Page 19 of Kings Against the World

“You’re drunk. And high.”

“Aaaand my hard-on’s gone. Thanks, Cass. You nagged it away.”

“You’ve stopped taking your…” She cuts herself off as if realizing last second it’s not a can of worms she wants to open.

But it’s too late for that. I step back from her and cock my head to the side.

“Stopped taking mywhat, Cass? Finish that sentence.”

“It’s nothing. I just… I told you about my brother. He acts like this when?—”

“Maybe you’re just being a frigid bitch,” I snap over her. “Ever think of that, Cass? Some club girl you’ll be. Get the fuck out of my face.”

I turn from her, digging a hand in my pocket to produce the plastic baggie I’ve stashed away for when the adrenaline slows up and the high wears off.

All these Debbie Downers are bringing my mood down and I need a pick-me-up.

“Oz! Don’t fucking mix that when you’re—OZ!”

Cass’s pleas fall on deaf ears as I use the rolled up dollar bill I keep with me to snort up some of the speed I’ve got on hand. She releases a choked gasp like she can’t believe what she’s seeing, then takes off back toward the bonfire party.

I still don’t give a fuck.

I shrug it off and snort the rest of the grainy white powder, going still as the instant rush hits me. If I was on ten before, I’m on twenty now, buzzing from all the energy. Jumping out of my skin from how restless and hyper I feel.

I want to chase the fucking satellite and jump butt-ass naked in the river. Ride my bike down to the titty bar and throw all the cash I’ve got to my name at the gorgeous girls gyrating on stage.

My mind’s still not made up when somebody calls out my name from the darkness. Mace and a few others emerge from between the trees.

My grin returns. “Yo, Mace brother. Want to go see some titties or you tied down by the ball and chain? WhereisSyd anyway? Surprised she let you come ou?—”

“Cut the shit!” he barks, swiping his arm and smacking the baggie and rolled up dollar bill out of my hand. He steps toward me, twisting his fists in the front of my t-shirt. “We had an agreement—you’re not supposed to be using.”

I look beyond his shoulder and make out a few familiar faces in the small crowd that’s followed him. Cash, Silver, Tito, and a teary-eyed Cass watch from a few feet away.

My hands cover Mace’s clenched ones. “Let me go, Mace.”

“Not ’til you explain what the fuck’s going on.”

“I don’t owe you shit! LET ME GO!”

I shove at him, breaking his hold on me, and all hell breaks loose. Mace swings his fist but I duck before the punch lands. Spearing into him, we crash to the ground and throw more punches. Some that connect, some that don’t.

It takes another second before Cash and Tito are able to pry us off each other. I’m wrenched to my feet by Tito while Cash has got Mace.

Spitting out blood from the hit I took in the jaw, I crank out a laugh. “I expected more than that, Cutler! Those were love taps.”

“C’mere and I’ll break your fucking teeth!”

“ENOUGH!” booms Silver over both of us. “Cash, take Mace back to the party. Tito, bring Ozzie with us. He’s going home where he’ll sleep this off.”

I’m too much of a stubborn asshole to listen, even if the orders are coming from Silver. Both he and Tito grab one of my arms and drag me in the direction of the trailer park. I jerk in their hold, planting my boots in the grass, making it as hard as possible for them.

Silver swears under his breath. “You’re going to have to answer for this in the morning.”

“Si, estás siendo un culo,” Tito says.

In the back of my mind, amid the dozens of scattered, fuzzy thoughts, I’m aware what they’re saying is true.

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