It’s been good to be at school with my friends. To feel like me again. I’ve missed them, but I’ve been so wrapped up in my problems that I’ve let it dominate my life.
Luckily, no one has said a word to me. I had expected a hundred and one questions, but for today, I’m safe.
“Hey, should I ask Mom to give you a ride home?” Lina asks, linking her arm through mine.
“No. I don’t want her to see where I’m living,” I whisper.
“It can’t be that bad, surely.”
“Oh, believe me, it is.” I raise my eyebrows. “Dogs bark constantly, mothers are screaming at their kids, people are screaming at each other, day and night,” I say with a sigh. “Not to mention the way it looks. Granted, Eric’s trailer is much nicer on the inside, but it’s still a shit hole.”
“It’s not forever, though, right? When we graduate, you’ll be leaving for college.” Lina smiles sympathetically.
“Sure, but I’m going to need a scholarship and a job. I have to finance this somehow.”
“It will all work out,” she reassures me. Before I can respond, her mouth drops open, and her fingers tap the back of my hand.
“You have got to be kidding me,” she mumbles dramatically.
“What?” Cady asks.
“Looks like you have a ride.” She aims her thumb to the right, and my mouth is suddenly dry. Ryder and Jax walk toward me, side by side. It’s like everyone feels their presence. All eyes are on the impressive pair; their stance and walk are as intimidating as they are.
“Wow.” Cady gasps, a little louder than necessary. I turn in her direction, widening my eyes at her.
“God, don’t embarrass me,” I mutter to her.
I stand on the walkway with my arms folded, and Jax lifts his head in acknowledgment. I raise my unsteady hand for a half wave.
“Oh my, they are just delicious. Tell me” —she pauses and stares right at me— “which one is it you have dibs on because I’m totally making a play for whoever is left.” Lina puckers her lips; her eyes never leave my face as though she is seriously waiting for an answer.
“I can’t even…” I say, letting my head drop. A chuckle escapes me.
“Hey,” Jax says as he comes closer.
“Hey, you.” I smile, my eyes flit back and forth between the two of them. Jax is smiling, the kind of sexy smile that reaches right up to his twinkling eyes, whereas Ryder is stern, no smile and no softening of his features. He looks like he wants to kill someone. It doesn’t stop me from wanting to reach out to him; my eyes fixed purely on Ryder.
“We thought we’d come get you on our way home. You ready?”
“Sure,” I say, drawing my bottom lip between my teeth.
“Well, aren’t you going to introduce us to your new friends, Kay?” Lina asks with a smug look on her face.
I glare at her. Bitch.
“Jax, Ryder, these are my two best friends, Cady and Lina.” I point at them, one on either side of me.
“It’s good to meet you,” Cady says, offering her hand. “We’ve heard so much about you. Both of you,” she blurts out.
Shit. Thanks a bunch, Cady.
Jax smirks, and Ryder’s eyes narrow on me. He stares at me so deeply; my body reacts the only way it knows how. My heart thuds tremendously; it beats so damn hard it feels like it’s going to pound through my chest. I have no choice. I have to look away.
“Ready when you are,” I quickly answer Jax’s question. My focus now on him, I reciprocate his smile.
“Good. I parked outside the school gates. I got the message loud and clear this morning.”
I sink a little inside. “You guys go up ahead, and I’ll catch you up in a few, okay?”
With a nod, they turn, walking back toward the main gates.
“WHAT. THE. HELL,” Lina screeches in my ear.
“Jeez, Lina,” I say, holding my hand against my pounding heart. “What?”
“What was that all about?”
“What was what all about?” I ask, puzzled.
“That whole intense, stare thing that just happened between you and the twin you haven’t yet kissed.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Come on, Cady, back me up here. You totally saw that weird exchange, right?”
“Mmmhmm,” she agrees with a hum. “There’s more to this, isn’t there?”
“No,” I yell, unintentionally. “Ryder’s a nightmare. He’s controlling, nasty, and not at all like Jax,” I explain. But it is only part of the truth. Part of me is attracted to Ryder. He has this whole mysterious, brooding kind of sexiness going on.
