The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (118)

I was pretty trashed already after drinking what seemed like an entire distillery, so I had Vaughn drive me since Jamie had kept true to his word. I was as good as grass to him.

One day, when Barbie was safe from her father, I’d do everything in my power to get my cousin back. Even if it meant getting my ass kicked again.

The party was being held in a cul-de-sac the next town over at a two-story home with a small porch, blue shutters, and not much yard. With all the houses on the block, it wouldn’t be long before the police showed up. I was hopping out the car before Vaughn came to a full stop, but he’d caught up with me by the time I made it the front door.

Some of the costumes were pretty inventive while others had kept it simple. I saw a few cereal boxes and iPod shuffles. One guy had made a jumpsuit using a monopoly board, and the cash. Some of the girls were covered up in trash bags, saran wrap, or duct tape. A few guys, like Vaughn and me, made togas out of bedsheets, but one dickhead only wore a pizza box. I dreaded seeing what Four might or might not be wearing. While I could appreciate the view, I wasn’t eager to share it.

I spotted Jamie across the room wearing the flag of Scotland around his waist and standing next to him was Four and Tyra. They had gone with the popular choice of caution tape. Tyra had fashioned a two-piece ensemble while Four had thankfully chosen to show less skin and made a dress. Her hair was pulled up into her usual ponytail although higher than normal, showing off her slender shoulders. Even in the dim lighting, her skin glistened, making her tan skin look even more kissable. I already knew she’d smell mouthwatering even though her scent wasn’t nearly as titillating as when she first came to Blackwood Keep. When she returned from her stint in Europe, I learned that she’d made the switch to Dove. The change had nearly driven me insane enough to demand she’d switch back, but I knew she was more likely to castrate me than please me. As much as I loved her scent, I loved my nine inches more.

Tyra was the first to spot us and sneakily warned Four with a nudge before seductively dancing over to Vaughn. He didn’t waste time pulling her into him, and they began a lewd bump and grind on the dance floor. Jamie noticed me approaching and leaned down to whisper something in Four’s ear before moving away with a scowl. I watched him go until he disappeared into the kitchen where the drinks were most likely set up.

When I faced Four again, her blank stare punched a hole in my heart. “Hey.”

“Move along, McNamara. I’ve got enough problems.”

I should have been discouraged, but I’d rather have her hatred than nothing at all. “Can I talk to you?”

“I think I’ve had enough of what comes out of your mouth.” She moved around me, and I trailed behind her until Jamie came out of nowhere and stopped me with a hand on my chest.

“Why don’t you leave her alone? You’ve done enough.”

“Is it her you’re really concerned about, or are you just itching for another fight?”

“Shit. Both.” He shoved me back, and I stumbled a little, thanks to the booze I had indulged in before coming here. “You’re drunk, aren’t you?” The disgust in his voice was a bit hypocritical since he was hardly ever sober.

“Ever, just go home,” Four pleaded.

“Come with me, and I will.”

“I’m not going to do that.”

“Then I’m sticking around. Where you go, I go.”

“Stalker,” Jamie coughed.

I ignored him and begged Four with my eyes to talk to me.

I saw her surrender long before she realized it herself.

“Okay.” She headed for the stairs, and I started to follow, but then Jamie stopped me from leaving with a harsh grip on my shoulder.

“You do her a favor when you screw up so the next time that happens, do us all one and stay away.”

I nodded and followed her up the stairs. I had no idea how to make it right, but I’d figure it out. We found an empty room, and the moment the door was shut, I exhaled into the dark.

I watched her move across the room putting as much distance between us as possible. It made me wish for a time machine so that I could go back and stop myself from walking out that door. I had been pissed as fuck knowing I’d never get another shot at bringing my mom home. But when I tried to close the door to my heart, I realized Four still had the key. I also realized she didn’t make me save her that night. I chose her because I always would. And my mom wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“You insist on making this harder than it has to be.”

“If I could tell you why I asked Bee to marry me, I would.”

“Your secrets didn’t break me, Ever. You did. You’re warm one day and cold the next. Just when I believe I’m your everything, you treat me like I’m nothing.”

“I thought I could let you be.”

“And because you’re having second thoughts, I’m supposed to just run into your arms?”

“It’s what you want, isn’t it?”

“What I want no longer matters. For the first time ever, I’m doing what’s best for me.”

“If you want me to let you go, you’re going to have to prove it’s what you really want because I won’t ever stop trying.”

She suddenly had trouble meeting my gaze. “You’ll get bored, Ever. You always do.”