“She’s still in the club, at least her phone is.” Dixon shows us his screen. A green dot blinks across it, proving his words.
“Let’s split up. Breaker, come with me.” Marek points to Byron and Dixon. “You two go the opposite direction. Don’t let a single motherfucking inch of this place go unturned.”
The four of them set out like a damn S.W.A.T. team. I grab Marek’s arm, and he turns, glaring at me. His features soften as he takes me in. A girl with tear stained cheeks and red rimmed eyes is hard not to acknowledge.
“What about me?” I ask.
“Stay here.”
“Marek! She’s my best friend.”
“I don’t care what happens, Palmer, you stay the fuck behind me. If she's in trouble, I can’t help her and make sure you’re safe at the same time. You’ll win, so don’t make me choose.” He grabs my hand and storms forward with Breaker flanking him and me trailing behind.
“What makes you think she’s in trouble?” I yell, knowing he may not hear me over the music. “Maybe she’s making out with the guy in the corner somewhere, and I’m completely overreacting.”
Breaker turns before Marek gets the chance. His hands rest on my shoulders, his touch somehow soothing and comforting. “Guys don’t come here for a kiss, if you get my drift. Half of these assholes believe they have the right to your body if they say the word.”
“So, she could be in real trouble then?” I swallow, the reality setting in.
“Not when we’re around, Palmer.” Marek rubs my arm. “Now, stop asking fucking questions, and let us find your friend.”
I do just that, snapping my mouth shut, even when I have a million questions. When I’m nervous, I can’t stop overthinking things. What will happen when we find her? Are we all in danger? What do these four boys plan on doing? Is there even a plan?
“Upstairs.” Marek points to the balcony. We walk up the stairs like a team, but we aren’t. They’re a team, but being part of their thing excites me.
Is this how Reed felt with them?
Breaker leans over the bar and whispers in the pixie-like bartender’s ear. She smirks at him, whispering something back. Whatever she says earns her a kiss on the cheek.
“She’s in the room reserved for legacies at the academy.” Breaker places his hand on Marek’s chest, stopping him from storming inside. “It’s Declan Dumas. That’s the guy she’s with.”
“Who’s Declan Dumas?” By the look on Marek’s face, I’d say that isn’t a good thing.
“He has a habit of date raping girls. He’s laid low and quiet for some time because of a few allegations. He’s was a legacy at Glass Heart.”
“He’s untouchable then.” I roll my eyes. This boys will be boys culture on campus is getting out of hand.
“To most people, but not to me.” Marek pushes past Breaker and me and shoves open the unmarked door.
Breaker runs behind him, and a commotion ensues. A few guys filter out of the room just as Dixon and Byron rush inside. Unable to stay still because I damn well know Delaney is inside, I walk through the opening.
Marek’s attention is homed in on two guys sitting in front of him. He looms over them like a lion deciding which zebra to take out first.
Delaney is in the back corner with Breaker, his bomber jacket draped over her shoulder. He tries to comfort her. Black streaks cover her cheeks. He hands her over to me, nodding before he joins Marek. Byron closes the door behind us, and Dixon creates a barrier between Delaney and me, and the rest of them.
“Who the fuck do you think you are showing up here, not to mention hooking up with one of our own?”
“Isn’t that the perk of the academy, coming back to try out the new recruits?” The guy who must be Declan assesses Byron. Clearly, he knows his history with my sister. Like he senses me watching them, Declan’s anger turns to me. “You look just like her. It’s like looking at a ghost.”
“Fuck off, Declan,” Marek spits. “She doesn’t exist to you.”
“Oh, someone hot for Reed two point oh, huh?” Declan runs his fingers through his hair. “Is she as sweet?”
Byron’s hands clench at his sides, proving something I didn’t think was true. His feelings for my sister were honest.
“Be careful with these boys.” Declan looks at each of them individually. “They may look like heroes right now, but they’re capable of nothing but being the villain.” He stands with his crony beside him, pushing through the wall of power-hungry boys.
Once it’s the six of us, it’s like the thick, warm air is released from the room, and we take a deep breath.
Delaney whimpers, tucking her face into my body to hide. I pull her away and hold her out to check her over. Finger-sized bruises cover her neck, and her dress is ripped.
“Do we need to take you to the hospital? Call the police?” I ask, clenching my stomach. My nerves are a wreck, reminding me how bad this could be.
“No, they got here in time.” She sobs, and like a weight is pressing down on her, she slides to the floor. Not going to the police seems like a bad idea.
Breaker swoops in and picks her up, cradling her in his arms. He whispers in her ear, and she leans into him.
“Let’s get her out of here,” Breaker instructs, heading for the door. Dixon and Byron follow behind, watching the club as they move through the crowds.
“Come on, Palmer. Let’s go.”
My legs work double time to keep up with Marek’s long stride. He seems to be on a damn mission with how fast he’s pushing through the crowd.
Byron is shaking the hand of the bouncer when we walk out into the fresh air.
“Dixon is pulling around now.”
Delaney moans. Wrapped in Breaker’s arms, she looks hauntingly peaceful in sleep.
“I’ll pull around and you can put her in our car.” I grab Delaney’s keys from my purse, but they’re yanked from my hand.
“Not a chance in hell.” Marek slips the keyring around his finger and twirls it. “They’ll meet us at our place. I’ll drive you up there.”
“We will?” Byron steps into the conversation, clear uncertainty in his tone that mirrors my own.
“You will,” Marek barks. “These two don’t need to be alone tonight.”
“I can take care of myself, thank you very much.” I reach for the keys, only to have them dangled above me. Marek knows damn well, with his height, I’d need a ladder to reach them.
“This has nothing to do with your capability of caring for yourself. Now, move your little ass along beside me or else I’ll drag you.” Marek turns away and starts down the dark sidewalk. “Palmer. Now.”
Breaker and Dixon giggle like children who’ve gotten away with pulling a prank on their mom.
“You better go, Palmer.” Breaker nods his chin forward.
“He will actually drag you. That isn’t an empty threat,” Dixon adds.
“You four are pains in my ass.” I point at Breaker. “And if you hurt a single hair on that girl’s head, I’ll rip your balls out through your throat. You got me?”
My threat has Dixon rubbing his hands together in excitement. “Feisty, aren’t we?”