“I’m not buying it.” Lina purses her lips and crosses her arms.
“Well, good, ‘cuz I ain’t selling.” I chuckle, leaning in and kissing them both swiftly on the cheek. I gotta go. Text ya laters,” I say with a wave as I pick up the pace and make my way out of the parking lot.
“Hey, not so fast.” Colton appears in front of me, forcing me to stop.
“Hey,” I say breathlessly.
“So Kailee, it’s been a long time.” He smirks.
Colton and I had a thing once. Nothing serious, thank God. I soon realized Colton only cares about one person, and that’s himself.
“I guess so,” I say with a fake smile. “If you don’t mind, I have somewhere to be.”
“I do mind, actually,” he drawls, exaggerating the words way more than necessary. “I want to know how you know those guys…” His words trail off.
“What guys?” I lash out. “Dammit, get to the point, Colton. I don’t have all day.”
It’s no secret there’s no love lost between me and Colton.
“The Blackheart twins,” he responds.
“That’s none of your business,” I say, pushing past him. He grabs my wrist tightly, pulling me to a stop.
“Everything’s my business, sweetheart. And right now, you’re the talk of the school. I came here for an answer, and an answer is what I’ll get,” he sneers.
“Get your fucking hands off her,” Ryders growls as he races toward us. Colton’s face whitens, and he releases his hold on my wrist. I instantly start rubbing my wrist, and Colton is suddenly removed from my sight.
It all happens too fast; I can’t register what is playing out in front of me. Ryder has Colton’s arm twisted behind his back. Colton is yelling so damn loud, but Ryder doesn’t stop. He grabs his hair and forces Colton onto the hood of a parked car, slamming him down with force.
“What’s your damn problem, motherfucker,” Ryder growls, his jaw tense and his teeth clenched together.
“Ryder,” I cry out. “I’m okay. Just let him go. He’s not worth it.”
“I’m going to break his fucking neck,” he snarls at me. “How dare he lay a finger on you!”
Colton starts to sob, crying out in pain. Ryder forces his twisted arm farther up his back.
“My arm, man,” Colton cries out.
“And what about her arm, huh? Wasn’t thinking about that then, were you? Puny piece of shit.”
“I’m sorry man, argggh,” he screams out in pain.
“Ryder.” I call his name, closing the space between us until I’m right beside him. I rest my hand on his arm. “Please, just leave it,” I plead. My eyes flit back and forth between Ryder and Colton, taking in just how big Ryder is compared to Colton.
“You’re a lucky son of a bitch,” he growls, giving him one final push before parting from Colton. “Looks like Kailee is too nice for her own good. But take this as your one and only fucking warning. Your cards are marked, you motherfucking pussy.”
I reach for Ryder’s hand, taking it in both of mine, as I try to pull him away from a sniveling Colton. “Let’s go, quick, before someone sees.” He starts to move; albeit reluctantly. He grasps my hand tightly as I pull him along as fast as my legs will allow.
As soon as we are out of the gates and racing toward the car, I ground to a stop.
“Why do y
ou keep doing that?” I ask, still shell-shocked from what I just witnessed. I actually feel sorry for Colton. “You know, if anything, you possibly made things worse for me.”
“You’re crazy if you believe that. I know how his pathetic little mind works.” He presses his forefinger against his head. “What makes him tick, and believe me, he won’t dare touch you or say anything again in a hurry.”
“What if he calls the police, huh? Didn’t stop your crazy mind to think about that one, did you?” I yell at him. I can’t hold back on how furious I am with him.
“Not likely,” he says with a scowl. “Let’s stop the goddamn chitchat and get in the fucking car,” he says, storming past me and making his way to the parked car I can see in the distance.
I let out a low growl in frustration. Turning my back to him, I storm off in the opposite direction. No one is going to tell me what to do.
I pick up my pace, hoping to get back to Lina and Cady before they disappear. The last thing I need is to be walking the streets when my not-so-nice neighbor practically broke the star quarterback’s arm. I reach into my pocket to retrieve my phone.
