Striker: A Dark Bully Romance (Redwood Rebels Book 1) Rachel Leigh (the reading list book .TXT) 📖

do a little digging. “Now that it’s just us, you ready to tell me why you’re so damn protective of her?”

“I’m not protective of her. I just think you and Zed both have some seriously fucked up motives. I told you both that in front of her house and when you and Zed made the deal.”

“Yet, you agreed to it?”

“What choice did I have? We stick together, right? You’ll do the same for me when the time comes.” He looks over at me, and I nod in agreement.

I’d absolutely do the same damn thing for him.

Tommy drops the controller on the seat then sticks the roach end of the joint in the tin, before smothering it with the lid. “And why are you so protective over her? You sprouting the feels for this girl?”

Laughter in the form of air blowing out of my nose has me shaking my head. “Not a chance in hell. You’ve seen her. She’s a handful. Besides, relationships aren’t my forte.”

“Probably for the best. No girl would ever put up with your ass. Besides, she’s only temporary. When this is all said and done, she’ll never forgive any of us.”

When it’s all said and done, she just might burn the fucking house down with all of us inside.

15

The party is in full swing, and it’s not even seven o’clock yet. I questioned whether or not we should even proceed, but Talon insisted that we carry on like normal. Anything else would raise suspicion. Partying is a normal thing in this house, so partying we are.

Zed hasn’t been seen or heard from since we left my house, and even though I don’t give a shit about that jerk, I’m getting worried. Not for him, but for the rest of us. If Zed is on the cop’s radar that means they could start nosing around more often.

Talon’s hand reaches around me with a red plastic cup. I take it from him and spin around to speak, but I’m rendered breathless when he stares back at me. His hair is flipped to one side and he’s wearing a white t-shirt that hugs tightly to his chest and a black leather jacket over it. The scent of the leather alone is intoxicating. Then there’s his eyes. I haven't even had a sip of my drink and I feel off-balance.

“You plan on standing by this door all night?” He tips back his cup and takes a drink.

I give the glass a sniff, and while it smells overpowering, it also smells really damn good. “Do I dare drink this?” I tease.

“I didn’t drug it if that’s what you're insinuating. I prefer my woman to be active in bed rather than limp.”

Against my better judgement, I take a sip. What are the chances that he would try and knock me out on the same night that I’m doing it to him? With my free hand, I pat the pocket of my jeans nonchalantly, just to make sure the pea-sized pills are still intact.

“Just waiting for Shay. So go on, hang out with your friends and I’ll hang out with mine.”

Tilting his head to the side, he tsks. “Nice try. But you’ll be by my side all night. You’re also sleeping in my room again. I don’t like you alone when people are getting drunk like this. I need to keep an eye on you.”

“Seriously?” I huff. “Even after the run in with a cop out front, you still think I plan on snitching?”

“I’m not sure that you haven’t already. You might not plan on telling the law, but I wouldn’t put it past you to talk to your friends. Speaking of, I know you went to Miners Park earlier today.”

My stomach drops. “How do you know that?”

“I know more than you think.” He winks. “Come on, I need another drink.”

Stopping him with a hand on his shoulder, I quickly slam the contents of my cup. “Let me get it. I could use some more.”

He raises a brow. “Since when do you do nice things for me?”

“I don’t. Unless there’s something in it for me.” Complete and utter truth right there. I walk away and give him a glance over my shoulder then blow him a kiss. “Goodnight, Asshole,” I mutter under my breath.

When I return to Talon with his drink, I give it a whirl to make sure the sleeping pills are fully dissolved. Mom used to take like three of these at a time and she was out cold within ten minutes, so I know two won’t kill him. He’ll just get a good night's sleep, which he could probably use.

Handing him his drink, I hold mine up. “Cheers.” He bumps it back, and I watch him over the rim of my cup as he takes a drink. Trying not to be too obvious, I let my eyes dance around the party.

“What the hell is this?” He smacks his lips together.

My expression goes bleak. “Whatever they had mixed in that jungle juice bowl.” Plus a few extra shots of vodka, but I don’t tell him that.

“Tastes like straight alcohol.” Yet, he still tips it back and takes another swig.

“Probably was, knowing your friends.”

The front door comes open, and Shay walks in, and it’s obvious she’s already been drinking before she got her. She’s with a couple of the girls from the cheer squad and I can’t help but feel a tinge of envy. I should be enjoying my senior year. I didn’t even make it to the end of the season family cheer banquet a couple days ago. Though, I wouldn’t have gone anyway, because I lack the family part.

A few drinks later, I’m feeling pretty buzzed and far too brave for what I’m getting ready to do.

I turn around and see Talon’s eyes half-closed with his chin to his chest. Tucking my arms under his, I guide him away before anyone notices his semi-comatose state.

“What you….” he stutters, “What did you do to me?” His head continues