Page 22 of Darkest Retribution

When I moved here, I told myself no distractions, and I have no intentions of breaking that rule. Still, as I drift off to sleep, I can’t help but wish miserably that my dreams could be my reality.

Chapter six

Dominic

Oneyearandeightmonths ago

I hate the heat.

I’m reminded of it every summer. And since childhood, I’ve been forced to suffer through a week of seventy-degree Florida weather every January.

The Hendricks and the Graysons have been family friends since before I can remember. And every year during winter break, we pack up for a beach vacation to “get away” from the cold.

It’s pure torture. But at least this year, on top of having Blaze and Alex to hang out with, my cousin Felix is here, too. Apparently, he had a falling out with his dad and needs a break.

“Fuck Florida,” I grouse, flopping onto a sandy beach towel. I just hopped into the water to try to cool off, but I’m already sweating again.

Blaze is next to me, with Alex on his other side and Felix on mine. Together, we watch the ocean waves crash into the shore. Until Blaze checks his phone for the millionth time this afternoon.

“She’s fine, B,” I say, lying back and shoving my sunglasses onto my face. Jesus, does the sun ever stop shining down here?

“I just want to make sure she gets here fine. She hates driving in new places, and she said they’re renting the car in her name. Which means she’ll be the one—”

“Dude, chill. She knows how to drive.”

“Highly doubt that,” Felix mutters, taking a sip of his beer. “Aren’t you three the ones who taught her?”

I swat at his arm, but he dodges with ease.

“She’s here.” Blaze shoots to his feet, messing up his towel and spraying me with sand.

“I highly doubt her new boyfriend will appreciate you speeding to the house the second she’s here,” Felix says, watching my younger brother with amusement. “You’re gonna make him jealous.”

“If he’s that insecure,” Alex says darkly, “then fuck him.”

I can’t help but smile at that. Alex hates anyone who dates his little sister. And considering none of us have met this guy yet, Alex has been on edge ever since we got to the beach house our families are renting out.

“They’re coming down to the beach.” Blaze sits. Then he stands. Each time, he kicks more sand onto me.

“I’m going to strangle you, Blaze. Sit still.”

With a snort, Felix reaches into the cooler that’s next to him and pulls out a beer. After opening it, he hands it to me.

“Don’t give that to him. He’s clingy when he’s drunk.” Alex tries to snatch the beer from my hands, but goddammit, it’s cold and refreshing, and I’d rather kill my best friend than lose it. So I kick him in the stomach, just hard enough that he backs the fuck off.

“Maybe he wouldn’t be so clingy if he got a girlfriend,” Felix says.

“Fuck all of you.” I take a few sips of the beer, willing it to cool me down. And just as I’m starting to relax, Blaze shoots to his feet again.

“Dude, thesand.You’re getting it every—”

“Blaze!” That familiar, feminine voice sounds through the air, and I turn to see Brooke running down the beach. She’s wearing one of her colorful little sundresses, her light brown hair blowing in the wind. Behind her, walking at a normal pace, is a man who doesn’t look much older than I am.

“Hey, Daisy.” Blaze holds his arms open.

With Brooke’s signature grin on her face, she jumps into Blaze’s arms. He twirls her around while she throws her head back in a laugh. And, just as predicted, Brooke’s boyfriend is already giving Blaze a glare straight from hell.

Setting her down, Blaze pushes her hair out of her face. “How was the drive from the airport? Did you have any problems?”

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