“Not so fucking fast,” he says, lifting me from behind, before turning, and throwing me over his shoulder.
“Let me go,” I screech. “Put me down, you… you… stupid dumbass.” I stammer out, but he laughs at my pathetic attempt at protesting.
“Are you always this stubborn?” he quizzes.
“Are you always this insufferable and controlling,” I counter question.
“Always.”
“Put me down,” I yell one last time, my clenched fists hitting his back.
“Gladly,” he says smugly as he opens the door and throws me down against the backseat. He slams the door, brushing his hands together.
He climbs in the front, and Jax hits the gas heavily.
“What the fuck happened?” His head twists to Ryder, his eyes flitting back and forth between his brother and the road.
“Some waste of space had his hands on her,” Ryder growls as his angry eyes land on me.
“Is this true?” Jax asks, adjusting the rearview mirror until he can see me.
I nod slowly. “It was nothing.” I sigh loudly. “He just got a little heavy handed; I’m pretty sure he didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Why?” He deepens his voice, and his brows furrow. “What was he getting so heavy handed about, exactly?”
“You guys,” I mumble nervously. “He wanted to know how I knew you.”
“Piece of fucking shit,” Jax breathes out.
“I took care of it,” Ryder interjects. “Pretty sure I felt his arm pop. I’d be surprised if it’s not broken.”
My jaw drops at the nonchalant conversation they’re having. Like what just happened was not a big deal. I shuffle, reaching for my seat belt, and rush to fasten it. I pull out my phone to see missed calls and text messages from Cady.
I read her messages…
WTF just happened?
OMG Kailee, are you okay?
I type out a text as fast as I can manage.
I’m fine. Not sure about Colton. Call you later.
I lock my phone then push it back into my pocket. My brain has to process what happened before I can possibly retell the whole damn story.
I sit in silence, trying to catch what the boys are talking about. But I can’t make it out. They’re talking so quietly that the hum of the engine and the music drown out their conversation.
We pull into the trailer park, and as soon as we are stationary, I release my belt, reaching and swinging the door open. I step out and stomp toward the trailer, yanking open the door with force. I stop dead in my tracks at the piercing sound of screaming. I shudder, my mind racing as I try to work out what the hell is going on. My eyes scan the room, and I quickly work out the source of the noise.
“Oh my god,” I shriek, unable to unsee the vision now imprinted in my mind. Eric is pumping away at some busty brunette he has bent over the table.
“Get out,” he yells breathlessly, never slowing his pace. I feel sick to my stomach at the sight of this old man working relentlessly on a girl less than half his age.
“Unless she wants to join in,” I hear the women squeak. “That could spice things up a little.” She grins wickedly at me. I turn up my lip, disgusted by her sick suggestion.
“I’m outta here,” I say, turning my back and throwing my hand in the air. I dash out so fast that I knock into Jax standing on the steps. He’s laughing quietly, his whole body shaking, but barely any sound escaping.
“What?” I bellow. “What’s so damn funny?”
“You ran off so fast; you didn’t give me a chance to tell you that Eric is otherwise engaged.”
“Oh, he’s engaged, all right,” I say with a huff.
“What’s going on?” Ryder asks from over Jax’s shoulder.
“Eric’s otherwise engaged,” Jax repeats, but Ryders face falls, clearly unimpressed.
“You’re fucking kidding. And what? You just let her walk in there?”
“She stormed off, bro, didn’t give me a chance to say anything,” he answers with a shrug like it’s no big deal.
“It’s not right, man. It’s not fucking right,” he repeats, shaking his head as he stomps back to the trailer next door.
“Come on,” Jax indicates with a wave, and I guess I don’t really have any other option but to follow.
I walk into the trailer, and the smell of cigarettes hits me. Ryder sits slumped over in a chair with his arms on his knees as he takes a drag of his cigarette. He snaps his head at us as we make our way over to the small area where the couch and TV are located.
I sit beside Ryder, smiling apprehensively at him. He doesn’t reciprocate, but I see his mouth twitch, and I’m pretty sure he’s fighting back a smile. He stands up, passing me, and approaches the open window. He tosses his cigarette outside before sitting down beside me. I look up at Jax who disappears into the bedroom, and Ryder shifts uncomfortably beside me.
