Sweet Retribution (Rydeville High Elite #3)(10)

“I own it. You converted me.” Xavier puffs out his leather-clad chest, and I smother a giggle as I look him over. He’s wearing a tight black biker’s leather jacket and matching pants, with a Batman logo on both, with fitted elbow and knee pads, and heavy black biker boots. A Batman-branded helmet dangles off the handlebars, and I lose control of my giggle, full-on laughing.

Xavier runs his fingers through his fire engine–red hair, frowning. “What’s so funny?”

“You,” I splutter, pointing as I walk toward him. “You’re like a walking cliché.”

He plants his hands on his hips, pouting and tipping his chin up. “I’m Batman.” He deepens his voice as he stabs me with a serious look. “Get used to it.”

I crack up laughing, clutching my stomach in physical pain. He watches with amusement in his eyes. When I compose myself, I wipe at the moisture sitting on my cheekbones and straighten up. “Where the hell did you get all this gear?”

“A dude I know was selling it.”

“I wonder why,” I mutter before wrapping my arms around him. “You shouldn’t have come here, but it’s so good to see you.”

“Why the hell not? Has Charlie boy decided you can’t have friends now?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. We aren’t exactly on speaking terms.”

“Come inside and tell Uncle Xavier all about it,” he says, poking his tongue out at Jethro as we walk past him. Jethro slants a funny look at Xavier, and I arch a brow.

I think Jethro might have liked that.

I work hard to smother another giggle.

“Who’s the scary dude?” he whisper-shouts.

“My new babysitter.” I scowl. “But hopefully not for long,” I add, leading Xavier into the house and down to the basement recreational room which Charlie refers to as a den.

“Shit. Dude’s got some crib,” Xavier admits with an admiring whistle, unzipping his leather jacket and flinging it on the L-shaped black leather couch.

“It’s nicer than that mausoleum I grew up in, but it’s still not home,” I admit, moving behind the bar to fix us a drink. “Want one?” I shake the tequila bottle at him, and he nods.

Removing a small square device from his pocket, he walks around the room with it elevated over his head, and a look of fierce concentration on his face.

“Watcha doing?” I enquire, opening the overhead cupboard and removing two shot glasses. Xavier plops his butt down on a stool at the counter while I pour our shots and slice some lime. I’ve got to hand it to Charlie. He keeps a well-stocked bar.

“Checking the room for tracking devices but it’s clean. We’re good to talk.”

“Could you check my room and bathroom before you leave? I’ve been sneaking into Elizabeth’s bathroom to use my burner cell, but I’d prefer to know if my room is safe.”

“Keep it.” He slides it across to me. “You can hide it in the new purse Drew is bringing you tomorrow. The hidden panel has a decent amount of room.”

“Cool. Thanks.”

He pulls a square plastic sealed bag from his pocket. “Picked you up these tracking devices too. Open the sole of Charlie’s shoe and slide one in. Use the glue tube to seal the heel back on. He’ll never know.” He holds out his hand. “Give me both your phones.”

I pull my normal cell out of the back pocket of my pants. “I only have this one on me. My burner is hidden upstairs.”

“Okay. I’ll add the tracking software app to this one now and we’ll go to your room so I can add it to your burner cell. I personalized it for you, so it looks like a girls clothing app, in case Charlie goes snooping.”

“You really are a freaking genius, aren’t you?” I hand him the salt container and he pours a little on his hand. “You think of everything.”

He beams. “I do my best.”

“You, my friend, are going to rule the world one day.” I waggle my brows at him, fully believing it.

“I sure fucking hope so. Now, hurry up with those drinks, babe. I’m parched.”

I slide a shot to him, along with a lime wedge. “So, those tracking chips and the app means I can see where he is at all times, right?” I ask, dropping some salt on top of my hand.

“Yep. It means if you are out of the house doing naughty stuff with Anderson you’ll have enough warning to get your ass back here in time.” We clink our shot glasses, lick the salt off our hands, and knock back the tequila in tandem. I hand him a lime wedge as I shove the other one between my lips, sucking on it to lessen the burn of the alcohol.

“Damn. That’s good shit.” Xavier slaps his chest. “Wish I could have another.”

“I don’t want your death on my conscience,” I say, tucking the bottle away, even though I’d love another shot or ten myself. “God knows I’ve enough on my mind as it is.”

His features soften as he reaches out to take my hand. “I couldn’t believe it when Drew told me. Abs, I’m so sorry. I—”

I clamp my hand over his mouth. “I don’t want to talk about it. I can’t talk about it. If I do, it will all filter in. Everything I’m keeping at bay. And then I’m no use to anyone.”

“You can’t ignore it forever, babe.” He squeezes my hand. “You’ve got to deal with it, or it will eat you alive.”