Yard Sale

Sebastian’s wink is the only answer I get. With the crank of his wrist and the push of his foot, the bike revs then purrs, and the vibration replaces the erratic beating of my heart. The other rider does the same, and they both do that rocking back and forth thing on either side of me.

“You don’t get to see this particular stunt every day, folks! It’s your lucky day. Let’s make some noise for Sebastian, Eros, and their beautiful, daring young victim!” The announcer makes a show of clearing his throat exaggeratedly, and I bristle at his words. “I mean, erm, volunteer!”

Sebastian gives a slight shake of his head, as if to let me know that the announcer is full of it.

It’s all for show. Breathe.

“Hands at your sides and focus on the lights, Princess!” Being called Princess is enough to make me momentarily forget my nerves and glare at him, and the smirk I get in return tells me that was his intention.

The music starts up again, and I’m not sure what the song is, but the bass rumbles through me, seeming to amp up Sebastian and Eros as well as the crowd. Eros yells excitedly, pumping his fist in the air. They circle me slowly at first, like sharks circling their prey. They watch each other, taking silent cues, then all of a sudden, they’re whipping around me. They’re going so fast that all I can make out are Eros’ brown shoulder-length hair peeking from underneath his helmet and Sebastian’s black shirt in a blur.

Between them whirling around me and the loud music, my equilibrium is thrown, and I feel like I might tip over. I wobble and sway for half a second before I close my eyes, taking a deep breath.

The lights. Look at the lights.

Rewrite the Stars is coming this fall! Add it to your TBR here