Chapter Sixteen

The first half of the car ride was silent, I couldn't believe how Austin stood up to Markus. Whenever he talks about Markus, he tells me how you can never talk back to him. Apparently, he doesn't take it too kindly and will retaliate in some sinister way. I was hoping that wouldn't happen, but I couldn't help but feel grateful for Austin.

"Thank you" I say looking over at him slightly as I spoke. "I know that must have been terrifying to talk back to Markus like that, but you protected me from being forced to also work for him" I smile where he shakes his head, but does look over at me.

"You really don't have to thank me Payton, you shouldn't be put in a situation where he would be offering you a job. This is my fault" he says lopping back to him feeling sorry for himself. "But when it comes to you, I would do anything to keep you safe" he says looking over at me with a serious face, before he turns back to look at the road.

"Would have Markus sent the police around to test if we woul