CHAPTER FIVE
STORM
On my way out to school the next day, I peeked out the front door first, checking Rebel’s driveway for any sign of the prick. When I was sure it was clear, I hurried down the front walk to my car.
I slid into the driver’s seat, pausing to double-check my eye makeup in the visor mirror. Perfect liner with a dusting of gold shadow. My hair fell in curls over my shoulders. Wearing knee-high boots, a cute as hell skirt, and a long flowing cardigan over my top, I felt good about my appearance. I was ready to hard launch myself at a new campus. Hopefully, it would be big enough to avoid Rebel.
It took me longer than expected to find my first class. The campus was larger than my previous school. I’d have to spend some of my free time scoping it out. By the time I met up with Athena and her campus friends for lunch, I’d managed to have a pretty good day. The professors had warmly welcomed me, and the students seemed focused.
Athena sat with a few other girls around a picnic table outside. Several other tables were littered about, occupied by students enjoying some fresh air. Athena waved me over, patting the bench next to her. I was a little nervous about meeting her friends until they greeted me with smiles.
“Girls, this is my bestie, Storm. Storm this is the girls, Ripley McKay, Luna Burke, and Codie Edwards.” Athena pointed at each girl as she said their name.
Ripley was a blue-eyed blonde with a shy smile and the cutest dimples. Luna’s pink and purple hair easily held my attention as she waved, popping a strawberry in her mouth.
Codie eyed up my outfit, making me nervous until she said, “Cute boots. Where did you get them?”
I sat down, pulling my homemade lunch from my bag. “That little shop on the corner of Elmhurst and Third. You know the one?”
She nodded knowingly and held up her coffin shaped purse. “That’s where I found this. They have some great stuff.”
The conversation naturally picked up as everyone discussed their favorite items and shopping locations. It was a frivolous topic but gave me something to relate to them over. I appreciated being able to converse with them about something. I’d worried that I wouldn’t fit in with Athena’s group. They welcomed me immediately, setting my mind at ease.
When there was a lull in the conversation, I said, “So does anyone here know Rebel? Do you know much about him?”
After I got home that night, I’d called Athena and told her what happened. She was my best friend. I told her everything. I’d also mentioned that he was my new neighbor. Unfortunately, she didn’t know as much about him as I’d hoped. Basic rumor mill stuff and that he was involved in some sketchy shit.
“Rebel Kane?” Luna rolled her eyes. “You don’t want anything to do with Rebel and his friends. Unless you’re into black market crime and assholes.”
“They deal in black market goods,” Ripley added. “They can get anyone anything. I’ve heard they even supply organs. Like kidneys and shit.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s just a wildly overblown rumor,” Codie cut in. “But who knows? Trouble definitely follows those guys wherever they go.”
I wanted to be surprised, but part of me expected someone like Rebel to be involved in shady shit. Especially after what I saw the other night. Just another reason to stay as far away from him as possible.
“Storm just moved in next door to Rebel,” Athena informed them, crunching on a celery stick. “Any bets on how long it will be before the two of them smash?”
My jaw dropped. I held my roast beef sandwich forgotten and stared at her, aghast. “I’ll place my bet on never. He was a total asshole, and he is so not my type.”
“Bullshit,” she volleyed back. “You like them dangerous. Remember when you dated that biker’s son in high school?”
“That was different,” I insisted. “I was young and na?ve. I know better now.”
I couldn’t deny that the danger factor had definitely played a part in my high school dating experience. That same guy had taken my virginity and broken my heart. I wasn’t interested in dating anyone seriously right now. I preferred to get some action and move on. Safer that way.
Ripley leaned in, lowering her voice. “Here comes River and Noah. What I wouldn’t give to be the meat in that sandwich.”
Codie chuckled, glancing up to watch the two guys as they passed. “I’m pretty sure Noah likes a different kind of meat.”
“A girl can dream.” Ripley sighed wistfully as she blatantly watched them.
One of the two guys looked over at our table, his gaze landing on me. He winked, a playful smile adorning his face. With his dark hair and eyes along with that smile, he was kind of hot.
“Who’s that?” I asked when he was out of earshot.
“River Harris. He and his buddies are always getting into it with Rebel and his crew. Their groups don’t get along. I guess it’s because they both want to be king shit of crime around here.” Athena pointed at what was left of my sandwich. “Are you going to finish that? Your mom makes the best roast beef.”
“Here. Go hard.” I handed her the sandwich, reaching into my lunch bag for an apple. “Is crime that rampant around here? Is it all black market stuff?”
Luna shook her head. “The Graveyard Kings, Rebel and his guys, they do the black market stuff. Venom is all about the violence. I hear you can hire them to do your dirty work. Beat people up. Cut their brakes. Even kill.”
