Page 59 of Soulless Saint

“Oh,” Kaleb said, drawing out the sound. “Okay, big talker. Want to put some money down?”

“I’m in,” Rook said, fingering a rolled bundle of hundreds from the inside of his leather jacket. I noticed the ghost tattoo on his knuckle and smiled at the tribute to my best friend. “I’ve got ten grand on Grey.”

Holy fuck.

Kate and Toby flanked me on both sides, the three of us standing on the sidelines of the exchange as they all placed their bets. Apparently, Grey was going to race Kaleb, and I couldn’t fucking wait to see Grey absolutely destroy him. Even with only one eye, I’d never met a driver better than Grey.

He was unbeatable. There was just no way.

Lifting my chin, a coy smile pulled at my lips as I pulled the four hundred dollars Toby had gotten me earlier tonight from the lining of my bra. It was no ten grand, but it would make my point.

“Four hundred on Grey.”

Kaleb’s back stiffened. He turned on his heel, taking me in as if he didn’t even know I was there. I supposed, like Rook, he probably didn’t recognize me at first. With the wild curls in my hair and the long jacket over the slutty outfit I never would’ve chosen for myself but was now glad I’d agreed to wear.

Kaleb lapped up every inch of me, his eyes narrowing hungrily as I stuffed the four hundred dollar bills into his hand. His lips twisted as he looked down at the cash and back up at me.

“Betting against me, Vixen?”

“There’s no way you’ll beat Grey.”

Kaleb lifted a brow, and behind him I saw Hardin’s lips twitch up into a smile, like he knew something I didn’t. It made me irrationally angry, my cold hands clenching into fists as he watched me wordlessly from where he stood next to Rook.

“What?” I snapped at him. “You got something you want to say, St. Vincent?”

His jaw twitched, teeth clenching behind no longer smirking lips.

“Didn’t think so,” I added for good measure, the whiskey giving me a confidence boost, stroking the fire in my belly with its acid stain.

Kaleb winced, as if offended on his brother’s behalf, or maybe he was worried his brother was going to do something about my smart mouth. But something told me he wouldn’t. He was big and tough and oh so fucking scary with his whole silent act, but he wouldn’t hurt me. I just knew it.

“I take it you know each other,” Rook said, running his tongue over his teeth, the skin around his eyes crinkling as his sharp gaze slid back and forth between Hardin, Kaleb, and me.

When none of us answered, Rook let out a low dangerous chuckle, his eyes flicking to my roommates on either side of me. “Who’re your friends, Becks?”

I blinked, the hot irritation in my stomach fading in an instant. “Fuck. Right. Uh, this is Toby, and this is Kate. They’re my roommates. Well, and my co-workers. Kate, Toby, this is Greyson Winters and Rook Clayton—er—sorry. I guess you’re both St. Crows, now.”

I forgot they finally made the name change legal over the summer.

Toby was eager as hell to take the opportunity to introduce himself to them, wrapped Rook’s hand up in both of his to shake with a too-wide smile.

I cleared my throat, dragging him back by the back of his jacket. “Not gay,” I whispered in his ear. “And he’s dating my best friend.”

“What about mister eye patch over there?”

“Also dating my best friend.”

“The same one?”

Toby lifted a brow at me, and I half sighed, half laughed. “I’ll explain later.”

“Please do. I am hella curious.”

Kate blushed as she shook hands with both Grey and Rook, her fingers wringing the hem of her shirt as she rushed back to stand with us on the outer edge of the group.

“So, who do I collect my payout from when you lose?” I asked Kaleb sweetly.

He considered me for a second and then something sparked in his gray sky eyes. Something that made my toes curl and all the breath rush from my lungs.

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