Chapter 1
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NINE YEARS AGO...
Rayden (18yrs)
“What are you guys doing here?” Even beneath the dim lighting, Zena’s usually soft green eyes took on a glassy glare as she scrutinized me and my five buddies before her gaze rested on my face. “This isn’t the right place for you.” I wasn’t sure if she was addressing me alone or all of us.
“This got us in,” Austin waved his fake ID at her.
“Jesus, would you put that thing away,” she scolded, her gaze darting quickly around the bar. Satisfied no one was looking, she leaned over the marble counter. “You shouldn’t have brought them here, Austin.”
Despite the steel-lined words, she knew it was wasted on him. Austin did what he wanted, how he wanted. We were friends since kindergarten, and he was always the wiseass daredevil in our group of friends where I was the hesitant one, some would even call shy.
Blinking a couple of times, I tried to focus. I was too tipsy to decipher whether it was fear that laced Zena’s voice or just annoyance. “Why?” I asked. She glanced at me. “It’s not like this place is busy.” I waved my hand in the air for emphasis, taking in a hundred or so patrons either chatting or dancing.
Her stern features softened into a small smile. “It’s still early but this club is owned by some bad people and they won’t take lightly to a bunch of seniors crashing their way in here especially with fake IDs.”
“It’s Rayden’s birthday.” Desmond, a tank of a guy who looked way older than his age, tried appealing to her affection for me.
“Yeah, well turning eighteen still doesn’t mean you’re welcome here.”
Laughing, I reached for her hand. “Does it mean I’m welcome to try for a home run, then?” Her soft laugh told me she knew what I was talking about. Strangely and despite the four-year age gap between us, I was comfortable to be myself around her. “What if I promise we’ll behave. Sit at a table, have a few drinks and dance a little.”
She chewed her bottom lip contemplating my promise then pulling in a deep breath, she nodded. “It’s one of our busy nights and I can’t be seen talking to you guys. So keep them in line, Rayden or I’ll be forced to have the bouncers throw you out on your ass.” She directed her gaze at Austin with a raised brow. He gave her one of his cheeky smirks and I elbowed him in the stomach.
“Oof,” he grunted then bumped his shoulder against mine. “So, you guys gonna fuck tonight?” Austin’s crass knew no boundaries. Zena rolled her eyes and I darted him a glare. “What?” He held out his hands as if his question was considered normal conversation. “C’mon, Zena. You said you’ll fuck him on his eighteenth birthday. So, what’s the big deal—” Another elbow to his stomach with as much strength as I could muster, had him doubling over.
She grinned. “Maybe another two of those would shut you up for the rest of the night.”
Austin scowled at her, then me and grumbled, “you’re a fucking asshole.”
“Then grow the fuck up,” I growled.
“Or what? You going to fuck me in the ass? Because you’re sure as fuck not getting any pussy from her,” he snorted. I shook my head the same time Zena threw her hands up in the air and turned her attention to the rest of the gang.
“Do you always have to be so fucking pathetic?” I shook my head.
“And when are you going to grow some balls,” he scoffed then studied me for a second before leaning closer. “Jesus, Ray, wake the fuck up. She hasn’t given you pussy since you guys started hanging out. A whole fucking year ago.” He emphasized the words with a squeeze on my shoulder. “And you’re fucking clinging to your virginity for her. Why? Cause she’s older than you? You think she’s going to be way more experienced and teach you the ropes?” Thankfully, the whispered words hadn’t carried.
