Page 3 of Running Winter

We'd been shooting with our Pops for as long as I could remember, on his private range.

My dad was also insanely talented with a gun, but he refused to teach me as he thought I was irresponsible.

Pops disagreed and said I should learn.

Uncle Caleb, Chase's dad, insisted on being there too, and as an officer of the law, he made sure it was all above board.

Sometimes it still tickled me to think someone in our family was a member of the police force, but Caleb was good through and through, despite looking like a thug.

Christmas was always fun, especially when Pops hit the whiskey and started a debate with him.

I aimed first and heard the whoops around me as I hit every tin in quick succession, earning myself the grand prize—a giant stuffed flamingo.

Chase took up his place, following in my footsteps, earning himself a kangaroo.

The crowd went wild, and I bowed with amusement. Jared glared at us from the edge of the crowd, and I winked at him.

I loved fucking with people.

WE DO, BITCHES

R A F E

“Hold up, that girl is there!” I muttered, noticing the flash of green eyes command my attention from the Ferris wheel line.

I grinned at Chase, who was watching me with interest, his amber-gold eyes glinting with amusement. As quiet as Chase was, he was solid, and you’d be fucking mad to start a fight with him.

With this in mind, I jogged up to the girl in the line, her eyes widening when I pushed the stuffed flamingo into her hands.

Up close, she looked like an angel, all soft blonde hair and cherry red lips which were formed in a surprised ‘O’ shape, the tendrils around her face falling in her eyes as she took the flamingo.

“My cousin told me to give my prize to the prettiest girl here, so you win,” I said smoothly, blatantly ignoring her boyfriend, who scowled at me.

“She’s good. Take your teddy,” he growled, attempting to take it from the girl who looked at him with annoyance.

“He’s just being friendly.”

I hated him immediately.

“Yeah, I guess. Cheers for that, then,” the boy responded, putting his arm protectively around his girlfriend.

I flashed her a winning smile as she turned back, but her expression giving nothing away.

“Well, that went well,” smirked Chase, now chewing on a greasy burger, the ketchup dripping down his chin.

I shrugged, turning back to see the flamingo hanging limply from her boyfriend’s hand. I felt a stab of annoyance, but what could I do?

“Fuck off. You’re coming to Lacey’s party tonight. Nina will be there.”

“Argh, you fuck off,” Chase grumbled. “I’m watching movies with Rayna.”

“Yeah?” I wiggled my eyebrows, jabbing him in his ribs. “Porn movies?”

“No, man. You’re grim. She is obsessed with James Bond now, and I’ve promised to watch them all with her.” Chase shrugged, pulling out his phone.

“You’re a fucking waste of time, Fallon.”

“Say’s you, Flamingo boy,” Chase chuckled, lifting the phone to his ear. “Hello? Oh. Hey, Dad. Yeah, I’m with Rafe now.”

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