Page 8 of Rebel

I sat down, pulling my homemade lunch from my bag. “That little shop on the corner of Elmhurst and Third. You know the one?”

She nodded knowingly and held up her coffin shaped purse. “That’s where I found this. They have some great stuff.”

The conversation naturally picked up as everyone discussed their favorite items and shopping locations. It was a frivolous topic but gave me something to relate to them over. I appreciated being able to converse with them about something. I’d worried that I wouldn’t fit in with Athena’s group. They welcomed me immediately, setting my mind at ease.

When there was a lull in the conversation, I said, “So does anyone here know Rebel? Do you know much about him?”

After I got home that night, I’d called Athena and told her what happened. She was my best friend. I told her everything. I’d also mentioned that he was my new neighbor. Unfortunately, she didn’t know as much about him as I’d hoped. Basic rumor mill stuff and that he was involved in some sketchy shit.

“Rebel Kane?” Luna rolled her eyes. “You don’t want anything to do with Rebel and his friends. Unless you’re into black market crime and assholes.”

“They deal in black market goods,” Ripley added. “They can get anyone anything. I’ve heard they even supply organs. Like kidneys and shit.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s just a wildly overblown rumor,” Codie cut in. “But who knows? Trouble definitely follows those guys wherever they go.”

I wanted to be surprised, but part of me expected someone like Rebel to be involved in shady shit. Especially after what I saw the other night. Just another reason to stay as far away from him as possible.

“Storm just moved in next door to Rebel,” Athena informed them, crunching on a celery stick. “Any bets on how long it will be before the two of them smash?”

My jaw dropped. I held my roast beef sandwich forgotten and stared at her, aghast. “I’ll place my bet on never. He was a total asshole, and he is so not my type.”

“Bullshit,” she volleyed back. “You like them dangerous. Remember when you dated that biker’s son in high school?”

“That was different,” I insisted. “I was young and naïve. I know better now.”

I couldn’t deny that the danger factor had definitely played a part in my high school dating experience. That same guy had taken my virginity and broken my heart. I wasn’t interested in dating anyone seriously right now. I preferred to get some action and move on. Safer that way.

Ripley leaned in, lowering her voice. “Here comes River and Noah. What I wouldn’t give to be the meat in that sandwich.”

Codie chuckled, glancing up to watch the two guys as they passed. “I’m pretty sure Noah likes a different kind of meat.”

“A girl can dream.” Ripley sighed wistfully as she blatantly watched them.

One of the two guys looked over at our table, his gaze landing on me. He winked, a playful smile adorning his face. With his dark hair and eyes along with that smile, he was kind of hot.

“Who’s that?” I asked when he was out of earshot.

“River Harris. He and his buddies are always getting into it with Rebel and his crew. Their groups don’t get along. I guess it’s because they both want to be king shit of crime around here.” Athena pointed at what was left of my sandwich. “Are you going to finish that? Your mom makes the best roast beef.”

“Here. Go hard.” I handed her the sandwich, reaching into my lunch bag for an apple. “Is crime that rampant around here? Is it all black market stuff?”

Luna shook her head. “The Graveyard Kings, Rebel and his guys, they do the black market stuff. Venom is all about the violence. I hear you can hire them to do your dirty work. Beat people up. Cut their brakes. Even kill.”

Athena nudged me, munching on the remainder of my roast beef. “Geez, Storm, looks like you attract the crazy ones. You’re like a magnet for that type.”

I sighed, biting into my apple. “Lucky me.”

Right on cue, as if he’d been summoned, Rebel came into view. He strolled along past the picnic tables, puffing on a joint. Flanked by four other guys, including the guy he’d been with the night I punched him, he was occupied with their conversation. Maybe he wouldn’t notice me.

Apparently, that was asking too much. Even though I’d averted my gaze, I felt the moment Rebel’s eyes found me.

“Would you look at that?” His voice carried, reaching me despite the distance between us. “Looks like they’ll let any street trash enroll here now. That’s a shame.”

My cheeks flamed hot as several people nearby turned to stare at me, following his gaze. Was a pathetic insult the best he could do? I guess he couldn’t really threaten me with so many witnesses. Obviously, he wanted my attention.

Something inside me snapped. I would not let him make my campus life hell. He wanted my attention and he got it.

I stood up, my apple clutched tight in my hand. Then I whipped it hard, aiming at Rebel’s head. Several people gasped as it nailed him right in the temple, including the girls at my table. My satisfaction was short-lived.

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