Page 3 of Scorching Lies

“Kenna, girl. I love you and all but you need to snap out of it. I said I had a brilliant idea and you’re ignoring me. Again.”

This was the one reason I loved this girl. She tended to call me out on my bullshit and not take any crap. I shake my head and clear my never-ending thoughts to focus on my best friend. “What’s your idea?”

Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and a grin spreads over her face. “Milkshakes at The Yard?”

A laugh bubbled out of me. After everything, ice cream was the least of my worries. Ally had a weird obsession with ice cream. Really anything sweet, but ice cream was her weakness. The girl was obsessed to the extent of having it for breakfast some days.Rocky road would soon sell out if she kept up the pace. I had no room to talk because my obsession with chocolate went just as deep as hers.

“Alright, we can go,” I paus, wrapping my fingers quietly around my keys. Her excitement bubbles over, but she has no idea who she is up against. “Last one to the car is buying!”

I bolt from the chair at the table and run as quickly as I can out of the room.

“Hey! Hold up you sly little shit!”

I laugh all the way out to the parking lot and slide in my red Mazda CX-3, waiting for her slow as molasses ass to show up. She huffs and glares as she climbs into the passenger side. “Not cool, Kenna.”

A teasing grin plays on my lips as I start the ignition. “It’s not my fault you’re slow.”

“You won this round bitch, but you’re paying for the next one.”

I put the car in reverse and begin to pull away from the spot when I hear a hissing outside. “Shit.” I throw the car in park and swing the door open to see what was going on. My eyes immediately slide to the back tire on the driver’s side when I see the evidence of what I heard. “Fuck!”

Ally rushes to get out the car, gripping her fingers around the door frame, “What’s wrong?”

I purse my lips, breathing out a long exhale “Flat tire.” My body moved around to check to make sure my other tires are good and my stomach drops when I realized not one, but all four of my tires are flat. “God dammit!”

A whistle comes from behind me and I quickly turn around. My gaze landing on Ryker leaning against the light pole watching. “Didn’t your parents ever teach you to watch your language, princess?”

I grit my teeth. “What the fuck is your problem?”

His eyes darken with my words as he shoves off the post, stepping towards me.

“I’d watch that sharp tongue of yours princess, I’d hate for someone to cut it out.” His smirk turns into a full smile filled with wicked intent.

My stomach bottoms out, his white teeth on display, the smile more of a snarl to those who really know him. This may be the smile he gives most people but I know the real one is hidden behind the mask. No, this one is saved for those who are on the outside looking in. Built for traitors and murderers. At least that’s what he sees when he looks at me.

Ryker is gorgeous at first glance but he’s rotten on the inside. Hell, at one point I was a girl that used to fall for his bright wide smile and sharp jawline. But it’s his eyes that captivate you. It used to hurt looking into those deep pools of honey. Not anymore.I know better. His short midnight hair, thick tribal tattoos twist and swirl down the length of his arms. A large moth with its wings spread fan across his knuckles. Every inch of him pulls me in, not to mention the abs on his lean body, the man was designed for fighting. Power poured from him in droves. Every guy wants to be in his circle and every girl wants to fuck him.

“Just back off Ryker.” Ally’s trying her best to stick up for me, but I honestly wish she would just kept her mouth shut.

Ryker’s smile is replaced with a sneer. “Stay in your place, pet.” His gaze runs up and down the length of my body, holding a promise that my suffering would continue.

Ally clamps her mouth shut, not wanting to be added to his shit list, and I don’t blame her. No one would. Becoming my friend may just cost her more than she bargained for when she became my roommate. Maybe I should have just rented out my own place so I don’t drag anyone down with me but my need to be normal took over. If they’re right about my father the last thing I want is to spend a dime of blood money. Fuck no.

A shudder escapes me, but I take a deep breath to try and keep myself from punching him in the face. “What do you want?”

He pulls out a cigarette and lighter, placing the cigarette between his lips. He takes his time bringing the flame towards the cancer stick, his eyes roll to the back of his head as he inhales a large drag through his lips, flicking the ash into the wind.

“Let’s start with you leaving. Now. You came back for nothing princess. There’s nothing left here for you.”

“You don’t run shit around here anymore. Hawthorne has always been Kingston territory, don’t get it twisted.”

Ally kicks me in the shin and gives me awhat the fucklook. Tempting the devil must be a fucking skill.

If you can’t beat them, join them.My dad’s words ring through my head. If only he’d known the dangerous situation he’d put me in. Should I really be following the advice of a possible murderer?

Ryker’s lips briefly tilt up at the corners. “Cute, killer. Really fucking cute.”

He takes a few steps until he’s standing directly in front of me. The sun beats down on us, and the heat, god, it’s hot enough to make me sweat in places I didn’t know I could sweat.

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