Page 37 of Rebel

Athena stood up. “That’s my cue to get lost for a while. Come find me if you need me. I’ll be with the girls, unless I get lucky.”

She flashed me a grin that was all mischief before sauntering away in search of our friends. I took another long drink from the bottle I held. The rum burned its way through me, helping me relax. I could do this. I was in charge of myself and my feelings, no matter how captivating Rebel happened to be.

If only I believed that.

I was so focused on Rebel that I didn’t see River making a beeline right for me. Since he was closer, he reached me first.

“Killer outfit,” River said, plopping down next to me. “Are you here with anyone?”

“Yeah, I came with my friends. Sorry I haven’t had a chance to get back to you about that date. I’m not sure it’s a good idea right now.” I had a hard time focusing on River while Rebel stalked toward us like an animal on the hunt.

River spotted him too. He nodded knowingly. “Are you with him? Because honestly, I think you can do better. If you were my girl, I would make sure the entire world knew it.”

Rebel reached us before I could reply, not that I had a proper response for that. There was no arguing that I did deserve better. There was something about Rebel I couldn’t shake. He was like a drug, working its way deep into my system. Making me more than a little crazy.

“Pretty sure I’m supposed to rearrange your face tonight, Harris. You’re making it way too easy to want to fuck you up. Get the hell away from my girl.” Even though Rebel appeared calm, there was a tick in his jaw and a glint in his eyes that made it clear he was ready to kill.

If River was afraid, he sure didn’t show it. He met Rebel’s stare evenly. With a casual shrug he said, “Hey, I’m here, aren’t I? Ready whenever you are. But know this, Kane. After I beat your ass, I’m making my move. Storm deserves someone who will protect her. Someone who won’t treat her like trash, thinking it will keep her safe from someone like me. She’s too fucking good for you.”

I sat there frozen, staring at the two of them. I didn’t love the way River talked about me like I was a prize to win. Rebel had claimed he was trying to protect me from River. Hearing River echo Rebel’s words made me feel sick. What was this? Was I just a pawn in this fucked up game between them?

“You’re right. She is too good for me. That doesn’t mean I’m going to let her go. If you’re ready to do this, then let’s do it.” Rebel nodded toward the clearing in front of the trees. He didn’t wait for River to follow as he proceeded to the fight zone.

Not wanting to look intimidated in any way, River shoved off the bench and hurried after him. I was torn between following, sitting, right where I was, or simply getting up and going home.

They were going to fight. Because of me. Nobody had ever fought over me before. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

Rebel snapped his fingers and whistled to get everyone’s attention. As both guys moved into place across from one another, it became clear that a fight was about to happen. Dozens of people gathered around, eager to witness the violence. Rebel’s friends were quick to have his back, gathering on his side, while the Venom guys gathered behind River.

“Holy shit, are they fighting over you?” Athena pressed close on one side of me. “I’m impressed.”

We stood close enough to see the fight without being front and center. I couldn’t believe this was happening. The other girls came to stand with us, except for Luna, who was flirting with a frat guy several yards away.

Codie sipped from a wine cooler, arching a brow as she assessed each guy. “This is going to be good. Graveyard fights are rowdy as hell. There’s definitely going to be blood.”

Blood? That didn’t make me feel any better. Lifting the pineapple bottle to my lips, I chugged back most of my drink.

“I really don’t feel too good about this. Would it be wrong if I left?” I nervously glanced around, seeking a way to escape.

“You can’t leave now,” Athena admonished. “The good shit is just getting started. It’s been a while since Rebel has fought here. Last time I saw him fight, the other guy left in an ambulance.”

I was at a loss for words. All I could do was stare in silent wonder as Rebel and River faced off. Rebel held up both hands, inviting River to take the first shot. I found myself holding my breath as I waited for someone to make a move.

The crowd that had gathered shouted at both of them, encouraging them to take action. The plastic bottle began to crumple under my tight grasp. When River took a step forward, I froze.

He didn’t make his move immediately. Instead, he hung back, assessing Rebel like he was a puzzle that needed to be solved. They both ignored the people shouting at them, cheering them on. It astounded me how many people thrived on violence.

Rebel waited patiently. He stood there completely relaxed and at ease, ready for anything. When River suddenly rushed him, he was ready for it.

River took a wild swing. Since Rebel anticipated the move, he jerked back, so the punch barely grazed his chin. He was quick to retaliate with a punch of his own. His fist met River’s face in an audible blow. That did nothing to deter River. It only seemed to amp him up.

He managed to block the next punch that came his way. They went back-and-forth, each trying to gain an edge over the other. Finally, Rebel grew tired of the game and flung himself at River.

He hit River with an aggressive bodycheck that threw them both to the ground. On top of River, Rebel landed blow after blow to his face. Several people shouted enthusiastically. River managed to get his hands up, plowing Rebel in the stomach hard enough to knock the breath from his lungs.

That gave him a momentary advantage. River threw Rebel off him and got up, kicking him hard in the ribs where he still sprawled on the ground. Rebel took a few kicks before he managed to grab River’s foot and twist. The only way to avoid a broken ankle was to fall to the ground and follow the twist. With his free foot, he kicked at Rebel, getting in a lucky shot when he kicked him in the face.

The sight of blood left me shaken. Maybe this was nothing to these guys, but to me it was taking this shit way too far. I wanted to shout at them to stop, but I knew it wouldn’t make a difference. They were so intent on hurting one another, they probably wouldn’t even hear me.

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