CHAPTER TWENTY
STORM
“What do you think of this dress? Is it too slutty or not slutty enough?” Athena twirled around in front of me, making the skirt of her dress fly up to reveal her black underwear.
The dress was super cute with a ruffled skirt and a tight corset-like bodice. Although it was a little on the short side, it made her legs look amazing, showing off the tabby cat tattoo on her calf.
“I love it,” gushed Luna. “You know I’m a fan of anything pink.”
“It suits you better than the blue one,” Ripley added. “You should wear it with those new knee-high boots you bought.”
Codie was too busy staring at her phone to do more than nod and give a thumbs up. The five of us were hanging out at their apartment, getting ready for the party tonight. Even though I had tried to argue my way out of it, the girls insisted I needed to attend a graveyard party.
That meant being forced to see Rebel. I’d managed to avoid him for the rest of the week. He’d stayed away, not coming to my window once. On one hand, I appreciated that he was giving me space. Although part of me wished that he wouldn’t. I didn’t know what the hell I wanted anymore. Seeing him tonight was not going to help that confusion.
Athena glanced down at her dress, nodding approvingly. “Okay good. This is the one then. I’m hoping to turn a few heads. I haven’t had any action for a while.”
“Oh please,” Codie piped up. “I doubt there will be anybody action worthy at this party. It’s a bunch of criminals and frat boys getting loaded and throwing punches.”
“Exactly. That’s what I’m looking for.” Athena wiggled her brows and chuckled.
Ripley stood in front of the mirror in Athena’s bedroom, using a curling wand on her blonde hair. “Not me. I just want to have a few drinks and forget about my life for a while.”
“I’m with you there. The last thing I want to deal with tonight is guys.” Stepping up behind Ripley to peer into the mirror, I double checked my makeup. Good enough.
Even though I told myself I didn’t want to draw attention tonight, I’d worn a short black skirt and a top that made my cleavage look amazing. Who was I kidding? I knew that Rebel would be there, and I wanted to look hot as hell. I really should have worn the frumpiest outfit I could dig up.
Athena scoffed. “Looking like that? Give me a break, Storm. You want to bring Rebel to his knees, and you know it.”
“Well it’s about time somebody does. Lord knows that man has been a player with an attitude problem for long enough. All the power to you, Storm.” Codie rolled off the bed where she’d been lounging. “I’m going to my room to find something to wear. Let me know when you guys are ready to leave.”
While Codie got dressed, I listened to Ripley and Athena discuss the Venom guys in comparison to the Graveyard Kings. There was something about a bad boy that really lured the women. It made me feel a little better that I wasn’t the only one under their spell.
“All right, so maybe Noah is unavailable due to circumstances, but I wouldn’t say no to bending over for Damon Price. I mean, have you seen him with his shirt off? Goddamn.” Ripley pretended to fan herself.
The rest of us laughed at her dramatics. Athena shook her head. “He’s not bad, but I kind of love the whole strong, silent type vibe Casper has going. I bet he’s a good listener. That’s important in a man. Although Stray seems to be the best choice for a solid one night stand.”
Luna wrinkled her nose, shaking her head. “Ew no. He gets around too much. I’m all for getting your freak on, but Stray takes it to the next level.”
“Exactly. He’s got to be crazy good in bed.” Athena turned to me, a mischievous grin on her face. “What about Rebel? He must know his way around a woman’s body if you’re wearing a skirt that short to his party. Do you even have panties on under that?”
Feeling my face warm, I threw a pillow from the bed at her. “Stop it. Of course I do. And I choose not to comment about Rebel’s sexual prowess. I don’t need it getting back to him and inflating his giant ego more than it already is.”
Athena nodded knowingly. “That’s what I thought.”
We arrived at the graveyard on the edge of town shortly after ten. Cars were lined up down the road. The graveyard itself was packed with people. The little ramshackle church was no different.
There were no houses in the vicinity. We were outside the town limits. I saw why this place appealed to so many. The back of the graveyard gave way to a forest that stretched for miles. Rebel and his friends ran their crime business out here. That made sense. No witnesses.
