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The wind blows in my face as we fly down the street, all the lights magically green as he speeds through town. My elbow props against the window, and I sink my cheek into my palm, turning to glance at Creed.
His face is twisted in irritation, just like the rest of them.
Are all of them mad at me?
“What are you all angry about?” I cry out, feeling like my guys are shutting me out, and it leaves me empty. Broken. “Bring me home if you guys are pissed off. I’m not in the mood to deal with this shit.”
Creed reaches over, gripping my jaw and pulling my face to his. “We’re pissed at a lot of things. Your parents, your recklessness, everything, Lakyn. But more than anything, we’re here to protect you, and we won’t let you drown, no matter what. You feel me?”
My breath catches in my throat, and my back settles against the leather seats, warm against my back.
I nod, my blue eyes clashing with his green ones. He smirks, his thumb going up to brush against my lower lip. “That’s it, baby.”
His hand drops, and he leans back as he digs his hand into his pocket, pulling out his phone. “We going to the house, Archer? I’ll have the girls meet us there.”
“Yeah,” Archer says from the driver’s seat, his face tense, his shades covering his eyes.
It grows silent in the car, and I glance out the window, watching the trees fly by the car as we make our way around the outskirts of town. The tension and heat radiating off each of them sucks the breath from my lungs.
We head into an area with tall trees, large evergreens that span both sides of the road. Ash and aspen trees mix in, full and lush, in the middle of fall. The colors have changed, and it’s a rainbow as we head through the thick foliage.
I haven’t been down this way much, and I realize I haven’t seen the guys’ house yet. From what Posie said, they bought their home slightly after the girls got theirs. They’re not too far away from one another, is what Vienna says, but if I know anything, it’s going to be twice as extravagant, because they’re extra as hell.
“Anyone going to explain what really happened that night?”
The wind whips through the car, but Reign’s question is an anchor that drops right in the center, a tornado of emotions rolling around it. I can feel Creed’s eyes on mine.
I can feel his eyes, even though I can’t see them. “There’s nothing to say, Reign. Shit got fucked up, and it was a bad situation.”
Reign turns toward me, his eyes dark. “So, was it you?” His eyes flick around the car. “Or was it all of you?”
I glance away from him, a heaviness settling in my chest. Memories of that night come flooding back to me, and I bring my hand up to my throat, rubbing away the ache. I remember how he looked, with eyes full of fear, a hint of revenge burning at the edges. How his body was coiled tight, dripping with water as his life hung in the balance.
How I started it, even if I wasn’t the one to end it. Even if I wasn’t the only hand to lay into him until his last breath, he was there because of me. How my words set off the entire night, and now I have to live with the murder for the rest of my life.
Archer pulls off the main road, heading down a long driveway that leads to a large cape style home. It’s white with black shutters, tall evergreen trees surrounding the yard, and I can see a pool peeking from the backyard. As the car slows down, I hear the sounds of the ocean in the distance.
As expected, this house is absolutely beautiful. A long, sprawling green lawn spans around the front yard. The front steps are wide as they lead up to the front porch, which wraps around the entire length of the house.
Archer parks with a jerk, turning the car off. “I need a drink after that shitshow,” he says as he slips out, stalking toward the house.
Everyone gets out of the car, and I go to open my door, when I notice Reign hasn’t moved an inch. I nudge him with my arm, and he turns toward me, his face darkened as he watches me intently. His gaze captures mine, and I feel enraptured by his stare. Dark, thick locks of his hair fall over his forehead, and I feel tempted to push it away from his eyes. But I don’t. I don’t move a muscle as I sit there, waiting for him to make the next move.
“What are you doing?” I whisper.
There’s so much history between us. So many unsaid words, so much heartbreak and pain, yet I push it all down, because I can’t go down this road with him again. I can’t let my guard down, because last time, he broke it and left it in shambles. I don’t have the strength to build it up again.
He glances out of the window, and when he sees everyone else has gone inside, he turns back to me, his hand leaning over my body. I let out a gasp, suctioning to the seat as he shifts closer.
“I got back three months ago, Lakyn, did you know that? Three months of listening toLakynthis,Lakynthat.TheirLakyn. No one else’s. It’s always been this way, the guys, no,we’vealways been protective of you girls, but it’s not anywhere near how they are with you. I’ve seen the magic on your fingertips. I’ve felt the fucking gold of your skin. But these guys, they are enamored with you, Lakyn. You are their everything. Their fucking queen. You aren’t just a girl to them, with blonde hair that’s too messy, blue eyes that are a little too big, too bright, with a body that is bruised and reckless, and an attitude that could land you flat on your ass, but it doesn’t. You’re just a regular girl, Lakyn, except you’re not. You’re everything and more. So much more.”
My heart shutters, wondering what he means by any of these words.
He smirks, leaning in closer, pinning me against his seat. His hand comes forward, and his fingers wrap around my throat, the familiarity of his skin warm, rough, calming. He tilts my head until my eyes clash with his. “No one knew where you were, but I knew you’d be back. A little wild, a little crazy. Are you a murderer? Maybe, maybe not. But you’re the drug no one can get enough of, the flower that will never die, even if you decide to never give it water again. The gem that has been battered but still shines the most magnificently. That’s you, Lakyn. The bank no one can help but rob, just because you want a little money.” He leans in closer, until I can feel a brush of his lips against mine. I hold my breath, my heart knocking around in my chest like it wants to escape. “I just want a taste, even if it’s temporary.”
His hand drops from my jaw, trailing across my collarbone, before his fingers graze my chest. I stare at him, knowing that all my guys are possessive, but knowing that it’s always been Reign. Every time.
“Why are you here, Reign? In Hellcrest Heights?” I whisper against his lips.
