Chapter twenty-one
Bexley
“Now this little unicorn is the crème de la crème of tracking systems. Even if your phone gets turned off, it will show your last location and record your movements leading up to the shutdown. The system will then automatically estimate your current whereabouts based on prior speed, direction, and nearby landmarks of interest.”
The level of excitement on Tai’s face should be clinically studied. He hands me back the device with a shit-eating grin, clearly proud of himself.
“It sounds good in theory,” I laugh, glancing at the screen. “But if someone is clued onto the fact this exists, they might change the route.”
“True,” he agrees. “But I’ve synced you up to my app. I’ll get a notification the moment your phone turns off. So, don’t forget to charge it. I can’t be held responsible if it dies and I burst into your room in the middle of the night.”
I cock an eyebrow, amused. “Oh, yeah—totally doesn’t seem like an excuse at all for midnight cuddles.”
Tai gasps dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. “Bexley, I’m a gentleman.”
“Bullshit.”
“Anyway,” he says, chuckling. “If you hit the side power button three times in rapid succession, it will also send out an emergency alert. I’ve also programmed codes into the app so that if your route is flagged as unusual activity, I’ll be notified.”
I nod. “Three times—got it. Do I get to follow you in the app too?”
“Aw,” Tai grins, placing his hands on my waist. “Do you want to stalk me, baby?”
Subconsciously, I find myself glancing toward the classroom door, checking for the fifth time that it’s securely closed. Lesson learned.
Tai and I hung back after graphic design so he could set this little tracker up.
Ry had taken the liberty of filling the others in on my feelings of paranoia.
To my relief, Tai or Hunter didn’t think I was being ridiculous either.
That should worry me but I’m just glad these lovable idiots are on my side now if danger is lurking around.
Speaking of the other two, they are on the way to the warehouse to set up for tonight.
Both seemed way too excited about it, but I quickly realized when I scanned the fight list that Perkins had been conveniently added to the schedule.
I also can’t help but notice that somehow—probably a little birdie named Archer—has paired him with Parker of all people.
Actually… scratch that. I suspect this might have been a team effort. But if I had to guess, the decision extended beyond sole Cedar Heights involvement.
Parker would have definitely offered to take one for the team, but given how open the guys are starting to become with chatting with my people, I wouldn’t put it past them to have done a little group project.
Millie is on the card tonight as well. She’s ecstatic, of course. That’s just what we need… the two siblings fighting on the same night. I bet the energy in their house will be electric later.
“It only seems fair that I get to stalk you too,” I smile smugly. “Add the others as well.”
Tai leans over, tapping my screen to bring up a map. “Already done,” he beams, and my eyes home in on the multiple blue dots. Two are together at Willowbrook while another two hover in the middle of Ridgeview Valley at the warehouse.
To my surprise and appreciation, a few more dots are on the map too, and when I click on them, I realize they are my friends.
“You can also add photos so their heads bobble on the screen for easy recognition,” Tai informs me, showing me the settings.
“Do I have a bobble head on yours?” I ask.
Tai pulls out his phone, opening the app. The map pops up and immediately I get my answer.
I lean closer to inspect, lips parting in astonishment. “Is that from the night of the dance?”
The top part of the red dress gives it away, and Tai laughs. “Yep. My little Harley Quinn. We’re just going to ignore what happened after that.”
“Oh—the part where I nearly died?” I tease. “Fond memories. Makes me think of a good smoky Carolina Barbecue. Pretty certain I’m at least twenty percent smoke and ash now. Who needs blood in their veins when I have microscopic carbon particles and toxic gases?”
“Maybe that’s why you and H are bonded now.”
“Because of the sooty carbon particles?”
“No, the toxic gases.”
“Gloating bastard,” Archie grumbles under his breath. I almost miss it over the chants and jeers from the other side of the room.
It only takes about two seconds to find who he’s referring to. Ry is standing on his little throne, hands clapping above his head. He points at the fighter in the cage, the two of them having a little moment of victory.
“If I were them, I wouldn’t celebrate too early,” I reply to Arch. “Parker is up next.”
Arch smiles smugly. “Yeah, but I’m not sure they are rooting for that particular match.”
The crisp, dry tone all but confirms my suspicions. I slap his arm. “I knew it! You all set it up on purpose.”
“Ow!” He groans, looking offended. “Obviously. You should be thrilled they are fighting for your honor by… not fighting?” Pausing, he tries to logistically explain the conspiracy. “Losing,” he clarifies. “That’s a big deal now that I think of it.”
