No one spoke. Whether the silence was spurred by fear, shock, or anger I didn't know. There were two sounds that were ringing in my ears: the revving of my brothers car engine and the pounding of my heart. My adrenaline had me convinced that both sounds could be heard loud and clear by everyone. When the revving stopped, my heart beat only got louder.

"You want to say that again, grease." I didn't have to look up to know that Jacob and Max were ready to attack. Even more trigger happy than Bryce, who was known for picking his battles strategically, the two of them had a reputation for never stepping down from a fight.

"You deaf as well as dumb? He said over his dead, which means all of our dead bodies. When y'all mess with one of us, you mess with all of us." Hearing Steve's voice made my heart stop. If he was here, that meant Soda likely was as well. And while Bryce hated the entire gang, anyone related to Darry had a bigger target on their back in his eyes.

"Don't think that can't be arranged punk. Now stop testing our patience, hand the girl over, and be lucky we don't kick your asses here and now." Palpable tension was suffocating me as both sides were waiting to see who would make the next move.

"Now now boys, there's no need for any unnecessary blood to be shed tonight. My sister's going to come with us willingly, and y'all can live to see another day." Bryces voice made my blood run cold and my breath hitch in my throat.

Two-Bit scoffed. "And what the h*ll makes you think she'd go with you, or that we'd let her go with y'all."

Without looking up, I knew Bryce was wearing his signature smirk. "Because she knows what will happen if she doesn't. After all, a deal is a deal, isn't it sis."