Tonight it was all about the party. A bunch of frat guys surrounded a keg. They were loud and obnoxious in their drunkenness. Right away I spotted two of Rebel’s friends. My stomach clenched tight. He had to be here somewhere.
Athena took one look at my pale face and snapped into action. “Shit, Storm, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. We need to get some drinks in you.”
Taking my hand, she led me through the headstones to a bench beneath an overhanging tree. Pulling a bottle of white rum from her bag, she poured a large amount into two half full bottles of pineapple juice.
She pressed a bottle into my hand. “Here. Drink up. Is that your brother? I didn’t think he hung out at places like this.”
Accepting the drink, I took a long swallow, following her gaze. Chase and two other guys stood about twenty feet away, drinking beer and smoking a joint. I did my best not to end up at the same parties as my brother. We rarely ran in the same circles. This was less than ideal.
“He doesn’t usually. Hopefully we can avoid each other. He doesn’t know how far things have gone with Rebel, and I would like to keep it that way.”
Athena mimed zipping her lips shut and throwing away the key. “He won’t hear about it from me.”
I noticed my brother checking out Luna as she passed by with the other girls. Absolutely not. My brother was not dating anybody in my friend group. He seemed to feel my scowl upon him because he looked up then, making eye contact.
A frown stole over his face. Excusing himself from his friends, he headed right for us. Oh great.
“What are you doing here?” His frown deepened as he took in my attire. “Not prowling for campus idiots I hope.”
“That’s really none of your damn business. Since when do you come to places like this? Aren’t you usually more of the sports bar type?” Behind Chase, I caught sight of River. I’d worked hard to avoid him as well. So much for that.
Chase chugged back the rest of his beer and let out a revolting burp. “Usually. I’d much rather shoot pool and drink beer all night than watch these fucking idiots do keg stands and fight. The guys wanted to check it out, so here we are.”
“Gross, Chase. Get out of here if you’re going to be like that. We’re trying to have some girl time, so beat it.” I pretended not to notice the way he checked out Athena.
He lingered a moment longer before saying, “Fine, but stay out of trouble.”
He rejoined his friends, and the three of them disappeared inside the church. Thankfully, there was plenty of space here for all of us. I should be able to avoid him for the rest of the night.
“What a party crasher,” Athena remarked. “He’s lucky I didn’t poke him in the eye for checking out my tits. I’m like a sister to him.”
“Forget about him,” I said. “We’re here to party. He’s not ruining that for us.”
Athena nodded subtly toward the church. Rebel had just exited the building. He stood on the broken steps, surveying the party in the graveyard. I waited for the moment his gaze would land on me.
Our eyes locked and my heart stuttered. Did he have to be so damn hot? He’d occupied my thoughts all week. I’d started to wonder if maybe he’d changed his mind about me. Until he started across the grass right for me.
Athena stood up. “That’s my cue to get lost for a while. Come find me if you need me. I’ll be with the girls, unless I get lucky.”
She flashed me a grin that was all mischief before sauntering away in search of our friends. I took another long drink from the bottle I held. The rum burned its way through me, helping me relax. I could do this. I was in charge of myself and my feelings, no matter how captivating Rebel happened to be.
If only I believed that.
I was so focused on Rebel that I didn’t see River making a beeline right for me. Since he was closer, he reached me first.
“Killer outfit,” River said, plopping down next to me. “Are you here with anyone?”
“Yeah, I came with my friends. Sorry I haven’t had a chance to get back to you about that date. I’m not sure it’s a good idea right now.” I had a hard time focusing on River while Rebel stalked toward us like an animal on the hunt.
River spotted him too. He nodded knowingly. “Are you with him? Because honestly, I think you can do better. If you were my girl, I would make sure the entire world knew it.”
Rebel reached us before I could reply, not that I had a proper response for that. There was no arguing that I did deserve better. There was something about Rebel I couldn’t shake. He was like a drug, working its way deep into my system. Making me more than a little crazy.
