Page 71 of Sweet Anarchy

"You don't have to," he says. "Just keep it in Asher's car. We will show you how to use it safely."

Butch digs into his pocket again, pulling out a sealed envelope. He hands it to Blake. "From Mack."

Blake takes it, obviously aware of its contents as he tugs it casually into his pocket. "Thanks. Any sight of them yet?"

"No. But we're going to move quickly on this."

I swallow hard, tensing up. Chuck runs his hand down my side soothingly.

"Don't stress," he tells me. "It's just business."

"You say it like it's not a big deal," I murmur. "Just another day at the office."

Blake puts the gun away, his lips twitching as he fights a smile. "It is. But at least things should go back to normal when it's all taken care of. You'll be back to playing games in no time."

Chapter 22

Rylee

"I can't do it!" I groan, frustrated.

The five of us are in the meadows where Blake and I visited, aiming for soda cans with the gun. I was always pretty good with Nerf guns and carnival games, but turns out, I'm a bit of a shit shot with the real thing.

"It just takes practice," Blake says, standing behind me with his hands on my hips. "That one was really close."

I hold the gun by the handle and turn to Asher. "Your turn."

Asher turns up his lips, looking at the gun. "I don't want to touch it. My fingerprints will be all over it."

My eyes widen as I stare at the gun. "Mine are all over it. Asher, take the fucking gun."

He grumbles, walking over to pry it from my fingers.

Blake and I move out of the way so Asher can stand in our spot. He lifts the gun, aiming at the cans on the rock. He cocks the gun, repositioning again before pulling the trigger.

The can of Dr. Pepper flies backwards off the rock, the ting of metal sounding his success.

"Are you fucking kidding?" I complain.

Asher smirks at me. "Oh, look. I hit it. First time too."

Zayn snorts from my left, watching from behind sunglasses as he leans back on a boulder. "Beginner's luck. Ten says you can't do it again."

"I'll take that bet," Asher says, aiming again. He fires off another shot, missing this time.

"Told you," Zayn laughs. "Don't get too cocky, Ash."

I snort, leaning back against Blake. "Serves you right, Asher."

"Come on, Ry. I'll challenge you to a shoot off," Asher grins, eyes flashing.

Argh. More damn games. He knows I can't resist – I'm way too competitive.

"Fine," I snap, pushing away from Blake. "Give me the gun."

I take it from Asher, looking at the remaining cans. I follow the process again, reminding myself of Blake's instructions. Asher stands next to me, arms folded as he watches.

I miss the first one again, handing the gun to him. Asher misses too, the two of us annoyed.

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