Page 19 of Desert Heat

“But… she said…”

“She got it wrong. Confused me with my buddy here. He’s the one who wanted to meet you. In fact,” I leaned closer. “He told me you were his dream girl. He’s already picturing you in a huge house driving his babies around in a Range Rover Sport. Then taking you upstairs so he can spank you while you scream Big Daddy.”

“Oh,” her eye glazed over. Just like that I was free from her predatory gaze as it switched to focus on Tank. “Do you play football?” She squeezed his flexed pec.

“Sure, do darling. You’d look damn fine in my game jersey.” His eyes devoured her chest.

“Hunter!” A few ballers wave me over to the table where they are playing cups. I shrugged and left Tank with Brandi.

I purposely kept my eyes on the game. Won round after round. I felt her eyes on me more than a few times. But I never met them.

Hands found my shoulders, lips almost brushed against my ear. I shrugged every female off. Drunk and stupid were never turn ons for me.

After cups I played corn hole.

After that I did a few shots.

Tank and Brandi’s tongues were now very well acquainted. I needed to take a piss. Instead of fighting my way through a small house stuffed with drunks to find a bathroom, I headed for the large path cutting through the back of the property.

I walked further than I needed. The thick evergreens deafened the noise of the party. The stars were out in huge numbers. It almost reminded me of home.

Of the desert.

The quiet only nature can bring; a balm to my soul.

“Get the fuck off me! I’m not into you!”

The hairs on the back of my neck rose. My boots sunk in the worn path as I ran forward.

The roar that ripped from my throat was as primal as a coyote hunting at night.

Some motherfucker had Savannah up against a tree as she struggled. I lifted him from her with my fists, threw him to the icy ground and started pummeling his face.

“No means no, mother fucker!”

Splatters of warm blood fell across my fists. Soon puddles of it formed beneath my feet.

“Enough, you’ll kill him.” Her tiny hands at my back had me pause.

Tank and a dozen others broke through the snowbank. “The fuck?”

“He had his hands on her. Against her wishes. Is he your boy?”

“The rest of the fraternity next to Tank nodded.”

“Are you coming at me?”

“Call an ambulance. Party’s over. Fuck. Next time don’t hit him until he’s almost braindead.”

“Pussies. All of you.” I motioned to Tank that we were out, while grabbing Savannah by the elbow.

“I was on my way home. That way.” She pointed behind us.

“Through the woods?”

“Yeah. I came by four-wheeler, strapped the keg to the boat trailer hitched up. The snowmobile paths run through and butts up to my rental.

“Too bad. We are taking you home.”

---