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

he hasn’t sent any text messages or left any voicemails. It’s probably for the best. If he did, I’d feel tempted to read them and it would defeat the purpose of taking this time for myself. I just need to process everything. I haven’t totally given up on Talon. He’s still in my heart and my head. But so much has happened and I’m unsure where I go from here.

I can’t go home. Apparently, my own father was in on this and sold me to the wolves, just so he wasn’t implicated in Josh’s murder. It’s a sad truth when you’re smacked in the face with the reality that, in the end, you only have yourself.

“Shane’s having a kickoff to Thanksgiving break party tonight. What'd ya say? Should we make an appearance?”

What I want to do is shout to Shay that I was held at gunpoint for three hours, strapped to an electric chair in an old asylum, and found out that my dad killed Josh. No, I don’t wanna go to a party. But, I can’t say any of that. “I’m just really tired. You go ahead and I’ll stay here.”

I mean, where else would I go? Not home. Not Talon’s. Axel is back in LA. I don’t even know where home exists anymore.

“Ya know,” she walks over and sits on the edge of the bed, “they say that vodka is the best medicine for heartbreak. Seals that sucker right up.”

I laugh. “Vodka is the last thing I need. Besides, if he knows I’m there, he’ll probably seek me out.”

Who am I kidding? Talon doesn’t go to other parties; he only attends his own. Maybe that’s why I’m not thrilled to go. Maybe part of me wants to see him.

“Is that such a bad thing? I mean, you do like him, don’t you? Unless you tell me what happened, that’s all I have to go on.” Her shoulders shrug. “You like him. He likes you.”

If only it were that simple. “Yeah, I do like him. More than I should. But he’s been lying to me. I feel like everything that happened between us was all just a lie.”

“Is it possible that he lied to protect you?” When I shoot her the evil eye, she holds her hands up in defeat. “Just throwing it out there as a possibility.”

With my left leg, I kick one of her hands down and chuckle. “No, you’re right. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s exactly why he lied. I just need more time is all.”

My phone vibrates for the umpteenth time beneath my pillow. Only, this time, it's not the steady vibration of a ring. It’s just one buzz. Ten seconds later, it buzzes again. Digging my hand under the pillow, I pull it out. My eyes dart from the phone to Shay. “He texted me.”

She raises a brow. “Well, I’m gonna leave you to that while I get ready. When you’re done, join me. Because you’re going to this party, Ms. Debbie Downer.”

I return to the phone and let my finger linger over his name. Temptation getting the best of me, I tap it.

Talon: Please, Marni. I need to talk to you. I really don’t want this conversation to happen over a text message. There’s so much you don’t know. I’ll tell you everything. I’ll do whatever it takes. Hell, I’ll run away with you and leave all this behind if I have to. Just give me five minutes.

I could really use some clarity right now. At this point, I have nothing left to lose.

Me: Meet me at Shane’s party at eight o’clock.

His response comes instantly.

Talon: I’ll be there.

“Are you sure I don’t look too sleazy?” I ask Shay, as I tug the skintight dress down a tad while we walk up the lawn of Shane’s house.

Her eyes skim the length of my body. “You like hot.”

Music blasts through the speakers and people are already staggering around in the grass with beverages in their hands. It’s officially Thanksgiving break, and when schools out, the students of Redwood High celebrate the only way we know how—music and booze.

It feels surreal to be surrounded by all these people after everything that happened in the last month. Granted, I haven’t exactly been in isolation, but my mind has been there for a while. Alone and full of irrational thoughts that provoke irrational behavior. My eyes immediately search the party for Talon. I’ve been a ball of nerves and I’m so anxious to see him. To get answers and to try and move on from this. If that’s even possible. Josh is still dead. The cops are still investigating. And now, I have to worry about Dad going to prison.

I’m pushing my way through the crowd, trying to keep up with Shay, when I spot Tommy. Then…“Talon,” I say, when his eyes catch mine.

A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth and mine threaten to do the same, but I bite back and pull my lips between my teeth.

“Hey,” he says, while he’s still at least six feet away from me. Slow steps lead him closer and when we’re face to face, I see who’s behind him.

“Lars!” I spit. “Are you seriously hanging out with this guy right now? Do you have any idea what he did to me?” I shake my head and go to walk away, but Talon grabs ahold of my arm.

“Wait. Please. Let me explain.”

Jerking my arm back, I huff, “There’s nothing to explain.” I begin dodging people and heading out the house the same way I came in.

“Marni,” Talon shouts, “Would you just wait a damn minute?”

I look over my shoulder and see him coming closer. Along with Lars, and then Tommy.

I pick up my pace and walk faster, but as soon as my feet hit the steps outside, I stumble forward. “Easy there,” Jordan says, when he catches me mid-fall. I brace myself by gripping the shoulders of his purple and black Ravens jersey. He smiles big and