Page 181 of Rough and Rugged

“So, what’s the plan, then?” We stand there staring at each other until Drake sighs.

“We hunt her. Give in to our animals. Tomorrow.” I nod, agreeing with the plan.

Tomorrow.

“Great. Now that it is settled, can we please go inside before my dick freezes and falls off? Might make fucking Tasha a little difficult if that happens.” Drake and Adrain lunge for me.

I outrun them into Drake’s cabin and up to his room.

They find me in his closet, pulling on a pair of sweatpants. I throw a pair at Adrain which he catches with a quick nod of thanks.

“Seriously, though. How is this going to work? We might not like talking about it, but we need to discuss it so we don’t end up killing each other.” Drake sighs while Adrain curses under his breath.

We stand just staring at each other for a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, pondering the thought of sharing a woman between us.

“By age?” I snort at Drake.

“This isn’t Monopoly or Shoots and Ladders.” Adrain chuckles at me.

“Rock, paper, scissors?” I say with a shrug.

“Very mature.” Drake rolls his eyes.

“Better than flipping a coin, I guess.” Adrain sticks his fist out, ready to play.

“Are you fucking serious?” Drake asks him, and I laugh out loud.

“Come on, big brother. Live a little.” I wink at him and join Adrain, ready to shoot my shot.

“One,” I say and look at Adrain.

“Two.” His eyes go to Drake.

“Three.”

Chapter Five

Tasha

Lastnightwasthebest of my life. I slept like a baby—clean, warm, and well-fed. After my bath, I found a full-stocked freezer and cabinets. I risked using the oven and cooked a large pan of frozen lasagna, which I then ate every inch of.

I was afraid my stomach wouldn’t be too happy with me this morning, but the thought of not having to use a dirty gas station bathroom cured me of that really quickly.

I’m normally not a morning person, but I made sure I was up with the sun so I could safely sneak into the hotel and hide my belongings. I stopped and grabbed my tent on the way down so as soon as my heist was complete, I could make my getaway.

“Tasha! How are you this morning?” Braxton smiles at me as I’m rolling my cart into an elevator.

“Good morning. I’m fine. Sorry, I need to get upstairs.” I go to close the doors, but he squeezes in next to me and pushes the button.

“What floor do you need?” He leans into me as he speaks, and I quickly dip my head so I don’t have to meet his eyes.

I like him.

I hate that I’m lying to him, but I need to do what I must do to survive. I clear my throat so I can speak clearly to answer him.

“Presidential suites.” I hear him chuckle and push the button I need.

“Do I make you nervous?” Yes, but I’ll never admit that.

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