Athena nudged me, munching on the remainder of my roast beef. “Geez, Storm, looks like you attract the crazy ones. You’re like a magnet for that type.”
I sighed, biting into my apple. “Lucky me.”
Right on cue, as if he’d been summoned, Rebel came into view. He strolled along past the picnic tables, puffing on a joint. Flanked by four other guys, including the guy he’d been with the night I punched him, he was occupied with their conversation. Maybe he wouldn’t notice me.
Apparently, that was asking too much. Even though I’d averted my gaze, I felt the moment Rebel’s eyes found me.
“Would you look at that?” His voice carried, reaching me despite the distance between us. “Looks like they’ll let any street trash enroll here now. That’s a shame.”
My cheeks flamed hot as several people nearby turned to stare at me, following his gaze. Was a pathetic insult the best he could do? I guess he couldn’t really threaten me with so many witnesses. Obviously, he wanted my attention.
Something inside me snapped. I would not let him make my campus life hell. He wanted my attention and he got it.
I stood up, my apple clutched tight in my hand. Then I whipped it hard, aiming at Rebel’s head. Several people gasped as it nailed him right in the temple, including the girls at my table. My satisfaction was short-lived.
Rebel stalked toward me, his expression ice-cold. He scooped up a garbage can along the way, heading right to me. Without hesitation, he dumped the contents of the can over my head.
All kinds of yuck spilled over me. Banana peels, pudding cups, leftover coffee. I stood there shaking, enraged, watching trash hit the ground all around me. Everyone in the area watched in a hush.
“Better watch your back, pet. I know where you live.” Rebel tossed the empty can aside. With a snicker, he turned to stride away.
I stared after him, my hands clenched into fists. Absolutely not. I would not take this shit and act like a victim. I didn’t care if he was king shit of bad news. Rebel had targeted the wrong person this time.
“Holy shit, are you okay?” Athena searched her bag for a napkin or something helpful to offer me.
I was already gone, racing after Rebel. I almost tripped over the dropped garbage can in my haste. No doubt I looked like a total maniac, covered in garbage, chasing down the asshole who did this to me.
Rebel turned to find me barreling toward him. Catching me by the shoulders, he dragged me around the side of the building, out of sight from those gathered for lunch. He nodded for his friends to keep going. They ambled along, leaving us alone as they snickered and laughed amongst themselves.
“What the fuck is your problem?” I hissed between my clenched teeth.
At the same time, he said, “You just can’t get enough, can you?”
Rebel pressed me against the building, blocking me in with a hand planted on either side of my head. I glared up into his face, refusing to show fear. Maybe everyone else around here thought he was some big badass—and maybe he was—but I wouldn’t give him power over me. He was already too close. If I gave him even an inch, he would ruin my life.
“Did you seriously just dump garbage over my head?” I spat. “Are you twelve? That’s fucking pathetic.”
He eyed me with blatant amusement, enjoying my ire. “You threw an apple at my head. I don’t think you’re in a position to act high and mighty. Was I supposed to stand there and take that? You’re lucky there were witnesses or I’d be spanking your bare ass instead.”
The thought of Rebel spanking me tickled my temper. It also sent a warm rush to my southern region. God, how embarrassing.
“Is that what you think? You might be used to getting what you want, Rebel, but not from me. I have every right to exist in this space too. Is this really because I hit you? You wanted me to fight. What did you expect?” I couldn’t help but feel good about the bruise he still bore. Blue with a yellow tinge marking his nose and under one eye. My knuckles were still sore.
Rebel’s smile faded so fast, it made my stomach sink. A grim expression took its place, sending tendrils of fear slipping through me. I didn’t want to be afraid. That would be showing weakness, which was what he wanted. The dark intent in his eyes chased away my bravado. What was wrong with this guy?
“You’re right, pet. I do get what I want. That won’t change just because you say so. I did want you to fight, and you didn’t let me down. That was your first mistake.” He paused, his eerie gaze traveling down my body, lingering on my cleavage. “Now I want to see how much you can take, Storm. How far you’re willing to go.”
Realization settled in. He was so damn twisted. “This is all a game to you, isn’t it? I gave you what you wanted and that wasn’t enough. So what now? You make my life hell? That’s seriously demented.”
“Yeah,” he laughed darkly. “It is. But something tells me that you’re up for the challenge. You better get cleaned up. You smell like shit. Oh, and watch your back. I’ll always be closer than you think.”
Pushing away from the building, Rebel turned to go after his friends. I stared after him, swiping something pink and sweet off my cheek. He was insane. He had to be.
“Fuck you, Rebel,” I shouted after him. My hands shook with an unwelcome combination of panic and anger.
He turned back to say, “All in good time, my pet. And you will fucking beg for it.”
I stared at his retreating form, processing what he’d just said. This couldn’t be happening.