Page 16 of Mine to Take

And that includes with Sabrina.

Until this moment, I didn’t think it was possible to feel more.

After Mom’s cancer diagnosis in high school, I’ve done everything within my power not to feel anything too deeply. Those months of chemo were a dark period for everyone in the family. The fear and uncertainty that she could be ripped from our lives sat at the bottom of my belly like a heavy, unmovable weight. It’s not something I want to go through again.

I’m knocked from the tangle of those thoughts when Bridger leaps to his feet. I’ve known the guy for almost three years, and he’s never been a hothead. If anything, he’s the levelheaded one who tries to maintain peace in the kingdom. But he’s been dealing with a lot of shit these past couple months. It wouldn’t take much to shove him over the edge.

“What the fuck are you doing here, Thompson?” he barks.

River straightens to his full height, which is a few inches over six feet. “Good to see you too, Sanderson.” He shrugs. “Just thought we’d stick around town and celebrate our win. Or, you know, the shit stomping we gave you.”

Ryder, Ford, and Wolf move to flank our teammate. Madden and Riggs aren’t far behind.

Bridger stiffens, the muscles in his jaw ticking. “It would probably be in your best interest to find somewhere else to do that.”

River glances around the dark space. “Nah, here’s good. Last I checked, you didn’t own the place.”

“That’s right, they don’t,” Sully says, raising his voice to be heard over the music, “but I do. And I don’t want any trouble, or I’ll toss every single one of you out on your asses.”

Gerry, one of the bouncers, makes his presence known by cracking his knuckles and folding burly arms across his chest. The sleeves of his black T-shirt strain against the bulging biceps.

He’s one dude I wouldn’t want to fuck with.

If these guys have any brains whatsoever, they won’t either.

“Are we gonna have any problems tonight?” the older man asks, voice turning hard.

River cocks his head. “Not from us.”

Bridger glances at Sully. “You won’t get any from us either.”

The bar owner gives hard stares to both warring factions. “Good. Glad to hear it. Now, what can I get you to drink?”

Some of the crackling tension blanketing the atmosphere dissipates as the Rattlers make their way to the stretch of bar and my teammates continue to glare at their rivals as if waiting for them to step one toe out of line.

If that happens, all hell will break loose.

Another wave of jealousy crashes over me as River steers blondie toward the bar. My molars grind as they order a round of drinks and hoist their glasses in the air, toasting their win.

I can’t help but shake my head at their arrogance.

It’s like they’re begging to get their asses kicked.

No matter what I think of River, the guy has some major balls waltzing in here and rubbing their victory in our faces.

For as long as I can remember, tension has simmered between us.

And then in high school, he stole my girl.

The fact that she left me for the one guy I’ve always considered my rival stung more than actually losing her.

She could have broken up with me for anyone.

Anyone but River fucking Thompson.

I can’t take my eyes off the blonde as the bartender hands her a brown bottle of beer. The moment she lifts it to her lips, River nips it from her grasp. My brows shoot up as he guzzles the entire contents before setting it down on the stretch of bar. With a frown, he gives his head a slight shake.

Are you fucking kidding me?

---