Page 17 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

“No, she has to go on principle.” After I get sick of fucking her.

“What are we doing for your birthday?”

“Fuck, I don’t care.”

“Party at The Abyss?” Griff tosses out.

“Fine with me. Organize a race and poker. I’ll take the Bugatti to race.”

“Yes!” Lev pumps his fist. Any reason to take his Lambo out makes his fucking day.

“I’ll text Margaux to get her to spread the word.” Griff grabs his phone.

“Do you think Ivy will come and bring Peasant?”

“Probably.” Anger flashes in Lev’s eyes. “She’s been flirting with Wes lately and I know he’ll be there. Fucking douche bag.”

“Good. Make sure she comes.”

We finish off the pizzas and Lev leaves. He has weight lifting for football every Tuesday and Thursday morning. I stay for the first part of the Monday night game. It’s the Pats against the Ravens and by halftime Brady has the game on lock. I head back to the house, I need to pay a visit to Peasant to clarify a few things.

* * *

I knock on the direct entry door to the room I assume Peasant probably took. It has the bigger closet and better bathroom with a nice soaking tub. I rap my busted knuckles against the door, opening up a few of the scabs.

She cracks the door open. “What?”

“Hello to you, too.” I push the door and she pushes back against me. “Can I come in for a minute.”

“No. I’m in my pajamas.”

Christ.

This girl.

“I can handle seeing you in pajamas. Are you worried about your ability to keep them on with me in the room?” I see the moment she rises to my challenge. We are so alike it’s almost disturbing.

“Whatever.” She swings the door open and walks over to her bed. Inviting me into her room. She’s wearing a mens shirt that hangs to mid thigh on her. Zion is printed on the back like a jersey.

A flash of jealousy travels through my gut. I push it into the box where I keep all my other fucking unwanted feelings and sit in the desk chair near the window.

“Settling in?” I stretch my legs out, making myself comfortable.

“Yeah,” she eyes me suspiciously. “It’s quieter than I’m used to. That’s what is the hardest to get used to.”

“Yeah, no police sirens or gun shots at all hours.”

“You can leave if you’re just here to be an asshole.” Her eyes flash with anger.

“Sorry. It’s a habit.” I hold my hands up in peace. “I can’t help being antagonistic.”

“Hadn’t noticed.” She pulls a blanket over her legs when she notices me looking at them. “What do you need?”

“You’re riding with me in the mornings.” She opens her mouth to argue but I dart across the room to her bed and put my finger over her lips. “Non-negotiable. It’ll keep both our dads off our backs if they see us getting along. You can ride home with Ivy or me but I need you to communicate with me. Give me your phone please.” I hold my other hand out, the one not pressed against her pretty lips.

Her eyes narrow and she grabs and bends my finger back. “Don’t tell me what to do. I’ll get a ride from anyone I want.”

“No one’s going to offer to give you a ride unless they want to deal with me.”

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