted me to the bathroom. "It's fine. He won't bite. I'll come find you later."

Easy for you to say.

"Uh, you know, Jack, I can find the bathroom on my own", I said as we went up the stairs to the second floor, nerves creeping up my spine the more time passed and the further away from people we got. "You probably want to get back to your family."

"Nonsense. I couldn't possibly leave you alone." With incredible speed, I was pushed back against the wall, arms pinned above my head, his face two inches from mine. There was no trace of the smile he had on earlier. It had completely vanished beneath his scowl. "Especially given your background. What are you doing here, Miss Greene?"

I struggled against his grip, but his lanky figure deceived, and held nothing but muscle. I slumped back against the wall. "I'm not here to hurt your family, if that's what you want to know."

"Answer the question."

I resigned and spoke with as much conviction as I could. Might as well tell him. "After you gave me the papers, I drove across the border into Ontario. My truck broke down just outside of Silver Creek, and I had to get it repaired at your family's garage. I liked the town, its quiet and seclusion, so I decided to stay. There is no secret motive behind my actions, I can promise you that. I just wanted a place to call home."

Jack didn't say anything, only glared for a while. I might've thought he was handsome at one point, and he was, but his features could be honed to a sharpness that could cut glass. His eyes were nothing like his siblings'. Yes, they were the same shade of hazel, but his were colder, harder and looked like they could be set aflame with a single thought.

"Alright. I'm letting you go." Jack released my wrists, now dully throbbing with pain. "I'm going to see if your story checks out. I still disagree with Project Maximus, and I understand that you want to find a home. But if you or your past comes within even a mile of hurting my family, you will sorely pay for it."