I’m caught off guard in agreement. “Shit—you’re right. They have to know they will lose that match.”
Arch nods, a little stunned. “They must really, really like you.”
“Are you saying I’m not likeable?”
He snorts. “I’m saying that despite the obvious exile from their family obligations and expectations, those assholes hate losing more than anything. But for you… they’ll do it.”
“It’s a lesson,” I mumble back. “Perkins shouldn’t have acted without their approval.”
Arch’s eyebrow shoots up just as Parker enters the cage.
“Right,” he says sarcastically. “Is that the story you’re sticking with?
Did you get in the cage when I wasn’t looking and bonk your head or are you just deliberately ignoring the fact that the man jumping on a fake throne right now said he loves you? ”
I grin, peeking over at Ry. Yep—still standing over the crowd and attempting to egg them on. Little do they know that this one is all for show.
Perkins struts into the cage with his head held high, basking in the crowd’s cheers for him. Argh. Talk about egotistical. I’m surprised with the size of his that he was able to squeeze through the cage door.
As usual, Parker looks completely at ease. He’s watching Perkins showboat with an unfazed expression, bored as he waits for the fight to kick off.
Hunter catches my attention from across the room, his head dipping slightly when we lock eyes. His lips twitch, and to anyone else, they would probably mistake it for the usual “We’re going to kick your ass” glance. But the subtle softening of his eyes and shoulders dropping makes my stomach twist.
Oh, shit. Butterflies.
Conniving bastards.
Okay—maybe I’ll admit that the idea they are dishing out a punishment in my honor is a bit of a turn-on. Many people would probably be surprised to learn that this never happens to me. It’s like never getting a single birthday present then suddenly being lavished and spoiled with expensive gifts.
I’ve organized my fair share of punishments—like making Joshua fight after he blasted my neon glowing pussy to others. But I’ve never had anyone fight for me before. Not like this.
Arch is protective as shit but anything he’s organized or suggested always went through me first. And those three? Who could have predicted we’d end up here?
Not me—that’s for sure.
It would have been one bet that Ry would have definitely lost. But now he’s all in and I’m his wildcard.
I watch the last of the crowd disappear from the warehouse, the sound of gravel and engines revving outside.
Cedar Heights are heading to the beach while the Willowbrook people go wherever it is they go after fight night. Probably a fancy dress ball or something.
The three men stand as I cross the room with Arch, Tai being the first to spring from the platform to squeeze me in a bear hug.
“Careful! I’m fragile goods,” I groan, squeaking as his muscular arms tighten around my back and I swear I hear something crack like a glowstick.
“Nothing fragile about you,” Hunter comments playfully. “Perkins on the other hand…”
I throw him an amused smile over Tai’s shoulder. “Is he going to be okay?” I ask.
Rylan snorts. “Who cares? He deserved it after flashing his man-tits at me.”
Tai lets go and my body sags from the pressure release. “It was most definitely the strangest pre-fight gloating I’ve ever seen,” I agree. “At least he didn’t rub his nipple at you. I’m mortified that I know what shade of lipstick he should be wearing.”
The expression on Hunter’s face hardens. “He won’t be doing much rubbing for a while now.”
“Ah, yes. The disappointment of left flaps everywhere is ricocheting the universe into an off-balance,” I mock. “Those poor Willowbrook women.”
“That’s being generous,” Arch interjects. “You’re giving too much credit to believe he knows where to locate the labia majora. He probably thinks women give birth from their assholes.”
I wrinkle my nose in disgust. “I bet he’s one of those idiots that thinks we can turn our periods on and off.”
Arch laughs. “It was cute that he thought he had a chance in hell against Parker.”
Rylan sneaks up beside me. “That was a good call pairing them up.”
I narrow my eyes suspiciously at the four of them. “You sneaky snakes. Never thought I’d see the day when the four of you would get along.”
Shrugging nonchalantly, Arch smirks at Ry. “You know what they say—if you can’t beat them…”
“Fuck them?” I offer with a snort.
“No offence to Roberts but the only asshole I’m interested in is yours, Bexley,” Hunter grunts.
I smile slyly at him. “I’m not sure if you’re calling me one or talking about something else.”
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” he replies back sharply. “Take your pick if you like.”
Throwing an amused glance at Arch, I mumble, “See—nothing has changed. Still no love lost between enemies.”