Vintage (Adrenaline Series Book 2) by Xavier Neal Page B

drops slightly.
     
    I don't want any of those things for Merrick. I want him...I want him with me. Is that why Dad's always so worried? Because he knows what Vinnie just said is true? My father is partially responsible for it being true. Encourages the locking up and harsh sentencing of street racers. Even first time offenders.
     
    A cold bottle of water is offered to me. “I don't want that for any of us, but Merrick has the best chance of getting out. He's always wanted out. Come to think of it...he never really wanted in.”
     
    “Why'd he start then?”
     
    “Combination of his brothers and boredom. I think in the beginning he got some enjoyment from racing, but for those of us who know him, it's easy to see what's for show and what's real. Ben sees the difference and doesn't care. Madden sees the difference and tries harder to rescue him. I thought Merrick would spend the better part of his time searching for a real excuse to get out, but I was wrong.”
     
    Unsure of what to say I stay silent.
     
    “You chose to protect him and his family instead of your own in one brief moment. I think you need to know when the moment turns around the other way, Merrick will too. He's done searching. Now he's trying. Now, he has something waiting for him on the other side. Now, he wants out for you , Jovi.”
     
    Placing the two pills in my mouth, I swallow the reality of just how deep Merrick's love goes alongside the pain killer.
     
    Is it wrong knowing that makes me feel a little better about what I did? It hasn’t been bothering me as much as I thought it would be, but I still have moments where I wonder if I did the right thing interfering with my father's job like that. His career. The thing he's given his entire life too. No. No I didn't do it out of spite for him not giving that dedication to me. I'm not typically the spiteful kind. I just...I didn't want my love in pain. Or suffering. Or in trouble.
     
    We head back out of the house just as Merrick looks like he's about to climb out of the pool. With a look of relief he sighs, “There you are.”
     
    “Worried Merrick?” Vinnie pokes fun as I settle back on the edge of the pool.
     
    He gives me a quick glare before running his wet hands up my thighs. “ The more I think about it, the more I realize there is nothing more artistic than to love others.” Quickly I grin and he says, “Particularly you.”
     
    The Van Gogh quote makes me giggle. “Is that your way of saying you missed me?”
     
    “No. That was my way of saying, I love you. This is my way of saying I missed you.” Merrick pushes his lips against mine briefly due to the booing sounds coming from Ben behind him.
     
    “Less love! More drinking!” Ben demands.
     
    Hayli chants, “Less love! Less love! Less love!”
     
    Hearing me giggle makes Merrick ask, “You think that's funny?”
     
    “A little.”
     
    “How about this?” He yanks me by my legs into the water creating a huge splash.
     
    Immediately I rush back towards the surface, gulping in air before shrieking, “Are you crazy?”
     
    “He's a McCoy, of course he is,” Daniel says as I run my fingers through my hair pushing it out of my face. “Hey what do y'all say to a little pool volley ball?”
     
    “I'm in,” Merrick agrees, reaching for me. Sweetly he says, “Hop on my shoulders.”
     
    “I will squish you,” I sharply reply. “I'm not light.”
     
    “You're not fucking heavy,” he argues with a confused look on his face. “You curve in the right places. Nothing wrong with a chick who isn't made of bones and silicone. Now get on before I dunk you again.”
     
    After hesitating I climb up so my legs dangle over his shoulders and I'm high above the water.
     
    With a snicker Ben points his beer cup our direction. “How bad do you wish she was facing the other way?”
     
    “So fucking bad cuz,” his confession makes me blush and wiggle. A small snicker comes from him. “Not helping that want,