“So…” He pauses for a second, taking in a deep breath.
“So…” I reply coyly, pushing my clasped hands between my legs.
“I have a proposition for you,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. My heart beats faster in my ears, the thudding noise overtaking my senses.
“Really,” I all but choke out.
“Don’t,” roars Jax. I jump at the force of his voice booming across the room.
“It needs to be done. This is the best for all concerned.” Ryder speaks with an eerie calm.
“What is?” I ask, my eyes boring into him. “Someone tell me what’s going on…”
“It’s not safe for you here. With us,” Ryder says with concern. “I never want a repeat of what happened that night Jax found me… you know… when there was trouble,” he stumbles.
“And,” I say with my brow furrowed in confusion. “What the hell is going on?”
“So I have somewhere for you to go. Somewhere you will be safe.”
“Hardly,” Jax interrupts.
“Quit fucking interrupting me. Let me tell her the options and then she’s free to make her own fucking decisions.”
Jax glowers at Ryder before pulling up a chair and sitting right beside me.
“So let me get this straight,” I say, letting out a breath I’d been holding in. “You’re trying to get rid of me already, and I’ve been here, what? Three days.”
“It’s not like that,” Ryder grumbles. “I have no idea what your dad was thinking even bringing you here. It’s like he was willing to throw you to the lions.”
“That’s so unfair,” I choke out. “He didn’t have a choice. This was my only option,” I inform him, quickly trying to correct his misconception.
“There’s always a choice, darlin’.” He shakes his head, allowing it to fall a little. “But let me help you,” he says, slowly tilting his head, his apple green eyes connecting with mine. There’s sincerity in his voice, and in the way he
regards me. “Our mom has a spare room…”
“She’s not my mother,” Jax interrupts. “You can call her Mom, but she’s dead to me,” he growls. I look at his scowling face, and it contorts as if he’s in actual, physical pain.
“Jax,” Ryder bellows, and his eyes give an unspoken warning.
“She lives near your friend,” Ryder continues. “You’d be out of this shit hole, away from harm, and closer to your friend. This is a win-win.”
“Why?” I ask suspiciously. “Why would she be willing to put me up but not you two. Her own sons.”
“Because I’m pretty sure you won’t be bringing trouble to her door,” Ryder retorts, lifting his brow as a smirk pulls at his lips.
“I, uh, I don’t know,” I stutter, a little overwhelmed by the proposition.
“Truth is she could do with someone around the place. She’s ill.” His voice becomes a whisper and sadness spreads across his face.
“Oh shit, ill… how?” I ask. Leaning into him, I place my hand on his knee. I don’t stop to think about Jax; I’m too invested in Ryder.
“Lung and heart disease. She’s undergoing tests to see if she has cancer,” he replies, and I’m instantly sick to my stomach. “The way I see it,” he continues, “is that while you get somewhere decent to live, she also gets someone to watch out for her. I worry. I fucking worry that I’m not there when she needs me.”
I jump at the sound of a door slamming. I hadn’t noticed that Jax has stormed off; I was too engrossed in Ryder and finding out about his mom. I look back at Ryder; his hand moves and lands on top of mine. I can’t help but swallow nervously as a tingle of excitement shoots through me at the most innocent of contact, especially when he squeezes gently. “Just tell me you’ll think about it.” His words come out more like a plea.
“Of course,” I promise. “But what’s the deal with Jax? Why all the hatred?”
I have to know more before I can possibly make a decision. His reaction confuses the hell outta me. How can the one twin, who has remained so calm and so sweet to me this whole time, display so much revulsion for the woman who brought him into this world?
“Long fucking story, princess,” he whispers; his warm mouth so close to my ear sends tingles down my spine. I twist my head, my eyes meeting his. I tremble, knowing how dangerous this is. How every time I’m near him, despite all his aggressiveness and violent outbursts, he has this undeniable effect on me.
The edge of life: Official cover - coming soon Page 12
