Page 23 of Shattering Nash

Charley tightened her grip on the handle. “He’s not here.”

“Where is he?”

“Rehab.”

Zeke stiffened. “What? Since when?”

“Last week.”

Zeke’s jaw squared, and he ran his hand through his hair, muttering, “Shit.”

“Well, bye.” Charley started closing the door, but Zeke slammed his hand against the door, keeping it open.

“He was holding something for me.” He stepped through the door without invitation and looked around the living room. “Mind if I get it?”

Yes, I mind.Who did he think he was barging into her home?

“What exactly isit?”

“Just something of mine. He had it his room.” Zeke started down the hall to her brother’s room, and she rushed behind.

“Wait, Zeke, you can’t just…”

“Charley!” She spun around and saw Keely rushing through the door, practically bouncing on her toes. “Are you excited? I’m so fucking excited! We are going to have the best nightof our lives. Epic. Historic. A night we’ll be telling our friggin’ grandkids about!”

Oh Jesus!She held up her finger and raced to her brother’s room. Zeke was sifting through the dresser, and when she looked at the closet, it had been ransacked. What the heck? He’d been in Cody’s room less than ten seconds.

“What are you doing?”

“It’s not here.” Zeke slammed the bottom drawer, jerking around and scanning the room. “Where the fuck is it, Charley?”

“Where’s what? I don’t even know what you’re looking for.”

He stalked forward with an angry glaze in his eyes. She’d only been around him a handful of times, and while she hadn’t liked him, he’d never scared her. Shady, yes. Dangerous? No.I was wrong.She hurried to the door, but he shoulder-checked her, forcing Charley against the wall. He hovered over her, and his lips twisted in a snarl. “Where the fuck is it?”

“Charley! Where’d you go?” Keely’s voice was off in the distance.

“Who’s that?” Zeke snapped in a hushed tone.

“My friend.”

He eyed the door. “Need you to call your brother.”

“I can’t.” Her voice shook slightly.

“Why the fuck not?”

“He’s in rehab. I have to wait for him to call me, and they said it’ll probably be weeks. They want him to get acclimated to the program.”

His gaze darkened. “You better find a way to get a hold of him and find out where my stuff is. I’m coming back, and when I do, you better have my shit. If you don’t, you’re gonna have a big fucking problem, Charley.”

“Zeke, I…”

He slammed his fist against the wall, inches from her head. On instinct, she covered her face with her hands and cowered.Fear raced through her veins, and her entire body trembled. She peeked her eyes open to see Zeke storm out of the room.

A few seconds later, Keely poked her head inside, peering around. She scanned her face, and her eyes widened as she rushed forward.

“What’s wrong? You look pale.” Keely’s gaze dropped to her neck, and she gasped. “Did he do that to you?”

---