6. Cee
six
Cee
“Ireally don’t feel like watching the fireworks tonight.” Sloane drags her sandals through the gravel on our way to set up our blanket for the fireworks display, kicking rocks along the path.
“I don’t either, but what if Troy has more information for us?” I can only hope he does—it’s my excuse for meeting with Rhys.
Last night was amazing. It was the light of day that dragged me back to reality and to what our true relationship is, after he made up some weak excuse for not joining me for the fireworks tonight when I asked him to.
“Fine, but I reserve the right to leave whenever I wish.”
“Agreed. Just say the word, and we’re out of here.
” I pull the blanket from the beach bag and spread it on the sand.
“I love this spot. It’s perfect for watching the fireworks.
” We’ve been coming to the Fourth of July Fireworks since we were kids—this has always been our spot.
The town firefighters launch the fireworks over the lake, and this is the best view in town.
“Oh, look, I guess trash celebrates the Fourth of July, too.” I don’t have to turn around to know that voice belongs to Marlene, my mother’s boyfriend’s granddaughter and my archenemy. What I’m not prepared for is who’s standing next to her, her arm looped through his.
“Rhys?” My heart jumps into my throat. This can’t be happening.
“Viper, what’s she talking about? Who’s Rhys?” Marlene tosses her long blonde hair over her shoulder and bats her eyelashes. Even with only a few lights circling the beach, I can see the sneer on her face aimed at me.
Before Rhys can answer, I jump in, “Nobody. Rhys is nobody.” The lie spills out before I can stop it—of course, Rhys is somebody—he's somebody I thought I was falling in love with—someone I gave my virginity to.
“The fuck I am.” Rhys shakes free of Marlene’s grip, strides over to me, picks me up, and throws me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, stomping away from the beach, leaving an open-mouthed Marlene staring after us.
“Put me down!” My fists pound his back as I swing my feet, trying to connect with his groin.
“I’m done playing, Cee.” His large hand comes down on my ass with a loud crack that surprises me more than it hurts.
“Did you just spank me?”
“When you act like a brat, I’m going to punish you like a brat.” His hand comes down a second time, only this time it stays there, rubbing in circles as if trying to soothe the pain away.
When we reach the parking lot, I expect him to lead me to his bike, but instead he opens the door of a big black truck, flops me into the seat, secures the seatbelt around me, then rushes around to the driver's side. “Where’s your motorcycle?” I cross my arms over my chest. “Didn’t you want to impress your date by riding on the back of it?
” The words are meant to be sarcastic, but the truth behind them has my heart aching at the thought of Marlene getting to ride on the back of his bike before me.
Slamming the door shut, he reaches over and grips my chin in his hand. “No one has ever or will ever ride on the back of my bike unless it’s my old lady.” The pain in my chest worsens as I think about the lucky, nameless, faceless woman who will get that honor.
The thought drains the fight out of me. “Then why did you leave Marlene at the beach and kidnap me?”
“I thought you were smarter than that.” His lips crash down on mine, and I’m unable to move as his hand grips my chin tighter, not painfully. “You’re mine,” he growls into the kiss. “You’re my old lady.”
“What?” I push my hands against his chest, breaking the kiss and freeing my chin from his grip.
“I thought I made that clear last night and again this morning.” The cocky look in his eyes has me pushing against his chest again, only harder this time.
“Evidently not, if you were out on a date with Marlene.”
“If you’d let me explain, my prior commitment ended sooner than I expected.
Reaper told me where I might find you and Sloane.
Marlene just happened to walk by. She grabbed my arm just before she opened her mouth.
I was so stunned by the hateful things she was saying to you that I didn’t react in time.
But as soon as you called me nobody, I snapped out of it. ”
“But she knew your name.” I know I’m pouting, but I can’t help it.
“Cee, it’s on my cut. She must have seen it. Everyone who matters to me knows my real name is Rhys and she didn’t.”
It’s too much—everything he says to me is more than I ever imagined hearing from him. The pain in my chest eases when I decide to take a chance on him.
“I’m sorry, Rhys, but seeing you with my bully almost broke me.”
He brushes a lock of hair from my face. “Lucky for you, I know exactly how you can make it up to me.”