Page 48 of Rebel

It’s as if we crossed a line we hadn’t before. Is it because of me and Kolton or because I finally gave into their teasing? I lost myself in them today, and I can’t seem to find my way back, but as Trav slings an arm around my shoulders, I realize I don’t care.

I lean into his side, my eyes on the lapping waves as I suck BBQ sauce from my fingers. “I’m glad we came.”

“Me too.” Trav nods, sipping his beer. “Sometimes, it’s hard to remember when all we do is work, but we’re allowed to have a life as well.”

I meet his gaze before looking at the others. Kolton’s feet are wrapped around mine under the table, and for a moment, I feel guilty, but he’s smiling at me, uncaring that I’m cuddled up to Trav.

I don’t know what that means, but I don’t look too closely at it.

“I don’t know. I seem to be the only one not breaking the pact,” Chase grouses.

“Pact?” I ask, confused, and Kolton’s face freezes. “What pact?”

“It’s nothing. Here, have another drink.” Trav tries to pour me one, but I stare at Chase, seeing panic in his eyes as he watches me.

He looks guilty, which tells me that I was never supposed to know.

“What pact?” I ask.

“Beck,” Trav begins, and I shrug his arm off, turning to him.

“Tell me now,” I demand.

“We made a deal not to sleep with you,” he blurts, wincing.

“Let me get this straight. You made a deal not to fuck me?” I reply furiously. “You don’t get to decide what I do with my body.”

The guilty looks on all their faces lets me know I’m right. Even Kolton won’t meet my eyes, and I feel sick.

“It was for the band, so we didn’t ruin our relationship,” Chase sputters.

“And you took my decision away, as if my body and emotions are things to barter with.” Shaking my head, I stand. “I should have known.”

It was the reminder I needed.

“I’ll find my own way back.”

“Wait—”

I ignore them, losing myself in the crowd so they can’t find me.

Fuck them.

Fuck their deal.

They traded me and made decisions behind my back, never once considering what I want.

I was wrong. I can destroy the Dead Ringers, and I will.

Fuck them all.

It’s time to get revenge.

TWENTY-FOUR

“Fuck,” I comment as we watch her go.

Today was going so well. I might have even warmed up to Beck, but as I watch her storm away, I sigh.

---