“Pretty sure I’m supposed to rearrange your face tonight, Harris. You’re making it way too easy to want to fuck you up. Get the hell away from my girl.” Even though Rebel appeared calm, there was a tick in his jaw and a glint in his eyes that made it clear he was ready to kill.
If River was afraid, he sure didn’t show it. He met Rebel’s stare evenly. With a casual shrug he said, “Hey, I’m here, aren’t I? Ready whenever you are. But know this, Kane. After I beat your ass, I’m making my move. Storm deserves someone who will protect her. Someone who won’t treat her like trash, thinking it will keep her safe from someone like me. She’s too fucking good for you.”
I sat there frozen, staring at the two of them. I didn’t love the way River talked about me like I was a prize to win. Rebel had claimed he was trying to protect me from River. Hearing River echo Rebel’s words made me feel sick. What was this? Was I just a pawn in this fucked up game between them?
“You’re right. She is too good for me. That doesn’t mean I’m going to let her go. If you’re ready to do this, then let’s do it.” Rebel nodded toward the clearing in front of the trees. He didn’t wait for River to follow as he proceeded to the fight zone.
Not wanting to look intimidated in any way, River shoved off the bench and hurried after him. I was torn between following, sitting, right where I was, or simply getting up and going home.
They were going to fight. Because of me. Nobody had ever fought over me before. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.
Rebel snapped his fingers and whistled to get everyone’s attention. As both guys moved into place across from one another, it became clear that a fight was about to happen. Dozens of people gathered around, eager to witness the violence. Rebel’s friends were quick to have his back, gathering on his side, while the Venom guys gathered behind River.
“Holy shit, are they fighting over you?” Athena pressed close on one side of me. “I’m impressed.”
We stood close enough to see the fight without being front and center. I couldn’t believe this was happening. The other girls came to stand with us, except for Luna, who was flirting with a frat guy several yards away.
Codie sipped from a wine cooler, arching a brow as she assessed each guy. “This is going to be good. Graveyard fights are rowdy as hell. There’s definitely going to be blood.”
Blood? That didn’t make me feel any better. Lifting the pineapple bottle to my lips, I chugged back most of my drink.
“I really don’t feel too good about this. Would it be wrong if I left?” I nervously glanced around, seeking a way to escape.
“You can’t leave now,” Athena admonished. “The good shit is just getting started. It’s been a while since Rebel has fought here. Last time I saw him fight, the other guy left in an ambulance.”
I was at a loss for words. All I could do was stare in silent wonder as Rebel and River faced off. Rebel held up both hands, inviting River to take the first shot. I found myself holding my breath as I waited for someone to make a move.
The crowd that had gathered shouted at both of them, encouraging them to take action. The plastic bottle began to crumple under my tight grasp. When River took a step forward, I froze.
He didn’t make his move immediately. Instead, he hung back, assessing Rebel like he was a puzzle that needed to be solved. They both ignored the people shouting at them, cheering them on. It astounded me how many people thrived on violence.
Rebel waited patiently. He stood there completely relaxed and at ease, ready for anything. When River suddenly rushed him, he was ready for it.
River took a wild swing. Since Rebel anticipated the move, he jerked back, so the punch barely grazed his chin. He was quick to retaliate with a punch of his own. His fist met River’s face in an audible blow. That did nothing to deter River. It only seemed to amp him up.
He managed to block the next punch that came his way. They went back-and-forth, each trying to gain an edge over the other. Finally, Rebel grew tired of the game and flung himself at River.
He hit River with an aggressive bodycheck that threw them both to the ground. On top of River, Rebel landed blow after blow to his face. Several people shouted enthusiastically. River managed to get his hands up, plowing Rebel in the stomach hard enough to knock the breath from his lungs.
That gave him a momentary advantage. River threw Rebel off him and got up, kicking him hard in the ribs where he still sprawled on the ground. Rebel took a few kicks before he managed to grab River’s foot and twist. The only way to avoid a broken ankle was to fall to the ground and follow the twist. With his free foot, he kicked at Rebel, getting in a lucky shot when he kicked him in the face.
