Page 1 of Rebel

CHAPTER ONE

STORM

“Jello shots. You have to do these with me.” Athena shoved a tiny plastic container filled with red Jello into my hand. Without hesitation, she tossed back a green one.

I considered the shot for a moment before taking it. “Okay, but that’s the last one. I’ve already had a few drinks, and I have to help my mom move us into Larry’s tomorrow. A hangover is the last thing I need.”

My lifelong best friend wasn’t one to take no for an answer when it came to shots. She shoved an orange one at me, waving away my concerns. “You’ll be fine. Nothing a coffee and a shower won’t fix. Ooh, I love this song. Dance with me.”

Grabbing my hand, Athena dragged me to the dance floor. I tightly gripped my rum and coke in my other hand, trying not to spill. As much as I enjoyed a good party night, I could barely keep up with Athena when she got going.

Tomorrow my mom was moving my brother and me into her new husband’s house. I’d done my best to be supportive of their relationship. I wanted my mom to be happy. Lord knows she’d been miserable with my deadbeat father. That didn’t mean I wanted my life uprooted. Change was hard, especially when it meant moving from a small three bedroom apartment in the dumpy part of town to a big house that easily cost seven figures.

If I’d had it my way, I’d have moved out on my own. At twenty, I didn’t want to be living at home. Since I couldn’t afford rent while enrolled in university full time, I was stuck.

“Stop thinking so much,” Athena shouted over the music. “I know that look. Lighten up. Have some fun.”

Her long brown hair flew about as she danced her ass off to the Chappell Roan song that played. She was right. Feeling sorry for myself about my current living situation wasn’t helpful. Shoving it out of my mind, I took a drink of my rum and coke, dancing along with her.

It didn’t take long for a couple of guys to set their sights on us. They lingered on the edge of the dance floor, drinking while eyeing up the women. I accidentally made eye contact with one of them. I cringed. That’s all it took to get them moving in our direction. Shit.

I nudged Athena, leaning it to speak close to her ear. “Heads up. Incoming.”

She glanced at the guys and turned away, hoping it would be enough to send the message that we weren’t interested. We were both single but we didn’t come here to pick up guys. Correction.Ididn’t come here to pick up guys, although Athena had brought home her fair share.

The guys weren’t deterred. They sidled up next to us, flashing unnaturally white smiles.

“Having a good time?” asked the guy with slicked back hair and a meager attempt at facial hair. His preppy friend hovered close, trying to catch Athena’s eye.

“Sure.” I nodded, thankful the music made it hard to talk much. I did my best not to engage, hoping they would go away.

No such luck. The preppy guy got right in Athena’s personal space, ignoring her subtle cues to back off. “Can we buy you ladies a drink?”

“No, thank you.” Athena shook her head, moving closer to me. “We’re good.”

“Why not?” the scruffy guy asked. “Are you here with someone?”

“Yes,” I said, firm but calm. “Each other. We’re not interested. Thanks anyway.”

The two guys exchanged a look. Preppy Guy grinned. “I’m pretty sure we could change your minds. Give us a chance. We’re nice guys.”

“Nice guys don’t have to tell women that they’re nice guys,” Athena pointed out. “We just want to be left alone.”

The two of us moved away from them, seeking out a new space on the dance floor. They followed right along with us. This kind of thing always made me nervous. It also made me mad as hell. Why couldn’t they move on and try someone else? I really didn’t want to have to throw a punch tonight. Last time the cops had been called. It had been a whole ordeal.

When the scruffy dude grabbed my arm to spin me around, I didn’t hold back. I threw my drink in his face. At the same time, I kicked him in the crotch. I wasn’t the type to look for trouble, but I also wasn’t going to take any shit.

“Don’t touch me,” I hissed. “We said no. Deal with it.”

“You stupid bitch,” he gasped out, clutching his balls, his face red and mottled.

My actions had drawn the attention of several people in the vicinity who watched curiously. One of the bouncers had also taken notice. He moved in quickly, escorting both guys to the door.

“I can always count on you to get rid of the losers. Good job, Storm. Looks like you need a new drink though.” Athena steered me off the dance floor, toward the bar.

Feeling someone’s intense stare, I glanced around, finding my watcher. He stood on the other side of the dance floor. His gaze locked on me, watching as I followed Athena to the bar. He must have witnessed our little altercation. Good. Maybe he wouldn’t bother messing with us then.

I found myself struggling to tear my gaze from his. That piercing stare seemed to cut right through me. A sharp jawline and perfect cheekbones gave him an intimidating air. Maybe that was simply the sheer intensity in his eyes.

---