“Yes, they will,” Ripper seconds that notion.
“That’s not the only thing they were after, by the way.” Both of their steel faces lock on me at once.
“What else were they looking for?” King grits through that locked, pulsing jaw.
“They tapped into Pritchard’s security feed and gained access to his surveillance cameras and his alarm system. Looks like they were trying to crack his security code so they could get inside his place. I’ve locked them out of the system, but it’s only a temporary solution. I’m going to need to get to his place and install a new system.” I’ll use the same one we have here on the compound. The Vipers will never be able to gain access again. “We’ll get Pritchard hardwired so if there’s ever a break-in, we’llbe notified as well as dispatch.” And that way I can keep an eye on his surveillance feed. If anyone comes snooping around his property in the middle of the night, I’ll immediately be alerted.
King reaches for his phone, dialing Pritchard to inform him of the matter.
“We need to come over. The Vipers are behind this.” He looks up at me. “You good to go over there now?”
The sooner the better. I don’t trust Vicious or his venomous gang one fucking bit. Don’t know what they have up their sleeves, but I know it ain’t good. “Yep. I’m ready.”
I just need to run and get my gear.
2
Zoey
“So, what do you say, Zoey? Are you going to come to my party on Friday?”
It looks like Teagan was right. Cooper and Angie broke up, and now he’s asking me out. I’ve had a crush on him for three years, but he’s always had this steadfast rule about only dating seniors. Now that we’re the seniors, it looks like he’s finally taking notice.
“That depends,” I say, deciding I’m not going to make this easy for him. I’ve been right here all along. The one waiting in the wings. But he always overlooked me for the older girls.
“Depends on what?” His voice has dropped, sounding like smooth molasses. I can picture his cocky little grin. The one he gives all the girls as they wave to him in the hall. They practically faint when he smiles back, and it definitely feeds his ego.
“It depends on whether you win the game.”
It’s an empty ultimatum, because Juniper never stands a chance against us, but I still want to play a little hard to get. I’m not like the other girls at our school. Cooper is hot, but I’m not going to fall to my knees and beg for his attention. I think for once, he should have to work for it.
“We’re going to wipe the field with their asses on Friday. So, you better plan on being at my party. Oh, and, Zoey, wear a dress. I want everyone to see how hot my girl is.”
He’s already calling me his girl? I wonder if that’s what he’s telling his friends too. My social media status won’t be changing until we’re an official couple, but it looks like we’re headed in that direction. The butterflies are starting to flutter, but I won’t get too far ahead of myself.
“We’ll have to see how things go first before I decide whether I want to be your girl.” I bite down on my lip, trying to keep my giggle at bay, wishing I could see his reaction. I wonder if he’s shocked that a girl isn’t instantly gushing over him. I hope so. I don’t want to be just another one of his exes left with a broken heart after a few months. If I’m going to give a guy my virginity, I want to know that he really cares.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to convince you to be my girlfriend.”
The heat goes straight to my cheeks as his voice drops even lower. Full confession: I used to kiss my pillow imagining it was him. Every time a fantasy would play out, he’d have the starring role.
“To be determined,” I purr back. “Look. I have to run, but I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”
I need to go call my best friend and get her advice on my next move.
“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow, gorgeous.”
Gorgeous. He’s really working the charm, isn’t he?
As soon as we hang up, I’m dialing Teagan.
“You’re never going to guess who just asked me to his party on Friday.”
“He did?” she practically shrieks. “I knew it. I told you he was staring at you during class today.” I thought she could’ve mistaken him for staring at the clock on the wall. “So, what did you say?”
“I told him that if they won the game on Friday, I would be his date.”
“That’s right. Make him beg to be your boyfriend. So, does this mean I get an invite to the party too?”