The sight of blood left me shaken. Maybe this was nothing to these guys, but to me it was taking this shit way too far. I wanted to shout at them to stop, but I knew it wouldn’t make a difference. They were so intent on hurting one another, they probably wouldn’t even hear me.
At first, I wasn’t able to tell where the blood came from. I realized that Rebel’s eyebrow had been cut open. Crimson ran down the side of his face. He either didn’t know or didn’t care.
Both guys were back on their feet throwing punches. Rebel took one in the nose before catching the next. He grabbed River’s hand with both of his and twisted. River’s shout of pain cut through me. Rebel must have broken his wrist. I expected that to bring everything to an end. It didn’t.
With an angry cry, River used his good hand to punch Rebel in the throat. It must’ve hurt like hell because Rebel dropped to his knees. He coughed and gagged, making a strangled sound. That’s when River grabbed his hair and slammed his head against the ground, face first.
I gaped open-mouthed at the scene before me. Several people, including his friends, shouted at Rebel to get up. Both hands clutching the grass beneath him, Rebel raised his head and looked right at me.
A possessive gleam burned in his blue eyes. With sheer grit and determination, Rebel shoved to his feet, blocking River’s next hit. He tackled River to the ground, his arms flying as he pummeled River’s face. Blood sprayed.
Something overtook Rebel, bringing out a viciousness to him we hadn’t yet seen. He pounded River’s head against the ground while dropping fists into his face at record speed. Finally, he wrapped his hands around River’s throat and began to squeeze.
That’s when both groups made a move. The Kings rushed forward to grab Rebel, hauling him off River. The Venom guys picked up their friend, dragging him away. One of them turned back to shout at Rebel, calling him a piece of shit for trying to kill their friend. For a moment I worried things were going to escalate into a violent showdown between both groups.
A maniacal grin lit up Rebel’s face. He let his friends drag him away, staring down River the entire time. Without so much as blinking, he licked a drop of blood from the back of his hand.
“I fucking warned you, asshole,” Rebel shouted. “Stay the fuck away from Storm. Next time there will be nothing left of you for your friends to clean up.”
I cringed. I really hoped my brother hadn’t heard that. There were too many people. I didn’t see him anywhere. That didn’t mean he wasn’t around.
Needing to get away from the crowd and the craziness, I rushed across the graveyard, trying to lose myself among the crumbling headstones. I knew he was coming for me. Felt it before I saw him.
Soon Rebel appeared. He’d wiped most of the blood from his face, but a trickle continued to slide down his cheek from his wound. His face was a mottled mess of bruises that would no doubt worsen as the night went on.
“What the fuck were you thinking?” I demanded before he could speak. “How dare you use me as an excuse for violence? I don’t care if you and your friends have a beef with the Venom guys. I want no part of it. I want no part of you.”
Undeterred by my words, Rebel grabbed my chin in his strong hand, tipping my face up to his. “Feel better, pet? Would you like to tell me off some more? I’m listening.”
With his lips brushing against mine, I was suddenly unable to speak. I merely shook my head, wishing I possessed the strength to pull away. When he pressed his mouth firmly to mine in a kiss that overtook me, I fell headlong into him.
“Good. I’ll give you until the count of ten, and then I’m coming after you. Use your time wisely.” He inclined his head toward the forest behind the graveyard.
I did a double take. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Do I look like I’m kidding?” Rebel quirked a brow. A sinister but sexy smile graced his lips. “I’m willing to give you a head start. I want you to run, pet. When I catch you, I’m going to fuck you until the entire party hears you screaming my name. Better get moving. Unless you’d prefer that I bend you over this headstone and take you right here.”
Rebel didn’t kid around about shit like this. I knew that. A surge of adrenaline filled me. I chugged back the last of my drink and shoved the empty bottle into his hand. Then I ran like hell.