Page 20 of I Blame the Rival

The lacrosse players around us snicker until my brother levels them with a glare. I sigh, turning away from the group and scanning the crowded room. The vaulted ceiling helps to make the place seem a lot bigger than it actually is, but that doesn’t stop the owners from pumping as many university students in here as possible.

My eyes sweep along the room, taking in the couples groping each other on the dance floor while old men leer from nearby tables. It’s disgusting, looking at this place from a sober point of view, but I guess this is how some people escape reality for a little while.

“Hey, Vec. There’s word going around some Taber Tigers just showed up.” A freshman steps forward with a grin, his rookie status placing him as the low man on the totem pole, “And it’s a group of girls.”

Murmurs go around the group and a flash of interest lights up my brother’s face.

“Some cubs came to play, did they?” He smiles, “Let’s give them a warm welcoming.”

The girl sitting on his lap lets out a cry of protest when he stands up, forcing her to stumble back onto her own two feet. The freshman snickers and offers Vector another grin.

“No need to go chasing, Vin. They’re coming this way.”

He points to a group of four girls idling around the bar.

The small redhead seems to be the drunkest of them all, her flushed face and flailing arms giving away an intoxication level that probably shouldn’t have been reached tonight. A girl with blonde dreadlocks is standing nearby, typing on her phone, while the one with green hair stares directly in our direction. I fight back a flinch when her predatory gaze lands on me.

Walsh lets out a whistle, “Check out the legs on Miss Skirt. I’ve always wanted to fuck a model.”

I turn my attention to the tallest member of the group. The girl’s midnight curls cascade down her back, bringing out the lavender colour of her top and the creamy shade of her skin. I can’t determine the colour of her eyes from here, but I can tell from the way she keeps scanning the crowd that she’s looking for someone.

I blow out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. All the girls in the group are attractive, but this one is another level.

She’s exquisite.

I’m not the only one who thinks so based on the looks she keeps getting from the guys lingering around the bar. Even ifrumour hadn’t gotten out these girls were from Taber, everyone would have known they don’t belong.

She’s got the kind of face you don’t forget.

“Game face, fellas. Let’s make sure our rivals get the authentic Silverwood experience.”

The varsity team lets out a cheer and Vector sits back on his barstool, pulling the two remaining lacrosse bunnies closer. They respond accordingly, giggling and leaning into his embrace to help paint the picture of who holds the power in this town.

Dropping my gaze, I turn and walk away, refusing to condemn the throne my brother sits on.

I slip into the crowd, the rowdy chatter of the lacrosse team just beginning to fade when the girl with green hair steps out in front of me.

“Skylar, right?”

She smiles, drawing my attention to her harsh features, “I’m a big fan.”

“You’ve got the wrong brother. The lacrosse player is that way.” Jerking my thumb over my shoulder, I’m about to walk away when she grabs my arm.

“Actually, it was you I was hoping to get to know better.” She runs a finger up my arm, causing my body to tense, “Your eyes are really something.”

“You’ve got the wrong idea. I don’t do one-night stands.”

“If you perform well maybe we can make it more than one night.”

She grins and I can only stare at her. She wants to fuck someone who doesn’t even know her name.

“Sorry. Not interested.” Pulling my arm from her grasp, I give her a shrug, “Maybe lead with your name next time.”

The girl rolls her eyes, “Whatever dude. You should hit up my roommate so you two can lose your virginity together.”

“Cecelia, be nice!” The redhead appears and gives me an apologetic smile, “I’m so sorry! She’s not normally this mean, she’s just in a mood tonight.”

She gives me an obvious once-over and my shoulders stiffen.

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